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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Philosophy of the Programme The philosophy of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science is to develop and formulate innovative technology and novel solutions to computing problems and disseminate knowledge in the Computer Science discipline whilst at the same time influencing Computer Science practitioners’ actions, understanding and policy direction using cutting edge research. In pursuing this philosophy, the Department of Computer science expects that that doctoral candidates shall develop as academic researchers by routinely developing research writing skills as author of scholarly papers by themselves or co-author with their supervisors for publication in scientific journals and conference proceedings. In addition, the doctoral candidates shall be expected to link with industry and present findings from their research at various national and international conferences. Recognizing the dynamic and emerging trends in computing, and the importance of individual, organizational, communities and societal context complexities shall guide our research agenda.

Rationale In the recent past, there has been tremendous interest in the field of Computer Science, especially with the demand for CS academicians, demand for high calibre CS practitioners for industry, rapid changes in the CS area and the assimilation and institutionalization of CS locally, regionally and globally, which is among several factors that has driven the Department of Computer science research agenda. The aim of reviewing the programme include alignment with the Department of Computer science’s research strategy, necessitated by the desire to align the School’s research strategy with the national and regional academic and research needs, whilst at the same time meeting requisite Higher Education Institutions regulations and standards. In addition, reviewing the programme instils requisite Computer Science knowledge and skills necessary for the realization of Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The review took into consideration the following factors among others: (a) Best practices (b) Experiences learnt over the last 4 years (c) Alignment to the School’s research strategy (d) Analysis of the current programme (e) Analysis of stakeholder’s feedback (f) Alignment the country and regional academic, research and development needs (g) Benchmarking with other international doctoral programmes (h) Alignment with the discipline’s global Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science seeks to develop the science of computing and advance research in its relevant areas. This program builds on the foundations of Computer Science at Masters level.

The School of Computing & Informatics has established the following research groups that represent the broad areas of research:

Distributed Systems
Software Engineering
Management Information Systems
Artificial Intelligence

In addition to the areas stipulated above, other research areas shall be incorporated from time to time as recommended by the Institute of Computer Science Board and the Board of Postgraduate Studies and approved by Senate

A graduate of the Ph.D. programmes will, among others, be able to join research groups in Information Systems or Computer Science at universities or in industry, and teach information systems and/or computer science programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The objectives of the proposed programmes are therefore:

to provide a progression path for graduates of our MSc. (Computer Science) and MSc. (Information Systems) programmes;
to facilitate research at the Institute;
to serve national and regional development needs with respect to staff development;
to provide high quality training in computer science and information systems locally and internationally.

Contacts of support persons

[email protected]

Intake Every September.

Structure and Duration I. The programmes shall take a minimum of three (3) academic years and a maximum of five (5) academic years II. The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems and Doctor pf Philosophy in Computer Science shall be offered by course work, end of semester assessment and thesis. III. The programmes shall consist of four (4) compulsory taught course units and a thesis. Mode of Delivery The main mode of instruction will be via face-to-face and blended learning. Credit Transfer and Exemptions I. There shall be no credit transfer in the PhD Computer Science and PhD Information Systems Programmes II. There shall be no exemptions in the PhD Information Systems and PhD Computer Science Programmes

Course Distribution

Year 1, Semester 1 Course Code Course Title Hours CSC 901 Advanced Research Methods for Computer Science 90 CSC 902 Thematic Core Computer Science Research 90

Year 1, Semester 2 CSC 903 Experimentation, Modelling and Simulation and Data Analysis 90 CSC 904 Independent Computer Science Research Study 90

Year 2 and Year 3 CSC 905 Thesis 1080

Admission Requirements I. Applicants must satisfy the University's general admission criteria for Doctor of Philosophy Degree programmes. II. The following shall be eligible for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems; Holders of a Master’s degree in Computer Science or its equivalent from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by Senate III. Applicants shall be required to : a) Pass an entrance examination b) Submit and present a research concept note at the time of entrance examination

Researchers
Academic Institutions
Research Institutions
Public and private sector
International organisations
Entrepreneurship

Common regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy in all faculties shall be applicable.

The degree to be awarded shall be:

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, or
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems

The Doctor of Philosophy degree shall be carried out by research as recommended by the Institute of Computer Science Board and the Board of Postgraduate Studies and approved by Senate.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration

Doctoral studies provide an opportunity for candidates with an outstanding academic background to engage in an advanced study in a specialized field of research. Candidates are expected to have intellectual curiosity, self-discipline and a high level of motivation to carry out research.

The programme provides for a wide variety of specializations in management. To prepare Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates for advanced research, teaching and writing skills in their chosen area of specialization, candidates shall be required to take supporting coursework comprising six course units and lasting at least two semesters.

The Ph.D. programme seeks to orient candidates to the informed and critical application of knowledge to problems and issues concerning management disciplines and professions. The doctoral programme is intended to enhance individuals' capacity and skills for positions involving teaching, and research, in local and international institutions.

The objectives of the programme are: a) to enhance skills in the various areas of specialization; b) to provide an opportunity to the candidate to carry out and present scholarly work; and c) to carry out research in the chosen area of study and submit a Ph.D. thesis.

MODES OF DELIVERY

Full-time and part-time programme

The teaching of the degree programme shall extend over a minimum of 8 semesters and a maximum period of 16 semesters.

Each semester shall consist of 15 weeks inclusive of teaching and examinations

Each course unit in the programme has a loading of a minimum of 45 hours

Open, Distance and e-Learning

This Module is offered off-campus using multimedia approach in distance education.

The main media of instruction will be print and electronic study materials.

The study materials shall be self-instructional.
There will be use of limited face-to-face contact during the residential sessions.

Face-to-face delivery mode shall not exceed one third of the instructional time.

Counseling and guidance shall be provided using multi-media approach.
The module will run for a minimum of eight semesters of 24 weeks each and a maximum of 24 semesters from the date of registration.
The minimum semester load shall be two course units and the maximum shall be six course units.
Each course unit in the programme has a loading of a minimum of 45 hours.

The doctoral programme shall last for a minimum period of seven (7) semesters and a maximum of fifteen (15) semesters.

Course outline

Candidates will be required to take three (3) core and three (3) specialization courses as indicated below.

Thematic Areas of Specialization

Accounting • Banking • Finance • Global Management • Human Resources Management • Strategic Information Systems

• Marketing • Operations Management • Organizational Theory and Behaviour • Strategic Management • Entrepreneurship and Small business Development

The following shall be eligible for admission:

A holder of a Master of Business Administration(MBA) from the UoN or any other recognized university

A holder of Masters degree from the UoN in areas of specialization relevant to the disciplines in faculty of commerce or any other institution recognized by senate.

a) A holder of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the senate. b) A holder of a Masters degree from the University of Nairobi in areas of specialization relevant to the disciplines in the School of Business or any other institutions recognized by Senate.

Registration as a Doctoral student

a)For the purposes of eligibility for registration in the programme, an applicant who qualifies for admission into the course work phase shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirement spelt out in paragraph 4 of the common regulations for the degree of doctor of philosophy.

(b) A successful applicant shall register as a doctoral studentand take the required coursework. This student registration shall be for a minimum of three semesters and a maximum of seven semesters. The student shall be required to complete the coursework phase and develop an acceptable Research Proposal before being enrolled as a doctoral candidate.

Enrolment as a Doctoral Candidate

A student shall enroll as a doctoral candidate after fulfilling the following requirements in his/her respective departments of specialization: (a) successful completion of all the common and specialization courses. (b) presentation of an acceptable Thesis Research Proposal.

Thesis Research A candidate shall carry out supervised Thesis Research in his/her chosen area of study, for a minimum period of four semesters,culminating in a Doctoral Thesis.

Extension of Registration An extension of the registration period may be granted by Senate subject to satisfactory reasons being presented by the candidate.

TUITION 72,000.00

EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) 1,000.00

LIBRARY (PER YEAR) 5,000.00

MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) 6,500.00

ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) 7,000.00

REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) 2,250.00

CAUTION - (ONCE) 5,000.00

ID CARD ( PER YEAR) 1,000.00

ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) 2,000.00

THESIS EXAMINATION 50,000.00

Tuition/Supervision fees after course work p.a. 288,000.00

total units=6

1 unit 101,750.00

2 units 174,750.00

3 units 247,750.00

Semester totals

1 unit 75,250.00

2 units 148,250.00

3 units 221,250.00

1 unit 96,750.00

2 units 169,750.00

3 units 242,750.00

THESIS IS 50,000.00 AND 288,000.00 FOR THE SUBSEQUENT YEARS

Bank Account to Deposit:

ABSA Bank of Kenya

Branch-ABSA Towers

A/C Name: UON Module II Fee Collection Account

A/C. No.: 2032771362

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

1. Background

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Medical Physiology was started in 1986 with an interim approval of the Senate for the purpose of training postgraduate students in physiological and medical research. In addition, the current increase in the number of medical, dental and pharmacy schools and undergraduate nursing programs has exposed a large shortage of medical physiologists for teaching. The graduates will be able to effectively fill junior academic positions in any department of medical physiology before undertaking postdoctoral research training. Moreover, the research training in the program will be of value to the graduates in their specialized clinical disciplines.

2. Philosophy

There has been a considerable expansion in medical education within Kenya since the opening of the first medical school in 1968. This has not been accompanied with proportionate increase in the number of medical physiologists. The consequence is that medical physiology is being taught in many medical schools and other health science training institutions by doctors who have some other specialization. There are only a few applicants annually for the Masters Degree program in Medical Physiology partly because there are no Bachelors degree programs in the discipline in the country. The consequence is that there are very few PHD students in the discipline.

3. Rationale

The solution to the above problem is to offer training at the Doctor of Philosophy level in Medical Physiology. It is expected that some of the graduates will proceed to the post-doctoral degrees in Medical Physiology while others will find employment in technical areas of research institutions, medical services or pursue further research in their areas of specializations n in other health professions. The doctoral program seeks to develop the highest level of scholarship, research capability, and creative thinking skills in the student's area of specialization.

4. Objectives

The Objectives of the course is to provide learners with an opportunity to develop confidence and skills to apply basic and applied principles in medical physiology in the practice of medicine. This programme aims to encourage the acquisition of general medical physiology skills relating to basic and applied medical physiology, critical analysis, interpretation and discussion of factual information and data related to medical physiology. This course aims to offer a fresh stimulating approach to the major forces instrumental in the shaping of basic and applied skills in medical physiology. To provide quality education and training and to embody the aspirations of the Kenyan people and the global community through creation, preservation, integration, transmission and utilization of knowledge. To promote f reedom of thought and expression and innovativeness and creativity. To instill professionalism and ethical attitude and behaviour, professional etiquette and integrity. To foster a work environment characterize by team spirit and teamwork and provide quality services. To promote a respect for and conservation of the environment, sustainability and stewardship of resources.

5. Schedule of In takes

September every year

6. Mode Of Delivery

Face to face mode

Seminars, project presentations, academic consultation, tutorials and journal clubs

7. Application information

Application Procedure

When To Apply
Applications open in April every year and you should try to submit an application as soon as possible after that date.
Application Fees
An application fee must be paid for every application, except in the case of most graduates of UON. Please refer to the fee structure for more information.
Submitting Results And Documents
Current learners at school must make sure that all examination results from class 8 tp form four are submitted.
Transferring students should submit all transcripts and academic records as early as possible.
Monitor Your Application
It is a good idea to monitor the status of your application. You can do this online.

8. Notable Alumni

Prof. Julius Ogeng’o (DVC Academic Affairs), UoN

Prof. Peter Gichangi (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research and Extension), Technical University of Mombasa

9. Attachment Opportunities

INTRODUCTION

The department of Medical Physiology is committed to providing the students with opportunities to acquire, sharpen their knowledge and gain technical/practical skills to complement their studies in order to enhance their employability in line with the Kenya vision 2030. Attachment is provided to students from recognized learning institutions during their final year of year preceding the final year of study.

ATTACHMENT Eligibility and Duration

· The department of Medical Physiology attachment program runs on a yearly basis and intakes are in the Month of JANUARY.

· Only attachees from Government recognized Training Institutions shall be eligible for intake.

· Attachments opportunities shall be offered to Bachelor’s degree students during their 3 rd OR 4 th year of study or 2 nd year Diploma students.

· Attachment shall be undertaken only once during the course

ATTACHMENT Application Requirements

· Students are required to make applications at least one (1) month prior to the attachment period by sending a hard copy application letter or an email to [email protected] and attach the following documents: -

Valid letter from leaning institution,
Day time telephone contact
Application letters to be addressed to: The Chairman Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi. (RE: APPLICATION FOR ATTACHEMENT). Due to the large pool of applicants only selected students are contacted.

1. Teaching human anatomy.

2. Further training in anatomical fields.

3. Research in human and translational anatomy

11. Contact of support Persons

1. Prof. Moses Obimbo

Chairman, Dept. of Human Anatomy & Physiology

P.O.Box 30197-00100

Nairobi, Kenya

Tel :254734510541

Mobile :254721585906

Email : [email protected]

2.Dr. Paul Odula

Coordinator, PhD Programmes

Tel : 254734510541

Mobile :254722773025

Email : [email protected]

3. Dr. Charles Githinji

Coordinator, Med Physiology Programmes

Mobile :254722785517

Email :[email protected]

Structure and Duration of The course

The Programme shall run over a minimum of three academic years and a maximum of five years for full time students.

The course has two parts. The first part covers the tuition component of the course. In the second part, students will cover the research (thesis) component of the course.

Duration of PhD Programme

A registered candidate must submit to the Department of Human anatomy and Medical Physiology a research proposal within six (6) months after registration.

The School of Medicine may decline to approve the study or research if:

Deemed unsuitable in itself
Cannot scholarly be studied under the supervision of the University or supervision outside the University which is acceptable to the Senate: or
Conditions under which the candidate proposes to work are unsatisfactory.
The registration for the PhD will lapse if a candidate fails to submit an acceptable research proposal within six months after completion of requirements of coursework.
A candidate may be registered as a full time student for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years. Part-time students should take a minimum of four years and a maximum of seven years. Registration will be reviewed from time to time by the Graduate School. Continuance of registration shall dependent on evidence of satisfactory progress.
The PhD program in the Department of Medical Physiology shall normally thesis preparation and defense. PhD candidates are expected to have done the core and relevant required courses in the Masters Programme, depending on their programme of specialization.
On admission, the student, after consultation with the academic advisor, shall declare in writing and under his/her signature, one of the eight programmes of Study and the programme of Specialization he/she wants to pursue.
The academic advisor will advise the student on the appropriate combination, including the availability of specific courses for the year.

Conduct of Studies

A candidate registered in accordance with these regulations shall be required to pursue his/her program of study instruction or supervision by academic staff appointed in that capacity by the University of Nairobi Senate on the recommendation of the Department of Medical Physiology and the School of Medicine.
All candidates shall be required to consult their supervisor(s) at least once a month.
Candidates will be required to give seminars as prescribed throughout the coursework period for all courses for which they are registered.
All candidates shall be required to participate in all the Seminars and field trips as arranged for them by the Department of Medical Physiology.
Students doing PhD in Medical Physiology are exempted from the core courses, if one has already done them, at the discretion of the Senate based on the recommendation of the Department of Medical Physiology

Description Of Thesis

Rationale of the thesis in the programme

The thesis will test their ability to conceptualize, plan and implement their research project and write it up according to the standard format for thesis writing for the University of Nairobi.

Facets of the thesis

The thesis should follow the guidelines for thesis writing by the Graduate School of the University of Nairobi. The thesis will have in English using the format of Times New Roman or equivalent A4 font 11 with a minimum of 15000 words and a maximum of 20000 words and will include:

Abstract (1 page)
Introduction (1 page)
Literature review (4 pages)
Methodology(5 pages)
Presentation of results(10 pages)
Discussion and Conclusion(10 pages)
References (minimum of 20 references)
Appendices (maximum of 5 appendices each not exceeding 5 pages)

Regulations of thesis

The thesis must be the original work of the student, must pass the antiplagiarism check and presented successfully to a departmental panel. The student will be subjected to a 15 minute oral examination covering aspects of the degree course. Internal examiners who are not supervisors will be marked according to the rule of grading of written examinations.

Course Evaluation

The course will be evaluated in terms of instructional process, infrastructure and equipment for delivery, adequacy of instructional and reference materials and the accuracy and efficacy of the assessment tools and methodologies. An annual internal evaluation of the qualification and experience of the academic and technical staff including the staff: student ratio will be done. Annual review of the departmental asset register will be done to department the functional status of teaching facilities and equipment.

Management And Administration Of The Program

Placement of housing

Appropriateness of teaching and reading space will be ensured

Academic leadership

Senior lecturer who are PhD holders will be the team teaching leaders

Quality Assurance mechanism

Thoroughness and effectiveness of the quality mechanisms will be done using research logs with feedback from both the student and the supervisors

Courses Offered For The Program

List of courses

HMP 407 Project

Total number of hours and units required

Contact hours =270 hours per year

These will conform to the Commission of University Education Curriculum Standards and the University of Nairobi Statutes

Minimum student workload = 2 students

Seminars=80%
Independent study/private study=100%
Practical=100%
Project and thesis preparation = 2 weeks

Minimum lecturer workload = 15 lecturers

Preparation time for teaching and practical=3 hours per week
Actual supervisory time=8 hours per week
Project supervision =15 lecturers

Duration of course units

The program shall cover a maximum of two (2) academic year of 2 semesters of 16 weeks.

Each course unit will 225 hours for the thesis project.

The degree program shall comprise of thesis research project.

A student who does not complete the course within the prescribed period shall be discontinued.

Course Matrix

There will be one learning outcome in the course matric for this degree as it is not a taught course

Admission Requirements

Minimum admission requirements

Applicants with the following minimum qualifications shall be admissible:

(a) Common University regulations for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Nairobi shall apply.

(b) Any candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Medical Physiology must:

Be a holder of a Masters degree in Medical Physiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Public Health, Pharmacology, Radiology, Clinical Pharmacy, Psychiatry and other health related courses offered in the College of Health Sciences from the University of Nairobi or of any other institution recognized by the Senate of the University of Nairobi.
Be a holder of a Master’s degree of the University of Nairobi in any of the following disciplines: life science, health sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, law, engineering, humanities, and allied disciplines.

(ii) be holder of a Master’s degree of any other University recognized by the University of Nairobi as equivalent to the status of the qualifications in (i) above; or

iii) be a holder of other qualifications considered by Senate as equivalent to a Master’s degree in the disciplines outlined in (i) above.

Regulations for credit transfers

There are no credit transfers or exemptions for this program.

Course Requirements

The course requirements are well articulate with respect to:

Student obligation

Student class attendance should be demonstrations and tutorials for undergraduate students (50%), presenting seminars for peers (100%), attending postgraduate student and academic staff seminars (80%).

Lecturer and online tutors obligation

Academic consultation, practicals and tutorials (100%), facilitation for face to face and online courses (100%) and office hours.

Student Assessment Policy And Criteria

The student assessment policy and criteria will include:

Thesis presentation (100%).

Grading System

Submission and Examination of Thesis

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of philosophy shall be required to submit a thesis embodying the results of his/her research.
At least six months before the thesis is presented, a candidate shall give notice of submission to the Dean, School of Medicine with copies to the Director of the University of Nairobi Graduate School. The notice should indicate the title of the thesis, and include an abstract of the work, outlining the general scope of the thesis and an antiplagiarism report.
Six copies of the thesis must be submitted to the Director of the University of Nairobi Graduate School. and must be accompanied by a declaration on the part of the candidate, that the thesis has not been submitted for a degree of any other University, and that the contents of the thesis are the original work of the candidate, countersigned by the supervisor. All six copies of the thesis shall remain the property of the University of Nairobi.
The Senate shall, on the recommendation of the School of Medicine, appoint one external examiner and two internal examiners. In addition, the Senate, on the recommendation of the School of Medicine shall appoint two faculty representatives for the oral examination of the candidate.

The Board of Examiners for the Oral Examination shall consist of:

Dean of the School of Medicine or his representative as chairman
Two Internal Examiners
Candidate's supervisor(s)
Two members of the Board, School of Medicine
A candidate shall be required to present himself/herself for an oral examination on a date to be announced by the Associate Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences Medicine after submission of this thesis.
The Board of Examiners shall submit a joint report on the thesis and oral examination and make a recommendation on the award of the degree or otherwise to the Senate.
The Senate may, on advice of examiners, invite a candidate to submit a revised form of a thesis which has not been accepted in the original form within a period to be determined by the examiners. Correction of specific errors does not require formal resubmission.
A thesis accepted by the University of Nairobi and subsequently published in part or whole and in whatever form, shall bear the inscription; work forming part of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Nairobi.

EXAMINATION REGULATIONS

Thesis Assessment

Common regulations of the University of Nairobi and those of the Faculty of Health Sciences shall apply.
The thesis shall be marked by at least two (2) internal examiners and an external examiner. The oral defense shall be assessed by the external examiner and not less than two internal examiners.
A candidate who fails to submit the thesis or fails to successfully defend the thesis shall be considered to have failed the degree program.
All (100%) of the final marks shall be from research thesis.

Graduation Requirements

Award of the degree

A candidate who satisfies the examiners in the thesis presentation shall, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners and approval of the Senate, be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physiology (PhD Med Phys).

Applicants with the following minimum qualifications shall be admissible: (a) Common University regulations for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Nairobi shall apply. (b) Any candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Medical Physiology must: (i) Be a holder of a Masters degree in Medical Physiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Public Health, Pharmacology, Radiology, Clinical Pharmacy, Psychiatry and other health related courses offered in the College of Health Sciences from the University of Nairobi or of any other institution recognized by the Senate of the University of Nairobi. (ii) Be a holder of a Master’s degree of the University of Nairobi in any of the following disciplines: life science, health sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, law, engineering, humanities, and allied disciplines. (ii) be holder of a Master’s degree of any other University recognized by the University of Nairobi as equivalent to the status of the qualifications in (i) above; or iii) be a holder of other qualifications considered by Senate as equivalent to a Master’s degree in the disciplines outlined in (i) above.

NB: Regulations for credit transfers

1. Research Scientists in Medical Physiology

2. Lecturer in Medical Physiology

NOTE: The above fees is applicable to both local and international students.

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African farmers look to the past and the future to address climate change

HARARE, Zimbabwe — From ancient fertilizer methods in Zimbabwe to new greenhouse technology in Somalia, farmers across the heavily agriculture-reliant African continent are looking to the past and future to respond to climate change.

Africa, with the world’s youngest population, faces the worst effects of a warming planet while contributing the least to the problem. Farmers are scrambling to make sure the booming population is fed.

With over 60% of the world’s uncultivated land, Africa should be able to feed itself, some experts say. And yet three in four people across the continent cannot afford a healthy diet, according to a report last year by the African Union and United Nations agencies. Reasons include conflict and lack of investment.

In Zimbabwe, where the El Nino phenomenon has worsened a drought , small-scale farmer James Tshuma has lost hope of harvesting anything from his fields. It’s a familiar story in much of the country, where the government has declared a $2 billion state of emergency and millions of people face hunger.

But a patch of green vegetables is thriving in a small garden the 65-year-old Tshuma is keeping alive with homemade organic manure and fertilizer. Previously discarded items have again become priceless.

“This is how our fathers and forefathers used to feed the earth and themselves before the introduction of chemicals and inorganic fertilizers,” Tshuma said.

He applies livestock droppings, grass, plant residue, remains of small animals, tree leaves and bark, food scraps and other biodegradable items like paper. Even the bones of animals that are dying in increasing numbers due to the drought are burned before being crushed into ash for their calcium.

Climate change is compounding much of sub-Saharan Africa’s longstanding problem of poor soil fertility, said Wonder Ngezimana, an associate professor of crop science at Zimbabwe’s Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

“The combination is forcing people to re-look at how things were done in the past like nutrient recycling, but also blending these with modern methods,” said Ngezimana, whose institution is researching the combination of traditional practices with new technologies.

Apart from being rich in nitrogen, organic fertilizers help increase the soil’s carbon and ability to retain moisture, Ngezimana said. “Even if a farmer puts synthetic fertilizer into the soil, they are likely to suffer the consequences of poor moisture as long as there is a drought,” he said.

Other moves to traditional practices are under way. Drought-resistant millets , sorghum and legumes, staples until the early 20th century when they were overtaken by exotic white corn, have been taking up more land space in recent years.

Leaves of drought-resistant plants that were once a regular dish before being cast off as weeds are returning to dinner tables. They even appear on elite supermarket shelves and are served at classy restaurants, as are millet and sorghum.

This could create markets for the crops even beyond drought years, Ngezimana said.

A GREENHOUSE REVOLUTION IN SOMALIA

In conflict-prone Somalia in East Africa, greenhouses are changing the way some people live, with shoppers filling up carts with locally produced vegetables and traditionally nomadic pastoralists under pressure to settle down and grow crops.

“They are organic, fresh and healthy,” shopper Sucdi Hassan said in the capital, Mogadishu. “Knowing that they come from our local farms makes us feel secure.”

Her new shopping experience is a sign of relative calm after three decades of conflict and the climate shocks of drought and flooding.

Urban customers are now assured of year-round supplies, with more than 250 greenhouses dotted across Mogadishu and its outskirts producing fruit and vegetables. It is a huge leap.

“In the past, even basic vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes were imported, causing logistical problems and added expenses,” said Somalia’s minister of youth and sports, Mohamed Barre.

The greenhouses also create employment in a country where about 75% of the population is people under 30 years old, many of them jobless.

About 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the capital, Mohamed Mahdi, an agriculture graduate, inspected produce in a greenhouse where he works.

“Given the high unemployment rate, we are grateful for the chance to work in our chosen field of expertise,” the 25-year-old said.

Meanwhile, some pastoralist herders are being forced to change their traditional ways after watching livestock die by the thousands.

“Transitioning to greenhouse farming provides pastoralists with a more resilient and sustainable livelihood option,” said Mohamed Okash, director of the Institute of Climate and Environment at SIMAD University in Mogadishu.

He called for larger investments in smart farming to combat food insecurity.

A MORE RESILIENT BEAN IN KENYA

In Kenya, a new climate-smart bean variety is bringing hope to farmers in a region that had recorded reduced rainfall in six consecutive rainy seasons.

The variety, called “Nyota” or “star” in Swahili, is the result of a collaboration between scientists from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, the Alliance of Bioversity International and research organization International Center for Tropical Agriculture.

The new bean variety is tailored for Kenya’s diverse climatic conditions. One focus is to make sure drought doesn’t kill them off before they have time to flourish.

The bean variety flowers and matures so quickly that it is ready for harvesting by the time rains disappear, said David Karanja, a bean breeder and national coordinator for grains and legumes at KALRO.

Hopes are that these varieties could bolster national bean production. The annual production of 600,000 metric tons falls short of meeting annual demand of 755,000 metric tons, Karanja said.

Farmer Benson Gitonga said his yield and profits are increasing because of the new bean variety. He harvests between nine and 12 bags from an acre of land, up from the previous five to seven bags.

One side benefit of the variety is a breath of fresh air.

“Customers particularly appreciate its qualities, as it boasts low flatulence levels, making it an appealing choice,” Gitonga said.

Tiro reported from Nairobi, Kenya and Faruk reported from Mogadishu, Somalia.

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

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The Morning

Chaos and oppression.

The central question for universities responding to protests is whether to prioritize the preservation of order or the desire of students to denounce oppression.

People take part in a protest in support of Palestine outside of Columbia University. One women stands on a subway entrance waving a Palestinian flag.

By David Leonhardt

Arnold Kling, an economist, published a book a decade ago that offered a way to think about the core difference between progressives and conservatives. Progressives, Kling wrote , see the world as a struggle between the oppressor and the oppressed, and they try to help the oppressed. Conservatives see the world as a struggle between civilization and barbarism — between order and chaos — and they try to protect civilization.

Like many frameworks, Kling’s is a simplification, and it’s easy to find exceptions. But his book has been influential because the framework often sheds light on political arguments.

The debate over pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia and other universities has become an example. If you want to understand why university leaders are finding the situation so hard to resolve, Kling’s dichotomy is useful: The central question for colleges is whether to prioritize the preservation of order or the desire of students to denounce oppression.

In today’s newsletter, I’ll lay out the cases of the dueling sides.

Confronting injustice

For the student protesters, the injustice in Gaza is so horrific that it takes precedence over almost anything else.

The death toll in Gaza since Oct. 7 is more than 30,000, the Gaza Ministry of Health reports. Entire neighborhoods are rubble. Israel has slowed the entry of basic supplies into Gaza, and many families are hungry. (My colleagues Vivian Yee and Bilal Shbair profiled two families trying to find their children enough to eat .)

The protesters view this suffering as an atrocity that demands action, much as Jim Crow laws, the Vietnam War and South African apartheid did for earlier students. In a statement yesterday, a pro-Palestinian group at Columbia cited as inspiration the anti-Vietnam War demonstrators who were killed at Kent State University in 1970.

If classes must be canceled and graduation ceremonies can’t happen, all the better, the students say. The disruptions will force the world to confront what the protesters describe as a genocide. “Big picture, genocide is happening, and this is where we stand,” one Columbia graduate student told the publication Hell Gate .

Many protesters specifically call for their universities to divest from companies that do business in Israel or help produce military equipment.

Some students have framed the debate as being about free speech, and free-speech principles do play a role. But I don’t think they are as central as Kling’s frame. Both sides, after all, have tried to restrict speech. Supporters of Israel have doxxed pro-Palestinian students and tried to penalize slogans like “ From the river to the sea .” Pro-Palestinian protesters have ripped away Israeli and U.S. flags and tried to prevent pro-Israel students from speaking.

The protesters’ abiding principle is not freedom of speech. It is justice for the oppressed.

Preventing chaos

For the protesters’ critics, the breakdown of order is the central problem — because a community that descends into chaos can’t function.

Protesters have frequently violated colleges’ rules. They have erected tents in public places and overwhelmed those areas. Columbia has switched to hybrid classes because of the turmoil.

Even worse, some protests have involved harassment and violence. The University of Michigan had to cut short an honors ceremony for students. At Vanderbilt, more than 20 protesters stormed the president’s office, injuring a security guard and shattering a window. At Columbia , videos have shown protesters threatening Jewish students with antisemitic vitriol, including a sign talking about Hamas’s “next targets.”

If universities do not enforce their own rules against such behavior, the rules have no meaning, administrators fear. Other protesters, seeing their own causes as existential, could likewise halt normal life. Perhaps they would be climate activists or students outraged by China’s oppression of Uighurs — or even demonstrators with right-wing views unpopular on American campuses. If anti-abortion protesters were to take over a quad for days, would university administrators ignore their own campus rules?

Jason Riley, a Wall Street Journal columnist, has compared the protesters’ tactics to those of the white residents of Arkansas who tried to use physical intimidation to prevent the enforcement of a law they didn’t like: school desegregation. President Dwight Eisenhower responded by proclaiming that “disorderly mobs” could not triumph, Riley noted.

College administrators are not making such analogies. Many express sympathy for the protesters’ concerns. But some insist that society can’t function if people violate rules without consequence. “We cannot have one group dictate terms and attempt to disrupt important milestones like graduation to advance their point of view,” Minouche Shafik, Columbia’s president, wrote to the campus this week.

What’s next?

I recognize that not everybody will accept Kling’s framework for this debate. Pro-Palestinian students will say that Israel is the true source of disorder, while pro-Israel students will say that Hamas is the true oppressor.

Still, I think the Kling dichotomy captures the dilemma that university leaders face. The protests continue, and graduation season is approaching. Those leaders will have to make difficult decisions about what values to prioritize.

The latest on the protests

“Go back to class,” Speaker Mike Johnson told protesters while visiting Columbia. He suggested calling in the National Guard .

At the University of Texas, police officers in riot gear blocked protesters and arrested at least 20 of them. The protests at Columbia, and the school’s response, have galvanized demonstrations at universities across the U.S.

Columbia’s president is fighting for her job. Some professors now oppose her , but she has the support of the school’s board.

Benjamin Netanyahu called student protesters in the U.S. “antisemitic mobs.”

Trump said the demonstrations were worse than the violent 2017 white supremacist protests in Charlottesville, where a woman was killed.

Brandeis, a historically Jewish university outside Boston, extended its deadline for transfer applications , promising an environment “free of harassment and Jew-hatred.”

THE LATEST NEWS

Foreign aid bill.

President Biden signed a bill with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, calling it “a good day for world peace.” The administration plans to send Ukraine more weapons this week .

The bill includes $1 billion in humanitarian aid. “Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay,” Biden said.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, was a linchpin in winning aid for Ukraine, pushing back against isolationists in his own party.

An Arizona grand jury charged Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows and others over their efforts to help Donald Trump overturn his 2020 election loss. The indictment names Trump as an unindicted co-conspirator.

Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial resumes this morning. This graphic shows the links between Trump and other figures in the case.

Biden mocked Trump for suggesting as president that disinfectant injections might treat Covid. The bleach “ all went to his hair ,” Biden said.

More on Politics

Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, is in China. Economic tensions are high .

The Supreme Court sounded divided over whether to allow doctors to perform emergency abortions in states with strict bans. Today the court will hear Trump’s claim that he’s immune from prosecution over Jan. 6.

Three Arizona Republicans voted with Democrats to repeal the state’s 1864 abortion ban . The bill heads to the State Senate.

Building union leaders endorsed Biden. They plan to mobilize their members to support him in swing states, CNN reports .

Donald Payne Jr., a six-term Democratic congressman from New Jersey known for wearing bow ties, died at 65 .

International

Floods across Kenya have killed at least 32 people and displaced more than 40,000.

The U.S. secretly shipped new long-range missiles to Ukraine .

Hamas released a video showing for the first time that Hersh Goldberg-Polin , an Israeli American taken hostage on Oct. 7, remains alive.

MORNING READS

Athens: A Saharan dust cloud has turned the city orange .

Meet Cait Bailey: She’s a publicist to major celebrities, and her boyfriend is a famous chef. But she’d prefer to keep a low profile .

Diet: Could calorie restriction or intermittent fasting help you live longer? Read what scientists know .

Broods: Trillions of cicadas are emerging after more than a decade of feeding on tree roots. Get ready .

Lives Lived: Helen Vendler’s power as a poetry critic derived from her close and impassioned readings. A fellow critic called her a “colossus.” Vendler died at 90 .

Queens Park Ladies: An under-12 girls’ soccer team in England joined a boys’ league — and went undefeated . “They definitely underestimated us,” Edith Wragg, one of the players, said.

N.F.L. Draft: Four quarterbacks are expected to go in the first round tonight .

N.B.A.: The Miami Heat shocked the Boston Celtics in a 111-101 road win to even the series at 1-1.

College football: Reggie Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy was reinstated , nearly 14 years after he forfeited it during a scandal.

ARTS AND IDEAS

The Venice Biennale, the world’s best event to discover new art, opened with a Prosecco-soaked weekend. Artists, along with critics and collectors, filled the city.

The Times’s critic Jason Farago was one of them. While he loved some of the work, he didn’t love the theme, “Foreigners Everywhere,” which he felt reflects a problem in our culture. “It’s often preachy, but that’s not its biggest problem. The real problem is how it tokenizes, essentializes, minimizes and pigeonholes talented artists,” he writes. Read his review .

Related: Venice is trying to limit tourism with a small fee on busy days .

More on culture

“Challengers,” from the director Luca Guadagnino, is about love and tennis. The Times spoke with its stars, including Zendaya, about the film and life in the public eye .

The American Film Institute is giving Nicole Kidman a lifetime achievement award this week. See what makes her work singular .

The Getty Museum agreed to return an ancient bronze head to Turkey.

A long-lost Gustav Klimt painting sold for $37 million at auction.

Jimmy Kimmel dunked on Trump’s billion-dollar stock bonus .

THE MORNING RECOMMENDS …

Toss a 20-minute lemony orzo with asparagus and garlic bread crumbs.

Navigate grief with these books .

Understand the new airline refund rules .

Buy a gift for a green-thumbed friend.

Here is today’s Spelling Bee . Yesterday’s pangram was topiary .

And here are today’s Mini Crossword , Wordle , Sudoku , Connections and Strands .

Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Times. See you tomorrow. — David

P.S. Lauren Jackson — one of the Times journalists in London who update this newsletter while you’re sleeping — has been promoted to associate editor .

David Leonhardt runs The Morning , The Times’s flagship daily newsletter. Since joining The Times in 1999, he has been an economics columnist, opinion columnist, head of the Washington bureau and founding editor of the Upshot section, among other roles. More about David Leonhardt

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Honoring a global trailblazer: James B. Karugu ‘62 given a posthumous honorary doctorate during BGSU 2024 Spring Commencement

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Karugu, one of the first African students to study at BGSU, became Kenya’s second attorney general and a prosperous coffee farmer. His daughter traveled to accept the honor.

#1 University in Ohio for Student Experience

Innovative engineering degrees, #1 public university in the midwest students would choose again for the fourth consecutive year.

As Bowling Green State University prepares for its 2024 Spring Commencement, a poignant moment of recognition will take place during the ceremonies.

This year, BGSU will posthumously bestow an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree upon James B. Karugu '62, a distinguished alumnus and Kenya’s second attorney general. Karugu’s remarkable journey from BGSU to the corridors of power in Kenya serves as an enduring testament to the transformative power of education.

“As a public university for the public good, BGSU is honored to posthumously recognize alumnus James Karugu,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “A steadfast public servant and a former attorney general of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. Karugu demonstrated such a meaningful commitment to serve others and to make communities better. We are proud to posthumously award him an honorary doctorate of public service.”

Karugu’s legacy stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through higher education, perseverance and a global perspective. The honorary degree celebrates his exceptional contributions to the legal field, his unwavering commitment to justice and his enduring legacy. His daughter, Vicky Karugu, will be present to accept the honorary degree on his behalf, honoring a Falcon whose impact reverberates across continents.

The journey to BGSU

Karugu’s late 1950s journey from the rural landscapes of Kenya to the BGSU campus was driven by his unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a desire to excel. Born with a natural curiosity and a tenacious spirit, Karugu’s academic prowess quickly became evident during his formative years in Kenya. As he navigated his educational path, he became increasingly aware of the opportunities that awaited him beyond his home country’s borders.

Kenya was still under British colonial rule and in the midst of an intense struggle for independence. In a biographical sketch collected through interviews by BGSU geography professor and Global Village Director Dr. Kefa Otiso and Dr. Ng’ang’a Irungu, Karugu recalled the moment he realized that the law would be the passion to drive him:

“I once was a young boy with dusty, bare feet, and clothed in the uniform of St. Peter Claver Primary School as I sat in the public gallery of the High Court of Kenya. I was there to support my father in a legal dispute. Looking down in fascination at the men in wooly white wigs arguing away eloquently; at ease with incomprehensible legal jargon and Latin phrases. Just like few of us will experience love at first sight, few will experience passion and meaning at first experience,” he wrote.

Karugu attended the prestigious Holy Ghost College Mangu in Thika, Kenya, where he was shaped by the school's strict code of ethics, discipline and character. He credits his early education - and his school's distinctive uniform - as the catalyst for learning about studying in America and discovering BGSU. "A former deputy mayor of Nairobi, Mr. Mark Kaigwa, noticed me in my uniform as I stood waiting for a bus for home one evening. ... A former Mangu student himself, he took me under his wing and encouraged me to pursue my dream," Karugu recalled. "He introduced me to Dr. Julius Kiano, who held a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (the first Kenyan ever to do so). Dr. Kiano further emboldened me, advising me to visit the American Embassy in Nairobi for more information about studying in America."

Academic excellence and cultural exchange

Myriad formative experiences helped shaped Karugu during his time as a student at BGSU and his arrival signaled a new chapter in the University's global engagement, bridging cultures and fostering understanding.

Karugu’s academic pursuits were fueled by an insatiable curiosity. His political science studies challenged him intellectually, but it was the vibrant exchange of ideas within the University’s diverse student body that truly enriched his education.

As president of the International Students’ Society, he found himself at the intersection of cultures, organizing events, sharing stories and building lasting friendships. The wooly white wigs of the High Court of Kenya were replaced by spirited debates in BGSU classrooms, where he honed his legal acumen and developed a global perspective.

Beyond the classroom: Jobs, service and community

Karugu’s journey extended beyond textbooks and lecture halls. He worked tirelessly, taking on various campus jobs — from janitorial duties to operating the campus switchboard. His commitment to hard work mirrored the ethos of BGSU, where students were encouraged to engage actively in their own education.

As he balanced academics and employment, he also babysat for another future BGSU legacy alumnus. In what would be an early meeting of iconic BGSU alumni, Karugu babysat future Olympian Scott Hamilton when Hamilton's father, Dr. Ernest Hamilton, head of the University’s biology department, and his wife, Dorothy, offered Karugu free room and board in exchange for the duty.

"It was a tough job. I didn't know how to cook anything," Karugu relayed with a chuckle to John Kamau of Kenya's Nation Media Group in 2018. These experiences shaped him, teaching him resilience, adaptability and the value of community.

A man holds a snow shovel in a black and white photo.

Attorney general to coffee entrepreneur

Karugu’s journey to BGSU was not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the power of international partnerships. His graduation in 1962 marked a historic milestone for both BGSU and Kenya. Equipped with his degree, Karugu returned to Kenya and embarked on a distinguished legal career. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Kenya’s second attorney general.

As attorney general, Karugu faced significant challenges, including combating corruption within the judiciary. His commitment to justice and integrity left an indelible mark on Kenya’s legal landscape. His legal legacy serves as a beacon for future generations, demonstrating that education, perseverance and a global perspective can transform lives and shape nations.

After his tenure as attorney general, Karugu embarked on a new chapter — one that took him away from the corridors of power and into the serene landscapes of his Kiamara coffee farm in the outskirts of Kiambu town. Here, amidst the rustling coffee plants and the rich Kenyan soil, Karugu found solace and purpose. His decision to retreat from public life was deliberate, driven by a desire for an honest living and a connection to the land.

Kiamara Farm, historical and expansive, became more than a source of sustenance; it symbolized resilience and self-sufficiency. Karugu, alongside his wife, Margaret (now late), and their four children — Vicky, Mwaura, Rose and Githara —tended to the coffee plants, the rhythm of farm life replacing the hustle and bustle of Nairobi.

Recognition and legacy

In 2010, BGSU recognized Karugu as one of its top 100 alumni. His impact extended far beyond the University’s borders.

In her recent letter of support, Dr. Ellen Schendel, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, aptly captured his influence:

“By setting out to gain a college education from BGSU, Mr. Karugu created a path for many other African students to take, including other young people from Kenya. He is thus the first of a whole community of Falcon alumni who are forever a part of BGSU while living, working and creating good in Kenya.”

Dr. Marc Simon, chair of the Department of Political Science, emphasized Karugu’s character and suitability for this honorary degree:

“Mr. Karugu has demonstrated not only a stellar career in law and public service in Kenya but also the work ethic, integrity and strength of character that are important for an honorary degree candidate at BGSU.”

BGSU President Carol Cartwright and alumnus James B. Karugu

Otiso, BGSU professor and fellow Kenyan, highlighted the University’s global impact through Karugu:

“By rising to become Kenya’s second attorney general, Mr. Karugu also proves that BGSU has long been A Public University for the Public Good in Ohio, the U.S. and across the globe.”

In his own words in 2010, Karugu reflected on the transformative power of his BGSU education:

“I must take this opportunity to record my deep, profound and heartfelt gratitude to BGSU, not only for hosting me as a foreign student but in changing my life completely, from a village herd boy to a successful lawyer and farmer.”

Karugu passed away on Nov. 10, 2022, but his impact endures. His story reminds us the pursuit of knowledge knows no boundaries, and the seeds planted at BGSU continue to bear fruit across continents.

Through this honorary degree, BGSU pays tribute to a trailblazer who blazed a path from Kenya to Ohio and back, exemplifying the impact of higher education, resilience and global connections.