Counties In Kenya Research Articles

Childhood Cancer Awareness Program in Bungoma County, Kenya.

Awareness could play a key role in reducing underdiagnosis and accelerating referral of childhood cancer in low- and middle-income countries and ultimately improve outcomes. This study describes the implementation of a childhood cancer awareness program in Bungoma County in Kenya, containing five components: (1) baseline data collection of primary healthcare facilities; (2) live training session for healthcare providers (HCP); (3) early warning signs posters; (4) online SMS course for HCP; and (5) radio campaign. This study was conducted between January and June 2023. All 144 primary healthcare facilities (level 2 and 3 health facilities) within Bungoma County were visited by the field team. All 125 level 2 (87%) and 19 level 3 (13%) facilities participated in the study. National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) failed to cover services in 37 (26%) facilities. HCP were more often reported absent at level 3 (89%) than level 2 (64%) facilities (P = 0.034). The 144 live training sessions were attended by over 2000 HCP. Distribution of 144 early warning signs posters resulted in 50 phone calls about suspected childhood cancer cases. Sixteen children were later confirmed with childhood cancer and treated. Online SMS learning was completed by 890 HCP. Knowledge mean scores improved between pre-test (7.1) and post-test (8.1; P < 0.001). Finally, 540 radio messages about childhood cancer and a live question-and-answer session were broadcasted. This study described the implementation of a childhood cancer awareness program in Kenya involving both HCP and the general public. The program improved HCP's knowledge and increased the number of referrals for children with cancer.

Integrating support persons into maternity care and associations with quality of care: a postpartum survey of mothers and support persons in Kenya

BackgroundDespite research that has shown that the presence of support persons during maternity care is associated with more respectful care, support persons are frequently excluded due to facility practices or negative attitudes of providers. Little quantitative research has examined how integrating support persons in maternity care has implications for the quality of care received by women, a potential pathway for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate how integrating support persons in maternity care is associated with multiple dimensions of the quality of maternity care.MethodsWe used facility-based cross-sectional survey data from women (n = 1,138) who gave birth at six high-volume facilities in Nairobi and Kiambu counties in Kenya and their support persons (n = 606) present during the immediate postpartum period. Integration was measured by the Person-Centered Integration of Support Persons (PC-ISP) items. We investigated quality of care outcomes including person-centered care outcomes (i.e., Person-Centered Maternity Care (PCMC) and Satisfaction with care) and clinical outcomes (i.e., Implementation of WHO-recommended clinical practices). We used fractional regression with robust standard errors to estimate associations between PC-ISP and care outcomes.ResultsCompared to low integration, high integration (≥four woman-reported PC-ISP experiences vs. <4) was associated with multiple dimensions of quality care: 3.71%-point (95% CI: 2.95%, 4.46%) higher PCMC scores, 2.76%-point higher (95% CI: 1.86%, 3.65%) satisfaction with care scores, and 4.43%-point (95% CI: 3.52%, 5.34%) higher key clinical practices, controlling for covariates. PC-ISP indicators related to communication with providers showed stronger associations with quality of care compared to other PC-ISP sub-constructs. Some support person-reported PC-ISP experiences were positively associated with women’s satisfaction and key practices.ConclusionsIntegrating support persons, as key advocates for women, is important for respectful maternity care. Practices to better integrate support persons, especially improving communication between support persons with providers, can potentially improve the person-centered and clinical quality of maternity care in Kenya and other low-resource settings.

Teacher’s Perception of Child-friendly School Environment in Public ECDE Centres in Uasin-Gishu County

Education is an important factor in improving children's social and economic development all around the world. Despite the number of developing nations providing universal primary education, the quality of such education remains a concern that must be addressed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of teachers’ perception of child-friendly school environment in public ECDE Centres in Uasin-Gishu County. The study was underpinned by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education. The study adopted a pragmatic paradigm utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study used simple random sampling to select ECDE teachers. A purposive sampling technique was used to select head-teachers and QASO officers. The tools that were used in this study were questionnaires and an interview guide. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed thematically. Data from questionnaires were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings showed teachers' perceptions were positively and significantly associated with a child-friendly learning environment (r =.459, n = 271, p 0.00), indicating that teachers' perceptions influenced the child-friendly school environment by 45.9%. The study concluded that teachers had a positive attitude towards teaching and pupils while some teachers had negative attitudes towards their learners. Teacher’s attitude affects the learning environment of pre-school children. A teacher's classroom activities influence their children's learning, and a motivated teacher is one who feels satisfied with his or her job. The study recommends teachers be provided with resources to support their implementation of child-friendly practices. This could include materials such as books, games, and activities that are appropriate for young children. Also provide teachers with professional development opportunities such as workshops or seminars on cognitive-behavioral strategies to help them recognize and address negative perceptions among learners. The study suggests research analyzing the effect of teacher operational dynamics on service delivery in ECDE Centres to be pursued to determine options in all the counties in Kenya.

Understanding performance of public hospitals: operational strategies approach in Kajiado County, Kenya

The performance of the healthcare sector is crucial for delivering optimal patients care and creating efficient healthcare systems. However, Kajiado County in Kenya faces various challenges that obstruct effective performance. This paper aims to assess the impact of operational strategies on performances of public hospitals in Kajiado County, Kenya. Specifically, it aimed to investigate the effect of information management strategy, continuous quality improvement strategy, innovation strategy, and resources management strategy on hospital performance. This study was anchored on balanced scorecard model, resource-based theory, quality improvement theory, and technology acceptance model, and employed a descriptive research design. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires distributed to full-time healthcare workers, following a successful pilot study in Narok County. Data collection utilized the drop-and-pick later method. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software was used to analyze the data, involving descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations while multiple regression model was used to test the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable. Main findings of the study revealed that there exists a statistically significant relation between information management strategy and hospital performance, as well as continuous quality improvement strategy, innovation strategy, and resource management strategy, respectively. Consequently, the study recommended that the County Health Department should initiate a comprehensive training program for healthcare professionals, collaborate with hospital management to adopt innovative technologies, and identify and address skill gaps while promoting a positive work environment within public hospitals in Kajiado County. These actions aim to enhance hospital performance and ultimately improve patient care in the region.

Evaluating cropping intensity in registered and unregistered farms: Evidence from Kenya

Sustainable agricultural intensification strategies are crucial in increasing Africa's agricultural productivity. Globally, literature shows strong linkages between land tenure security and sustainable agriculture. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), findings remain inconsistent. Studies attribute this inconsistency to the use of cost-benefit and yield methodologies that are limited in capturing the nuance of subsistence farming and spatial and temporal distribution. Thus, this study seeks to fill this gap using Tharaka Nithi County in Kenya by employing remote-sensing and spatial econometrics to evaluate this relationship. The study uses the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as the dependent variable and a proxy for cropping intensity, which similar studies have not used. NDVI datasets covered seven years (2014–2020) acquired from Copernicus Global Land Service. Explanatory factors include land registration status, topography and climatic characteristics. The study utilises a three-step analysis, which includes exploratory regression for model selection, global regression using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), and localised regression using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). Spatial autocorrelation tests on OLS residuals using Moran's Index indicated spatial heterogeneity; hence, the study ran GWR. GWR performed better with an adjusted R2 value of 0.941, compared to OLS with an R2 value of 0.807. Mapping the GWR model illustrated that NDVI is lowest in unregistered land in the semi-arid zone of the County (0.012608) and highest in registered areas (0.883172). A hot-spot analysis using the Gettis-Ord Gi* Statistic validated the findings. The test showed cold spots in unregistered land in the semi-arid zone and hot spots in registered land, which was significant at 99 % confidence. The findings shows that the relationship between land registration and cropping intensity is highly significant, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), an indicator that land tenure security promotes sustainable agriculture in Kenya. The results enrich policy discussions aimed at land reforms and sustainable agriculture. The study recommends fast-tracking land registration prioritising ASALs, implementing the national land information system, and modernisation of land registries in Kenya to improve public access to land information. The study also recommends similar studies on various agroecological zones to supplement the findings, mainly where subsistence farming is dominant. The findings will add a critical layer of information in decision-making for sustainable agriculture and land reform policies.

From conflict to coexistence: Reaffirming belonging and property rights through the ‘sons of village’ discourse in post-conflict Kenya

This article explores the puzzle of victims of political violence in Kenya committing to return to contested spaces of their prior victimhood and displacement. It considers how political violence has been brought to bear on understandings of property rights and belonging among Kikuyu victims of political violence in the Burnt Forest area of Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. It is reported that the iteration between the collapse of the multiparty Kenyan state commitment to protect Kikuyu land rights in their state settled areas and the partisan character of neo-customary tenure that restricts the admission of co-ethnic outsiders, induced Kikuyu spontaneous resistance to their spatial political confinement motivating their formulation of an organic discourse of belonging. The article introduces the ‘sons of village’ concept as a bottom-up framework for understanding the informal mechanisms for claiming property rights and belonging in contested spaces in Africa. By challenging notions of belonging rooted in contested histories and emphasizing credible links to land and space, this concept embodies inclusive citizenship with the potential to foster conciliatory relations between previously hostile groups in post-conflict scenarios. The 'sons of village' identification, therefore, offers a promising avenue for fostering positive peace in regions afflicted by chronic violence in Africa and beyond.

Physico-chemical characterization of feldspars for application as fluxing agents: Experimental and ab initio computational approaches

Feldspars are tectosilicates with unique composition and structural features employed to help develop the glassy phase while firing ceramic raw materials. This promotes vitrification by lowering sintering temperatures thereby making it more energy efficient and sustainable. This study examined the physico-chemical parameters of feldspars found in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi county in Kenya with the aim of determining their fluxing capabilities. This was achieved through the use of ab-initio theoretical computations and experimental investigation into phases, morphology and thermal stability. Experimental results showed albite and anorthite mineral phases with dominant alumina and silica content, classifying it as a plagioclase type. Further experimental results revealed four predominant phases viz: Ca-feldspar, K-feldspar, Na-feldspar and quartz with mesoporous morphology and average particle sizes of 5 μm. Thermal stability studies showed a significant derived weight loss per °C in the 400–700 °C range with a peak at 497.67 °C. Three-dimensional atomistic simulations conducted on albite, anorthite and feldspar mineral phases were computed using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) module of Material Studio software, using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with Perde-Burke-Ernzerhof (-PBE) correction function. Accordingly, ab initio studies showed the minerals had a 3D triclinic lattice structure with predicted bulk moduli of 45.91 GPa and 88.86 GPa for albite and anorthite, respectively. In furtherance, the computed band gap energies were 2.644 eV for albite and 2.661 eV for anorthite, indicating high insulation capacity for both mineral phases. Overall, the experimental and computational results obtained were in agreement with literature on fluxing properties. Further, the outstanding properties reported indicated high quality feldspars which can be exploited sustainably for application as fluxing agents.

Exploring biochar and Moringa oleifera seed proteins for greywater remediation on small farms

This study investigated the potential of using biochar and Moringa oleifera seed proteins for sustainable greywater treatment in rural Kenya. Greywater samples from washing clothes were collected from households in the Kenyan counties of Kwale and Siaya. Two treatment methods, batch stirring and filtration, were used to assess the effectiveness of using biochar and Moringa oleifera seed protein extract together to treat greywater at a household level. Both methods achieved a significant reduction in contaminants: colour was reduced by up to 43% in Kwale and 67% in Siaya, turbidity decreased by 91–98%, and surfactant levels were lowered by 89–93%. There were increases in total organic carbon and total dissolved solids post-treatment, but both methods effectively reduced levels of phosphates, nitrates and iron. This research highlights the potential of using locally available materials for greywater treatment and provides insights into sustainable water management nature-based solutions in the Global South.

Social Capital and Environmental Performance: An Investigation in the Kenyan Meat Supply Chain

Abstract This paper aims to investigate the effect of social capital on environmental performance in the Kenyan informal meat supply chain. Social capital is categorized into three categories: structural capital, relational capital, and cognitive capital. The authors seek to understand which of the three dimensions of social capital influences environmental performance within the meat supply chain. The study was based on data collected using surveys from 85 abattoirs and 164 traders from four counties in Kenya: Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado. Statistical analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results also indicated a positive and significant relationship between structural social capital and environmental performance, while relational and cognitive capital had positive but insignificant relationships. The findings highlighted the disparities in the effect of social capital on environmental performance between formal and informal agri-food supply chains. To our knowledge, this finding presents a distinct contribution to social capital and environmental performance studies in informal buyer-supplier relationships in agri-foods. The study is one of the first to examine social capital and environmental performance in an informal agri-food supply chain with a focus on trader-abattoir relationships. The informal supply chain is an important context in which to examine the effects of social capital.

Climate Change and Gender Differential Impacts among Farmers in Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya

Climate Change and Gender Differential Impacts among Farmers in Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya

The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Reproductive Health in Kenya: Challenges, Lessons and Opportunities

Health systems and healthcare delivery around the world have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Kenya, the attainment of universal health coverage (UHC) has been hampered by the pandemic, particularly in the areas of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH). This paper examines the effect of COVID-19 on RMNCH in Kisumu, Isiolo, Machakos, and Nyeri counties in Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine if there was a significant change in service delivery under reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health in hospitals under the Universal Health Coverage Program. The target population was the patients seeking RMNCH services in these hospitals. The study arrived at a sample of 78 respondents achieving a response rate of 84%. The study used a mixed-methods approach, comprising both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The quantitative data were collected through a retrospective analysis of RMNCH indicators from January 2019 to June 2021, while the qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with healthcare workers and community members. The key finding of the study was that there was a significant decrease in the quality of RMNCH services during the COVID-19 period compared to before the pandemic. This conclusion is based on the results of a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, which produced a test statistic Z of -4.321 and an Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0. The challenges identified as hindering access to and provision of RMNCH services during the pandemic include inadequate personal protective equipment, inadequate supply of essential medicine, and reduced funding for RMNCH services. The study concluded that COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on RMNCH in the four counties. The pandemic led to disruptions in health service delivery, resulting in reduced access to essential RMNCH services. Consequently, there was an increase in maternal and child deaths. Recommendations include strengthening health systems, improving access to essential RMNCH services, and providing necessary resources and support to healthcare workers for delivering high-quality care.

A qualitative assessment of influenza vaccine uptake among children in Kenya

BackgroundInfluenza is a significant contributor to acute respiratory infections (ARI), and children < 5 years are at increased risk of severe influenza disease. In Kenya the influenza vaccine is not included in the Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunization (KEPI). To inform roll-out of a national influenza vaccination program, we implemented an influenza vaccine demonstration project in Nakuru and Mombasa counties in Kenya from 2019 to 2021 and set out to establish factors driving influenza vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among caregivers of children aged 6–23 months. MethodsUsing semi-structured questionnaires, we conducted eight focus group discussions among community members and twelve key informant interviews among healthcare workers to elicit both lay and expert opinions. Thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted using the World Health Organization’s “3 Cs” model of vaccine hesitancy to determine reasons for acceptance or hesitancy of the influenza vaccine. ResultsThe influenza vaccine was well received among community members and healthcare workers though concerns were raised. Vaccine hesitancy was fuelled by misconceptions about reasons for introducing the vaccine (confidence), perceptions that influenza was not a serious disease (complacency) and administrative fees required at some facilities (convenience). Despite the use of various advocacy, communication and social mobilisation strategies targeted at educating the community on the influenza disease and importance of vaccination, there remained a perception of inadequate reach of the sensitization among some community members. Contextual factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic affected uptake, and parents expressed concern over the growing number of vaccines recommended for children. ConclusionDespite lingering concerns, caregivers had their children vaccinated indicating that vaccine hesitancy exists, even among those who accepted the vaccine for their children. Efforts targeted at increasing confidence in and reducing misconceptions towards vaccines through effective communication strategies, are likely to lead to increased vaccine uptake.

Strategic Sourcing and Performance of Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya

The devolved governments in Kenya undertake projects that make up over 50% of government spending and are important to the economy. To improve the performance of projects and efficiency in service delivery, Kenyan county governments commonly award bids using strategic sourcing. However, despite the adoption of strategic sourcing, the performance of devolved systems of government remains poor. The general objective of this study was to determine the effect of strategic sourcing on performance of devolved systems of government in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the effect of supplier relationship management, market research, analytics, and multiple sourcing on the performance of devolved systems of government in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya. The study is significant to the administration of County governments in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, the policy makers as well as other researchers and academicians. The study adopted a cross sectional research design. The target population of the study was all the 47 county governments in Kenya, which are categorized into 6 regional blocs. The target population of the study was all the 47 county governments in Kenya, which are categorized into 6 regional blocs. The respondents included heads of departments in finance, procurement, public relations and information and communication technology as well as their assistants in 14 Counties in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB). A semi-structure questionnaire was used in the collection of data. Data was analyzed using qualitative data and quantitative methods. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and the results were presented in a narrative form. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing quantitative data with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25) statistical software. Quantitative results were presented in the form of tables and figures. The study found that supplier relationship management has a positive and significant effect on performance in devolved systems of government in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya. The study also established that market research has positive and significant effect on performance in devolved systems of government in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya. The study further revealed that analytics has positive and significant effect on performance in devolved systems of government in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya. Also, the study found that multiple sourcing has positive and significant effect on performance in devolved systems of government in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya. The study recommends that County government should develop training programs and workshops for government procurement officers and suppliers to enhance their understanding of procurement processes, compliance requirements, and best practices. County governments should regularly update market information related to various goods and services required by the government. In addition, County governments should create a dedicated analytics department or unit within the government structure to focus on data collection, analysis, and interpretation. In addition, County governments should monitor supplier performance regularly and use data-driven insights to make decisions about contract renewals or terminations

Effect of procurement devolution process of medical supplies on the technical efficiency of public health facilities in Nakuru and Baringo Counties of Kenya

This study analyzed the effect of procurement devolution process of medical supplies on the technical efficiency of public health facilities in Nakuru and Baringo Counties of Kenya. Although increased government expenditure was expected to improve efficiency and better health outcomes, Kenya’s public health sector remains inefficient. The study adopted a quantitative descriptive research design that targeted 3199 employees in 401 level 2-5 public health facilities (PHFs). Using Slovin’s formula, a sample size of 355 was proportionately sampled. While secondary data was obtained through desk review, primary data was collected through structured questionnaires that were administered to different cadres of employees. Primary data was coded and analyzed using STATA/SPSS. To compute technical efficiency of PHFs, the two-stage Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and multivariate logistic regression was adopted. Study findings show that devolution has improved demand for medical supplies, enhanced procurement efficiency, and promoted ethical procurement. However, complaints from patients have not reduced while training of procurement personnel has not increased. Regression analysis indicates a significant relationship between human capital and technical efficiency. The coefficient of human capital development was 0.199 (T-value= 9.514, p- value= 0.000&lt; 0.05 significant level); implying a positive effect of procurement devolution process on technical efficiency. This study concludes that despite increased health expenditure in Kenya, public health healthcare services have deteriorated due to inefficiency of the public health sector. This study recommends increased financial and human resource support to Kenya’s public health care.

A qualitative assessment of community perceptions and practices towards schistosomiasis prior to introduction of a potential novel treatment option for preschool-age children in Kenya

BackgroundOver 50 million preschool-age children (PSAC) in Africa need treatment for schistosomiasis but are excluded due to lack of a suitable child-friendly medication. The Paediatric Praziquantel Consortium has developed a novel paediatric formulation for PSAC. In advance of its roll-out, we conducted a social science study to draw lessons to inform implementation.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in eight villages in two purposively selected highly endemic Kenyan counties (Homa Bay and Kwale). We conducted 17 in-depth interviews with community opinion leaders and 21 with parents/guardians of PSAC. Twelve focus group discussions with parents/guardians of PSAC were also held. The aim was to assess their knowledge, perceptions, practices and willingness to participate in the medication’s roll-out for schistosomiasis. Thematic data analysis was performed.ResultsMost participants had heard of schistosomiasis and perceived it to be a serious disease whose treatment should be prioritised. Others felt it was a common disease that should not cause concern. Some people believed schistosomiasis was caused by witchcraft while others regarded it as a sexually transmitted infection. In addition, some practices like poor human waste disposal and water contact were thought to contribute to continued transmission of the disease.ConclusionCommunity members know and perceive schistosomiasis to be serious, but misinformation about its cause is prevalent. The study suggests the need for increased awareness creation to change the perceptions of communities in relation to schistosomiasis prevention and control. Community sensitisation should be prioritised in advance of medication roll-out.

Revenue Collectors Competency on Achievement of Own Source Revenue in Kenyan County Governments

An alarming trend has emerged from an analysis of own source revenue as a percentage of the targeted annual revenue over the past five financial years, revealing a consistent decline in performance with counties raising less than 40% of their estimated own source revenue potential despite using agents and having undertaken automation of the revenue collection processes. A deeper examination further reveals that a significant number of counties that consistently outperform the national average in achieving own source revenue targets have already embraced automation, in addition to agency revenue collection. A mixed research design was adopted by this study, targeting a population of 708 employees working in six selected county governments. By use of the Yamane formula, the determined sample was 280, who were reached through both census and stratified random sampling technique. Primary was collected through structured questionnaires. In order to examine quantitative data, descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation were used. The study findings reveal that there was an overall mean of 4.321 and a relatively low standard deviation of 0.823. This underscores the significance of skilled and competent revenue collection employees in achieving own source revenue targets. This finding has profound implications for county governments, emphasizing the critical need to invest in the training, development, and ongoing support of revenue collection personnel.

Tungiasis among children in Kenya is associated with poor nutrition status, absenteeism, poor school performance and high impact on quality of life.

Tungiasis is a highly neglected tropical skin disease caused by the sand flea, Tunga penetrans. The flea burrows into the skin inducing a strong inflammatory response, leading to pain and mobility restrictions with potential impacts on quality of life. Few countries implement control efforts and there are few data on the impact of the disease to support policy decisions. We conducted a survey to determine the impact of tungiasis among primary school children across nine counties of Kenya. A total of 10,600 pupils aged 8 to 14 years were randomly selected from 97 primary schools and examined for tungiasis. For 81 cases and 578 randomly selected controls, anthropometric measurements were made, and school attendance and exam scores were collected from school records. Of those with tungiasis, 73 were interviewed regarding their quality of life using a tungiasis-specific instrument. Mixed effect ordered logistic and linear models were used to assess associations between disease status and impact variables. Compared to uninfected pupils, those with tungiasis had lower weight-for-age z-scores (adjusted β -0.41, 95% CI: -0.75-0.06, p = 0.020), missed more days of school the previous term (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01-2.21, p = 0.046) and were less likely to receive a high score in mathematics (aOR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08-0.40, p<0.001) and other subjects. Pupils with severe disease (clinical score >10) were four times more likely to experience severe pain than those with mild disease (OR 3.96, 95% CI: 1.35-11.64, p = 0.012) and a higher impact on their quality of life than those with mild disease (aOR 3.57, 95% CI: 1.17-10.8, p = 0.025) when adjusted for covariates. This study has demonstrated tungiasis has a considerable impact on children's lives and academic achievement. This indicates the need for integrated disease management for school-aged children to protect their physical and cognitive development and their future prospects.

Emission of volatile organic compounds during open fire cooking with wood biomass: Traditional three-stone open fire vs. gasifier cooking stove in rural Kenya

Cooking with wood biomass fuels releases hazardous air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that often disproportionally affect women and children. This study, conducted in Kwale and Siaya counties in Kenya, employed thermal desorption gas chromatography – mass spectrometry to analyse VOC emissions from cooking with a wood biomass three-stone open fire vs. top-lit updraft gasifier stove. In kitchens with adequate ventilation, total VOC levels increased from 35–252 μg∙m−3 before cooking to 2235–5371 μg∙m−3 during open fire cooking, whereas use of a gasifier stove resulted in reduced emissions from cooking by 48–77 % (506–2778 μg∙m−3). However, in kitchens with poor ventilation, there was only a moderate difference in total VOC levels between the two methods of cooking (9034–9378 μg∙m−3 vs. 6727–8201 μg∙m−3 for the three-stone open fire vs. gasifier stove, respectively). Using a non-target screening approach revealed significantly increased levels of VOCs, particularly benzenoids, oxygenated and heterocyclic compounds, when cooking with the traditional open fire, especially in closed kitchens, highlighting the effects of poor ventilation. Key hazardous VOCs included benzene, naphthalene, phenols and furans, suggesting potential health risks from cooking. In kitchens with good ventilation, use of the gasifier stove markedly reduced emissions of these priority toxic VOCs compared to cooking with an open fire. Thus, substituting open fires with gasifier stoves could help to improve household air quality and alleviate health risks. The study revealed that VOCs were present prior to cooking, possibly originating from previously cooked food (buildup) or the outside environment. VOC emissions were also exacerbated by reduced air flow in high humidity during rainfall, suggesting an area for further research. The findings underscore the importance of adopting cleaner cooking technologies and enhancing kitchen ventilation to mitigate the impacts of VOCs in developing countries.

Role of food choice motives in the socio-economic disparities in diet diversity and obesity outcomes in Kenya.

The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity, along with high diet diversity, is observed among higher socio-economic groups in Sub-Saharan Africa. One contributing factor to these observed variations is food choice motives. However, the role of these motives in explaining the observed differences has not been thoroughly explored in this context. This study investigates whether there are significant differences in food choice motives among socio-economic groups and whether these variations can partly explain the socio-economic disparities in diet diversity and overweight and obesity outcomes. This study utilizes cross-sectional data from four counties in Kenya: Kiambu, Murang'a, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru. The survey employed a three-stage cluster sample design to gather data using structured questionnaires on food choice motives, diet diversity, and anthropometrics from 381 adults in 2022. The mediating effects of 8 food choice motives (health, mood, convenience, sensory appeal, natural content, price, weight control, and familiarity) were analyzed using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method. The results show that individuals with higher household incomes place greater importance on health, mood, sensory, and weight concerns. The probability of an overweight and obesity outcome increases by 19% for a standard deviation change in the asset score, and by 8% for a standard deviation change in the years of schooling. Sensory motives significantly mediated these relationships. Sensory motives explained 29% of the income-BMI association and 30% of the education-BMI relationship. Higher education was also associated with increased diet diversity (β = 0.36, P < 0.001) mediated by higher health and sensory concerns. The findings suggest significant differences in food choice motives among socio-economic groups, which contribute to outcomes such as overweight and obesity. Therefore, educational and other policies aimed at reducing obesity should also address food choice motives, while considering the disparities among socio-economic segments within populations.

Individual-Related Factors Influencing Adherence to Hazardous Waste Management Policy Frameworks among Health Workers in Private Hospitals in Nairobi County – Kenya

Purpose: This study, therefore, sought to investigate the individual related factors influencing the adherence to hazardous waste management guidelines among healthcare workers in 4 selected hospitals in Nairobi County Kenya. From the population of 900 healthcare workers from 4 levels 4 facilities, random sampling was applied to identify the 90 respondents. Methodology: Data analysis and reporting was done using appropriate quantitative methods. Findings: The findings from this study show that the level of contribution of individual related factors towards adherence to hazardous waste management policies among healthcare workers in private level four hospitals in Nairobi County is low. Despite the high level of awareness by the health workers on the important measures of collection, segregation, treatment, transportation and disposal of waste, the level of performance on the same is low. This is greatly attributable to negligence and unfavorable attitude towards healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Based on the study findings, we would recommend the improvement of individual related factors on hazardous waste management among healthcare workers.