Examples of development projects in Kenya

Development projects in Kenya have been defined in different ways considering their sustainability. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development can be therefore be reduced to two key concepts: needs and limitations. Needs refers to those in need or the world’s poor while limitations are those imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environments ability to meet present and future needs.

There are several of examples of development projects in Kenya as stated below;

Development projects in Kenya

Examples of development projects in Kenya

Crop rotation

Crop rotation is the planting of different crops on the same land to improve soil fertility and help control insects and diseases. Crop rotation is beneficial in several ways, most notably because it is chemical free. The farming practice has proven to maximize the growth potential of land, while also preventing disease and insects in the soil.

This form of development will not only help and benefit the commercial farmers, but it will also aid those who practice gardening at home.

Solar Energy

Solar energy has played a major role in the improving the lives of many people. The greatest advantage of solar energy is that it is completely free and is available in a limitless supply. Both of these factors provide a huge benefit to consumers and help reduce pollution. Replacing non-renewable energy with this type of energy is therefore both environmentally and financially effective.

Wind energy

Just like solar energy, wind energy is another readily available energy source. Harnessing the power of wind energy necessitates the use of windmills. However due to the construction costs and the hustle of finding a suitable location, this kind of energy is meant to service more than just the individual.

The best thing about wind energy is that it can supplement or even replace the cost of grid power, and therefore may be a good investment and remains a great example of sustainable development project.

Efficient Water Fixtures

It takes a lot of energy to produce and transport water and to process waste. Since less than one percent of the earth’s available water supply is fresh water, it is therefore important that sustainable water use is employed at the individual and social level.

This is because replacing current construction practices and supporting the installation of efficient shower heads, toilets and other water appliances can conserve one of Earths most precious resources; water.

Green Space

Green spaces include parks and other areas where plants and wildlife are encouraged to thrive. It’s also important to note that these spaces also offer the public great opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, especially in dense, urban areas.

Advantages of green spaces include; helping regulate air quality and climate, recharging groundwater supplies and protecting lakes and streams from polluted runoff, reducing energy consumption by countering the warming effects of paved surfaces.

An individual’s general and mental health could also improve if the person affected moved to a greener area. This is because the patient will be able to get the fresh air he/she desperately needs. The calmer environment will also provide a mentally disturbed person with the peace of mind.

It’s indeed evident that development projects in Kenya have played a very important role in ensuring that many people are able to sustain themselves and cater for their families and needs independently.

How Irrigation equipment in Kenya are selected

Reliable and suitable irrigation equipment can lead to a vast improvement in agricultural production and thus assure the economy vitality of the region. Many countries depend on irrigated agriculture to provide the basis of their society and enhance the security of their people.

Effective agronomic practices are essential components of irrigated systems. Management of the soil fertility, cropping selection and rotation, and pest control may also help improve the yields just as irrigation water itself.

Irrigation equipment in Kenya

Irrigation is not only about watering plants but it’s also about drainage, soil reclamation and erosion control. It’s therefore important that if any of these factors are ignored, through either lack of understanding or planning, agricultural productivity will definitely decline.

How to choose irrigation equipment in Kenya

Irrigation systems are often designed to maximize efficiency and minimize labour and capital requirements. The most effective management practices are dependent on the type of irrigation system and its design. There are a number of considerations which must be taken into account in the selection of an irrigation system. This will include the compatibility of the system with the other farm operations, economic feasibility, topographic and soil properties, crop characteristics and social constraints.

Compatibility

An irrigation system for a field or a farm must function alongside other farm operations such as land preparation, cultivation, and harvesting. The use of the large mechanized equipment requires longer and wider fields and therefore the irrigation systems must not interfere with these operations.

The irrigation system may need to be portable or function primarily outside the crop boundaries. The smaller equipment or animal powered cultivating equipment is more suitable for small fields and more permanent irrigation facilities.

Economics

It’s important that you select a relevant irrigation system because it is a very important economic decision. Some types of pressurized systems have high capital and operating costs but may utilize minimal labour and conserve water. Their use tends towards high value cropping patterns.

Other systems are however relatively less expensive to construct and operate but have high labour requirements. Some are limited by the type of soil or the topography found on the field. The cost of maintenance and expected life of the rehabilitation along with an array of annual costs like energy, water, depreciation, land preparation, labour maintenance and taxes should therefore be included in the selection of an irrigation system.

Water supply

The quality and quantity of the source of water can have a significant impact on the irrigation practices. Crop water demands are continuous during the growing season and as a result soil moisture reservoir transforms this continuous demand into a periodic one which the irrigation system can service.

A water supply with a relatively small discharge is best utilized in an irrigation system which incorporates frequent applications. The depths applied per irrigation would tend to be smaller under these systems than under systems having a large discharge which is available less frequently.

Crops

The yields of many crops may be as much affected by how water is applied as the quantity delivered. Irrigation systems create different environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature and soil aeration. They affect the plants differently because they wet different parts of the plant thereby introducing various undesirable consequences like leaf burn, fruit spotting and deformation.

On the other hand, Rice thrives under ponded conditions. Some crops have high economic value and allow the application of more capital intensive practices. Deep rooted crops are more amenable to low frequency, high application rate systems than shallow rooted crops.

Its therefore very important to put the above factors in mind whenever you are choosing irrigation equipment in Kenya so that to avoid the possible mistakes that could lead to the reduction of farm yields.

About Quantity surveyors in Kenya

Quantity surveyors in Kenya are the people who measure and price building work. They are like accountants of the building world- planning and overseeing costs from the beginning to the end of a project.

It’s very important for to start seeking the services of quantity surveyors so as to avoid the risks that may come with not having consulted one.

Quantity surveyors in Kenya

What quantity surveyors in Kenya do

Estimating

The essence of estimating is simply to help clients to save more and also to avoid the costs which may come with underestimation or overestimation. Its therefore very important that you seek the services of quantity surveyor who will be able draw an accurate budget which suits your type of building or construction.

Bill of quantities

This is a very important document specifically prepared by the quantity surveyor. The document provides project specific measured quantities of the items of work identified in the tender document.

Contract negotiation

Quantity surveyors are also responsible for contract negotiations.

 Procurement advice

Getting the right procurement advice will help one reduce the risk that is involved and also improve the value which will ensure a favorable project outcome. This advice is given by quantity surveyors who in turn assist you to take a proactive strategic approach to your project. They will also help you execute the right procurement strategy for your project to meet your objectives.

Monitoring budget

Quantity surveyors are also tasked with the responsibility of offering budget monitoring services. The importance of this is to ensure that clients get the required advice about the process he/she needs to put in place. They also provide information about the budget process.

Preparation of payment invoice and certification

They are also entitled to make payment invoice and certification.

Dispute resolution

Quantity surveyors are also required to resolve any conflict that may arise during the procurement process.

Cost control

Cost control is the process of controlling costs associated with the whole activity. It includes investigative procedures which detects variance of actual costs from budgeted costs. It also detects diagnostic procedures to ascertain the cause of variance and corrective procedures to effect realignment between actual and budgeted costs.

Value engineering

This is a systematic method offered by quantity surveyors to improve the value of goods or products and services by using examination of function.

Preparing bill of quantities

The bill of quantities is a useful document in quantity surveying and is specifically prepared by the quantity surveyor who provides project specific measured quantities of the items of work identified in the tender document. The quantities may be measured in number length, volume, weight or time.

Contract negotiation

The quantity surveying surveyors are the ones responsible for contract negotiations.

Procurement advice

The quantity surveyors also offer procurement advice. The right procurement will reduce your risk, improve value and ensure a favourable project outcome. The quantity surveyors assist you to take a proactive strategic approach to building and executing the right procurement strategy for your project to meet your objectives.

Assessment of variations

Quantity surveyors are also entitled to asses and grant minor variations to building consents 

Dispute resolution

They as professionals are required to resolve any conflict that may arise during the procurement process.

Preparing feasibility studies

A feasibility study is an evaluation and analysis of the potential of a proposed project which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision making. This is therefore a responsibility vested on quantity surveyors in Kenya.

Cost control

This refers to the process of controlling costs associated with the whole activity. Cost control includes investigative procedures to detect variance of actual costs from budgeted costs, diagnostic procedures to ascertain the cause of variance and corrective procedures to effect realignment between actual and budgeted costs. All this is also done by quantity surveyors.

Value engineering

Value engineering is a systematic method to improve the value of goods or products and services by using examination of function. This is also one of the services offered by quantity surveyors in Kenya.

About corporate governance research

In order for any company to be effective, company leaders must take responsibility for their decisions and the performance of the organisation as a whole. This is why embracing the good corporate governance research practices is very important.

There are characteristics which can show one that a company is practicing good corporate governance.

corporate governance research

Characteristics of corporate governance research

Fairness workload

Fairness should always be a high priority for management. Managers should therefore be able to push their employees to be their best but they should also recognize the fact that a heavy workload can have negative long term effects. Some of these effects could be low morale and high turnover.

Companies should therefore ensure that they are fair to their customers, both for ethical and public relations reasons.

Discipline

This means that all the senior management should be aware of and committed to adhere to behavior that is universally recognized as correct and proper.

Transparency

This is the measure of how easy it is for outsiders to find out and analyze a company’s financial and non- financial fundamentals. Companies should however make this information available in timely and accurate press releases to give outsiders a true picture of what is happening within the company.

Independence

For any successful corporate governance, it is important that all decisions are made objectively with the best interest of the enterprise in mind. This should also be done without any undue influence from large shareholders or an overbearing chief executive officer.

In order for this to be successful, good mechanisms such as having a diversified board of directors, and external auditors, to avoid any potential conflict of interests.

Accountability

All the people who make decisions in a company must be held accountable for their decisions. Relevant mechanisms have to be put in place so as to allow effective accountability.

For example in public companies, investors hold individual running the company accountable for their actions by carrying out routine inquiries to assess the actions of the board.

Social responsibility

A well managed company should ensure that it puts in mind the things affecting people living around them. They should therefore be ethical and responsible with regard to environmental and human rights issue.

Responsibility

Managerial responsibility in a corporation means that the management should be responsible for their behaviours and must have means that they can use to penalize mismanagement. This also means putting in place a system that puts the company on the right path when things go wrong.

Self-Evaluation

It’s important to note that no matter how well you manage your company, mistakes will be made. The key is to perform regular self-evaluations to identify and mitigate brewing problems. Employee and customer surveys, for example, can supply vital feedback about the effectiveness of your current policies.

A company can also hire outside consultants to help analyze your operations. This will help identify ways you can improve your company’s efficiency and performance.

The above are just but some of the good corporate governance research and can be of good help whenever one wants to take corporate governance research seriously.

How to choose car spare parts online

It’s very important for all car owners to know how and where to buy car spare parts for their vehicles whenever they are need of them.

Many people still think that the process of buying car spares is a hectic and a stressful activity which most of them try to avoid whenever possible.

This has led to many people buying fake or irrelevant spares which do not fit on their cars or cannot work well on the cars simply because they are not compatible.

Car spare parts

The best thing about car spares is that some of them do not actually require that you visit a mechanic. You can just buy some of these spares depending on the use of the car and fix it at home that is if it is not technical to do the job.

Let’s look at how you can easily buy car spare parts without having to stress yourself.

Tips on how to buy car spare parts online

Know your year, make and model

You may need to know more than just the year and model of the vehicle. This is because each model may have several versions, which may have a majority of their automotive parts in common.

You can also find information in your user manual about your cars automotive parts and systems.

Learn some auto terminology

You can easily avoid wasted time and costly mistakes by knowing not just the name of the automotive parts that you need, but what they do and how they work with the rest of your vehicle.

The more information you have about car spares the better, so just write down and look up for names of automotive parts and terms that you aren't familiar with.

Save with generic auto parts

You really do not have to purchase automotive parts from the original manufacture. This is precisely because there are various companies producing compatible auto parts for your vehicle. Remember price isn't everything. 

You should however be sure to check the construction materials and see if you can get a warranty for any automotive parts you buy online.

Not all parts may be available

For those who have bought new cars will attest to the fact that in the first two years of a cars life, certain automotive parts may only be available through a dealership. This is because by the time the car is sold some of the car parts simply haven’t been made available on the aftermarket yet, so the only option is to get them from the dealer.

Check the specifications

One thing one needs to understand about automotive parts is that they are very specific. If you make a mistake of ordering the wrong part, it may be for the wrong car model, have the wrong voltage or simply may not fit in your vehicle.

You can always check your user manuals for the exact names, terms and part numbers before you drop that automotive part in your shopping cart.

Well you can use the above tips whenever you want to buy car spare parts online.

About development projects in Kenya

Development projects in Kenya have been playing a very important role in the development of rural reconstruction and ensuring that people living in those are able to stand up for themselves.

The development projects have done a lot in the growth of this country in various sectors.

Importance of development projects in Kenya

Agricultural expansion

Due to the introduction of these development projects in Kenya, many agricultural projects have been set up. Due to these the agricultural sector has really grown both through farming and animal keeping. With these developments many people who were living poor lives have been able to embrace agriculture both for commercial use and for food.

Development projects in Kenya

Development administration

The greatest achievement of the community development program has been the establishment of a well structured administrative set up for developmental activities. This has made it easier for the people to find relevant help from those manning the projects and it has also ensured that these projects are distributed equally across the country.

Health facilities

Introduction of development projects have also played a major role in ensuring that rural areas get facilities for public health. Due to this there has been a reduction of mother and child deaths during delivery because people are able to access professional health help on time.

Malaria, cholera and other epidemics are no longer a threat as it was the case a few years ago.

Nation building

For any country’s democracy to be successful, and evolve a new socio economic order based on economic and social justice, the citizens of the country should be properly motivated towards it and they should also actively participate in it.

Through these projects many people have learnt to share and extend a helping hand to the weaker sections of the society. This in turn helps the weaker sections of the society to be able to develop with the rest of the communities.

Due to the limited resources and wants its important that the people are encouraged to work together for the achievement of common need.

National economy

Agriculture occupies a very important in the country’s economy. Through agricultural development projects many people have been able to produce farm produce which is used for commercial purposes and for food purposes.

The lives of many people have been uplifted through the revenue they get from the sale of their agricultural produce. And as the people continue to grow and progress, so is the nation’s economy.

Standard of living

Development projects in Kenya have played a big role in ensuring that the living standards of many people living in the rural areas are improved. The projects have ensured that women and youth are empowered both socially and economically.

Empowered women are able to stand up for themselves and also to ensure that there is food security in their families.

The youth have also not been left behind and most of them have been economically empowered through these programs. This has led to the reduction of the number of youth involved in poverty related vices.

As we have seen above development projects in Kenya have played a major role in ensuring that citizens of this country are empowered.

A list of Universities in Nairobi

As education sector continue to grow, many institutions are coming up to cater for the needs of the growing number of students. It’s due to this reason that the number of universities in Nairobi have increased.

The education sector has improved and the number of institutions of higher learning has been increasing day by day.

Universities in Kenya

List of universities in Nairobi

Zetech

Zetech University is a private university which gives exceptional learning experience to thousands of youths from Kenya and beyond. The university specializes in education of Technology, science and business programmes. It also has a highly experienced and trained faculty, administrative and support staff members who provide a huge variety of opportunities for students and individuals with diverse backgrounds.

Nairobi University

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is a collegiate research university based in Nairobi. It’s also the largest university in Kenya.

Being an institution of higher learning, the University of Nairobi has contributed greatly to the development of the country. The university has also benefited a lot from its location.

The university has developed and evolved a strong, diversified academic programmes and specializations in basic sciences, applied sciences, technology, humanities, social sciences and arts.

Kenyatta University

Kenyatta University is a multi-campus public university in Kenya. Being one of the public universities in the country, the university offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees through eleven campuses. The degrees awarded include those in medicine and law.

Jomo Kenyatta University

JKUAT is also a public university situated northeast of Nairobi. The university offers courses in technology, engineering, science, architecture and building sciences.

Jomo Kenyatta University also has a great interest in the areas of biotechnology and engineering.

Strathmore University

Strathmore University is a leading private university in the region whose mission is to provide all round quality education in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility, excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, ethical and social development and service to society.

Management University of Africa

The Management University of Africa (MUA) is a premier private university in Kenya that aims at providing innovation, leadership and management solutions to industries and communities in Kenya, Africa and beyond.

The university focuses on being the centre of excellence incapacity building in management, leadership, governance and entrepreneurship.

MUA offers a range of undergraduate and post graduate programmes that are tailored towards effectively meeting the appropriate management needs of the current and future demands of the expected industrial growth in Kenya.

Daystar University

Daystar University is a private university which transforms the church and society through instilling Christian values to the students who study at the institution.

The university equips students holistically and their graduates meet not only the academic demands of the working world, but are of high moral integrity.

Multimedia University of Kenya

Multimedia university of Kenya (MMU) is one of the best public universities in the country. Located in Nairobi the university is popular for offering thorough and job-market worthy students in ICT and mass media especially applied communication.

Well the above mentioned institutions are just but some of the universities in Nairobi and there are many others which provide the services of higher learning.

Drip irrigation equipment in Kenya

Drip irrigation equipment in Kenya has played a very vital role in ensuring that crops are well watered and yields increase.

Drip or trickle irrigation is a very efficient method of applying water and nutrients to crops. If you want irrigate many crops at the same time, this type of irrigation will help reduce the amount of water used by 50 percent.

It’s important to note that yields can increase through improved water and fertility management and reduced disease and weed management. But they are bound to increase even further when drip irrigation is used with polythene mulch.

Drip irrigation in Kenya

Some of these benefits are only possible when a drip irrigation system is properly designed, managed, and maintained. Irrigation system design is complex and is beyond the scope of this publication.

It’s therefore important that one consults a qualified agricultural engineer, or irrigation equipment dealer to design a good irrigation system.

You will also need to understand the various designs factors to help ensure that your drip irrigation equipment or system is properly designed and operated.

Advantages of drip irrigation equipment in Kenya

With drip irrigation, lower volume water sources can be used because trickle irrigation may require less than half of the water needed for sprinkler irrigation.

Reduced energy costs for pumping because of lower operating pressures.

High levels of water use efficiency are achieved because plants can be supplied with more precise amounts of water.

Disease pressure may be less because plant foliage remains dry.

Labour and operating costs are generally less, and extensive automation is possible.

Water applications are made directly to the plant root zone. No applications are made between rows or other non productive areas resulting in better weed control and significant water savings.

The system allows field operations such as harvesting to continue during irrigation because the areas between rows remain dry.

It also allows fertilizers to be applied efficiently through the drip system

Irrigation can also be done under a wide range of field conditions.

Compared to other types of irrigation, like sprinkler irrigation, soil erosion and nutrient leaching can be reduced.

Disadvantages and limitations of drip irrigation

The initial investment costs per acre may be higher than those of other irrigation options.

Frost protection is not possible drip system. Therefore if it is needed, sprinkler systems are necessary.

Water filtration is necessary to prevent clogging of the small emitter holes.

Rodents, insects and human damage to drip lines are potential sources of leaks.

Water distribution in the soil is restricted as compared to sprinkler irrigation.

Management requirements are somewhat higher. Delaying critical operation decisions may cause irreversible crop damage.

It’s also good to note that drip irrigation works well with plastic mulch in an efficient production system that helps retain moisture for the crop and control weeds. Water and nutrients can be placed into the crop root zone very efficiently with little loss.

One needs to ensure that the drip irrigation system is well maintained so as to avoid clogging. 

Clogging is the most serious threat to a drip irrigation system and it arises from physical, biological and chemical contaminants.

Common Facts about Universities in Kenya

Joining a university is every students dream but there are various important things which one needs to take into account or know before joining any of the various universities in Kenya.

Before going to a university one needs to ensure that he/she has everything they will need while they are away studying. Students are also advised to think carefully about why they are joining the institution of higher learning.

One needs to realize that this is a time when one chooses to leave home and start growing up. One will start taking responsibility about his/her own life and therefore you need to organise how you will get to the university and what you will take with you.