http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/8020 2026-04-28T11:42:03Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/168089 To assess the impact of COVID -19 in the delivery of professional courses in the faculty of built environment and design: a case study of The University of Nairobi Wamuyu, I. N.; Muthama, D. M Covid-19 has impacted on various sectors differently. In the education sector the impact has been largely one of interruption to the education calendar and learning delivery methods. There is much written about the effects of Covid-19 on learners at the different levels of instruction, higher education included. There is however little documentation about the pandemic effects on higher education instructors more so instructors within the realm of the professional courses. Using qualitative research methods, the study analysed 20 questionnaires administered to instructors in the School of the Built Environment (FBED), University of Nairobi (UoN). The key finding indicates that the covid-19 has changed the way the instructors deliver their courses and undertake students’ supervision. The paper recommends need for continuous improvement in the delivery of technical courses through incremental adoption of emerging technologies in the learning space. 2024-06-28T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/168088 Analyzing challenges impacting the performance of serviced offices in Nairobi County, Kenya Museleku, E. K.; Kirathe, B. W. Recent economic shifts have transformed property management, intensifying competition in the office space sector, particularly with the emergence of serviced offices. These spaces offer flexibility and convenience compared to traditional leases, attracting many businesses. However, they face hurdles such as competition from conventional offices, short-term contracts, and economic instability. This paper focuses on understanding these challenges to enhance property management strategies. Through a descriptive research design targeting 24 serviced offices in Westlands, Nairobi County, the study identified significant obstacles, including government policies, economic conditions, billing strategies, and infrastructure deficiencies. Recommendations include creating a more favourable regulatory environment with tax incentives, improving electricity supply reliability, and implementing robust management systems to address billing and occupancy uncertainties. 2024-05-16T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/168087 Cost and load effect comparisons between reinforced concrete integral and non-integral bridge using experimental and analytical examinations Osano, S. N.; Yimam, M.; Abuodha, S Bridges without joints or bearings are referred to as "integral bridges," while bridges with joints and expansion joints are referred to as "non integral bridges. This study aims to examine the cost differences between the integral and non-integral bridge of the same length and height using analytical and experimental investigations. Modelling, analysis, design, detailing and costing of 15m,20m, 22.5m and 25m single span reinforced concrete girder integral bridge and 15m,20m, 22.5m and 25m single span reinforced concrete girder non integral bridge were done. The experimental program included six reinforced concrete bridge models three integral bridge models; namely, a) 1000mm length, 600mm high and 95mm thick b)1250mm length,600mm high and 105mm thick c) 1500mm length,600mm high and 120mm thick and three additional non-integral bridge model of the same sizes and reinforcements. Analytical examinations were made for six integral bridges and six non-integral bridges for verifications. The experimental results reveals that the MIDS CIVIL finite element software is in agreement with the results obtained within +/-10% and recommended to be used in the design. The priced bill of quantities based on the design reveals that the decrease of cost by 19.1% to 20.0% for integral bridge as compared to non-integral bridges with the same length and height. It is recommended that planners and engineers embrace integral design and construction by reviewing the road design handbook, which specifies that integral design must take precedence over non-integral concepts to save costs. 2024-03-16T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/168086 Evaluation of Roads 2000 Program in Kenya. Macharia, P. G.; Osano, S. N.; Mwea, S. K The low volume approach of road improvement guarantees optimum utilization of locally available resources where technically and economically feasible. Low volume roads in Kenya are distributed in rural and peri-urban networks and low-population areas, and are under the jurisdiction of local road authorities and county governments, who have funding constraints, and therefore optimal serviceability on the roads is not well maintained. This study was aimed at investigating the maintenance levels on low volume sealed roads, and come up with recommendations to be adopted on the current and similar problems in the future. Performance assessment was undertaken by carrying out surface condition surveys on sampled roads under the Roads 2000 program. It was determined that the priority for maintenance of completed low volume roads was normally affected by the surrounding poor network, and therefore, adequate maintenance was not routine. Review of performance of the low volume roads showed that whereas the improved roads were having great impact on the recipient populace, the lack of adequate maintenance was in most cases leading to early failure of the completed roads, and inadequate drainage was a leading factor in the uncontrolled deterioration of these roads. The study noted low serviceability index of below 2.5 on some roads, noting that rehabilitation was required, and timely corrective work was required on all roads. With proper and all-round conditional assessments, followed by timely, suitable and efficient maintenance regimes, the roads were expected to meet their design lives and continue serving the population in these regions. 2024-05-16T00:00:00Z