The thesis investigates phenotyping and quantitative trait loci mapping of hard-to-cook traits and yield-related traits in common bean. It presents research on evaluating a panel of locally conserved common bean accessions for agronomic and yield traits through field trials. Data was collected on traits like flowering time, maturity duration, plant architecture, and seed yields. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine genetic variability and identify correlations between traits. The research aims to identify superior lines and loci associated with important traits to support common bean breeding

This thesis examines the relationship between soil hydro-physical properties and the persistence of soil water repellency in agricultural soils in Murang'a and Makueni counties, Kenya. It aims to determine how soil properties like texture, organic matter content, and moisture levels impact the severity and duration of water repellency. The study will collect soil samples from different agricultural sites and test them for repellency over time. It seeks to improve understanding of this problem and help develop strategies to remedy repellency issues that affect crop growth.

The purpose of this study was to establish determinants of academic staff retention in Kenyan public universities. Universities in Kenya are operating in a highly competitive environment and one of the challenges they face is employee retention. This has been occasioned by globalisation which has intensified competition and increased the mobility of highly skilled employees yet the universities depend on these staff for success and sustainability. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to establish whether the extrinsic factors (leadership style, remuneration) and intrinsic factors (training, promotion) influenced retention of academic staff, and the moderating effect of personal characteristics (age and education level) on academic staff retention.

) The document discusses regional income estimation and employment determination using two main models: the Keynesian income-expenditure model and input-output model. 2) It explains how the Keynesian model can be used to estimate a region's equilibrium income based on factors like consumption, investment, exports and imports. It also introduces the concept of the regional multiplier which magnifies changes in income. 3) The document analyzes how characteristics of a region like industry mix and location can impact the size of the regional multiplier and therefore the region's economy. It provides an example of how universities can boost a local economy through jobs and skilled graduates.