Staff Publications

Growth and economic performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on black soldier fly larvae raised on human fecal sludge and organic waste: a circular economy approach

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Growth and economic performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on black soldier fly larvae raised on human fecal sludge and organic waste: a circular economy approach Wambugu, Anne; Gikunda, George; Riungu, Joy Nyawira; Kirimi, James; Karanja, Stephen With increasing population growth, sustainable waste management remains a global challenge. This study evaluated the effects of using defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) instead of fishmeal (FM) on the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The black soldier fly larvae were reared using fecal sludge and organic waste as substrates, harvested at the prepupal stage, and then defatted. Three isonitrogenous diets (30% crude protein) were formulated in which BSFLM substituted FM at 0% (control, diet 1), 50% (diet 2) and 100% (diet 3) on a protein basis. A 90-day feeding trial was conducted using 270 Nile tilapia fingerlings (9.62 ± 0.22 g) in a completely randomized design. The fingerlings were distributed into three groups of three replicates (30 fingerlings per net hapa). There was a decrease in final body weight (47.73, 42.98 and 34.57 g) with increased substitution of BSFLM for diets 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p = 0.018). Diet 2 exhibited the highest survival rate (95.56%). The economic profit index recorded for diets 1 and 2 was not significantly different. Based on these results, BSFLM can effectively replace fish meal by 50%, with no detrimental effect on growth

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal Enhance Nutrients Composition in Diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal Enhance Nutrients Composition in Diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Wambugu, Anne; Riungu, Joy Nyawira; Kirimi, James G.; Karanja, Stephen The study evaluated the potential of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as a sustainable alternative to fish meal (FM) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets while promoting organic waste valorisation through a circular economy approach. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) were reared on faecalsludge and organic waste, harvested at the pre-pupal stage, and defatted to produce a protein rich feed ingredient. Three isonitrogenous diets (30 % crude protein) were then formulated such that BSFLM substituted FM at 0% (control, diet 1), 50% (diet 2) and 100% (diet 3) on a protein basis. Nutritional chemical analysis on ingredients and diets were determined while diets’ fatty acids profile was determined by MPA FT-NIR spectrometer. The analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the diet treatments for all measured parameters except dry matter. FM registered the highest crude protein, (57.89%) followed closely by defatted BSFL (54.69%). However, partial substitution of FM with defatted BSFL in diets increased crude protein levels (31.77%), registered moderate crude fat (5.26%) and moderate crude fibre (11.08%) (diet 2) levels compared to FM meal diet (diet 1). Consequently, partial substitution yielded the highest overall polyunsaturated fatty acids (ƩPUFAs) content (4.81 mg/g). Thus, the study shows that, partial replacement (50%) of FM with defatted BSFLM provides rich proximate and fatty acid profiles that can support Nile tilapia production while sustainably managing waste, promoting resource recovery within a circular economy.

Corporate Governance and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Meru County, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Corporate Governance and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Meru County, Kenya Tharamba, Eva Kanini Corporate governance is a critical tool for enhancing the performance of Deposit-taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) and ensuring they meet their members' economic and social needs. Properly structured cooperatives can contribute to equitable development and justice. However, a significant challenge facing these SACCOs is the issue of corporate governance. Some have faced mismanagement problems, resulting in the cessation of their operations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and the financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Meru County by focusing on the impact of the audit committee, board size, and transparency. The study design involved 92 directors from all eleven deposit-taking SACCOs in Meru County, with a sample of 75 directors selected using stratified random sampling with proportional allocation. The questionnaire's reliability was validated through a pilot study. Data collection employed questionnaires containing closed-ended questions and secondary data collected from the SACCO supervision annual report; the analysis encompassed descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis using SPSS software (Version 26). The results were presented in tables, highlighting the significant associations discovered among the audit committee, board size, transparency, and the performance of Deposit-taking SACCOs in Meru County. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were carried out to establish the relationship between the study variables. The findings disclosed a significant association between the audit committee, board size, transparency, and financial performance of Deposit Taking SACCOs. The main contribution of the research revealed that the audit committee members were transparently selected and held frequent meetings. In addition, the study found that these SACCOs had effectively managed their liquidity, retaining funds for reinvestment rather than distributing all profits as dividends. The implications of these findings are substantial, particularly for the directors of Deposit-taking SACCOs and other cooperative organizations. Directors of SACCOs can employ strategies to enhance governance practices within their societies, ultimately improving their overall performance. The study recommends that audit committee members maintain regular meetings to assess the SACCOs' performance, ensuring smooth operations from the findings. Additionally, Deposit-Taking SACCOs should engage with their customers frequently to keep them informed of the SACCO's progress and involve them in governance through voting rights in board decisions. These recommendations can contribute to better governance and improve SACCO's financial performance

Effects of Principals’ Organization of Mathematics Contests on Students’ Performance in Mathematics in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations in Meru County

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of Principals’ Organization of Mathematics Contests on Students’ Performance in Mathematics in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations in Meru County Kirikua, Thiharu Maingi Performance of candidates in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Mathematics in Meru County of Kenya from 2012 to 2016 has consistently been deteriorating. This has called for this study so as to establish whether this trend has anything to do with organization or otherwise of external Mathematics contests in secondary schools of Meru County of Kenya. The study adopted ex post facto design because the effects of independent variable on dependent variable had already occurred. Research instruments were Mathematics teachers’ questionnaire, and Principals’ interview guide. The target population was 299 principals and 836 Mathematics teachers in the County. This study used stratified random sampling with proportional allocation. The sample size was 30% of the total target population. It was established that most principals did not organize Mathematics contests, to the detriment of performance of their KCSE candidates.