http://hdl.handle.net/11295/4 2017-06-23T11:26:35Z 2017-06-23T11:26:35Z Wendo, Dickens http://hdl.handle.net/11295/101053 2017-06-23T07:03:03Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Importance of e-Books in improving access to Scholarly materials by University Students in Kenya Wendo, Dickens The purpose of this research is to investigate the significance of e-Books in universities, by looking for critical issues and practices which contribute enormously to enhancing its effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a descriptive research study design. The use of survey was efficient for this study because it was possible to obtain answers to different variables such as attitudes, personal characteristics and behaviors on usage of e-Books. Survey questionnaires were used on a student sample population at United States International University-A. The study was guided by three independent variables: technological factors, individual factors and institutional support factors. The dependent variable was the usage of e-Books. Findings The findings established that a majority of the student are computer literate as a whole and have a clear understanding of e-Books. The results further established that students encounter problems when carrying out searches in e-Books and that there is lack of knowledge of the e-Books subscribed by the university library. Support from the university management on the introduction of e-Books by financing its subscription was one of the factors enhancing the access and use of e-Books. Originality/value Knowledge of the significance of e-Books can assist libraries restructure their e-Books policies and hence hasten the adoption and implementation of e-Books usage in academic libraries in Kenya.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Wendo, Dickens http://hdl.handle.net/11295/101052 2017-06-23T06:43:44Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Re-branding libraries to embrace open space and aesthetic reflections: a case of USIU-Africa as a benchmark of Kenyan libraries Wendo, Dickens This paper aims to examine the strides taken by academic libraries in Kenya to match the standards of modern library buildings while highlighting ensuing impact on user satisfaction. It will give an insight and provide a comprehensive comparison between Kenyan modern libraries and other modern libraries in the world which are considered best library designs, to show progressive development of library design and equipment. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a viewpoint approach after studying the history and development of the current library buildings in Kenya. This paper will answer the following questions: How far are Kenyan university libraries in embracing open space and aesthetic reflections? What is the impact of artistic modern library designs to user satisfaction? What are the effects of colorful interior design and décor on libraries? In addressing these and other related questions, the design of new academic libraries in Kenya over the past eight years is traced. Findings Libraries in Kenya and other developing countries have stayed in the right path of revolution by adopting the modern library designs and giving library users more reasons to cherish their libraries as not only reading facilities but also destinations for relaxation, discussions and hangouts. The United States International University (USIU) Library has been touted as the pioneer modern library building, and its standards have been replicated and bettered by other libraries in Kenya today. This is a big stride for Kenyan libraries in the wake of dynamism in libraries. Originality/value The value of the paper is that it gives an insight on the development of library buildings in Kenya, providing a comprehensive comparison between Kenyan modern libraries and other modern libraries in the world which are considered best library designs, thereby showing progressive development of library design and equipment.

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z Muthomi, J W Mwang’ombe, A W Olubayo, F M http://hdl.handle.net/11295/100933 2017-05-16T17:05:51Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Improving Access to Postgraduate Training in Crop Protection for Agricultural Practitioners Through Distance Learning at the University of Nairobi, Kenya Muthomi, J W; Mwang’ombe, A W; Olubayo, F M The Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection of the University of Nairobi launched the first postgraduate training by distance learning in 2010. Development of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode of delivery was based on client-driven demand for a flexible mode of learning by agriculture graduates who had specialized in Crop Protection at final year at undergraduate and holding management positions in horticulture industry. This demand was necessitated by the requirement by public and private sector employers that professionals at management positions should have advanced training and skills in order to satisfy the increasingly competitive job market. However, the employers are unable to grant study leave for workers to pursue postgraduate training. Therefore, the ODL mode of delivery was developed to open up opportunities in postgraduate training in Master of Science in Crop Protection. The ODL programme was initiated in 2008, starting with review of curriculum to accommodate open and distance learning mode. Academic and technical staff were sensitized on the need for ODeL mode of postgraduate training. Many feared that it would not be possible to deliver a science-based programme by distance learning due to the practical component involved. The new training approach focused on distance learning based on provision of hard copy manuals because many of the potential students worked in the agriculture sector and most stations were located in rural areas without stable cell phone and internet connectivity. The first ODL intake was launched in October 2010 with a class of 13 students. Every year the programme admits over 15 students and at the beginning of each academic year, the new students are inducted in to the ODL mode of training. The main medium of instruction is the print in the form of self-instructional modules. These serve in the place of the teachers as they contain the subject content and instructional devices to guide learners. To support the printed modules, academic support services are provided by face to face tuition sessions held during the semester. The face to face on campus sessions are dedicated practicals, tutorial sessions, continuous assessments, presentation of term papers and consultation with supervisors on thesis research. Through the ODL mode of delivery class sizes have increased from five to about 20 students per intake every year. The approach has maximized the use of limited physical and human resources and significantly reduced the unit cost of postgraduate training. The new frontier is to convert the programmes to full e-delivery since internet connectivity has improved in many parts of the country.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Ongoya, Z. E http://hdl.handle.net/11295/100851 2017-05-09T17:04:07Z 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z

Patrick Ouma Onyango & 12 others vs Attorney general & 2 others: a classtcal case of mis-applying and disapplying Jurisprudence Ongoya, Z. E When a historian with a genuine bias in favour of matters re~ating to the constitution will finally and incisively document, in a sequential manner, the rowdy character of Kenya's attempt at the Constitution making process, the Kenyan judiciary may not be credited with bringing the sanity of law to the process. To the contrary, the judiciary may be accused of having bent backwards to provide a forum for the tramps in the theatre of the absurd to trivialize the entire process. This case review attempts to lend credit to the above averments. The review makes a critical evaluation of the court's reasoning in High Court Mise. Civil Application No. 677 of 2005(0.5). For purposes of this analysis, the term jurisprudence is employed in its French sense to refer to case law and its English sense to refer to the general speculations about the meaning, nature and character of law-, It is contended that the three judges dis-applied existing jurisprudence on constitutional litigation in the former sense and misapplied jurisprudence in the latter sense .

2005-01-01T00:00:00Z