http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1440 A Sub Community of PhD dissertations submitted to Meru University of Science and Technology, showcasing original research contributions by doctoral candidates Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:05:46 GMT 2026-06-17T10:05:46Z http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1640 Physicochemical and Phytochemical Characterization of Dovyalis caffra and Dovyalis abyssinica Fruits Mwangi, Waweru Daniel Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1640 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1637 Deterministic and Stochastic Modeling of Clinical Dynamics of HIV-HBV Co-Infection with Optimality Mirchigan, James Khobocha HIV and HBV infections are viral infections with the same route of transmission through sexual intercourse with an infected person and mother-to-child transmission among other means of transmission. Over the decades, these mono infections have led to the deaths of millions of people around the world despite increased access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. Yet, there have been no conclusive findings in the hunt for HIV/AIDS cure or vaccine. However, the hepatitis B vaccine is available, though not easily acces sible. Consequently, HIV and HBV co-infection is equally a major global health burden that has attracted limited research interest. The interactions and synergistic relationship between these viruses are not well understood and documented. The co-infection presents complex transmission dynamics within a population. Few mathematical models of HIV and HBV co-infection are available that include risk factors and control measures. The effect of variability in predicting infection outcomes is also not captured in deterministic models. In addition, optimality conditions in co-infection models are not explored. This study sought to model HIV and HBV co-infection with optimal control interventions. This study set out to develop and examine a deterministic model of HIV-HBV co-infection, for mulate an optimal control problem for the deterministic model and determine the optimal controls and finally convert the deterministic model into a stochastic model that accounts for variability and uncertainties in infection outcomes. The deterministic model formu lation is based on SI and SIRS epidemic model framework. The theories of calculus are applied to analyze the deterministic model based on reproduction numbers. The thresh old parameter; the basic and control reproduction number is obtained using the Jacobian NGM and survival function approaches. Co-infection-free and endemic equilibrium points are determined and it’s local and global stability analysis established using Routh-Hurwitz criterion and Metzler matrix method respectively. The local sensitivity analysis of the model parameters on R0 and A0 are determined by use of forward normalized sensitivity index method. Using Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle, an optimal control problem is for mulated. The stochastic model is developed by extending the deterministic model using SDEs. The three models are implemented using MATLAB solver based on Runge-Kutta and Euler-Maruyama numerical schemes. The normalized sensitivity analysis of model parameters showed that co-infection transmission rate, β4 and recruitment rate, π con tribute the highest to R0 and A0. Numerical simulations of deterministic model revealed that the combined effect of clinical and non-clinical control interventions led to the re duction in infection rates with time. The effect of HIV and HBV viral loads on infection progression pointed out that the progression is faster at high levels of viral loads. Further, numerical results of optimal controls exhibited a gradual decrease in co-infection of HIV HBV. The sample paths of SDEs showed variations in infection outcomes due to random noise transmission. Thus, this study recommends that focus should be directed towards reducing co-infection rate and vertical transmission to mitigate the co-infection, while re inforcing policies relating to both clinical and non-clinical control interventions at optimal conditions Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1637 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1636 Uptake of Digital Innovation Strategy on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks In Kenya Kimathi, Doris Kagendo Rapid evolution of digital innovations globally, has seen Kenyan banking sector incorporate innovation strategy in its operations. Despite these momentous advancements, the extent to which the digital innovation strategy translate into improved financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya remains uncertain. Lack of extensive empirical studies on how key variables-process, product, marketing and organizational innovation strategy relates to regulatory environment exacerbates the gap further. The study sought to assess the effect of the uptake of digital innovation strategy on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya, specifically on Return on Equity (ROE). The specific objectives were to assess the effect of uptake of process, investigate the effect of uptake of product, establish the effect of uptake of marketing and analyze the effect of uptake of organizational innovation strategy on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Government policies moderated the relationship between the independent and dependent variables while the hypotheses were derived from the study objectives. The study was guided by Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the Evolutionary Theory of Economic Change, Disruptive Innovation Theory, Theory of Dynamic Capabilities and the Institutional Theory. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy. Using stratified random sampling, a sample size of 315 was used from a target population of 1470 employees derived from 38 commercial banks, with pilot test carried out in Kingdom Bank. Primary data was gathered using structured questionnaires, while secondary data on ROE was obtained from banking sector supervisory and innovation reports. Reliability was estimated using Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha, while content validity was assessed through the Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett’s test of sphericity. A descriptive study design was employed, and data analyzed using frequency tables, pie charts, mean, standard deviation, and bar graphs for descriptive statistics. A panel linear regression model was utilized where a simple linear regression model was used for each independent variable, followed by a joint model to determine the combined effect. The study accounted for assumptions of linearity, normality, heteroscedasticity, and multicollinearity. The study realized a significant and positive correlation (P˂0.05) between digital innovation strategy and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study reveals that process innovation strategy, which includes ideation, routine automation, and creativity leads to operational efficiency, cost saving, revenue growth and customer satisfaction. The study recommends that commercial banks enhance their talent development strategies, engage in strategic collaborations, prioritize customer centrality, and adopt agile management practices to drive financial performance. Further, banks can invest in Greentech products, innovation labs, decentralize decision-making and stay abreast of regulatory requirements to positively improve financial performance. The study contributes to the understanding of how digital innovation strategy directly affect financial performance within Kenyan banking sector. By proposing comparative studies across diverse contexts, it offers a basis for assessing the generalizability of these findings to other industries and regions. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1636 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1619 Assessment of Strategy Implementation on the Performance of Climate Change Adaptation Projects in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties, Kenya Murungi, Violet Kiende Strategic management practices influence the effectiveness of organizations’ strategic initiatives. Due to the increase in climatic change over the years, the government, Non Governmental Organizations, and other actors have been strategizing on ways and means of managing climate change, including implementation of climate change adaptation projects countrywide. Despite all these interventions, there has been little success of the intended goals. The country is still ravaging from the negative impacts of climate change. The purpose of this study was to assess strategy implementation on the performance of climate change adaptation projects in Kenya and this formed the general objective of this study. The study adopted mixed research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Both descriptive and analytical methods were applied for the quantitative approach. The study was anchored on Institutional Theory, Resource Based View, Stakeholder Theory, Path Dependency Theory, Theory of Change and Theory of Constraints. The target population was 2,021 individuals. The study used simple random sampling technique using Slovin’s Formula to derive a sample size of 334 respondents. Data was collected using interviews, questionnaires and observations of the project sites. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, and Microsoft Excel were used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics used mean and standard deviation to describe the data characteristics. Correlation and regression analysis were used in testing the effects of the variables on project performance. Data was presented in graphs, charts, tables and regression models. Findings indicated that the constructs, viz Institutional Characteristics, Resource Management, Stakeholder Participation and Regulatory Framework were all significant and had positive impact on the performance of climate change adaptation projects. When moderated with Climate Change Factors and Effects, the model improved, indicating that it influenced the effect of strategy implementation on the performance of climate change adaptation projects. The study recommended adoption of sound institutional characteristics such as democratic and coaching leadership style, functional project implementation structure and use of convenient and affordable communication technology. The study recommended effective management of resources to ensure appropriate allocation, adequacy and resource optimization. Stakeholder involvement in decision making, building their capacity to impart necessary knowledge and skills, and an understanding of community culture was recommended by the study. The study recommended alignment of the projects to required government policies, establishment of community agreements and adherence to donor stipulations. Utilization of indigenous knowledge in project implementation and implementation of projects that can withstand climate change effects was recommended. Further studies on other factors of strategy implementation are recommended by this study. In addition, Phase 1 to 3 of ASAL regions in Kennya, as categorized by IPC classification, can be studied to establish the performance of climate change adaptation projects implemented. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1619 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z