Baringo County Research Articles

Influence of Ethnocentric Culture as a Raiding Motif on Psycho Social Stability of Students in Day Secondary Schools in Baringo County of Kenya.

Influence of Ethnocentric Culture as a Raiding Motif on Psycho Social Stability of Students in Day Secondary Schools in Baringo County of Kenya.

In-vitro Antimicrobial Effects and Phytochemical Contents of Stingless Bee Meliponula beccarii Honey and Pollen from Baringo County, Kenya

Background: Afro-tropical stingless bees produce several products including honey, propolis, cerumen and pollen, which are widely used as traditional medicine and food. In Baringo County, Kenya stingless bee honey in particular is widely used as a traditional remedy for respiratory disorders, stomach disorders and oral thrush, commonly associated with bacterial and fungal infections. However, scientific data on the antimicrobial activities and phytochemical content of stingless bee products from Baringo is scarce. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activities and phytochemical content of Meliponula beccarii stingless bee honey and pollen from Baringo County. Materials and methods: Eleven honey and pollen samples were conveniently sampled from eleven wild occurring stingless bee nests in three ecologically distinct areas. Increasing concentrations of honey and pollen samples were then prepared and tested against H. influenzae, E. coli, MRSA and C. albicans using agar well diffusion assay. The broth microdilution test was further performed to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs). Standard qualitative methods were used to analyse the phytochemical contents of the honey and pollen samples. Data was analysed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests. Results: in comparison to distilled water (negative control), the honey samples had a significantly higher mean zones of inhibition at concentration of 100% v/v against E. coli (9.0±4.7 mm vs 0 mm, p<0.0001, N=11), H. influenzae (11.1±5.0 mm vs 0 mm, p<0.0001, N=11), and MRSA (10.8±5.9 mm vs 0 mm, p>0.0001, N=11). However, compared to ciprofloxacin standard (30ug/ml), all the concentrations of honey samples had significantly lower mean zones of inhibition against H. influenzae (8.8±2.4 mm vs 25±0.58 mm, p<0.0001, N=11), E. coli (5.7±3.4 mm vs 31.7±1.5 mm, p<0.0001, N=11) and MRSA (8.1±2.8 mm vs 27±0 mm). All the honey samples did not exhibit activity against C. albicans even at 100% (v/v). The mean MICs against E. coli, H. influenzae and MRSA were 9.38% (v/v), 18.75% (v/v) and 18.75% (v/v), respectively. Notably, the honey samples exhibited bactericidal activity, only against MRSA with a mean MBC of 60.94% (v/v). All the pollen samples showed no antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested micro-organisms. Qualitative analyses revealed that the honey and pollen samples of Meliponula beccarii contain alkaloids, phenolics, triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and steroids, but not terpenoids. Conclusion: Some but not all Meliponula beccarii honey samples from Baringo County has antibacterial activities. The honey and pollen are rich in various phytochemical compounds. Our findings validate the use of Meliponula beccarii honey in traditional treatment of bacterial infections and its further investigation as a potential source of novel agents against drug resistant pathogenic bacteria.

Effect of sociodemographic factors on the adoption of environmental conservation practices in Kimao dam catchment, Baringo County, Kenya

Demographic and land size owned by households often impact the adoption of environmental conservation approaches in wetlands. Kimao dam is at risk of sedimentation, considering the steep topology and reduced vegetation cover. Contemporary attempts by stakeholders to restore water catchments are insufficient due to the low adoption rate of the environmental conservation measures. The study assessed factors that cause the low adoption rate of the environmental conservation practices among households within the Kimao catchment area in Kimalel location, Baringo County. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine the effects of sociodemographic factors (age, gender, household number) on the adoption of environmental conservation practices, and (ii) establish the effects of land size owned by households on the adoption of environmental conservation practices. The ex-post-facto research design was used. A stratified proportional random sample of 225 households was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 26). The results showed that the level of adoption of environmental conservation practices was low (M=9.47, SD=4.7) on a scale of 1 to 22. The level of adoption of environmental conservation practices within the Kimao dam catchment area was found to be affected by age of the household head (β=.294, t=4.59, p=.001) and household number (β=0.147, t=2.22, p=0.027) but not gender (t=-0.648, df=223, p=0.518). The Land size (β=0.162, t-2.45, p=0.015), also affected the level of adoption of environmental conservation practices. Demographic factors act independently or synergistically with other factors to influence policy adoptions in water ecosystem management. Stakeholders need to provide sound scientific and feasible policies to collaboratively manage the Kimao dam. The findings of the study will influence policy development in implementing environmental conservation practices in Baringo County.

Influence Of Provision Of Incentives By Head Teachers On Teachers’ Work Performance In Public Primary Schools In Nakuru County, Kenya

Recent reports on education in Kenya underscore the importance of head teachers adopting effective instructional leadership practices and teachers enhancing their pedagogical knowledge and skills in order to guarantee high-quality education and academic achievement within the country's school systems. One of the instructional leadership practices that can be adopted by headteachers is the provision of incentives to teachers. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of provision of incentives by the head teachers on teachers’ work performance in public primary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. Hallinger and Murphy's (1985) Model of Instructional Leadership and Campbell et al.'s (1993) Theory of Job Performance informed the study. The study used mixed methods research approach, and adopted the convergent parallel design. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods simultaneously to collect and analyze data from a target population of 57,800 pupils, 7,741 teachers, and 680 head teachers from 680 schools, and 11 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs). A sample of 68 primary schools were selected for the study using cluster sampling. From these sampled schools 60 pupils and 329 teachers were selected through simple random sampling. Purposive sampling was also used to select 68 head teachers and 9 QASOs. The research instruments used were a focus group discussion guide, questionnaire, interview schedule, and document analysis checklist. A pilot study was conducted in 7 public primary schools in Baringo County with a sample size of 35 teachers. Descriptive and inferential statistics specifically frequency counts, percentages, Spearman rank correlation, and regression analysis, were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative dat was analysed using textual analysis approach. The hypothesis was tested at a significance level of 0.05 using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings were presented as frequencies and percentages using tables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in narrative forms. The study established that provision of incentives by the head teachers had a statistically significant positive influence on teachers’ work performance in public primary schools in Nakuru County. The study highlights the importance of teachers' work performance for overall school outcomes, providing valuable knowledge for head teachers and education stakeholders to focus on initiatives for provision of incentives for teachers and policies that support such initiatives. This will create an enabling environment for maximizing teachers' efficiency and effectiveness, leading to improved pupil performance in KCPE examinations in public primary schools. 
 
 

Masculinity, Morality, and the State in Northern Kenya: The Case of Baringo County's Il Chamus

Since the early 2000s, armed attacks and inter-ethnic violence have increased in parts of northern Kenya's Baringo County. This article examines how the Maa-speaking Il Chamus men respond to the growing insecurity as they draw on long-standing notions of morality and on the Kenyan state. In contrast to tropes of (agro)pastoralist northern Kenya being plagued by inter-ethnic animosity, lawlessness, and absence of governance, Il Chamus men situate inter-ethnic violence and gun ownership in notions of peace, prosperity, and security and engage the Kenyan state in an effort to achieve these values. Analyses of men in precarious conditions as experiencing “waithood” and turning to violence “in search of respect” need to be complemented by attention to emic notions of morality, masculinity, and intergenerational hierarchy, albeit not as simple remnants of “culture” but as points of debate in contemporary contexts of political and ecological insecurity.

Level of women involvement in gender mainstreaming policy implementation on decision making in Baringo County

The need to visibly engender women's participation in decision-making became a growing global concern through the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Despite the Kenyan 2010 constitutional provisions for gender mainstreaming, little has changed. This study sought to examine the level of women involvement in gender mainstreaming policy implementation on decision making in Baringo County. The study was guided by Equity Feministic Theory by Sommers (1994). The study used cross-sectional survey design and mixed method approach. The target population was 2446 respondents comprising of employees, members of the County Assembly and Members of the Public Service Board. The sample size was based on Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination to arrive atsample size of 329 respondents. Questionnaires, Interview guides and FGDs were used to collect data. Reliability was determined through test-retest approach. The quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and Standard deviation. Pearson Correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to determine relationship that exists between the independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data were thematically classified and arranged before they were re ported in narrations and quotations as per the research objectives. The study found out that there was a significant positive correlation between gender mainstreaming policy implementation on women political representation and women governance (r = .581; p = .000). The study recommends that there is need for streamlining of women appointment to senior positions in the county to allow for efficiency and inclusivity in governance

Influence of Gender Mainstreaming Policy Implementation on Women Political Representation in Baringo County Assembly

Global advances have been made towards the recognition of the principle of women’s political, socio-economic and equity in governance. However, some counties, including Baringo have not fully implemented the gender rule as provided for in the Kenyan 2010 constitution, hence little has changed. This study sought to analyze the influence of gender mainstreaming policy implementation on women political representation in Baringo County Assembly. The study was guided by Equity Feministic Theory by Sommers (1994). The study used cross-sectional survey design and mixed method approach where both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis approaches were utilized. The target population was 2446 respondents comprising of employees, members of the County Assembly and Members of the Public Service Board. The sample size was based on Krejcie and Morgan (1970) where a sample size of 329 respondents was attained. Questionnaires, Interview guides and FGDs were used to collect data. The quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and Standard deviation. Qualitative data were thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations as per the research objectives. The study found out that there was a significant positive correlation between gender mainstreaming policy implementation on women political representation and women governance (r = .581; p = .000). The study recommends that there is need for streamlining of women appointment to senior positions in the county to allow for efficiency and inclusivity in governance.

Gender-Based Assessment of the Effects of Adoption of Alternative Livelihood Strategies on Pastoral Households in West Pokot County, Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to asses, from a gender perspective, the effects of Alternative Livelihood Strategies (ALSs) on households in the pastoral community of West Pokot County.
 Methodology: This study applied both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, and adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was adult household members in West Pokot County. While multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to sample 371 household survey respondents, 15 participants for Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and nine Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), were purposively selected. Data was collected using questionnaires, KII schedule and FGD guide. Validity and reliability of the data collection instruments were achieved through triangulation method and pilot-testing in Baringo County. Quantitative data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The analyzed data was presented in tables and charts. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data that was presented in narrative and verbatim forms.
 Findings: The study results were that, adoption of ALSs had three effects on the pastoral households. First, it blurred the boundaries that separated men and women in terms of household roles and socioeconomic status. Second, ALSs affected the way household members related to each other. The effects were both negative and positive, depending on type and level of ALSs adopted. Third, adoption of ALSs caused improvement in the socioeconomic status of most households. Overall, ALSs had more positive effects on households and had caused general improvement in living standards.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Structural Functionalism theory and the Harvard Analytical Framework may be used to emphasize the critical contribution of both men and women in the wellbeing of pastoral households, through equitable and inclusive adoption of ALSs. The findings of this study could enable development agencies to formulate concrete interventions and policies to curb the negative effects of adoption of ALSs on households while leveraging on the positive ones, from a gender perspective. This will enhance adoption of ALSs and the community’s well-being.

Organic contaminants in the groundwater of the Kerio Valley water basin, Baringo County, Kenya

Currently, groundwater is largely becoming the main source of fresh water in most developing countries. However, various deleterious impacts resulting from anthropogenic activities beneath the earth’s surface have significantly affected groundwater quality, as evidenced in several areas endowed with mineral and hydrocarbon deposits, agricultural activities, and industrial processes. The possible etiological impacts may include cancer and genetic aberrations which result from the toxic effects of organic waterborne contaminants ingested by humans and animals over time. The motivation behind this study was to identify and determine the concentration profiles of various organic pollutants in the wells located along the Kerio Valley water basin near the exploratory wells for hydrocarbons and mining activities. Therefore, this study is necessary in unraveling the level of organic contaminants in the sampled borehole water, which can then be extrapolated to cover other boreholes within the Kerio Valley basin. The study was carried out during the dry season of December 2022. The water samples from the boreholes were extracted using a solid phase extraction procedure and characterized using a gas chromatograph interfaced with a mass selective detector. The findings indicate that benzene derivatives which were mainly xylenes, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, 1-ethyl-3-methylbenzene, 1-methyl-2-propylpentylbenzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, azulene, and pyrene were found in most of the boreholes sampled. Furthermore, long-chain hydrocarbons were present in all groundwater samples with varying concentrations. The concentration of benzene derivatives ranged from 2.84 to 20.47 ppm. However, polycyclic hydrocarbons exhibited the highest concentrations of all organic pollutants, with pyrene giving a concentration of 23.14 ppm, fluoranthene (18.54 ppm), phenanthrene (14.13 ppm) and anthracene (11.06 ppm). According to the findings reported in this study, most of the borehole water in the Kerio Valley basin is contaminated and may be unsafe for drinking. Most of the reported concentration levels were several times higher than the standards of the U.S. Environmental and Protection Agency. However, it is necessary to develop a policy framework on the assessment and monitoring of water quality in the region and propose urgent measures to ensure a clean water supply for the benefit of residents.

Analysis of Coping Strategies Adopted by Smallscale Farmers due to Climate Change Hazardsin Baringo County, Kenya

Climate change impacts food production and hence food security, negatively affecting Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) areas. The focus of this study was to find out strategies used by small-scale farmers to cope with climate change hazard in Lembus-Perkerra Ward, Baringo County, ASAL region vulnerable to climatic hazards hence a suitable site for the study. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 2and 13, many researchers have been conducted on climate change but little has been documented in the study area on climate change coping strategies against its effects. Therefore, the objective of present study was to identify coping strategies that have been adapted by farmers within the study area and assess the farmers perception in regards to climate change.
 A descriptive research design was adopted for this study, where 191 questionnaires were administered to household heads, and a Focus Group Discussion with key informants (2 agriculture officers) and five lead farmers from farmer groups were conducted to establish sufficient strategies corresponding to climate change situations. The findings showed strong positive influence at 5% levels of significance, between the selected variables (Age β1.34P:0.003, Education level β=2.11 P: 0.01,Access to climate info β =0.48P : 0.031,Access to extension services β=1.71 P:0.19 and Membership to farmer group β=1.02 P: 0.008 shows positive significance to farmers’ perception of climate change situations n. The gender of the household head and household size were insignificant in relation to farmers perception.The findings of the present study are significant to the County government of Baringo and Kenyan Governments in coming up with appropriate interventions for coping with climate change and policy development, to cushion the local communities against the effects.

Understanding knowledge, attitude and perception of Rift Valley fever in Baringo South, Kenya: A cross-sectional study.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic disease that affects humans and livestock. In Kenya, the disease has spread to new areas like Baringo County, with a growing realization that the epidemiology of the virus may also include endemic transmission. Local knowledge of a disease in susceptible communities is a major driver of prevention and control efforts. A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted in five locations of Baringo South that had reported RVF cases during the last outbreak, to determine the knowledge, attitude and perception of the predominantly agro-pastoralist community to RVF. Knowledge of RVF clinical signs, transmission, risk factors and prevention all contributed to the total knowledge score. Additionally, the respondents' attitude was based on their awareness of the threat posed by RVF and preparedness to take appropriate measures in case of suspected infection. Out of the 300 respondents, 80% had heard about the disease, however, only 9.6% attained at least half of the total knowledge score on RVF. Nevertheless, 86% recognized the threat it posed and knew the appropriate action to take in suspected human and livestock cases (positive attitude). Factors significantly associated with a better knowledge of RVF included higher education level, being Maasai, higher socio-economic index, old age and history of RVF in household members and livestock. Being Maasai and a higher socio-economic index were significantly associated with a positive attitude. The low level of knowledge exhibited by the respondents could be due to progressive loss of interest and information associated with a prolonged inter-outbreak period. This calls for regular awareness campaigns. More emphasis should also be put on educating communities on the role played by the mosquito vector in the epidemiology of RVF. The most promising routes of disseminating this information are radio and community gatherings.

Analysis of Historical Monthly and Annual Rainfall and Temperature Variability (1980–2020) in Baringo Couny County, Kenya

Climate variability entails the mean fluctuations in climatic elements and other observable characteristics on temporal or spatial scales. Assessing climate variability is a frequent practice in climatology based on its impact on social - economic aspects. Climate is subject to variations in many parts of world, exhibited mainly by rainfall and temperature fluctuations. The variability in Africa has resulted in the spread of desert conditions in the Sahel. Kenya experiences great variations of climate annually and considerable uncertainty when rains are expected, impacting negatively on farming activities. The study objective was to establish the historical trends of variability patterns in rainfall and temperature in Baringo County between 1980 – 2020. The study adopted a longitudinal study design as it involved a time series analysis of the trends and variability patterns of rainfall and temperature. Secondary data on rainfall and temperature was collected from Kenya Meteorological Services headquarters in Nairobi. Rainfall variability was determined and measured using the following techniques; Mean ( ), Standard deviation (SD), Precipitation concentration index (PCI), Relative variability (RV), Drought Intensity (DI) and Coefficient of variability (CV). Temperature variability was determined and measured by analyzing the County temperature distribution tables. Results indicated Baringo South to have a higher variability than Baringo North, marked with its higher CV, DI, RV and PCI. Pre-drought planning to cope up or overcome the droughts were highly recommended and measures provided. The study findings are expected to help farmers, the government and economic planners to focus on effective mitigation areas, formulate alternative policies on mitigating the effect of rainfall and temperature variability on activities of farming in Baringo County.

Transmission Dynamics of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV): Evidence of Circulation in Humans, Livestock, and Rodents in Diverse Ecologies in Kenya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the causative agent of CCHF, a fatal viral haemorrhagic fever disease in humans. The maintenance of CCHFV in the ecosystem remains poorly understood. Certain tick species are considered as vectors and reservoirs of the virus. Diverse animals are suspected as amplifiers, with only scarce knowledge regarding rodents in virus epidemiology. In this study, serum samples from febrile patients, asymptomatic livestock (cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats), and peridomestic rodents from Baringo (Marigat) and Kajiado (Nguruman) counties within the Kenyan Rift Valley were screened for acute CCHFV infection by RT-PCR and for CCHFV exposure by ELISA. RT-PCR was performed on all livestock samples in pools (5-7/pool by species and site) and in humans and rodents individually. CCHFV seropositivity was significantly higher in livestock (11.9%, 113/951) compared to rodents (6.5%, 6/93) and humans (5.9%, 29/493) (p = 0.001). Among the livestock, seropositivity was the highest in donkeys (31.4%, 16/51), followed by cattle (14.1%, 44/310), sheep (9.8%, 29/295) and goats (8.1%, 24/295). The presence of IgM antibodies against CCHFV was found in febrile patients suggesting acute or recent infection. CCHFV RNA was detected in four pooled sera samples from sheep (1.4%, 4/280) and four rodent tissues (0.83%, 4/480) showing up to 99% pairwise nucleotide identities among each other. Phylogenetic analyses of partial S segment sequences generated from these samples revealed a close relationship of 96-98% nucleotide identity to strains in the CCHFV Africa 3 lineage. The findings of this study suggest active unnoticed circulation of CCHFV in the study area and the involvement of livestock, rodents, and humans in the circulation of CCHFV in Kenya. The detection of CCHF viral RNA and antibodies against CCHFV in rodents suggests that they may participate in the viral transmission cycle.

INFLUENCE OF PROVISION OF INCENTIVES BY HEAD TEACHERS ON TEACHERS’ WORK PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

Recent reports on education in Kenya underscore the importance of head teachers adopting effective instructional leadership practices and teachers enhancing their pedagogical knowledge and skills in order to guarantee high-quality education and academic achievement within the countrys school systems. Giving teachers incentives is one of the instructional leadership strategies that headteachers can use. This studys goal was to ascertain how the head teachers incentives affected teachers work performance in Kenyas Nakuru County public elementary schools. The study was informed by the Hallinger and Murphy (1985) Model of Instructional Leadership and the Campbell et al. (1993) Theory of Job Performance. The study employed a convergent parallel design and a mixed methods research methodology. In order to gather and analyze data from a target population of 57,800 students, 7,741 teachers, 680 head teachers from 680 schools, and 11 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs), the study simultaneously used quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Cluster sampling was used to choose a sample of 68 elementary schools for the investigation. Through simple random sampling, 60 students and 329 teachers were chosen from these sampled schools. Additionally, 68 head teachers and 9 QASOs were chosen through the use of a purposeful sample. A focus group discussion guide, questionnaire, interview schedule, and document analysis checklist were the research tools employed. A pilot research with a sample size of 35 teachers was carried out in 7 public elementary schools in Baringo County. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, notably frequency counts, percentages, Spearman rank correlation, and regression analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to test the hypothesis at a significance level of 0.05. Tables were used to depict the results as frequencies and percentages. Thematic analysis and story presentations were used to display qualitative data. According to the study, head teachers incentives had a statistically significant positive effect on teachers job performance in Nakuru Countys public elementary schools. The study emphasizes the value of teachers work performance for overall school outcomes, giving head teachers and other education stakeholders important information to consider while focusing on efforts for providing incentives for teachers and legislation that support such programs. This would foster an environment where teachers may work as efficiently and effectively as possible, enhancing student achievement in KCPE examinations in public primary schools. KEY WORDS: Provision of Incentives, Teachers Work Performance, Instructional Leadership, Public Primary Schools

An Evaluation of Farmers Perception on the Effects of Variability in Rainfall and Temperature on Goat and Finger Millet Farming in Baringo County - Kenya

Climate is subject to variations in many parts of world, exhibited by mainly rainfall and temperature fluctuations. The variability in Africa has resulted in the spread of desert conditions in the Sahel. Kenya experiences great variations of climate annually and considerable uncertainty when rains are expected, impacting negatively on farming activities. The objective of the study was to evaluate the farmer’s perception of the effects of variability in rainfall and temperature on goat and finger millet farming in Baringo County. The study adopted a cross sectional survey which is a descriptive design. The sample size was 384 households derived from a target population of 555,507 using Webster (1995) formulae. Both stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 384 households. Prospect theory guided the study. Primary Data collection tools included questionnaires, Key informants, focus Group discussions, Observation and photography. To ascertain reliability and validity of the research instruments, a pilot study was conducted where a reliability coefficient of 0.7 was deemed acceptable. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, and standard deviation were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed by coding patterns and themes then evaluating it into useful information. Results indicated that climate variability has severe and adverse effects on finger millet and goat production. Pre-drought planning to cope up or overcome the effects of droughts were highly recommended and measures provided. The study findings are expected to help farmers, the government and economic planners to focus on effective mitigation areas, formulate alternative policies on mitigating the effect of rainfall and temperature variability on activities of farming in Baringo County.

Analyses of Mosquito Species Composition, Blood-Feeding Habits and Infection with Insect-Specific Flaviviruses in Two Arid, Pastoralist-Dominated Counties in Kenya.

Insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), although not known to be pathogenic to humans and animals, can modulate the transmission of arboviruses by mosquitoes. In this study, we screened 6665 host-seeking, gravid and blood-fed mosquitoes for infection with flaviviruses and assessed the vertebrate hosts of the blood-fed mosquitoes sampled in Baringo and Kajiado counties; both dryland ecosystem counties in the Kenyan Rift Valley. Sequence fragments of two ISFs were detected. Cuacua virus (CuCuV) was found in three blood-fed Mansonia (Ma.) africana. The genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS), confirming 95.8% nucleotide sequence identity to CuCuV detected in Mansonia sp. in Mozambique. Sequence fragments of a potential novel ISF showing nucleotide identity of 72% to Aedes flavivirus virus were detected in individual blood-fed Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae s.l., Ma. africana and Culex (Cx.) univittatus, all having fed on human blood. Blood-meal analysis revealed that the collected mosquitoes fed on diverse hosts, primarily humans and livestock, with a minor representation of wild mammals, amphibians and birds. The potential impact of the detected ISFs on arbovirus transmission requires further research.

Growing Temperature Influence Lignocellulose in Sorghum and Could Lead to a Significant Variation in Feed Value of Fodder Sorghum Genotypes

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) presents a suitable source of green fodder in the livestock sector. However, its use as livestock feed is limited by a high concentration of lignocellulose. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of environment and developmental stage of harvesting on lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose concentration of selected fodder sorghum cultivars. A field experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times at Egerton University (0°22′S; 35°55′E in Nakuru county), Rongai (0°23′N; 35°51′E in Nakuru county) and Marigat (0°46′N; 35°98′E in Baringo county) in Kenya in the years 2019 and 2020. Twenty different genotypes of sorghum were grown in a randomized complete block design and sampled at the booting and dough stages of development. The samples were analyzed for cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose content. Plant growth, number of days to 50% heading, and daily average temperatures were recorded. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content varied among genotypes and across the three environments. The lowest cellulose content was recorded in line E6518 when sampled at the booting stage at Egerton (17.02%) while the highest concentration was recorded in IS11442 (43.87%) from Marigat at the dough stage. Lignin was highest in sorghum grown at Marigat than at Egerton and Rongai while sorghum harvested at dough stage had higher cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin concentration than at booting stage. Location which distinctively varied on average daily temperature had a significant (p > 0.05) effect on the three parameters with sorghum grown at Egerton showing the lowest lignocellulose content followed by Rongai and Marigat, respectively. Lignin was positively correlated with plant height and days to 50% heading. However, regression analysis showed a negative relationship between days to 50% heading and the total sum of temperature. Crop developmental stage, genotype, and environment determine the lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose concentration in fodder sorghum. The recommendation of suitable sorghum fodder for a region should consider local growing temperature and the developmental stage of harvesting.

Experimental prosopis management practices and grassland restoration in three Eastern African countries

Woody species have been introduced in many parts of the world to provide economic benefits, but some of those species are now among the worst invaders, causing widespread economic and environmental damage. Management of woody species to restore original ecosystem services, such as biodiverse grassland that can provide fodder and sequester carbon, are needed to limit the impacts of alien species. However, the best management methods, i.e., the most economically efficient and effective way to remove trees and the most effective way to restore or rehabilitate the cleared land, are not developed for many species. In Eastern Africa, prosopis (Prosopis julifora) has invaded large areas of savanna and grassland, thereby affecting, among other things, fodder and water for livestock, access to dry season grazing lands and ultimately pastoral livelihoods. We tested three prosopis treatments (manual uprooting and cut stump and basal bark herbicide application) in combination with three incremental restoration interventions (divots, divots + mulching, divots + mulching + grass seed sowing). The three-year study was replicated in Ethiopia (Afar National Regional State), Kenya (Baringo county) and Tanzania (Moshi district). Prosopis survival and vegetation development, both diversity and biomass, were recorded. The prosopis treatments were all highly effective (between 85 and 100% tree mortality in almost all cases), but the two treatments that involved the complete removal of the aboveground biomass (manual and cut stump) yielded a more productive and more diverse vegetation than the treatment that killed the trees standing (basal bark). Compared to the effect of prosopis removal, the effect of restoration interventions on vegetation composition was small, indicating that most species re-established from the soil seed bank. The results show that it is possible to restore land previously invaded by prosopis. Despite the different rates of vegetation establishment and variation in species composition, the restoration interventions resulted in vegetation that in some cases contained a substantial fraction of perennial grasses. The method chosen to control prosopis depends on the availability of resources, including herbicides, and the need to remove rootstocks if the intention is to plant crops.

Socio - Cultural Factors Influencing Uptake of Long Term and Permanent Methods of Family Planning Among Women of Reproductive Age in Baringo North Sub-County, Baringo County, Kenya

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of utilization of long-acting permanent methods (LAPMs) of family planning (FP) among women in Ossen Location, Baringo North Sub-County of Kenya, and to determine the influence of myths and misconceptions on women’s choice about LAPMs options.
 Methodology: This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design and a mixed method research (MMR) approach, which allowed for concomitant collection of qualitative and quantitative data. The target population of the study consisted of all 2440 women of reproductive ages (15-49 years) in Ossen location. The sample size consisted of 421 women, selected using stratified random sampling. Women willing to participate, able to give informed consent, in reproductive age, and having resided in the area for at least six months were included in the study. 
 Findings: The prevalence of FP in the study area was 66%, with more women (61%) using short term FP methods (pills and Depo-Provera) compared to those using long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (implants and intra-uterine contraceptive devices/IUCD) [39%] and LAPM/tubal ligation (0%). The study found significant myths and misconceptions about LAPMs: IUCD, tubal ligation and implants. The study found that women who harbored myths and misconceptions about IUCD, tubal ligation and implants were likely to use short-term FP methods such as pills rather than LAPMs.
 Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study reports on interesting myths and misconceptions still extant among women in a typical county in Kenya. The research also documents a clear relationship between the existence of myths and misconceptions and the unlikelihood of using LAPMs. Consequently, the study recommends for adoption of approaches that remove the myths and misconceptions in the whole population and improve the poor attitude and negative perception towards LAPMs.

Traditional Remedies and other characteristics among human snakebite survivors in Baringo county, Kenya, 2010- 2020: a case series

Traditional Remedies and other characteristics among human snakebite survivors in Baringo county, Kenya, 2010- 2020: a case series