JOOUST Repository
The JOOUST Repository aims to store, preserve, disseminate, and provide access to scientific and intellectual outputs, ensuring the preservation of the University’s intellectual memory.
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Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Drivers of Organic Fertiliser Adoption and Use Intensity Among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Lake Victoria Region, Western Kenya(E u r o E c o n o m i c a, 2025) Owuor, Rosebell Achieng; Odondo, Alphonce Juma; Ollweny, Caleb; Dida, MathewsSmallholder farmers account for about 75% of maize production in Kenya. The current average on-farm productivity is 1.43 ton/ha against the potential of 6 ton/ha. In Western Kenya, low soil organic carbon is one of the contributors to the low maize productivity. Studies have shown that organic fertilizers contribute towards increase in soil productivity. However, there is paucity of information on the relationship between drivers of organic fertilizers adoption and use intensity among the farmers, which the study seeks to address. A total of 358 farmers were interviewed in the 2020/21 growing seasons. Heckman’s two-stage model was estimated. The results demonstrate that age, education, gender, soil quality perception and access to supportive resources are pivotal in shaping organic farming decisions. There is need for targeted extension services to less educated and older farmers. Off-farm income generation should be encouraged. Integrated soil fertility management approaches that address nutrient replenishment and soil erosion control is necessary, and there is need to promote mechanization or subsidization of organic fertilizer application on larger farms as this may help overcome labour constraints and improve organic fertilizer adoption on a broader scale. The results may be a source of literature for subsequent studies in related fields.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Examining the Influence of Checking Pedagogic Documents on Teachers’ Pedagogical Practices in Homabay County, Kenya(International Journal of Social Sciences and Information Technology, 2025-09) Arot, Joseph Opoko; Ajowi, Jack; Otienoh, RuthThis study investigated the influence of checking pedagogic documents on teachers’ pedagogical practices in public primary schools in Homabay County, Kenya. Despite the acknowledged importance of pedagogic documents such as schemes of work, lesson plans, and records of work in guiding curriculum delivery, their systematic use and monitoring remain inconsistent. The study adopted a descriptive survey design complemented by qualitative inquiry to capture both quantitative trends and experiential perspectives. A sample of head teachers, teachers, and Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) was selected using stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with validity and reliability ensured through expert review, pre-testing, and test–retest methods (r ≥ 0.75). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were thematically examined. Findings revealed that while a majority of head teachers regularly checked schemes of work, there were significant gaps in the preparation and submission of lesson plans and records of work by teachers. Teachers reported that the preparation and checking of pedagogic documents enhanced lesson planning, timely syllabus coverage, and the use of appropriate instructional strategies. However, inadequate time, heavy teaching workloads, and competing responsibilities of head teachers constrained the effectiveness of this practice. Regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between document-checking practices and improvements in pedagogical practices, particularly in lesson preparation and classroom delivery. The study concludes that systematic and supportive checking of pedagogic documents positively influences teachers’ pedagogical practices. However, inconsistent implementation weakens its potential impact. It is recommended that school leadership institutionalize structured document-checking frameworks, provide targeted training, and create a supportive supervisory culture to strengthen teaching quality and improve learning outcomes.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , A Theory-Based Deep Learning Approach for Insider Threat Detection and Classification(International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research, 2025-06-25) Wanyonyi, Everleen Nekesa; Masinde, Newton Wafula; Abeka, Silvance OnyangoInsider threats are a substantial concern to organizational security, often leading to grave financial and reputational damage. Classical insider threat detection methods rely on predefined rules and signatures and struggle to keep pace with these attacks' sophisticated and evolving nature leading to dismal performances. This research introduces a deep learning-based approach for insider threat detection, leveraging user network behavior as the primary data source. Our technology detects deviations in user network activity that might indicate harmful insider activities. We use a Gated Recurrent Network (GRU) that captures user behavior's temporal and spatial characteristics. The proposed model is validated using a synthetic CERT r4.2 dataset and exhibits higher detection rates based on accuracy, Recall, Precision, and f-measure. Additionally, the Social Bond Theory (SBT) and the Situational Crime Prevention Theory (SCPT) are used to elaborate effective ways to control insider threats. This study also presents solutions for dataset imbalance and high dimensionality that adversely hinder common insider threat datasets from giving accurate predictions during model training and validation. Our findings show that deep learning and data preprocessing approaches can considerably improve the ability to detect insider threats, giving organizations a reliable defense mechanism against insider threats.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Analyzing Access to Housing Finance and its Implications for Low-Income Earners in Siaya, Bondo, and Ugunja Towns, Siaya County, Kenya(African Journal of Emerging Issues(AJOEI), 2025-07) Ogada, Jane; Wanga, Joshua; Abura, BeatriceStatement of the Problem: Limited access to housing finance remains a significant barrier for low-income earners in Kenya's secondary urban centers. Despite government initiatives like the Affordable Housing Program, structural challenges including high interest rates, stringent eligibility criteria, and complex application processes continue to exclude informal sector workers from formal housing finance systems. Purpose of the Study: This study examined housing finance accessibility for low-income earners in Siaya, Bondo, and Ugunja towns, Siaya County, Kenya, focusing on mortgage availability, affordability barriers, and regulatory constraints limiting inclusive finance access. Methodology: A mixed-methods design was employed with 383 household respondents selected through stratified random sampling and 12 key informant interviews from financial institutions. Data analysis used SPSS 26.0 for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative responses. Research Findings: Formal housing finance remains largely inaccessible, with 59.32% of respondents finding finance options unaffordable and 62.66% citing unreasonable interest rates. Only 28% found housing finance easily accessible, while 57.33% reported complex loan processes. Government programs showed limited impact (17.33% effectiveness), forcing households to rely on informal borrowing and rental arrangements. Conclusion: Low-income families face significant housing finance barriers due to high costs, opaque policies, limited financial literacy, and restrictive eligibility criteria, resulting in widespread financial exclusion despite growing housing demand. Recommendation: Financial institutions should develop flexible, low-interest products for informal workers. Government should expand targeted housing programs and address structural barriers.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Relationship between Distraction and Academic Adjustment among First Year Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in Kenya(Global Journal of Educational Studies, 2022-12-25) Agingu, Eunice Atieno; Owaa, Judith Anyango; Raburu, PamelaFirst year undergraduate students (FYUS) arrive at the university having very different academic and social skills and from different backgrounds and cultures. Some students adjust easily and are set up for successful university study whereas others become disoriented from their studies, underperform academically or drop out completely. The current study explored the relationship between distraction during transition and academic adjustment among first year undergraduate students. The study was guided by Person-Centred and Schlossberg’ s Transition Theory. The study population comprised 1,539 first year undergraduate students admitted at a public university in Kenya for the 2020/2021 academic year and 45 service providers. Stratified random sampling was used to select 306 students while purposive sampling was used to select 40 service providers for the study. Concurrent Triangulation Design was used within Mixed Methods Approach whereby data was collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Questionnaires for students and service providers together with interview schedules for service providers were employed. Focus Group Discussions were also held for 13 students divided into two groups. Internal consistency of the questionnaire yielded a Cronbach’s alpha α = .769. Quantitative data analysis was done on percentages, Pearson’s correlation and regression analyses using SPSS version 22 computer programme. Thematic Analysis approach was employed to analyse qualitative data. Results indicated a significant negative correlation between distraction and academic adjustment.