Kakamega County Research Articles

Perceptions of Education Stakeholders on the Effect of Teaching Practices on Academic Achievement in Public Secondary Schools: A Case of Kakamega County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to determine education stakeholder’s perceptions on the effect of schools’ teaching practices on academic achievement in public secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya, The study was guided by School-Based Management Theory. A descriptive research design was used. The target population was 415 principals, 415 Deputy Principals, 415 directors of studies, and 33296 form four candidates of 2022. Stratified and purposive sampling technique was used. The sample comprised of; One hundred principals, 100 deputy principals, 100 directors of studies, and 400 students were chosen as the sample. The research instruments were; Questionnaires, an interview schedule, and document analysis schedule. Descriptive analysis was done using frequencies and percentages while inferential analysis was performed using Chi-square Analysis and Pearson product moment. Qualitative data was transcribed, analysed and reported according to emerging themes The Chi-square analysis indicated a significant difference between schools' teaching practices and academic achievement at a p value p < 0.05. The results indicated that there was a significant difference in their perceptions on the effect of schools’ teaching practices with regard to the effect of the academic achievement with the p value p < .001.The null hypothesis was consequently rejected. The findings indicate a notable disparity in the perceptions of education stakeholders, particularly students and deputy principals, regarding the influence of teaching practices on academic success in public secondary schools in Kakamega County. The p-value of p < .001 signifies a robust level of statistical significance, suggesting that the observed difference in perceptions is improbable to arise from random chance. As a result, the null hypothesis, which posited an absence of difference in perceptions, was dismissed. The evidence indicates a divergence in perspectives between students and deputy principals regarding the influence of teaching practices on academic performance. This may suggest that each group emphasizes or appreciates distinct facets of the pedagogical approaches, or that they possess diverse experiences and insights concerning the implementation of these practices within the educational environment. This implied that that the students and deputy principals perceived differently, the effect of the teaching practices on academic achievement. The study recommends that some teaching practices that were perceived to enhance academic achievement should be used in public secondary schools of Kakamega County.

Teachers’ Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Moral Strategies for Character Formation in Public Secondary Schools in Kakamega County, Kenya

Philosophers and educationists contend that education plays a critical role in inculcating learners with moral values for character formation. Moral education for character formation is not an issue of personal choice but fundamental to society in promoting economic growth, prosperity, and order. However, there are a number of problems that hinder the process of reaching the identified ideal of character formation. Some of the challenges are associated curriculum content and the strategies applied by teachers. In school moral education for character formation is promoted through the teaching of subjects such as Christian Religious Education, Hindu Religious Education, or Islamic Religious Education, however they are exam or Cognitive oriented. This is manifested in unacceptable behaviors that are exhibited by students such as school arson, drugs and substance abuse, obscene behavior, and exploitation of school and other public resources. Therefore, this article sought to investigate teachers’ perspectives on the effectiveness of moral strategies for character formation in public secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya. Phenomenological theory guided this study. On the other hand, phenomenological hermeneutical method was applied in the study. The study employed a descriptive phenomenological research design to explore teachers' perceptions of moral education strategies for character formation in public secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya. This design was chosen because it enables the researcher gain insight into participants' lived experiences of a phenomenon without prejudices and preconceptions. It utilized an interpretive paradigm to understand teachers' perceptions of their social realities, focusing on subjective experiences and perspectives related to moral education. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 15 participants from seven public secondary schools. Unstructured interviews were employed to collect the data. The data collected was analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six steps. The study established that there was mixed reaction on the effectiveness of strategies used in moral education for character formation. The minority of the participants observed that all the strategies were ineffective, while the majority indicated that guidance and counseling although less proactive, is the best strategy for moral education for character formation. The few who mentioned punishment indicated that it was the best method, although illegal and illicit in the current Kenyan schooling context. The study concluded that moral education strategies in public secondary schools in Kakakmega county, Kenya are largely ineffective, with only a few approaches like class meetings, student leadership, and clubs fostering deeper student engagement. Most strategies are implemented reactively and lack consistent emphasis, limiting their impact on character formation. To improve effectiveness, a more proactive approach and better implementation mechanisms are needed. The study recommends that teachers in Kakamega County be trained to use multiple moral strategies that require extensive student participation and include practical and reflective methods to promote character education. Moreover, moral education should be an integrated approach to ensure that students receive ethical education in many areas of learning to strengthen their morality in applying moral education in many facets of their learning.

Effect of Institutional Resources on Student Academic Achievement in Kakamega County, Kenya

The school environment has a substantial impact on the quality of education. A well-resourced, supportive, and positive environment can result in enhanced student outcomes, both academically and personally. This study sought to investigate the effect of institutional resources on student academic achievement Kakamega County, Kenya. The research employed the production function theory. The study was conducted using a descriptive correlational research design. This study took place in Kakamega County, which has thirteen sub-counties. The study focused on 423 secondary schools, which included 2 national schools, 2 national special schools, 28 extra county schools, 45 county schools, and 346 sub county schools. The target population included 423 Principals, 5514 teachers, and 182,893 learners, for a total of 188,830 respondents in Kakamega County secondary schools. Purposive sampling was used to choose special and national schools. The Yamane formula was used to determine a sample of 440 respondents. The study gathered data through interviews and questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted in Bungoma County to test the instruments' validity and reliability. Cronbach's alpha was employed as a statistical tool to assess reliability. The study analyzed quantitative data using Regression analysis. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. The results indicated that most of the institutions have resources that included classrooms, laboratories, libraries and others however they were not adequate. The results further revealed that most of the schools have adequate number of teachers while a sizeable were still struggling with fewer teachers. On the study’s hypothesis, H01 that states that there is no statistically significant effect of institutional resources on student academic achievement in Kakamega County, Kenya was rejected at p=0.003. The study concluded that there is a significant positive relationship between institutional resources and student academic achievement in Kakamega County, Kenya. The study thus recommends that the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to enhance funding for school infrastructure, learning materials, and teacher training to improve student achievement. Implement strategies to boost student achievement and optimize teacher-student ratios like recruiting more teachers and teacher interns to fill the gaps.

Factors influencing healthcare access for persons with disabilities in Kakamega County, Kenya during COVID-19: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION Access to healthcare for persons with disabilities is an indicator of the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system in terms of equity, accessibility and the right to health. This study explores factors affecting access to healthcare among persons with disabilities in Kakamega County in the context of COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials used in this study are part of a larger study that looked at access to healthcare and its effect on the quality of life of persons with disabilities in Kakamega County. In this paper, we present data generated from the qualitative component of the study that comprised 7 focus group discussions, 15 in-depth interviews, and 8 key informants who provided contextual information on health services for persons with disabilities. Data was coded and analysed thematically. RESULTS The study established key barriers to healthcare access for persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic period ranging from availability, affordability, discrimination, accommodation, assistive devices, and appropriateness of healthcare. In addition, the results show that these obstacles are not limited to the pandemic, but represent everyday challenges that persons with disability experience; but were exacerbated during the pandemic. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS This study highlights the need for disability-friendly infrastructure in healthcare facilities, subsidized medical costs, and the provision of assistive technologies to improve healthcare access for persons with disabilities. We also recommend increasing community and provider awareness of disability rights, enforcing existing laws and policies, and ensuring equal employment opportunities to support full social participation for individuals with disabilities.

Assessment of Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Effluent Quality Discharged from the Shirere Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Isiukhu River, Kakamega County, Kenya

For waste removal, advanced infrastructural technologies can be adopted in the drainage channels of effluents into water bodies though they are limited and scarce. The aim of the study was to asses community knowledge, attitude and perception towards effluent quality discharged from Shirere wastewater treatment plant up to river Isiukhu. Correlation and descriptive survey were the main research approaches adopted. The measurement of the knowledge, perception and attitude was limited to only the community members, as well as Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) staff members. The study was anchored by the risk management theory to demonstrate the vulnerability of community hazards like water pollution. The social-economic sampling approaches applied were stratified for the community members and random for the KACWASCO workers. The population targeted was eighty community members and four KACWASCO staff members. The questionnaires were pretested through a pilot study to ascertain their reliability. This pre-test was conducted at a different Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) at Nabongo. The Pearson coefficient (r) was used to compute the correlation coefficient between the two test scores. Data was analyzed using regression and correlation methods. For socio-economic, reliability test was administered by use test- retest method. A code book was prepared and scores of the first test correlated with scores of the second test, and Pearson product moment of correlation was computed using SPSS software version 21.0. By applying the analysis of variance (ANOVA), researcher was able to determine whether differences observed between groups are likely due to actual variations in their perceptions or simply due to chance. From the reliability test, all of the variables obtained had Cronbach's Alpha greater than 0.7, indicating that they met the necessary 0.7 for data internal consistency. The Bartlett's test for validity was examined using the chi-square test, which revealed that all of the variables were significant at the 5% (0.000) level of significance. Only 82 of the 84 questionnaires provided to the sampled respondents (KACWASCO staffs and community members) were filled out and returned in this study. From the study findings the value of R-square was 0.429. The ANOVA test indicated that in this model the independent variable namely; knowledge of the residents is important in predicting of waste water treatment as indicated by significance value=0.002 which is less than 0.05 level of significance (p=0.002 < 0.05). Additionally, the response under attitude and perception, the value of R-Square was 0.045 which implied that, 4.5% of variation of Wastewater Treatment Plant in Shirere was explained by attitude and perception of the residents within the area. The study also revealed that attitude and perception of the residents in Shirere had a significant influence on wastewater treatment at Shirere in Kakamega County (t-statistic = 25.674, p-value = ). Therefore, it was concluded that, at 5% level of significance, indicating that community knowledge, perception and attitude had a positive influence on waste water treatment at Shirere in Kakamega County. Likewise, for every unit increase in attitude of the residents there was a corresponding increase in wastewater treatment at Shirere in Kakamega County by 0.628. The study recommended that, the community members need more sensitization on matters pollution as revealed by this study.

Evaluation of Effluent Quality Trends Before and After Filtration Through the Composite Filter from Shirere Wastewater Treatment Plant to River Isiukhu in Kakamega County, Kenya

The current stabilization ponds as wastewater treatment practices in urban areas have proven insufficient with continued discharge of untreated wastes into water bodies. Their challenge comes from inappropriate system selection and maintenance, improper design, construction mistakes, physical damage and hydraulic overload. Appropriate infrastructural technologies for waste removal that can be adopted in the drainage channels of effluents into water bodies are scarce. This study incorporates a reactor based composite filter of pumice and sand as an innovative approach for removing residual waste in effluents discharged from Shirere Wastewater Treatment Plant into River Isiukhu, Kakamega Municipality. The objective of the study was to evaluate the trend of effluent quality from Shirere wastewater treatment plant upto river Isiukhu before and after installation of composite granular filter. Effluents, drinking water from Shirere WWTP, Shikoye stream, River Isiukhu and protected spring along Shikoye stream, were collected using presterilized water sampling containers for microbial quality analysis at MMUST and KACWASCO laboratories. The measurements were carried out using UV-VIS spectrophotometer at 752 nanometer wavelengths. Research design was experimental. The average reduction of COD in the mid-season of June to August was 42.2 ±4.6%, being the highest. Concomitantly, the BOD removal by the filter in the season of June to August was19.6±7% and 15.6 ±3.5% for September to November. The average rate of TSS removal in June to August was 19.3±4.5% followed by 16.6±3.8% in September to November and 11.6±7% in March to May. The average rate of Nitrate removal in June to August was 41.8±7.6% followed by 30.0±2.2% for March to May and 25±8.6% for September to November. Phosphates had an average rate of removal in June to August at 31.9±2.7% followed by 20.6±4.8% for September to November and 20.0 ±4.3% for March to May. Specifically, for the first season of March – May 2021 at 200 mm filtration depth were carried out at effluent flow rate of 0.0032 and volume, 0.234 Concentrations of most parameters were above NEMA standards, like COD was 322mg/l yet maximum should be 100 mg/l. Therefore, it was concluded that silica pumice composite filter performance was achieved by big variations in the concentrations of COD, BOD, TSS, Phosphates and Nitrates at Shirere WWTP after filtration which was attributed to effective removing capacity. The effluent concentrations from sampling sites S1-S3 and S5-S7 were found to be above the NEEMA standards implying the high risk of using Isiukhu water and catchment area. Thus, this study recommended that, the composite filter reduced concentrations of all the parameters (COD, BOD, TSS, PO3, NO3) significantly from Shirere WWTP along Shikoye stream up to the confluence of river Isiukhu. Most of the parameters after filtration were ranging within the required standards of NEMA. The requisite measure of adopting new technology of composite filtration should be sustained.

Assessing the Utilization of Commercialized Public Toilets in Kakamega Town

Human waste management continues to be a major global challenge facing urban growth. Managing sanitation is therefore a challenge facing most governments. The objective of this study was to assess the utilization of commercialized public toilets in Kakamega Town. The study adopted a descriptive research design carried out in Kakamega Town. The target population comprised residents of Kakamega town and those on daily transit. Purposive sampling was done for Kakamega County town and key informants, while Simple random sampling was done for town residents and business people. Systematic sampling was conducted on individuals using public toilets. A sample size of 351 participants was finally used and data was collected using observation, interviews, questionnaires, and document review. 265 (75.5%) of respondents knew of public toilets and their location with only 25.9% of females being very often users. The majority of respondents 256 (72.9%) chose public toilets because of their cleanliness and appearance. Physically challenged respondents were less likely to use commercial toilets in contrast to the able-bodied respondents (OR: 0.4; 95%CI: 0.2 – 0.8; p=0.008). Location, signage, and maps were among the factors identified as determining the utilization of the public toilet facilities in Kakamega Town. There were low incidents of open defecation, urination, and flying toilets in places where commercialized public toilets were. In conclusion, commercialized public toilets were highly utilized and preferred in Kakamega town due to their cleanliness, location, and accessibility. The study recommends the town increase the number of commercialized public toilet facilities and the management of non-commercialized public toilets in the county government of Kakamega to enhance cleanliness and access to all public toilets within the town

Structural Characterization and Grading of Timber Species for Engineering Applicability in Kenya

An investigation was carried out in Kakamega County to determine the characteristic grade of eucalyptus and cypress timber species that are commonly used in construction. The physical and mechanical properties of two timber species for structural use; eucalyptus and cypress were determined. Six logs of each species were obtained from different areas of Kakamega County, sliced into 2” by 12” size before seasoning under a shade and their structural strength properties were determined at a moisture content of 12%. These logs were cut into test samples for the determination of their strength properties. A total of 800 samples (100 samples for each test) free from visible defects were used for each species. Basic physical properties of the samples like moisture content and density were determined. Tensile strength, compressive strength parallel the grain, compressive strength perpendicular to the grain, and bending strength were the mechanical strength tests carried out according to Eurocode 5 (1995) and BS 5268 (2002) specifications on Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Results were analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while grading was done according to Eurocode 5 (EC5). Cypress was graded into strength class C20 while eucalyptus was graded into strength class D24. Strength class C20 is used in load-bearing structures that require high strength, such as roof trusses and floor systems. D24 is a common structural grade for a variety of structures exposed to high environmental conditions.

Evaluation of the determinants of uptake of oral rehydration salts with zinc in the management of childhood diarrhea in Kakamega County

Background: Diarrhea remains a significant public health concern, contributing to high child mortality, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Approximately 1.5 million cases of childhood diarrhea are reported annually in Kenya, with a prevalence of 16%. Despite the availability of affordable interventions like oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc supplementation, their utilization remains suboptimal in Kakamega County, where child mortality is 45 per 1,000. The combined impact of ORS and zinc in reducing childhood diarrhea and its consequences has not been adequately studied in Kakamega County. This study aims to assess the utilization of ORS and zinc in diarrhea management in Kakamega County. Methods: We utilized a cross-sectional design to evaluate current practices and outcomes in managing diarrhea among children under five years old. A random sampling approach was applied to ensure a representative sample. Key variables assessed included the frequency of diarrhea episodes, the use of ORS and zinc, and nutritional status. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and descriptive methods, were used to examine the relationships between the variables in SPSS version 26. Results: Of the 246 children surveyed, 47.4% were under 10 months old. The study found that 26.8% of children had not received rotavirus vaccinations, and diarrhea was significantly (p<0.05) associated with poor nutritional outcomes. ORS had strong support (69.4%), but zinc supplementation showed moderate support (54.3%). Conclusions: The study highlights the need for increased uptake of ORS and zinc supplementation, as well as enhanced vaccination coverage to prevent diarrhea-related deaths and malnutrition in Kakamega County.

Care seeking during pregnancy: testing the assumptions behind service delivery redesign for maternal and newborn health in rural Kenya.

A health systems reform known as Service Delivery Redesign (SDR) for maternal and newborn health seeks to make high-quality delivery care universal in Kakamega County, in western Kenya, by strengthening hospital-level care and making hospital deliveries the default option for pregnant women. Using a large prospective survey of new mothers in Kakamega County, we examine several key assumptions that underpin the SDR policy's theory of change. We analyse data on place of delivery, travel time and distance, out-of-pocket spending, and self-reported quality of care for 19 127 women prospectively enrolled during antenatal care (ANC) and surveyed two times after their delivery. We analyze changes in womens' delivery location preferences in recent years in Kakamega, and over the course of their most recent pregnancy. We also evaluate travel time, out-of-pocket expenditures and patient satisfaction for women who deliver in public hospitals vs primary health centres. We find substantial changes in delivery location at the population level over time and for individual women over the course of pregnancy. Facility delivery has increased from 50.4% in 2010 to 89.5% in 2019; 70% of respondents deliver at a different facility than their reported intention at ANC. Out-of-pocket delivery expenditures are on average 1351 Kenyan shillings (Ksh) in hospitals compared to 964 Ksh in PHC (primary health care)s (P < 0.01). Transport expenditures are 337 Ksh for PHC level deliveries vs 422 Ksh for hospitals (P < 0.01). Self-reported average travel time is 51 min (PHC delivery) vs 47 min (hospital delivery) (P = 0.78). The average distance to a delivery location is 15.1 km for PHC deliveries vs 15.2 km for hospitals (P = 0.99). There were no differences in overall patient-reported quality scores, while some subcomponents of quality favoured hospitals. These findings support several key assumptions of the SDR theory of change in Kakamega County, while also highlighting important challenges that should be addressed to increase the likelihood of successful implementation.

Challenges in Sustaining Donor Initiated Monitoring and Evaluation System for HIV and AIDS at the Service Delivery Level; Examples from APHIA plus project in Kakamega County

HIV/AIDS remains a major global public health issue, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the hardest hit and housing over 1.7 million people living with HIV. Kenya's long-term success in combating AIDS requires decentralization, allowing counties and local networks to take an active role in developing, implementing, and monitoring evidence-based initiatives. Current frameworks for Monitoring and Evaluating (M&amp;E) HIV/AIDS programs are primarily focused on data collection to inform decisions at the county and national levels. As a result, there's a pressing need to boost M&amp;E capacity at the service delivery level to ensure effective HIV/AIDS programs. This paper interrogates the AIDS, Population, and Health Integrated Assistance (APHIA plus) Western Project's success in enhancing local M&amp;E capacity at the service delivery level in Kakamega County and the challenges of sustaining the gains beyond the project period. The study sampled 110 health facilities offering HIV/AIDS services in Kakamega County. and established It established that the APHIAplus Western Project made significant strides in strengthening the M&amp;E system by establishing M&amp;E departments, improving collection, quality and dissemination of M&amp;E data and hiring trained staff. The study identified the main challenges to the sustainability of the M&amp;E system which included heavy reliance on external funding and inadequate dedicated M&amp;E staff in county health facilities where 62% of staff carrying out M&amp;E functions/duties were hired by the project. It also identified a challenge in the likely compromise to the prerequisites for quality M&amp;E data after the exit of the project since there was no clear transition plan from project to county. The study results indicate that that 70% of the facilities were collecting monthly data using specified tools and storing the data in an automated system. ANOVA yields a statistically significant difference in the length of years the APHIAplus Western project has supported the health facilities and the frequency of M&amp;E data collection at the service delivery level. The study further identified a challenge in the likely discontinuation of fora/platforms organized monthly in 94% of the facilities for dissemination of M&amp;E findings and supported by APHIAplus Western Project. The study recommends increasing the number of dedicated M&amp;E staff in county health facilities by developing a phased transition plan for M&amp;E staff contracted by the project with a clear handover schedule to County Government of Kakamega, and advocating for increased budget allocation for M&amp;E activities at the service delivery level. Additionally, health facilities are encouraged to explore strategies for diversifying funding sources for M&amp;E activities.

RETENTION OF TEACHERS ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA

Teachers’ retention in schools has been necessary because it enhances academic attainment. The gist of this study was to evaluate the effect of teachers' retention on students’ academic achievement in public secondary schools in Kakamega County. The study was guided by Education Production Function Theory (EPFT), Theory of Constraint (TOC) and Social Exchange Theory (SET). The target population was 268 public secondary Schools, 1500 teachers, 268 principals and one (1) County staffing officer. The sample size of 30% of the population was deemed to be adequate. The sampling techniques were simple random sampling, stratified sampling and systematic sampling. Data collection procedures were done with the help of administering questionnaires to respondents, document analysis and interview schedules were the major principal instruments used. The validity of the research instruments was assessed with the help of two research supervisors from Kisii University. The reliability of the index of 0.7 for teachers and 0.89 for principals was obtained using a test-retest approach. Data presentation was done with the help of tables, graphs and pie charts. A mixed research method was used. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used for data analysis. Findings revealed that 38 (9.3%) teachers had left on promotion, 240 (59%) voluntarily and 129 involuntarily (31.7%). The study revealed, therefore, that most teachers (over 66%) either left voluntarily or on promotion. The study recommended that since most teachers either left voluntarily or on promotion, this was their right, while others were retained to ensure stability without interference through uncalled-for transfers, which enhanced students’ academic achievement. The study was undertaken by ensuring that ethical considerations for research were put into perspective, such as informed consent from participants and non-usage of unethical language as a means to obtain data from respondents.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0764/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Charismatics and People with Special Needs

This research article highlights the suitability of charismatic churches to individuals with special needs by focusing on their inclusivity and accessibility within Kakamega, in Western Kenya. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, which suited the qualitative nature of the initial study that culminated into this research article, it was conducted across 12 sub-counties in Kakamega County. A sample of 78 respondents was selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The findings revealed that charismatic churches in Kakamega County serve as crucial community hubs, with physical accessibility playing a key role in enhancing inclusivity and enabling individuals of all abilities to participate fully in church activities. It concludes that fostering a culture of acceptance and support is vital for empowering individuals with disabilities, and in ensuring they feel valued and integrated into all aspects of church life. In this treatise, we view the definition of “special needs” as encircling the emotional, intellectual, sensory impairments, and physical challenges.

Effect of Comprehensive HIV Prevention Information Package on Syphilis Infection Levels Among Youths in Kakamega and Kericho Counties, Kenya

The world&amp;apos;s biggest threat to development and public health is HIV. Youth in sub-Saharan Africa are primarily affected by the HIV epidemic. Despite the availability of HIV prevention options, new infections among youth in Kenya only reduced by 56% between 2015 and 2021. Various HIV prevention interventions have been implemented among youth with little or no assessment of their effectiveness in reducing new HIV infections. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect comprehensive HIV prevention information package of the package on syphilis infections levels among the youths in Kakamega and Kericho counties, Kenya. A non-randomized control trial was conducted with Kakamega as intervention and Kericho as Comparison County. The pretest questionnaire was administered in both intervention and control counties in December 2001. The posttest questionnaire was administered in both intervention and control counties after nine months of providing HIV prevention information package. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed thematically. There was significant increase in knowledge of sexually transmitted infections in intervention county (t = 3.340, P = 0.021). There was significant number of youth in Kakamega county who reported unusual sores in genital area at endline (t = 2.035, P = 0.043). Similarly, more youths sought treatment after experiencing the syphilis symptoms (t = 1.931, P = 0.054) at endline in Kakamega county. There were no significant differences in the number of youths in Kericho county at endline who experienced unusual symptoms, sought treatment and informed their sexual partners (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The findings from the study will inform national rollout of the intervention to contribute to safer sexual behaviors among youth.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LEBED METHOD THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION ON PHYSICAL STABILITY AMONG ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY

Background. In Kenya, falls among individuals over 60 years of age are a major concern. Despite physical activity being known to reduce fall risks, existing studies face challenges like high drop-out rates and limited exercise types. The Lebed Method, a dance program originally developed for breast cancer survivors by Sherry Lebed Davis, has shown potential to improve physical and emotional well-being. This study aimed to explore its effectiveness in improving physical stability among the elderly in Kakamega County. Methods. The study involved a community-based randomized control trial with 30 participants aged 60 and older, selected based on low social support scores. They were divided into intervention and control groups, meeting specific inclusion criteria. Baseline functional stability (mobility and balance) was assessed by Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores, gait speed time, and de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) score. To ensure the reliability of the study, biases such as selection, performance, detection, attrition, and reporting biases were addressed. Changes in physical stability between the groups were analyzed using the Analysis of Covariance, accounting for baseline differences, while within-group changes were evaluated using the dependent sample t-test. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results. The findings showed that the intervention group improved significantly in physical stability compared to the control group. Specifically, notable enhancements were observed on TUG times (p &lt; .001, ηp2 = 0.53, d = 3.38), BBS scores (p &lt; .001, ηp2 = 0.64, d = 1.97), gait speed (p &lt; .001, ηp2 = 0.65, d = 1.99) and DEMMI score (p &lt; .001, ηp2 = 0.38, d = 1.94). Conclusions. The intervention significantly improved mobility and balance among participants, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Lebed method for elderly individuals. Future research could explore specific components of dance-based therapy that contribute to functional mobility and balance improvements

Effects of improved on-farm crop storage on DNA methylation of mothers and their infants: evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Kenya

BackgroundStress during pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and infant health outcomes through epigenetic changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Among farmers in low-income countries, one important stressor is food insecurity, which can be reduced using hermetic storage bags. This study aimed to determine, for the first time, whether a hermetic storage bag intervention during pregnancy positively affects maternal and infant DNA methylation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis-related genes FKBP5 and NR3C1. We further analyzed whether anthropometrics, stress, and mental health were associated with DNA methylation.MethodsThis study was part of a larger matched-pair randomized controlled trial focusing on the impact of improved on-farm storage on food security, poverty, and net income of smallholder farming households. A total of N = 149 mothers were recruited by telephone and invited to attend a study appointment at health facilities in Kakamega County, Western Kenya, with their infants in April or May 2021. During the appointment, anthropometric measurements were taken, questionnaires on stress and mental health were administered, and saliva samples were collected. Logistic and multiple linear regression were used to examine the effect of the intervention and related measures on DNA methylation.ResultsMothers in the intervention group showed higher mean NR3C1 methylation levels than those in the control group, corrected for multiple testing. Maternal postpartum body mass index was positively associated with infant NR3C1 CpG3 DNA methylation. The more stressful life events a mother had experienced in the previous 12 months (including during pregnancy), the lower her FKBP5 CpG3 methylation levels.ConclusionsFood insecurity and stressful life events during pregnancy seem to exert significant effects on maternal DNA methylation. While these stressors did not appear to impact infant DNA methylation in the present study, maternal postpartum body mass index was significantly related to infant methylation. These findings suggest that while infants may be protected from excessive maternal glucocorticoids by placental barrier activity, maternal metabolic status is still reflected in their epigenetic make-up.Trial registration This study was part of a larger matched-pair randomized controlled trial on the impact of improved on-farm crop storage on welfare, nutrition, and human health. Registration can be found in the American Economic Association (AEA) RCT Registry, RCT ID: AEARCTR-0005845.

The Driving Forces that Influence Land Use Land Cover Changes in Khwisero Sub County, Kakamega County, Kenya

Land use land cover changes have to a great extent changed the world's landscapes, rebuilding environments and what they provide to humans during the time spent supporting the rising population across the globe. The drivers of these changes vary from location to location causing varying effects that challenge the essential design and the functioning capacity of the land quality with flowing consequences to land quality. A cross sectional descriptive design together with a longitudinal design were used. A random sampling was used to obtain a sample size of 384 from a study population of 113,476. Based on agriculture, forest land, bare land and built up land categories, the study classified Landsat images through supervised classification algorithm then applied post - classification comparison change detection to measure land use land cover percentage area change over time. Primary data was collected through interviews and discussions with key informants, field observations, and questionnaires administered to individual households in Khwisero Sub County. Secondary data involved downloading Landsat images (Landsat 7, 8 and 9; 30-meter multispectral), summaries and citation of other works carried in journals articles, original documents, annual reports, development plans and internet. Quantitative data analysis involved measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion (SPSS) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Qualitative data was analysed by organizing and grouping the arising issues into various categories relevant to the study. Land use land cover classification of the study area realized four land use land cover classes of agriculture 81.34 km2, forest 52.75 km2, built up 8.86 km2 and bare land 2.65 km2 for the study area as at 2023. Change detection noted that agricultural land use has been reducing from 2002 to 2023, built up has been increasing from 2002 to 2023, bare land increased between 2002 to 2012 but decreased between 2012 and 2023 while forests reduced between 2002 to 2012 but increased between 2012 to 2023 Accuracy assessment for the land use land cover classes for 2002 was 85.45% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.756, 2012 was 83.64% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.5454 while 2023 was 81.82% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.6034 for the land use land cover classes revealing that the classification is accurate. The study revealed that LULCCs are driven by settlement, poverty and climate change mostly thus affecting cropland vegetation and soil fertility majorly. The study concluded that LULCC drivers varied from location to location even within the sub county. The study recommends creation of awareness of understanding the various drivers of LULCCs and impact of each on land quality.

Effect of Resource Orientation on Service Delivery of Public Level Four Hospitals in Kakamega County Kenya

Purpose: The study established the effect of resource orientation on service delivery of Level Four Public Hospitals in Kakamega County, Kenya Methodology/Approach: Mixed research design comprising of a descriptive and causal were applied. Targeted 304 comprising of 162 nurses, 135 Hospitals office staff and 7 Hospital Administrators. The study sample size was 173 using Yamane formulae. The study applied stratified and simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaires aided in data collection. Pilot study was done at Sabatia District hospital in Vihiga County. Reliability was tested using Cronbach Alpha while validity was tested using content validity. SPPs versio 23 was used for effective descriptive as well as inferential statistics. Findings: The study found out that customer orientation had a significant influence on service delivery (t-statistic=7.489. Implications: Important to medical practitioners, government Authorities, and management of hospitals in managing strategic orientation plans for service delivery. The study recommends that customers orientation should be prioritized since it enhances service delivery.

Effects of Funds Disbursement on Financial Sustainability of Public Secondary Schools in Alego Usonga Sub-County, Kenya

Financial sustainability in public secondary schools has been tested, with disbursement of funds and school fee payments cited as major issues. This study is therefore intended to examine the relationship between fund disbursement and the financial sustainability of public secondary schools. The study applied fund accounting theory. The study employed a descriptive research design employing a mixed approach and targeted 50 public secondary schools, hence a target of 100 respondents, two per school (school bursar, accounts clerk, and school principal) in Alego Usonga, of which a census was conducted involving all the schools. Primary data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire, while secondary data was extracted from audited financial statements for public secondary schools. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin was conducted for validity as well as Cronbach alpha for reliability. Piloting on 10 respondents (5 bursars and 5 principals) was conducted in Kakamega County. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, mean, and standard deviation, while inferential statistics included correlation analysis, multiple regression, and hierarchical regression. The findings of this research may be of great importance to public secondary school administrators, managers of various financial institutions, and school suppliers wishing to deliver items to the public secondary schools on credit terms. It may equally be of importance to researchers and future scholars who might need to refer to or build on this work for further research. The R square, or coefficient of determination, demonstrates that fund disbursement accounts for 46.7% of the variance in performances (R2 = 0.467). This suggests that fund disbursement has a major bearing on the results achieved. Fund disbursement was a significant predictor (p&lt;.000). The study recommends that public secondary schools should have stronger fund disbursements. This should happen through the Ministry of Education providing timely capitation. Other agencies, such as NG-CDF and county bursaries, should be timely remitted to the public secondary schools.

Effectiveness of the Well-being Therapy in depression management among adolescents in secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya

Effectiveness of the Well-being Therapy in depression management among adolescents in secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya