Kenya Engineer 

Abstract: A low-cost data acquisition system for tillage tools was designed to measure draft, vertical force reaction, moment about the vertical axis, and depth and speed. The object was to investigate the field performance of light tillage tools intended for use with animal traction in Kenya, in a comparative and repeatable manner, and to enable the study of soil-tool interactions over a wide range of soil conditions. The system was designed to be easily transported, of low maintenance, and adaptable to tractors and other vehicles with a tow-bar. Main components of the system include a datalogger and portable computer, tensile load cell, chain driven tachogenerator and speedometer units for recording and monitoring speed respectively, a linear potentiometer for sensing depth, and a two-component octagonal ring transducer for measuring moment and vertical force reaction in the shank of the mounted tool. Draft loads of up to 10 kN, vertical force reaction up to 3 kN, moment on the tool shank up to 0.4 kNm, speed up to 2.8 m/s, and tillage depth up to 300 mm may be measured simultaneously.

Abstract: Kenya is experiencing an acute shortage of housing for both its rural and urban population. The problem has been more evident over the last two decades as a result of the country’s depressed economic performance. There is proliferation of informal settlements due to high demand for housing. There are also related problems such as violation of set standards/by-laws in the construction of housing units and increased conflicts between tenants and landlords. These problems are especially manifest in the low-income areas within towns/cities. In rural areas the status of housing is characterized by poor quality of materials and the construction methods used. To address this situation, a concerted effort by Government agencies (concerned Ministries, Research Institutions) and the Private sector (Financial, Construction and Professionals) is required to provide affordable housing (individual and schemes) so as to improve the standards of living both in rural and urban areas. The success of such efforts is a best prospect particularly for manufacturers of affordable and durable building materials, Contractors, Researchers, Professionals and Financial institutions. At the primary level in addressing the problem of affordable housing are the Research Institutions because the interest from potential stakeholders will depend largely on the outcome of proven affordable and/or low-cost technologies developed. This paper presents some background information on housing in Kenya and discusses the preliminary design and construction guidelines for affordable model house developed as a joint venture between Moi University and Bamburi Special Products. In this initial stage, the teams involved in the research were able to design and construct a model house of total floor area 45 m 2 made of pre-cast steel fibre reinforced concrete walling panels at a relatively affordable cost despite the fact that some materials were imported. It is envisaged that with appropriate replacement of the imported materials and other high cost materials used in the model house, the overall cost will be further reduced.