Kakamega County Research Articles

Moderating Effect of Entrepreneurship Determinants on the Relationship between Economic Diversification and Sustainable Livelihoods among Fish Farmers in Kakamega County

This study investigates the effect of entrepreneurship determinants on economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods among fish farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya. Entrepreneurship determinants encompass a range of factors including access to finance, training, market information, infrastructure, and supportive institutional frameworks. Economic diversification is vital for reducing reliance on traditional income sources and enhancing resilience to economic shocks, while sustainable livelihoods ensure long-term prosperity while preserving natural resources. The specific objective was to examine the moderating effect of entrepreneurship determinants on the relationship between economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods among fish farmers in Kakamega County. The study was guided by Sustainable Livelihoods Theory. The target population was 4500 fish farmers in Kakamega County from which a sample of 354 fish farmers was selected for the study using the Krejcie and Morgan Table 1970. Data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Using descriptive and survey research designs, data was collected from a sample of fish farmers in Kakamega County. The findings reveal significant correlations between entrepreneurship determinants, economic diversification, and sustainable livelihoods. Economic Activity Diversification explained 50.8% changes on sustainable livelihoods. However, when moderated with entrepreneurial determinants, the influence of economic diversification explained 66.3% of the changes in sustainable livelihoods among the fish farmers in Kakamega County. The analysis utilized unstandardized coefficients to elucidate the relationships between variables. In Model 1, Vertical Diversification (B = 0.271, p = 0.000) and Portfolio Diversification (B = 0.488, p = 0.000) significantly influenced Sustainable Livelihoods, while Structural Diversification (B = -0.044, p = 0.493) did not. Model 2 introduced Entrepreneurial Determinant, which exhibited a significant positive effect (B = 0.356, p = 0.000), alongside Vertical (B = 0.111, p = 0.041) and Portfolio (B = 0.329, p = 0.000) Diversifications. In Model 3, while all diversification variables remained significant, the interaction terms showed significant impact, emphasizing the moderating role of entrepreneurial determinants in influencing sustainable livelihoods among fish farmers in Kakamega County. Access to finance and market information emerged as key determinants influencing the ability of fish farmers to diversify their economic activities and achieve sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, supportive institutional frameworks, infrastructure development and access to training were identified as critical enablers of entrepreneurial success among fish farmers. The study concludes by highlighting policy implications and recommendations aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship development, promoting economic diversification, and fostering sustainable livelihoods among fish farmers in Kakamega County and similar contexts.

Family Issues on Effectiveness of Substance Abuse Preventive Measures among Secondary Schools in Kakamega County, Kenya

The rising prevalence of youth involvement in substance abuse is a global issue that requires immediate attention.The critical need everywhere in the 21 century world is to prepare students to lead healthy lives by providing them with relevant educational programmes inclusive of family matters. The study examined influence of family issues on effectiveness of substance abuse preventive measures among secondary school students in Kakamega County through mixed design. The target population was 59675 form three students, 1080 class teachers, 530 G/C teachers and 12 parent representatives in the study area. Multi-stage sampling, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select sample size; 381 students, 108 class teachers, 53 G/C and 12 parent representatives. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design.Structured questionnaires, focus group discussion guide and interview guide were used to collect data which was subjected to descriptive statistics, correlation and simple linear regression. Qualitative data was transcribed, analysed and reported according to emerging themes. Supervisors were consulted to determine the face, content, and construct validity of the instruments while reliability was tested using split half method and Cronbach’s alpha of reliability coefficient index for data collection instruments was above 0.8 both for teachers and students. The study established that there was a strong positive association (r=.730, p<.01, N=270; r=.768, p<.01, N=59) between influence of family issues and effectiveness of substance abuse preventive interventions. The study further established that family issues significantly influence effectiveness of substance abuse preventive measures, thus, [F (1, 269) = 415.202, P<.05] and where [F (1, 58) = 24.071, P<.05]. The study concludes that family issues significantly influence effectiveness of substance abuse preventive measures. Based on conclusion, it was therefore recommended that schools should increase forums on parent-child communication so as to work on role modeling as an effective target in substance abuse preventive measures.

An assessment of turnaround times of infant Deoxyribonucleic acid-Polymerase Chain Reaction testing and the associated factors in Western Kenya: A mixed methods study.

The HIV/AIDS continues being a significant global public health priority in the 21st century with social and economic consequences Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) occurs when an HIV-infected woman passes the virus to her infant and about 90% of these MTCT infections occurs in Africa where children and infants are still dying of HIV. Early definitive diagnosis using Deoxyribonucleic acid reaction of HIV infection in infants is critical to ensuring that HIV-infected infants receive appropriate and timely care and treatment to reduce HIV related morbidity and mortality. To assess the Infant Deoxyribonucleic acid-Polymerase Chain Reaction (DNA-PCR) Turnaround Time (TAT) of dry blood spots and associated factors in Vihiga, Bungoma, Kakamega and Busia counties, in Kenya. A mixed methods study using a) retrospectively collected data from Ministry of Health Laboratory registers, Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) database from 28 health facilities and b) 9 key informant interviews with laboratory in-charges were conducted. A total of 2,879 HIV exposed babies' data were abstracted from January 2012 to June 2013. The mean TAT from specimen collection and results received back at the facilities was 46.90 days, Vihiga county having the shortest mean duration at 33.7days and Kakamega county having the longest duration at 51.7days (p = 0.001). In addition, the mean transport time from specimen collection and receipt at Alupe Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) reference Laboratory was 16.50 days. Vihiga County had the shortest transport time at 13.01 days while Busia had the longest at 18.99 days (p = 0.001). Longer TAT was due to the batching of specimens at the peripheral health facilities and hubbing to the nearest referral hospitals. The TAT for DNA-PCR specimen was 46.90 days with Vihiga County having the shortest TAT due to lack of specimen batching and hubbing. Discourage specimen batching/hubbing and support point-of-care early infant diagnosis (EID) tests.

Utilization of nutrition information on food labels by diabetic mellitus and hypertensive patients attending clinic at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

The aim of food labels is to inform consumers on the food content. The information conveyed on food labels has evolved over time thus the objectives of food labelling have become numerous. Despite the recognized association of food labels utilization and disease management, the current global mortality rate from diabetes mellitus and hypertension remains high. In order for the prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus and hypertension to reduce, population-wide interventions including the promotion of healthy diets through the provision of adequate information on food labels should be done. This study aimed at assessing utilization of nutrition information on food labels by diabetic mellitus and hypertensive patients. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in March and April 2022 at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral hospital, Kenya. Data was collected from respondents using a structured questionnaire administered to 125 randomly selected respondents and the response rate was 80%. Socio- demographic characteristics of the study participants were determined using descriptive statistics for distribution. Association between the study variables was determined using Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The analyzed data was presented by use of frequency tables, graphs and pie charts. About 46% of the respondents were aged >60years. About 73% were married and about 40% reported to have completed primary education level. About 39 % were self-employed earning less than Ksh. 5,000 (50 USD) per month. Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Kakamega were at 4.6% and 29.4% respectively. Age (p= 0.028), Education (p= 0.001), Job/employment (p=0.0010), Monthly income (p=0.001) and Monthly household food expenditure (p=0.007) significantly influenced utilization of food labels. About 64% (n=64) reported to be knowing what food labels are and about 34% (n=34) reported not knowing what they are. About 46.8% (n=30) of those who reported they read the labels participants reported that they read nutrition information every time they purchased the product, 37.5% (n=24) read the information the first time they purchased the product and 15.7% (n=10) read nutrition information on food labels at other different times. Food prices, nutrition information on the food label, health and nutrition status and fat/sodium/sugar content were among the factors that had a high influence on utilization of food labels. This study recommends nutrition education to the general population on benefits of reading nutrition information on food labels in order to make healthful food choices in order to reduce the prevalence of these chronic diseases. Key words: Food labels, Utilization, Nutrition, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Kakamega

Performance Contracting and Service Delivery in County Governments in Kenya: A Case of Kakamega County

Performance Contracting and Service Delivery in County Governments in Kenya: A Case of Kakamega County

Exploring the Interplay of Socio-demographic Enablers in Sustaining Open Defecation-Free Status among Households in Kakamega County, Kenya

This study aimed to explore the interplay between socio-demographic enablers and the sustainability of post-open-defecation-free status among households in Butere Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. The research adopted a cross-sectional survey to assess the sustainability of the open defecation-free status at the household level, surveying 6286 certified Open Defecation Free (ODF) households through stratified random sampling. A sample size of 376 households across three wards was selected for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative data were employed; quantitative data was analysed using SPSS Version 28.1, summarized using descriptive statistics, and presented in tables, pie charts, and frequency tables, whereas qualitative data was analysed thematically. Data analysis involved three stages; univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Chi-square tests analysed the statistically significant association between dependent and independent variables. Binary logistic regression predicted the probability of post-ODF status (whether the ODF status was sustainable or not), and 2x2 contingency tables were used to compute the odd ratio. Results revealed that only 9% of households sustained post-ODF status. The chi-square tests revealed a significant association between respondents' gender (χ² = 0.124, p = 0.009*), age distribution (χ² = 6.471, p < 0.05), presence of children under 5 years old in the household (χ² = 1.884, p = 0.004*), level of education (χ² = 5.726, p = 0.006*), employment status (χ² = 9.602, p = 0.006*), and monthly earning brackets (χ² = 11.783, p<0.001*). However, there was no statistically significant association between marital status (χ² = 10.409, p = 0.94>0.05), household size (χ² = 1.782, p = 0.56>0.05), and the sustainability of ODF. On the other hand, the odds ratio for employment status suggests that significant association (OR=1.333; p = 0.007*<0.05; 95% CI: 1.082-1.642), where employed individuals were 1.333 times more likely to sustain ODF status. Further analysis revealed that employment status was a statistically significant predictor of post-ODF sustainability (aOR=1.837 P=0.011; 95% CI: 1.132-2.980). The study concluded that most households (91%) did not sustain post-ODF status after the ODF declaration. It was recommended that health practitioners improve door-to-door monitoring and develop post-ODF tracking tools at the household level, focusing on important parameters from Ministry of Health guidelines. The government and other Water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) stakeholders should support communities in establishing and enhancing economic empowerment programs to increase household income and encourage investments in sanitation infrastructure and hygiene promotion activities.

Predicting Rainfall Pattern in Kakamega County using Time Series

Rainfall patterns play a critical role in shaping various aspects of our lives. Understanding the patterns, trends and predictability of rainfall is essential for effective planning and decision making in various aspects including agriculture, water resource management, disaster preparedness and social economic planning. In agricultural activities crops require specific amount of water at the right time for growth. By understanding the rainfall patterns, farmers can adapt their farming activities, optimizing irrigation strategies and make informed decisions. In the management, it help policy makers and management authorities for planning efficient water allocations and conservations measures. Therefore, in this paper we fit a time series model that best describes rainfall patterns of Kakamega county for the general ARIMA and generated the values of (P, D, Q) to forecast average expected monthly rainfall. Also we use R software for verification and data fitting of the model. The data we have used is from the Kakamega meteorological station in Kakamega.

Strategic Management Practices on Poverty Alleviation Among Farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya

Improving the standard of living in underdeveloped regions is a pressing issue in the modern era of globalization. More than 80% of Kenyans get their living from farming or other non- urban sources in rural areas. More than half of Kenya's population is impoverished, meaning they cannot afford to meet their most basic demands. There have been various strategic management practices that have been employed to alleviate poverty in Mumias East Sub County, Kakamega County. As a result, this study examined the effects of strategic management methods on the reduction of poverty among small-scale farmers in Mumias East Sub County, Kenya. The study's findings on how to reduce poverty was useful to policymakers at both the county and federal levels. The study was based on, resource mobilization theory, knowledge-based theory, technology acceptance model 3, and random utility theory. This study, which aimed to adopt a descriptive study design, recruited 105 participants from among the 221 upper and middle managers in Mumias East Sub County, Kakamega County Government. In order to combine primary and secondary sources, surveys were deployed. The validity and reliability of the research tools are established by pilot testing. The questionnaire's construct and content validity were ensured through careful design and testing to ensure that it accurately captures the intended data. Using a Cronbach alpha cutoff of 0.7 was ensured reliability. Tables and graphs were used to display the data. In order to comprehend the structures and dynamics of the data, descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Labeling different groups and themes were used in a thematic analysis of qualitative data. The inferential statistics included Pearson's correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. The goal of the research was to identify the connections between poverty relief efforts and resource mobilization, technological innovation, and strategic education. The activity was conducted in an ethical manner. The modern technology variable was found to have a positive significant influence on poverty alleviation effort amongst small-scale farmers in Mumias East Sub County, Kakamega County. The study concludes that mobilizing resources for poverty alleviation can lead to increased access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare. This can improve the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living in poverty. The study recommends that the County should invest in education and skills development, individuals can gain the necessary knowledge and tools to secure better job opportunities and increase their earning potential.

The Status of Implementation of Non-Formal Curricular (NFC) in Secondary Schools in Kakamega County, Kenya

The study sought to find out about the status of the implementation of the non-formal curriculum in secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya. It employed a descriptive survey design. A total of 2550 respondents were involved, segregated as 1935 learners, 430 teachers, 43 Non-Formal Curriculum Activities (NFCAs) departmental heads, 43 principals, 86 parents, and 13 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs). Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, while structured interviews, document analysis, and observations were employed to collect qualitative data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to generate analyses for the quantitative data using frequencies, means, modes, and standard deviations tables that displayed the distribution of observations against the options provided on different variables, including the display of their deviations from the mean value. Narratives were used to describe the qualitative data. From the analysis, it was discovered that finances for NFCAs were insufficient and disbursement of the same to schools was delayed. NFCAs offered in schools could not fully support the large learner populations, and schools lacked sufficient orientation programmes for new learners. The existing policies on the implementation of the NFC did not give schools clear directions for engagement in NFCAs. The study therefore recommends that, to improve learner involvement in NFCAs, the government should increase the allocation of funds and improve the timing of disbursement. Schools should consider introducing a wide range of NFCAs and also advocate for the development of a clearer and more comprehensive policy for the implementation of the NFC.

Sectoral Value Chain Mapping in Kakamega County, Kenya

The Kenyan agricultural sector will play a pivot role in achieving its national development roadmap, Vision 2030. This report explores the agricultural value chains within Kakamega County, Kenya, focusing on sweet potatoes, bananas, soya beans, vegetables, palm oil, honey, and avocados. Data collection for the study primarily involved direct engagement with stakeholders across the various sub-counties. The study revealed the unique characteristics and challenges faced in each value chain, laying the foundation for understanding the local agricultural dynamics. These challenges included equipment shortage, lack of technical skills, and poor marketing strategies. Recommendations are put forward to address the specific hurdles and optimize opportunities within each value chain. Fostering cooperative formations, exploring value addition and enhancement of technical skills are the common themes across the recommendations for the value chains. Further, training, certification acquisition, research and development and process optimization have been suggested to bolster productivity, quality and market competitiveness. The proposed interventions require collaborative effort from the stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the local communities. By creating an enabling environment and implementing the recommended strategies, sustainable agricultural-based growth and economic development, aligning with the national Vision 2030, can be fostered in Kakamega County, Kenya

Women’s autonomy and maternal health decision making in Kenya: implications for service delivery reform - a qualitative study

BackgroundMaternal and neonatal outcomes in, Kakamega County is characterized by a maternal mortality rate of 316 per 100,000 live births and a neonatal mortality rate of 19 per 1,000 live births. In 2018, approximately 70,000 births occurred in the county, with 35% at home, 28% in primary care facilities, and 37% in hospitals. A maternal and child health service delivery redesign (SDR) that aims to reorganize maternal and newborn health services is being implemented in Kakamega County in Kenya to improve the progress of these indicators. Research has shown that women’s ability to make decisions (voice, agency, and autonomy) is critical for gender equality, empowerment and an important determinant of access and utilization. As part of the Kakamega SDR process evaluation, this study sought to understand women’s processes of decision-making in seeking maternal health care and how these affect women’s ability to access and use antenatal, delivery, and post-natal services.MethodsWe adapted the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) conceptual framework for reproductive empowerment to focus on the interrelated concepts of “female autonomy”, and “women’s agency” with the latter incorporating ‘voice’, ‘choice’ and ‘power’. Our adaptation did not consider the influence of sexual relationships and leadership on SRH decision-making. We conducted key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, small group interviews and focus group discussions with pregnant women attending Antenatal clinics, women who had delivered, women attending post-natal clinics, and men in Kakamega County. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data in NVivo 12.ResultsThe results revealed notable findings across three dimensions of agency. Women with previous birthing experiences, high self-esteem, and support from their social networks exhibited greater agency. Additionally, positive previous birthing experiences were associated with increased confidence in making reproductive health choices. Women who had control over financial resources and experienced respectful communication with their partners exhibited higher levels of agency within their households. Distance relational agency demonstrated the impact of health system factors and socio-cultural norms on women’s agency and autonomy. Finally, women who faced barriers such as long waiting times or limited staff availability experienced reduced agency in seeking healthcare.ConclusionsIndividual agency, immediate relational agency, and distance relational agency all play crucial roles in shaping women’s decision-making power and control over their utilization of maternal health services. This study offers valuable insights that can guide the ongoing implementation of an innovative service delivery redesign model, emphasizing the critical need for developing context-specific strategies to promote women’s voices for sustained use.

Factors Influencing Nurse Interns’ Competence in Physical Assessment for Adult Patients

Context: Physical assessment is essential to the overall health assessment, constituting the nursing process's first phase. The physical assessment competence of nurse interns has been observed as insufficient in evaluating and solving patients' health problems in the clinical environment. This insufficiency has negatively influenced their ability to make better clinical decisions for patients, thus contributing to poor quality of patient care.
 Aim: To investigate factors influencing nurse interns' competence in physical assessment for adult patients.
 Methods: Cross-sectional analytical research design guided the conduct of the study. The sample comprised 117 nurse interns in health facilities in the Western region of Kenya. Data collection was done using a self-administered questionnaire and health assessment observation checklist. The study was done in level 5 and 6 referral hospitals in the Western region of Kenya, covering the former Western, Nyanza, and Rift-valley provinces. These comprised Kericho, Nakuru, Kitale, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Kisii County Referral hospitals; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospitals.
 Results: The overall assessment showed that 35% (n=41) of nurse interns were competent in physical assessment with a score of 90% and above in physical assessment skills, while 65% (n=76) were not competent. Factors that were statistically associated with higher competence scores (≥ 90%) included the year of completion between 2016 – 2019 (OR: 3.1; 95% CI [1.1-8.5]; p=0.02), longer internship period between 9–12 months (OR: 0.2; 95% CI [0.1-0.5]; p=0.0002), more than seven months previous clinical experience before internship (OR: 0.4; 95% CI [0.2-1.0]; p=0.05), self-confidence in performing physical assessment accurately (OR: 4.5; 95% CI [1.9-10.5]; p=0.003) and motivation to learn more and perform physical assessment (OR: 0.4; 95% CI [0.2-1.0]; p= 0.042).
 Conclusion: Nurse interns' competence in physical assessment skills is low, as shown by around one-third of study participants achieving a 90% and above score. Key factors that influence physical assessment competence are the year of completion, a longer period of internship, previous clinical experience before internship, self-confidence in performing physical assessment accurately, and motivation of nurse interns to learn more and perform physical assessment. The study recommends that nurse training institutions emphasize theoretical and practical sessions of physical assessment skills to enhance the competence and confidence of student nurses in physical assessment before the internship.

Criminal Intelligence Management System and Security in Kenya: A Case Study of Kakamega County

Criminal Intelligence Management System and Security in Kenya: A Case Study of Kakamega County

The influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on rural-urban disparities in infant mortality in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

Background: Infant mortality, measured as the summation of neonatal and post-neonatal mortalities, remain unacceptably high in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. Reducing infant mortality is paramount not only in assessing the progress made towards the third sustainable development goal but also in creating a conducive environment for fertility reduction and in giving a chance to new-born babies to live out their social and economic potential in their families and societies at large. Objective: This study sought to establish the influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on rural – urban disparities in infant mortality in Kakamega Central Sub - County, Kakamega County, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used. Systematic random sampling was employed to obtain a sample of 422 mothers within the reproductive age range of 15 to 49 years. Purposive sampling was used to arrive at key informants that were engaged in the study. Primary data were collected from December 2022 to January 2023 by administering pretested and validated questionnaires and interviewing key informants. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted on the Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software to estimate the prevalence of infant mortality and the odds ratio used as a measure of association at ρ<0.05. Results: Results of multivariate analysis indicated that there were higher likelihoods of rural neonatal (aOR = 1.913) and urban post-neonatal (aOR = 3.823) mortalities amongst mothers with no education qualifications. There were reduced likelihoods of rural post-neonatal (aOR = 0.105) and urban neonatal (aOR = 0.108) mortalities amongst mothers working in the professional, technical, managerial and clerical sectors. Both young (aOR = 1.579 for neonatal mortality) and old (aOR = 2.742 for infant mortality) ages at motherhood, and first births (aOR = 3.492 for infant mortality) and births of high orders (1.881 for neonatal mortality) were associated with increased likelihoods of mortalities in urban and rural areas, respectively. Urban mothers who observed a ≤ 24 months wait period prior to an index birth were more likely to report both post-neonatal (aOR = 3.294) and infant (aOR = 3.616) mortalities. Conclusions: The major contributors to the rural - urban disparities in infant mortality in Kakamega Central Sub-County were order of the index birth, which was significant only in rural areas, and wait period prior to the index birth, which was significant only in urban areas, after controlling for the confounding variables. It is important to advocate for childbearing during the middle reproductive ages and widen the wait period between successive births so as to improve the maturity of the mother and reduce parity, both of which correlate with low infant mortality. Future studies should be done on the relationship between marital status of the mother and infant mortality.

Access to land and youth involvement in agricultural value chains in Kenya

The study investigated the relationship between land accessibility and youth participation in the agricultural value chain in Kakamega County, Kenya. Utilizing a stratified questionnaire for data collection from 240 respondents, chosen through stratified and simple random sampling, the research analyzed data to generate frequencies, percentages, and correlations. Results showed that limited access to land is a significant barrier for youth involvement in agriculture, impacting all stages of the value chain except consumption. This study is novel in its comprehensive analysis of the entire agricultural value chain, from production to consumption, and its focuses on the youth, a crucial demographic in Kenya. The findings highlight the importance of land accessibility for the youth's active participation and the potential economic benefits thereof. The insights are valuable for policymakers and donor organizations in crafting strategies to improve land access for young people, thus enhancing their livelihoods and fostering entrepreneurial growth in the most promising segments of the agricultural value chain.

Effects of High Frequency of Examinations on Curriculum Implementation in Kakamega County, Kenya

Examinations have been widely used as a tool for curriculum evaluation not only in Kenya but across the globe. The use of examinations as an indicator of performance and promotion of learners has led to competition among schools and learners, which has compromised the quality of education provided. Teachers teach selectively by emphasising examined subjects and topics. The purpose of the study was to establish the effects of examinations on curriculum implementation in secondary schools. Descriptive survey research design and inferential statistics were applied. Sampling was done by use of Saturated, Stratified, and simple random sampling. The study was conducted in Kakamega County. The study population includes principals, students, and teachers from 408 public secondary schools and Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) from Kakamega County. The total sample of the study was 2053, which included 40 principals,1800 students, 200 teachers, and 13 QASOs. Data collection involved the administration of questionnaires to QASOs, students, and teachers and an interview guide for principals. A researcher developed questionnaire instruments for teachers, students, and QASOs with a reliability index of 0.71 based on the Cronbach alpha reliability method. Analysis of variance was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. Quantitative data was analysed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was coded into sub-themes. The analysed data was organised in tables and figures The following were the study's primary findings: More than two exams were given in most schools each term, and this led to selective teaching because teachers only covered topics and subjects that were regularly covered in the KCSE. Moreover, candidates in particular did not engage in extracurricular activities because they were too busy studying for exams. To guarantee that all secondary schools follow the government examination policy, it should be reviewed. Early syllabus coverage is an unprofessional attitude; as a result, curriculum content should be implemented by KICD within the allotted time frame in order to support students' learning and help them achieve the curriculum's objectives.

Effects of High Frequency of Examinations on Choice of Pedagogical Approaches in Kakamega County, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to establish the effects of examinations on the choice of pedagogical approaches in secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya. Inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. We employed a combination of Saturated, Stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. The study was conducted in Kakamega County. The study population includes principals, students, and teachers from 408 public secondary schools and Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) from Kakamega County. The total sample of the study was 2053, which included 40 principals, 1800 students, 200 teachers, and 13 QASOs. Data collection involved the administration of questionnaires to QASOs, students, and teachers and an interview guide for principals. The research team developed questionnaires for teachers, students, and QASOs with a reliability index of 0.71 based on the Cronbach alpha reliability method. Analysis of variance was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was coded into sub-themes. The analyzed data was organized in tables and figures. The study found that teacher-centered pedagogy was the main method of instruction during teaching and learning. Therefore The study recommends the implementation of curriculum content should be implemented within the defined time frame by KICD so that students can learn and curriculum objectives can be realized.

Instructional Leadership Approach Influence on Secondary School Learner’s Academic Performance in Kakamega County, Kenya

Teachers are the leaders in schools; they are responsible for the school management in terms of resources and academic work. Most schools face continuous decision making and management challenges. In Kenya National government has made efforts to ensure quality management systems in schools in each county. Kakamega County is one of the forty-seven counties in Kenyan. Cases of bad leadership are still reported in several learning institutions in the county; as a result, students in such institutions have recorded poor academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which instructional leadership approach influences learner’s academic performance. This study adapted correlation research design with data being collected by interview schedule, content document analysis, questionnaires and students’ focus group discussion. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analysed descriptively, inferentially and thematically. The study established that instructional leadership affects secondary school learners’ academic performance.

Fingerprint Dermatoglyphic Patterns among Adults with Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Western Kenya

Background: Dermatoglyphics is the study of epidermal ridges and their configurations on the skin of the palms and soles of the foot. The patterns can be grouped into loops, whorls, and arches each of them having a unique characteristic that appears to be influenced by genetic factors. Diabetes Mellitus is a common metabolic disorder caused by reduced insulin secretion. Type 2 diabetes results from genetic disorders involving multiple genes that control insulin secretion and action. This study aimed to assess the variations in fingerprint patterns among adults with Type II diabetes mellitus which could be used as an early, easy, cheap and painless method of screening diabetes.
 Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was used where 150 diabetic patients were compared with 150 non-diabetics as controls all selected from Kakamega County Teaching Referral Hospital, Western Kenya. Socio- demographic data and family history were recorded, thereafter fingerprints were taken using the Indian ink method. The chi-square test was used to check for a significant association between the pattern variations in diabetics and the control group.
 Results: The study involved 300 respondents where 33.33% were aged above 60 years with females being the majority at 60.67 % while among diabetics 68 % had a family history of diabetes. Whorl (p=0.0003) and ulna loops (p=0.002) patterns were decreased among male diabetics when compared to male non-diabetics while in female diabetics, whorl patterns were increased (p=0.02929) when compared to female non- diabetics. There was an association between whorl patterns and family history among diabetics (p=0.049). Ulna loops were significantly low (p=0.004) while whorls were significantly high (p=0.016) among diabetics when compared to non-diabetics.
 Conclusion: This study showed that dermatoglyphic patterns could be used as a feature for early screening of type II diabetes.

Prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of uncorrected refractive errors in school-going adolescents in Kakamega County, Kenya

Prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of uncorrected refractive errors in school-going adolescents in Kakamega County, Kenya