Counties In Kenya Research Articles

A reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for quick detection of tomato mosaic virus.

Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), an economically important virus that affects a wide range of crops, is highly contagious, and its transmission is mediated by mechanical means, and through contaminated seeds or planting materials, making its management challenging. To contain its wide distribution, early and accurate detection of infection is required. A survey was conducted between January and May, 2023 in major tomato growing counties in Kenya, namely, Baringo, Kajiado, Kirinyaga and Laikipia, to establish ToMV disease incidence and to collect samples for optimization of the reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP) assay. A RT-LAMP assay, utilizing primers targeting the coat protein, was developed and evaluated for its performance. The method was able to detect ToMV in tomato samples within 4:45 minutes, had a 1,000-fold higher sensitivity than conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method and was specific to ToMV. Furthermore, the practical applicability of the assay was assessed using tomato samples and other solanaecous plants. The assay was able to detect the virus in 14 tomato leaf samples collected from the field, compared to 11 samples detected by RT-PCR, further supporting the greater sensitivity of the assay. To make the assay more amenable for on-site ToMV detection, a quick-extraction method based on alkaline polyethylene glycol buffer was evaluated, which permitted the direct detection of the target virus from crude leaf extracts. Due to its high sensitivity, specificity and rapidity, the RT-LAMP method could be valuable for field surveys and quarantine inspections towards a robust management of ToMV infections.

Rural Livelihood Choices Effect on Perceived Soil Erosion in Kieni Sub Counties, Nyeri County in Kenya

Rural Livelihood Choices Effect on Perceived Soil Erosion in Kieni Sub Counties, Nyeri County in Kenya

Human Capital and Performance of Kisii and Kakamega County Governments in Kenya

Decentralization in Kenya aimed to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve service delivery by transferring power to sub-national governments. Yet, governance challenges persist mainly due to unqualified staff, nepotism, cronyism, among others. The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis found 32% of county governments staff lack the required qualifications for their roles, leading to inefficiencies and service delivery gaps. Despite these concerns, no empirical research has explored the influence of human capital on the performance of Kisii and Kakamega county governments. This study addresses this gap by assessing the effect of human capital on performance of Kisii and Kakamega counties in Kenya. The study adopts a positivism research philosophy and a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population comprised of Chief officers, Directors and Assistant Director at various ministries, sub-county administrators and Members of County Assembly (N=325). To arrive at a statistically sound sample size, the study adopted the Yamane (1967) formula for sample size determination, which gives a sample size of 136 for Kakamega County and 92 for Kisii County (n=228). Given that the study is quantitative in nature, it adopts structured questionnaires in data collection, which were distributed using online platform (Google Forms). In data analysis, Stata version 17 was used to compute descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and univariate linear regression). Data was presented in prose form and visualized using tables and figures. Findings from the test of hypothesis using simple linear regression indicate that human capital has a statistically significant effect on performance (p<.05). Results revealed that human capital has a moderate positive association with performance, 𝑟 (191) =0.486, 𝑝<.05. It is recommended that the County Governments of Kisii and Kakamega should improve human capital by implementing performance contracting, eliminating political patronage, and investing in innovation infrastructure. Additionally, county governments should develop well-documented SOPs, ensure regular employee training, and embrace public participation to align policies with citizens’ needs.

Bioaccessibility of Vitamins and Minerals in Processed Tubers and Leaves of Manihot esculenta Crantz Varieties

Manihot esculenta Crantz (cassava) is an important food crop in developing nations, with its tubers and leaves being a source of ascorbic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin (vitamins) and calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc (minerals). Malnutrition prevalence in some Kenyan Counties that relied on cassava‐based diets has partly been attributed to processing methods and/or nutrient bioaccessibility. The study area Kilifi County grows Kibandameno and Tajirika cassava varieties and is on record for high prevalence of undernutrition. The levels of vitamins and minerals, and their bioaccessibility in raw, boiled, and deep‐fried tubers, and pounded then boiled leaves of Kibandameno and Tajirika cassava varieties were studied. Digestion was done using static gastrointestinal digestion prior to the determination of vitamins (by HPLC) and minerals (by AAS and AES). Bioaccessibility of both vitamins and minerals was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in boiled followed by deep‐fried and lowest in raw tubers. Bioaccessibility ranged between 27% (Fe)–85% (vitamin C) in boiled, 20% (Fe)–79% (vitamin B1) in deep‐fried, and 15% (Fe)–(72% (K) in raw tubers. Bioaccessibility in processed leaves was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in raw. This ranged between 11% (Fe)–81% (vitamin B1) in processed and between 8% (Fe)–67% (K) in raw leaves. Processing therefore significantly reduced levels of ascorbic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc in raw tubers and leaves of Kibandameno and Tajirika Manihot esculenta Crantz varieties. Their bioaccessibility however significantly increased, being higher in tubers than in leaves.

Policy Networks and Relationship between Multiple Streams Approach and Implementation of Road Safety Policy Measures in Kenyan Counties

Policymakers and policy practitioners have pointed out the use of policy networks in the development and execution of road safety policy measures as a suitable strategy for addressing road safety. Governments at all levels—national, state, and local—have moved from single- to multi-agency approaches to handle the execution of road safety policy measures. Previous research on policy networks in road safety has concentrated on the role that organizational networks play in this policy domain. This study aimed to investigate the moderating influence on the relationship between the multiple streams approach and the implementation of key road safety policy initiatives in Kisii and Kisumu counties. The study adopted descriptive survey and explanatory designs. The study adopted pragmatism and phenomenology research philosophies. The Multiple Streams Framework and Punctuated Equilibrium Model served as the study’s foundation. The sample size of the study was 347 of the target population. Quantitative data was examined using multi-linear regression approaches and Pearson correlation analysis. Stepwise regression was used to analyze the moderating variable. Thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative data. The results of the study demonstrated that policy networks influenced the relationship between the MSF and the enforcement of road safety policy measures, which explains 6.5% of the variances in implementation. The study concludes that the execution of road safety rules is a collaborative effort that ought to include policy networks and other pertinent players in the transport industry.

Tissue-specific localization of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from camels in Kenya: insights into vector competence.

Tick-borne pathogen (TBP) surveillance studies often use whole-tick homogenates when inferring tick-pathogen associations. However, localized TBP infections within tick tissues (saliva, hemolymph, salivary glands, and midgut) can inform pathogen transmission mechanisms and are key to disentangling pathogen detection from vector competence. We screened 278 camel blood samples and 504 tick tissue samples derived from 126 camel ticks sampled in two Kenyan counties (Laikipia and Marsabit) for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR-HRM analysis. Candidatus Anaplasma camelii infections were common in camels (91%), but absent in all samples from Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Amblyomma gemma, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks. We detected Ehrlichia ruminantium in all tissues of the four tick species, but Rickettsia aeschlimannii was only found in Hy. rufipes (all tissues). Rickettsia africae was highest in Am. gemma (62.5%), mainly in the hemolymph (45%) and less frequently in the midgut (27.5%) and lowest in Rh. pulchellus (29.4%), where midgut and hemolymph detection rates were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. Similarly, in Hy. dromedarii, R. africae was mainly detected in the midgut (41.7%) but was absent in the hemolymph. Rickettsia africae was not detected in Hy. rufipes. No Coxiella, Theileria, or Babesia spp. were detected in this study. The tissue-specific localization of R. africae, found mainly in the hemolymph of Am. gemma, is congruent with the role of this tick species as its transmission vector. Thus, occurrence of TBPs in the hemolymph could serve as a predictor of vector competence of TBP transmission, especially in comparison to detection rates in the midgut, from which they must cross tissue barriers to effectively replicate and disseminate across tick tissues. Further studies should focus on exploring the distribution of TBPs within tick tissues to enhance knowledge of TBP epidemiology and to distinguish competent vectors from dead-end hosts.

Performance of Dorper sheep fed on range grass and legume diets in a feedlot system in Taita Taveta and Makueni counties of Kenya

Performance of Dorper sheep fed on range grass and legume diets in a feedlot system in Taita Taveta and Makueni counties of Kenya

Community preferred drug delivery approaches for pilot roll-out of a potential novel paediatric schistosomiasis treatment option in two endemic counties of Kenya: A mixed methods study.

Treating preschool age children (PSAC) for schistosomiasis has remained a challenge due to lack of a pediatric formulation. In response to this unmet need, the Paediatric Praziquantel Consortium has developed a potential novel paediatric treatment option. In advance to its roll-out to follow regulatory response, we conducted a social science study to gather information on preferred drug delivery approaches to inform implementation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight villages in two purposively selected Kenyan counties. A questionnaire was administered on 690 parents/guardians of PSAC at household level. Preferred drug delivery approaches were analyzed using frequencies and proportions. We conducted key informant interviews with 17 opinion leaders and 28 healthcare workers, and 12 focus group discussions with parents/guardians of PSAC and 7 with community health volunteers (CHVs). Thematic analysis was performed on the qualitative data. Majority of the 690 respondents were women 594 (86.1%) with a mean age of 34.1 (SD = 11.3, min-max = 18-86). Community-based mass drug administration (cMDA) was the most preferred drug delivery method by 598 participants (86.7%), followed by health facility/fixed points by 398 participants (57.7%). Similarly, in the qualitative data participants indicated they prefer cMDA since the CHVs who would distribute the medication are familiar with households with PSAC and are trusted to explain the drug effects. Health facilities/fixed points were the second most preferred drug delivery approach, but some health workers we interviewed expressed concern about potential understaffing and overcrowding of facilities. Appropriate timing of the drug distribution, not to interfere with farming activities, was considered critical, irrespective of the approach used. All profiles of study participants preferred cMDA over the other delivery approaches due to the convenience of receiving drugs at home and providing explanations about the new drug. For positive outcomes, adequate planning, proper timings and community involvement are highly recommended.

Characterization of Small-Scale Farmers and Assessment of Their Access to Crop Production Information in Selected Counties of Kenya

Characterization of Small-Scale Farmers and Assessment of Their Access to Crop Production Information in Selected Counties of Kenya

Farmer perception, knowledge and management of the scale insect pest complex infesting crops and trees in Coastal Kenya

Scale insects and mealybugs (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha) are serious plant sap-sucking pests affecting a wide range of cultivated crops and tree species. The insects are highly diverse and can have devastating effects on yields due to lack of farmer awareness and inappropriate management practices. Recent alien mealybug invasions in Kenya include among others, papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), a highly invasive pest that is spreading quickly. Farmer experience with diverse crop pests can support development of a successful pest management strategy and contribute to reduced impacts on both crop yields and agro-biodiversity. This socio-economic survey was carried out in three coastal counties of Kenya (Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale) to establish the impact of scale insect and mealybug pests on farmer livelihoods and to document the perception, knowledge and management practices used by smallholder farmers. Data from oral interviews using ODK were administered to respondents and analysed using Excel and GENSTAT. It emerged that 26% of the respondents were familiar with scale insects and 51% with mealybugs, respectively. Of these, 78.13 % and 94% acknowledged having encountered scale insects and mealybugs, respectively, on their farms. The farmers confirmed that scale insect pests affected a high diversity of crops and trees. About 56% of the respondents used pesticides to control the pests while 25% did not apply any management strategy. The remaining 19% practiced cultural control methods such as field sanitation and intercropping with less susceptible crops. Pesticides were reported to be moderately effective (41-70%) at controlling scale insects and mealybugs. Other management options reported by farmers included farm hygiene, the use of high-pressure water jets, and applications of ash and bio-pesticides such as home-made neem extract. Based on the findings, it is recommended that capacity building for farmers and input providers be undertaken to enhance the knowledge of scale insect and mealybug pest biology, symptoms of crop and tree attack, host ranges and management practices. Additonally, training on the use of low-risk pest control products and innovative control methods should be undertaken to reduce the impact of the pest on crop production and agro-biodiversity. Keywords: Farmer knowledge, management, mealybugs, scale insects and socio-economic survey.

Determine Electronic Procurement, Top Management Support and Supply Chain Performance of Selected Coast County Governments of Kenya

The general objective of the study was to investigate the moderating effect of top management support on electronic procurement and the performance of supply chain performance of coast counties of Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to determine effect of e-tendering practice, e-ordering processing, e-material management practice, e-supplier management practice, e- payment practice and moderated by top management support on the performance of supply chain performance of selected coast county governments of Kenya. The study employed the transaction cost theory, technology acceptance model, material management theory and the theory of performance. The target population was 561 employees in Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa and Tana-River counties. The Yamane sample size determination formula was used to get a sample size of 329 employees. The study found out that e-tendering practice, e-ordering practice, e-material management practice, e-supplier management practice and e- payment practice positively and significantly affect supply chain performance of coast county governments of Kenya. Moderated multiple linear regression results indicated that top management support positively and significantly moderate the relationship between e-tendering practice, e-ordering practice, e-material management practice, e-supplier management practice, e- payment practice and supply chain performance of the Coast County governments. The study concluded that e-tendering practice, e-ordering practice, e-material management practice, e-supplier management practice, e- payment and top management support positively and significantly affect performance of the coast county governments of Kenya. The study recommended that counties should implement e-tendering practice, e-ordering practice, e-material management practice, e-supplier management practice, e- payment practice and encourage top management support so as to increase their supply chain performance.

Standardized precipitation index analysis and drought frequency tendencies in lower eastern counties of Kenya

The standardized precipitation index (SPI) is a fundamental indicator of meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural droughts in the world. This study aims to evaluate different timescales, 3 months (SPI-3), 6 months (SPI-6), 9 months (SPI-9), and 12 months (SPI-12) indices from meteorological data in quantifying drought characterization in lower eastern counties of Kenya from 1990 to 2018 for observed data and from 1986 to 2018 for Climatic Research Unit Time Series (CRU) data. Precipitation in-situ data (annual) and high-resolution (0.5 × 0.5 degree grid) monthly-scale precipitation data were sought from Kenya Meteorological Department and CRU TS, respectively. Z-Score (SPI) was computed for each year (in-situ data) and month (CRU TS data) using the SPI algorithm, expressed as the departure from the mean in standard deviation units. Quality control of CRU TS data was done by checking outlier values and comparing the data with precipitation data obtained from the meteorological department as well as ERA5 reanalysis data. Results showed that extreme to mild drought was experienced across the Kenyan counties for both annual in-situ and monthly gridded data. Machakos county experienced a year of extreme drought, while Makueni and Taita-Taveta have had 2 and 4 years of severe droughts, respectively. The monthly SPI indices of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months showed a remarkably consistent behavioral pattern detecting extreme droughts across the counties. Considering the uncertainties, unpredictability, and shifting of the long and short rainy seasons in Kenya, results were obtained related to dry and wet episodes and to their relationship with agricultural production as well as water availability and environmental management.

Perceptions of Secondary School Students with Hearing Impairment towards Integrating ICT in Enhancing Story Grammar Achievement in Selected Counties, Kenya

The study investigated the perceptions of secondary school students with hearing impairments on the integration of ICT to improve story grammar achievement in selected Kenyan Counties using a combination of descriptive survey design and quasi-experimental study design. TPACK, or Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, theory served as the foundation for this investigation. Two secondary school for students with HI were purposively selected from the two Counties. The sample size consisted of all students (40), two teachers teaching English, and the principals of the two schools that were sampled. Students Story Grammar Achievement Tests (SSGAT) were given to students as a pre- and post-test. Additionally, while principals participated in an open-ended interview, questionnaires were utilised to collect additional data from students and teachers teaching English. The results of the study showed that nearly all (89.0%) students with hearing impairments believed that integrating ICT boosted their story grammar achievement. This study may draw the conclusion that secondary school students with hearing impairments in the selected Counties view ICT integration favourably as a means of improving their achievement in story grammar. The researcher recommends for creation of digital versions of story grammar tools for students with hearing impairments.

Teachers’ Performance Appraisals and Administrative Management of Teaching Staff in Kitui County, Kenya

The study was triggered by Teachers Service Commission Kenya; in its attempt to introduce teachers’ performance appraisals to appraise teachers and administrators in various learning institutions. Teachers’ performance appraisal is a unique tool that enhances teachers’ professionalism and facilitates effective curriculum implementation. However, the performance appraisals program has not completely realized the main aim of evaluating teachers’ academic performance and staff administrative management strategies. The study sought to establish relationship between teachers’ performance appraisals and administrative management of teaching staff in Kitui county Kenya. The study was guided by agency theory. The study employed descriptive survey design. The researcher utilized Krejcie and Morgan sample determination table to determine a sample size of 317 respondents from 1800 target population. The researcher used researcher made questionnaires for head teachers, teachers and curriculum support officers. Researcher ascertained research tools validity by getting relevant information on specific tools from teacher performance appraisals experts and professionals in ministry of education Kenya. The reliability of research tools was determined by cronbanch alpha co-efficient of 0.742. The researcher considered ethical issues by adhering to assured non-discrimination, confidentiality, anonymity to maintain privacy of participation in the study. The study established that teachers’ profession development has significant relationship with administrative management of teaching staff in Kitui County. The study further indicated that career progression has significant relationship with administrative management of teaching staff in Kitui County. The study concluded that teachers’ performance appraisals correlated with administrative management in the teaching staff of Kitui County, Kenya. The study therefore recommended that every teacher in a teaching profession in primary, junior and secondary schools should improve his/her teaching professional development as stipulated in Teacher Performance Appraisals to enhance good administrative management in schools. Every teacher in teaching profession should ensure smooth career progression as stipulated in Teacher Performance Appraisals to facilitate good governance in schools.

An analytical cross-sectional study on rabies prevention practices among dog owners in Mumias sub-County, Kakamega County Kenya

An analytical cross-sectional study on rabies prevention practices among dog owners in Mumias sub-County, Kakamega County Kenya

Assessment of Public Financing on Participation Rates in Adult Literacy Programs in Nairobi County Kenya.

The purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of public financing on participation rates in adult literacy programs in Nairobi County. Kenya. The study sought to establish how financing influenced the running of the adult education centres. The study adopted a mixed method design whereby both qualitative and quantitative methods was utilized in this research. The study was guided by the Human capital theory as advocated by Adam smith. The target population comprised of 30 adult education centres in Nairobi County. The research targeted one adult education officer, 30 principals, one hundred and twenty (120) adult literacy teachers and four hundred (400) learners. Therefore, out of the targeted 30 principals a total of 3 principals were interviewed. Out of the 120 adult literacy teachers a sample equivalent to 30% or 36 teachers were selected randomly. Out of the target population of 400 adult learners, 120 adult learners which forms 30% of the population was randomly selected. Questionnaires were administered to the teachers and the adult learners. While interviews were conducted on the county director, and on the principals. The findings established that most of the adult education centres in Nairobi County received inadequate direct funding from the government, thereby making the centres to have a challenge in running the centres leading to low assess and participation of the learners. There is a significant relation between the funding of adult education centres and the participation rates of adults in the adult education centres. Based on the study findings it can be recommended that the Government of Kenya and other public financing agencies should increase their funding allocation to the adult education centres in order to increase and sustain assess and participation.it was concluded that the funding in adult education centres should be increased so that more adult learners can be able to assess and benefit more by them participating in the learning programs offered at the adult education centres.

Analysis of Real Estate Financing, Interest Rates and Portfolio Diversification on Performance of Commercial Banks, a Case Study of Nairobi County Kenya

Analysis of Real Estate Financing, Interest Rates and Portfolio Diversification on Performance of Commercial Banks, a Case Study of Nairobi County Kenya

Relationship between Family Problem Solving Strategies and Emotional Self-Regulation among High School Students in Parklands Zone Nairobi City County, Kenya

Emotion self-regulation is an aspect of life that many students struggle with in high school. This is evidenced by the fact that most students engage in maladaptive behaviors such as suicide, rape, burning of school properties, gang beating, drug and stealing. This study examined the relationship between family problem solving strategies and emotional self-regulation among high school students in Parklands Zone Nairobi City County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between family problem solving strategies and emotional self-regulation among high school students in Parklands Zone Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study used quantitative approach and employed correlational research design. The study targeted form three and form four students of selected high schools in Parklands Zone Nairobi City County Kenya, who were between the ages 16 and 18 years. The study target population was 1,336 students drawn from four schools with sample size of 312 participants. The data was collected using questionnaires and the instrument used was family assessment device. The study employed stratified random sampling and used simple random sampling to select the participants. The data was tabulated and analyzed using the descriptive statistics while the relationship was analyzed using Pearson product moment coefficient. SPSS v 27.0 was used in the analysis. The findings of the study showed that there was a positive significant relationship n =312, r = .255, p = .000 ≤ 0.05 between problem solving and emotional self-regulation among high school students in Parklands Zone Nairobi City County, Kenya.

The Influence of ICT on Teaching and Learning in Adult Education Programs in Nairobi County Kenya.

The purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of Information Communications Technology (ICT) on teaching and learning in adult education programs in Nairobi County Kenya. The study sought to establish how the current trends in the usage of ICT in the 21st century is influencing the methods and the content that is being taught in the adult education centres. The study employed Everett Rogers diffusion of innovation theory. A descriptive survey method was utilized in this research. The target population comprised of one adult education officer90 adult educational centres consisting of 1250 adult learners and 360 tutors in Nairobi County. Therefore, out of the 90 principals a sample equivalent to 30% or 27 principals were selected randomly. Out of a target population of 360 teachers, 108teachers which forms 30% of the population was randomly selected and Questionnaires were administered to the teachers and adult learners while interviews were conducted on the county director adult education and principals The findings established that there was a significant correlation between what the adult learners learn in the adult education centres and the implementation of what they have learnt in their day to day ICT usage. The level of ICT training by the adult education teachers influences positively on the methods through which the teaching of the adult learners is carried out in the education centres. The teaching and learning in adult education centres should also be tailored towards the current digital needs required to navigate the ICT market to enable the adult learners to successfully access and use e-services. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should integrate the teaching of ICT in the teaching and learning in the adult education centres. There is a great need to monitor and support teacher training programs in integration of ICT in adult and community learning centres in Kenya. The study concluded that the teaching of adult learners should be market driven, this will enable the adult learners fit well into the fast digital growing environment.

Effect of Strategy Implementation on Access to Water in Kisumu County, Kenya.

Strategy implementation is a sub-process of strategic management and has been said to improve access to goods and services ‘It involves the actualization and translation of plans into action. This study focused on the effect of strategy implementation on access to water in Kisumu county Kenya. Kisumu county was selected as the venue of the study because it hosts the third largest fresh water lake in the world and yet experiences problems of access to good quality water. The study employed an explanatory research design that focused on quantitative approach and was supported by the qualitative approach. The units of analysis were strategy interpretation, organization structure and leadership.The target population was 205 respondents. A sample size of 134 respondents were selected using a combination of purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires and document analysis guides. Validity of the instruments was established through expert vetting while reliability was established through piloting, using the test -retest method which yielded a reliability coefficient of .72. Results indicated that strategy implementation had a positive significant relationship with access to water, implying that effective and efficient strategy implementation will lead to efficient and effective access to water. Based on this finding its recommended that the water utility should treat and test water in springs and boreholes to increase access to quality improved waters.Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company Limited ( KIWASCO) should also develop facilities for raw and processed water storages. Every house-hold should have water storage of at least 4500 litres as recommended by Government policy. KIWASCO should use geographical poduct structure in order to expand water services in every area and improve product content, increase uses of water technology to reduce reliance on natural springs and streams which provide unprocessed water.