School of Engineering and Technology (JA)

THE INFLUENCE OF EDUCATION REFORMS ON THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION: A CASE OF TVET INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA

2026-03-23T12:29:56Z

THE INFLUENCE OF EDUCATION REFORMS ON THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION: A CASE OF TVET INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA Biketi, Felix Quentin Education reforms have historically played a critical role in shaping the trajectory of technology education. This study investigated the extent to which curriculum adjustments, policy frameworks, and pedagogical innovations have influenced the development of technology education in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting data from 120 instructors and 300 trainees across five TVET institutions in Nairobi County. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics and multiple regression, while qualitative insights were drawn from semi-structured interviews with administrators. Results revealed that education reforms significantly influence technology education (β = 0.642, R² = 0.401, p < .001), with curriculum modernization and policy implementation emerging as the most impactful dimensions. The findings conclude that reforms act as both drivers and enablers of technological integration, enhancing relevance, innovation, and adaptability of technology education. Recommendations include aligning reforms with industry standards, strengthening policy monitoring, and embedding flexibility into curricula.

The Influence of Cost on The Evolution of Technology Education: Evidence From Murang’a University of Technology, Kenya

2026-03-23T12:25:16Z

The Influence of Cost on The Evolution of Technology Education: Evidence From Murang’a University of Technology, Kenya Biketi, Felix Quentin The evolution of technology education in Kenya has been influenced by multiple factors, among which cost remains a critical determinant. This study examined the influence of cost on the evolution of technology education at Murang’a University of Technology. A mixed-method design was adopted, collecting data from 120 respondents, including students, academic staff, and administrative staff. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Findings revealed that high tuition fees, inadequate government funding, and the rising cost of infrastructure significantly constrain the evolution of technology education. Regression results indicated that cost explained 38.2% of the variance in technology education development (R² = .382, β = .618, p < .01). The study concludes that affordability and sustainable financing mechanisms are essential for advancing technology education. It recommends enhanced government subsidies, expansion of financial aid schemes, and university–industry partnerships to mitigate cost barriers.

The Relationship between Bond Strength and Critical Penetration Depth of Rust in Reinforced Concrete Structures

2026-03-23T12:24:11Z

The Relationship between Bond Strength and Critical Penetration Depth of Rust in Reinforced Concrete Structures Mogire, Philip; Mwero, John; Abuodha, Silvester; Mang’uriu, Geoffrey Bond strength and critical penetration depth of rust are major factors that affect the service life of reinforced concrete structures. This research endevoured to establish a relationship between the bond strength and critical penetration depth of rust for reinforced concrete structures. There are 7 brands of Cem 1 cement in Kenya available for use in concrete structures. To achieve the desired objective, three Cem 1 cement brands (Cem A, B and C), fine aggregates, coarse aggregates and steel were obtained from the local Kenyan market. The chemical and physical properties of the materials were investigated. For a selected design strength of 25N/mm2 , concrete materials were batched by weight and mixed by an electric pan mixer. For each brand of cement 9 cubes of size 150mm * 150mm * 150mm for a compression test, 9 cylinders of 150mm * 300mm for tensile strength and 9 cylinders of 150mm * 300mm for bond strength were cast. After 24 hours, the cast specimens were demoulded and immersed in curing tanks for 27 days. Specimens for compression, split tensile and bond strength were tested at 7,14 and 28 days. From the results, it was observed that the chemical composition of Cem 1 brands in the Kenyan market vary, which affects the hardening properties of concrete. A model for the critical penetration depth of rust in reinforced concrete was proposed by establishing a correlation between the spilt tensile and bond strength and substituting it in the Xu and Shayan model. The proposed and published models compared well. From the proposed model, a relationship between the critical penetration depth and bond strength was established. It was noted that the critical penetration depth increased with an increase in the bond strength of reinforced concrete. The results of this research are expected to contribute to the modeling of the service life of reinforced concrete structures.

Risk Factors for Road Crashes in Nairobi County, Kenya

2026-03-23T12:18:52Z

Risk Factors for Road Crashes in Nairobi County, Kenya Biketi, Felix Quentin Road crash in the Transport Industry are a threat to public health and national development in many developing countries. They contribute to poverty by causing deaths, injuries, disabilities, grief, lost of productivity and material damages. The study was undertaken at Nairobi County, with specific focus on Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi County, Hospitals, (BCH), Nairobi police station, Nairobi Police station, County’s department of Transport / accidents and some road terminus in Nairobi County. This study seeks to identify risk factors for road crashes in transport industry in Nairobi County. To find the relationship between speed of a vehicle and road crashes by applying power model to estimate the effects of road crashes. This study seeks to answer the following questions; do the speed of vehicle and risk factors are adequate reasons for perpetual road crashes in Kenya especially in Nairobi County? The results obtained in this study, can be used by the road safety authorities for planning and evaluating road safety measures. The methodology and procedure for data collection was based on both qualitative and quantitative approach. Interviews, focus group discussions, observations and review of secondary data, were collected accordingly; some data were subjected to power model to estimate the road crashes effects. The data will be used by the stake holders to develop interventions to mitigate road crashes in the Transport Industry. The data obtained in this study can be used by the road safety authorities for planning and evaluating road safety measures. Statistical analyses of data were done by descriptive statistics employing the measures of central tendencies, frequency distributions, difference between a set of observed frequencies and a corresponding expected frequency.