https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2 Sun, 13 Sep 2026 20:05:07 GMT 2026-09-13T20:05:07Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8434 Morphological structures and patterns utilized in the formation of verbs within the mbogi genje linguistic code Bwoma, Eric; Kiliku, Musyoka P.; Chomba, Esther N. The linguistic landscape of urban environments is marked by the dynamic evolution of linguistic codes, shaped by intricate interactions between language, culture, and context. Through their distinct linguistic code, Mbogi Genje, a populous music group has managed to not only convey their artistic expressions but also establish a unique cultural identity within an urban context in Kenya. While scholars have examined the language used by Mbogi Genje, the analysis of morphological changes in verbs that have led to the mutation of their linguistic code remains unexplored. The current study aimed at shedding light on the morphological patterns utilized in the formation of verbs. The study was guided by the theory of Language Contact and Creole Formation, pioneered by Derek Bickerton in 1970s. The researcher utilized a descriptive research design, incorporating qualitative data collection and analysis methods. These methods encompass interviews, content analysis, and focus group discussions. The findings indicated that the linguistic code of Mbogi Genje contains unique verbs that reflect urban street culture, solidarity, and defiance. These verbs are pivotal in expressing attitudes of resilience, aggression, and power, encapsulating the group’s urban identity and survival strategies. The formation of these verbs in Mbogi Genje's linguistic code follows processes like inflection, derivation, neologisms, and borrowing. The verbs in Mbogi Genje have undergone significant linguistic changes through blending and adaptation. This has resulted in the mutation of the old Sheng code, creating new verb forms. The study concludes that he linguistic code of Mbogi Genje has evolved from old Sheng, Swahili, and English through blending and adaptation, resulting in new, coded verbs that are uniquely understood within their community, reflecting their distinct urban identity. Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8434 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8433 Sorghum varieties invariably show improved water use efficiency coupled with morpho-physiological characters under limiting water conditions Gumo, Pius; Sakha, Michael; Otieno, Erick O.; Wambua, Judy M.; Ishmael, Kamtoi; Gitari, Harun; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph Climate change has affected several aspects of sustainable food production and food security. One of the major challenges of climate change is the prolonged drought that has led to water stress in crops, including sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya. A study was conducted at the Nadapal irrigation scheme in Turkana County, Kenya, to determine the crop's performance under different water application regimes. Principal component analysis was used to compare phenotypic andgenotypic characteristics and to study ontogenetic morphological integration leading to variation in sorghum yields. A path coefficient analysis was applied to estimate correlations between yield and yield-related traits and to determine the direct and indirect effects of these traits on yield per plant. It also enabled the identification of causal factors and other overlapping factors. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. From the analysis of variance, a highly significant and positive strong correlation was observed for seed index and plant height (r = 0.76) as well as head weight and grain yield (r = 0.74). Surprisingly, water use efficiency (WUE) showed a negative correlation with all other measured parameters. These kinds of interactions amongst WUE and other yield components depend on whether greater WUE is associated with equivalent carbon gain while using less water or greater carbon gain while using equivalent amounts of water (or a combinationof the two). The correlation and path coefficient analyses carried out demonstrated that head weight, head length, and seed index were important selection criteria for high grain yields in sorghum. There were direct and indirect effects of the parameters on sorghum yield. This study evaluated other important correlations among sorghum characteristics that breeders can exploit to enhance the production of high-yielding sorghum cultivars. It revealed overlapping characteristics among head weight, head length, and seed index in relation to grain yield. As a result, these components could serve as selection criteria to improve sorghum seed yield DOI:https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2025.v49.011 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8433 2025-12-30T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8432 Soil properties as key drivers of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change Sakha, Michael; Gitari, Harun; Maitra, Sagar; Mutua, Lydia; Wambua, Judy M.; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector play a significant role in global warming and climate change. Soils act as both sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). While previous studies have largely examined the contribution of agriculture and land-use change to anthropogenic GHG emissions, the contribution of specific soil properties to GHG emissions remains less clear. Therefore, this review synthesizes previous studies not only on broader soil properties but also highlights specific soil variables and their interactions within these broader categories that contribute to individual GHGs and regulate their production and emissions. We conclude that soil physical, biological, and chemical properties are important drivers of GHG emissions. Physical properties include soil temperature, bulk density, water content, soil structure, texture and porosity. Biological properties, particularly biological processes and chemical properties, including soil pH, organic matter, soil carbon, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and micronutrient availability, interact to regulate GHG production, consumption and emissions. Understanding these soil-specific controls is therefore essential for developing effective and context-specific strategies for reducing GHG emissions and enhancing the mitigation potential of agricultural soils. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2026.v51.005 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8432 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8431 Soil properties and rainfall variability as determinants of yields for sorghum landraces Muui, Catherine W.; Muasya, Reuben M.; Lelei, David K.; Maitra, Sagar; Gitari, Harun I. There is a decline in crop yields due to climate change. Drought and low-soil-fertility-tolerant crops could enhance food production. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of rainfall patterns and soil properties on yields of sorghum landraces. Rainfall and yield data were obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and the meteorological department. Soil properties from farmers' farms and experimental sites were determined. Experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Accessions were grown in selected locations in the Eastern, Nyanza and Coastal regions. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using R statistical software. Reduced rainfall periods recorded low yields. However, on station (2019), yields were higher, though rainfall was very low. Farmers' farms recorded pH (6.3–6.8), OC (0.6–1.2%), phosphorus (36.5–50.0ppm), nitrogen (0.1–0.2%) and potassium (1.1–1.6 Cmol/kg). Sodium was highest in the east (0.8 Cmol/kg), calcium (4.0 Cmol/kg), and magnesium (1.4 Cmol/kg) in Nyanza. Manganese and copper were highest in Nyanza, while high iron and zinc were observed in eastern and coastal regions, respectively. At planting, Taita Taveta farm recorded significantly high nitrogen, whereas phosphorus and calcium were highest in KALRO Katumani. Kitaakya ivuui Makueni (b) and Nyakabala Siaya (a) performed best in at least two regions. Though rainfall had an impact on yields, optimum agronomic practices and accession yield potential increased yields under low rainfall. Low on-farm yields could be attributed to low organic carbon and nitrogen. Use of accessions with high yield potential could enhance food security under low moisture and nutrient-depleted soils. DOI:https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2026.v51.001 Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8431 2026-08-30T00:00:00Z