Kilifi County Research Articles

To Say or Not To Say: The Influence of Interpersonal Communication Message Structure on Child Nutrition Promotion

Purpose: This study analyzed the influence of Interpersonal Communication (IPC) message structure in the promotion child nutrition. The study which was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and employed the mixed methods research design.
 Methodology: A sample of 10 Health Professionals (HPs) drawn from Public Healthcare facilities and 247 residents with children aged 5 years and below was drawn from Ganze Constituency in Kilifi County. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.
 Findings: The study found that incorporation of the 7Cs of effective communication was vital in Health Communication and Behaviour Change Communication specifically from a child nutrition perspective, with the strongest effect achieved through messages that were both concrete and coherent. Additionally, the ethos appeal proved to be the most powerful appeal in child nutrition communication.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that communicators should ensure child nutrition messages are packaged in line with the 7Cs of effective communication. It also recommends for audience analysis research prior to the dissemination of CNI messages to ensure messages are structured using the appropriate tone, stylistic devices and persuasion appeals.

Association between psychosis and substance use in Kenya. Findings from the NeuroGAP-Psychosis study.

Substance use is prevalent among people with mental health issues, and patients with psychosis are more likely to use and misuse substances than the general population. Despite extensive research on substance abuse among the general public in Kenya, there is a scarcity of data comparing substance use among people with and without psychosis. This study investigates the association between psychosis and various substances in Kenya. This study utilized data from the Neuro-GAP Psychosis Case-Control Study between April 2018 and December 2022. The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme recruited participants from various sites in Kenya, including Kilifi County, Malindi Sub-County, Port Reitz and Coast General Provincial Hospitals, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, as well as affiliated sites in Webuye, Kapenguria, Kitale, Kapsabet, and Iten Kakamega. The collected data included sociodemographic information, substance use, and clinical diagnosis. We used the summary measures of frequency (percentages) and median (interquartile range) to describe the categorical and continuous data, respectively. We examined the association between categorical variables related to psychosis using the chi-square test. Logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with the odds of substance use, considering all relevant sociodemographic variables. We assessed a total of 4,415 cases and 3,940 controls. Except for alcohol consumption (p-value=0.41), all forms of substance use showed statistically significant differences between the case and control groups. Cases had 16% higher odds of using any substance than controls (aOR: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.05-1.28, p=0.005). Moreover, males were 3.95 times more likely to use any substance than females (aOR:3.95; 95%CI: 3.43-4.56). All the categories of living arrangements were protective against substance use. The findings of this study suggest that psychotic illnesses are associated with an increased likelihood of using various substances. These findings are consistent with those of previous studies; however, it is crucial to investigate further the potential for reverse causality between psychosis and substance abuse using genetically informed methods.

Discovery of a New Habitat of the Endangered Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew at Nzovuni-Palakumi Forest Patches in Kilifi County, Kenya.

Discovery of a New Habitat of the Endangered Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew at Nzovuni-Palakumi Forest Patches in Kilifi County, Kenya.

Youth-led social accountability among service providers optimizing sexual and reproductive health rights outcomes in Kilifi County, Kenya


 Background: The demand side of the health system is gaining traction to improve health outcomes. Among adolescents and youths, this is needed, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where they account for the majority and demographic dividends require that they be healthy and productive to participate in national development. Unfortunately, at this transition age from childhood into adulthood, they experience many challenges such as malnutrition, poverty, school dropout rates, gender inequality, drug and substance abuse, mental ill-health, and menstrual hygiene and health challenges. Risky behaviors related to SRHR include unplanned pregnancies, gender and sexual orientation issues, gender-based violence, sexually transmitted infections, harmful cultural practices, and reproductive cancers.
 Methods: VSO PITCH Data for the youth accountability project addressed social accountability by service providers for youth-friendly information and services. The data tool used was the intersectional community scorecard collected through focused group discussion entries made at county health facilities by youth, service providers, and interface synthesis of satisfaction scores. These were uploaded onto a digital platform showing the number of FGDs, core indicators, satisfaction scores, reasons, recommendations, and action plans. This project was conducted in Kilifi County and two other counties. 
 Results: FGDs comprised 50% youth, 25% adults, 25% of mixed age range, and two persons with disability. All core indicators were unsatisfactory, <50%, and did not meet the global standard for quality healthcare services. The satisfaction score for the number of staff providers was grossly underserved at 10%, with the youth demanding that they serve their own. A satisfaction score of 30% was reported due to a lack of disability services, privacy, youth space, inadequate quality of care including test kits for HIV, and discriminated and stigmatized LGBTQ+ with back-biting after delivery of services. 
 Conclusion: Youth-led social accountability ensures service providers are responsive to the needs of adolescents and youth. The propulsion is by youth for youth who should be health literate on social accountability. More attention among service providers includes the provision of adequate competent staff, VCAT, compassionate and respectful care, and good interpersonal communication, meaningful engagement and reverse mentorship with adolescents and youth, and a focus on rights-based and intersectionality for better SRHR outcomes and youth development.

Effects of Auxin and Gibberellins Hormones on Regeneration of Pineapple Propagules from Crown Leaves (with Buds) in Kilifi County Kenya

Kilifi county has a large potential of over 2,000 Ha suitable for pineapple cultivation that has not been fully exploited due to lack of adequate clean planting material. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of auxin and gibberellin hormones on regeneration of pineapple propagules from pineapple crown leaves (with buds). The study was carried out at Pwani University Crop Science farm. A randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement replicated thrice was used. Treatments included auxin and gibberellins hormones where the cut crown leaves (with buds) were dipped and planted at a spacing of 4 cm by 6 cm in plastic containers filled with coir dust. Five plastic containers were used for each hormone treatment. In each container, three plants were tagged for data collection. The plastic containers (the plots) measured 30cm by 36cm by 15cm height. Data collected from the tagged plants included, time to shoot emergence, plant height, leaf length and breadth, number of leaves per plant, final root length and final number of roots. These were used to determine effects of auxin, gibberellins on growth of the propagules up to a height of 15-20 cm. Obtained data was subjected to ANOVA analysis using Genstat Statistical software 14th Edition and means obtained compared using Tukey’s honest significant difference test (p < 0.05). The results indicated auxin treated propagules had 50.7%, 50.6%, 64.2%, 52.6%, 24.4%, 10.4%, 39.0%, and 9.9% higher final values of plant weight, shoot weight, dry shoot weight, fresh root weight, plant height, leaf number, root number, dry root weight and root length, respectively, compared to those treated with gibberellins. The study also showed that auxin treated propagules had their initial roots originating from the base of the seedlings, while gibberellins treated propagules had their initial roots originating from the base of the cut crown leaves.

Women in Health and their Economic, Equity and Livelihood statuses during Emergency Preparedness and Response (WHEELER) protocol: a mixed methods study in Kenya

IntroductionKenya reported its first COVID-19 case on 13 March 2020. Pandemic-driven health system changes followed and unforeseen societal, economic and health effects reported. This protocol aims to describe the methods...

Too hot to thrive: a qualitative inquiry of community perspectives on the effect of high ambient temperature on postpartum women and neonates in Kilifi, Kenya

ObjectiveTo understand community perspectives on the effects of high ambient temperature on the health and wellbeing of neonates, and impacts on post-partum women and infant care in Kilifi.DesignQualitative study using key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with pregnant and postpartum women (n = 22), mothers-in-law (n = 19), male spouses (n = 20), community health volunteers (CHVs) (n = 22) and stakeholders from health and government ministries (n = 16).SettingsWe conducted our research in Kilifi County in Kenya’s Coast Province. The area is largely rural and during summer, air temperatures can reach 37˚C and rarely go below 23˚C.Data analysisData were analyzed in NVivo 12, using both inductive and deductive approaches.ResultsHigh ambient temperature is perceived by community members to have direct and indirect health pathways in pregnancy and postpartum periods, including on the neonates. The direct impacts include injuries on the neonate’s skin and in the mouth, leading to discomfort and affecting breastfeeding and sleeping. Participants described babies as “having no peace”. Heat effects were perceived to be amplified by indoor air pollution and heat from indoor cooking fires. Community members believed that exclusive breastfeeding was not practical in conditions of extreme heat because it lowered breast milk production, which was, in turn, linked to a low scarcity of food and time spend by mothers away from their neonates performing household chores. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) was also negatively affected. Participants reported that postpartum women took longer to heal in the heat, were exhausted most of the time and tended not to attend postnatal care.ConclusionsHigh ambient temperatures affect postpartum women and their neonates through direct and indirect pathways. Discomfort makes it difficult for the mother to care for the baby. Multi-sectoral policies and programs are required to mitigate the negative impacts of high ambient temperatures on maternal and neonatal health in rural Kilifi and similar settings.

Assessment of genetic diversity of latent bacteria in coconut leaves associated with lethal yellowing disease symptoms in Kenya

AbstractCoconut (Cocos nucifera) is an economically important palm tree with diverse applications. However, limited scientific research exists on coconut diseases in the Kenyan coastal region. This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of latent bacteria associated with yellowing symptoms in coconut plants along the Kenyan coast. Sixty‐two samples with symptoms were collected and their bacterial diversity assessed using culture‐independent methods. DNA was extracted from controls and symptomatic samples using the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method. Next‐generation sequencing with Illumina MiSeq was used to profile the bacterial communities using amplicons of 16S ribosomal RNA sequences (V4 region). Sequence data were analysed using the Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology 2 (QIIME 2) pipeline. A total of 113,330 reads were obtained, which clustered into 285 Operational Taxonomic Units. Bacterial diversity was highest in Kilifi, followed by Kwale and Lamu, while control samples exhibited low bacterial diversity. Actinobacteria was the predominant phylum across all counties, and Streptomyces was the most abundant genus. Kilifi and Kwale counties were more affected than Lamu. This is a pioneer study that provides insight into the bacterial diversity associated with yellowing disease symptoms in coconut plants in Kenya and will help with future elucidation of the agents causing or exacerbating coconut disease symptoms.

Temporal changes in the positivity rate of common enteric viruses among paediatric admissions in coastal Kenya, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2019–2022

BackgroundThe non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented to curb the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, substantially disrupted the activity of other respiratory viruses. However, there is limited data from low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) to determine whether these NPIs also impacted the transmission of common enteric viruses. Here, we investigated the changes in the positivity rate of five enteric viruses among hospitalised children who presented with diarrhoea to a referral hospital in coastal Kenya, during COVID-19 pandemic period.MethodsA total of 870 stool samples from children under 13 years of age admitted to Kilifi County Hospital between January 2019, and December 2022 were screened for rotavirus group A (RVA), norovirus genogroup II (GII), astrovirus, sapovirus, and adenovirus type F40/41 using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The proportions positive across the four years were compared using the chi-squared test statistic.ResultsOne or more of the five virus targets were detected in 282 (32.4%) cases. A reduction in the positivity rate of RVA cases was observed from 2019 (12.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.7–16.2%) to 2020 (1.7%, 95% CI 0.2–6.0%; p < 0.001). However, in the 2022, RVA positivity rate rebounded to 23.5% (95% CI 18.2%–29.4%). For norovirus GII, the positivity rate fluctuated over the four years with its highest positivity rate observed in 2020 (16.2%; 95% C.I, 10.0–24.1%). No astrovirus cases were detected in 2020 and 2021, but the positivity rate in 2022 was similar to that in 2019 (3.1% (95% CI 1.5%–5.7%) vs. 3.3% (95% CI 1.4–6.5%)). A higher case fatality rate was observed in 2021 (9.0%) compared to the 2019 (3.2%), 2020 (6.8%) and 2022 (2.1%) (p < 0.001).ConclusionOur study finds that in 2020 the transmission of common enteric viruses, especially RVA and astrovirus, in Kilifi Kenya may have been disrupted due to the COVID-19 NPIs. After 2020, local enteric virus transmission patterns appeared to return to pre-pandemic levels coinciding with the removal of most of the government COVID-19 NPIs.

Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Process on Performance of Mtwapa – Kilifi Road Construction Project in Kilifi County, Kenya.

The purpose of the study was to examine participatory monitoring and evaluation process on performance of Mtwapa – Kilifi Road construction project in Kilifi County, Kenya. In order to achieve the general objective, the study was guided by specific objectives: to establish the extend of stakeholder engagement, and data collection processes on the participatory monitoring and evaluation process on the performance of Mtwapa- Kilifi Road construction project in Kilifi County, Kenya. The Stakeholder theory and Theory of project management laid the ground for the need to conduct the study. In order to conduct the study to meet the objectives, descriptive and cross-sectional research designs was used. The research targeted the population of 320 that is road engineers, contractors, road users and road laborers. The sample size was 175 respondents determined by Slovin’s formula. The study adopted stratified random sampling to collect data. The researcher administered a closed ended questionnaire and interview guides as the data collection instruments in order to obtain primary data. The data collection tools were piloted and tested to check the validity and reliability before conducting the actual study. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics presented in form of percentages (%) and frequencies (f). Qualitative data obtained from interview schedules was transcribed organized into themes and presented in prose according to the research objectives of this study. The SPSS version 25 was used to carry out this. The study findings were presented by graphs and tables. The research findings established that stakeholder’s participation has great impact in project implementation of road projects in Kilifi County. In support of this, it can be noted that efficient management of stakeholders minimizes uncertainties posed by stakeholders on projects scope, cost, time, quality and objectives. It was also concluded that success of project implementation is hinged on efficient management of stakeholders. The study findings revealed that for monitoring processes to function properly it requires management support as a mediating factor for a project to succeed. The study recommends management should give their support to all levels of stakeholders for projects to succeed.

Microfinance Services and Economic Empowerment of Women Groups in Marginalized Settings in Kenya

Women’s economic empowerment globally remains a complex issue with persistent gender disparities in labor force participation, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles. However, microfinance has played a crucial role in bridging this gap by providing women, especially in low-income settings, access to essential financial services. A significant challenge in women’s economic empowerment is the limited access to capital and financial resources that women often face, particularly in marginalized and low-income communities. However, microfinance services have emerged as a solution to address this issue by offering tailored financial services to women who lack access to formal banking systems. This study aimed at assessing the effect of Microfinance services on economic empowerment of women groups in Kilifi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of micro lending and micro saving services on economic empowerment of women groups. This study was anchored on Access to Capital Theory. This study adopted explanatory research design and targeted a population of 3320 women groups registered by Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) in Kilifi County. Simple random sampling techniques and the Krejcie and Morgan t-table was used to sample three hundred and forty-one (341) was derived and primary data was collected by use of a closed ended questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed descriptive methods; and also correlation and regression analysis was conducted. The study revealed that micro lending and micro saving services have a significant positive effect on the economic empowerment of women groups in Kilifi County, Kenya, (P-value=0.017&lt;0.05), and (P-value=0.000&lt;0.05) as their null hypotheses were rejected. This study recommended that women groups should embrace and utilize these micro finance services (micro lending and micro saving) to improve their economic status and their socio-well-being. Similarly, this study recommended that MFIs should increase their outreach by educating women about the various microfinance services available to help women to make informed decisions about which services best meet their needs. This study recommends for a comparative study be undertaken between two or more other empowerment groups, like youth, PWDs, social welfare groups among others.

Emotional Intelligence and Indiscipline among Secondary School Students in Kilifi County, Kenya

Indiscipline among secondary school students has received little research attention in relation to their emotional intelligence level. The main objective of this study was to establish the relationship between emotional intelligence and indiscipline among public secondary school students in Kilifi County. The study was informed by Kohlberg’s theory of Moral development. A Correlational research design was adopted. The independent variables in the study were emotional intelligence and indiscipline target population was all the year 2018 from four students in public secondary schools in Kilifi County. Purposive, simple random and cluster sampling procedures were used in the selection of schools, teachers and students respectively. The study sample size was 279, comprising 145 girls and 126 boys, 6 teachers and two discipline masters. Data was collected using an adapted Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test and an indiscipline scale for teachers and students. A pilot study was conducted to enhance the reliability, content validity and construct validity of all the research instruments. The pilot study was also used to ascertain administrative logistics. In the pilot study, 36 from four students from one of the extra-county school participated. Descriptive statistics including frequency distributions, mean of variance and percentages were used to describe sample characteristics. Inferential statistical procedures including Pearson correlation and multiple regression, were used to test study hypotheses at α=0.05. Emotional intelligence showed a strong negative relationship (r=-0.764*) with the students’ indiscipline level. A major recommendation of the study was that teachers, educators and all stakeholders in education should work together to enable the development of emotional intelligence of students to reduce students’ indiscipline levels.

The Relationship Between Parental Involvement and Academic Performance in Biology in Public Secondary Schools in Kilifi County, Kenya

Knowledge of Biology is important, not only for understanding our lives, but also for pursuing further studies in related disciplines like medicine and agriculture. Performance in the subject in Kenya public secondary schools has been low over the years and this has prompted studies into some of the predicting factors for this biology performance. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between parental involvement and academic performance in biology in public secondary schools in Kilifi County, Kenya. Cognitive Theory of Development by Jean Piaget (1936) and the Framework of Parental involvement by Norman Epstein (2002) were used to inform the study. Descriptive and correlational designs were used where a sample of 322 participants were selected from a population of 1535 students and teachers. Stratified random, simple random, Purposive sampling was used to select Biology teachers, form three class as well as the 10 public secondary schools. A sample of 306 form three students and 16 Biology teachers was then selected from the target population. Data was collected from students and teachers using the parental involvement tool and a teacher questionnaire. The study incorporated content validity which was established through expert opinion. Instrument reliability was achieved using split half method where a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.7 was realized. Data from students Biology performance were obtained through document analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used. Descriptive statistics of frequencies, mean and standard deviation were used and inferential statistics of Pearson moment correlation analysis were used for data analysis. Parental involvement was found to be significantly correlated with academic performance in biology. There was need to maintain parental support to enhance student performance. Studies using other designs, contexts and general learner performance may shed more light into the subject.

"Exploring the Impact of Mindfulness Practices on Stress Management and Teacher Welfare for Enhanced Learning Outcomes: A Case Study of Public Junior Secondary School Teachers in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale Counties."

"Exploring the Impact of Mindfulness Practices on Stress Management and Teacher Welfare for Enhanced Learning Outcomes: A Case Study of Public Junior Secondary School Teachers in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale Counties."

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

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

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

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

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in pregnant women in Kilifi, Kenya from March 2020 to March 2022.

Seroprevalence studies are an alternative approach to estimating the extent of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the evolution of the pandemic in different geographical settings. We aimed to determine the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence from March 2020 to March 2022 in a rural and urban setting in Kilifi County, Kenya. We obtained representative random samples of stored serum from a pregnancy cohort study for the period March 2020 to March 2022 and tested for antibodies against the spike protein using a qualitative SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kit (Wantai, total antibodies). All positive samples were retested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibodies (Euroimmun, ELISA kits, NCP, qualitative, IgG) and anti-spike protein antibodies (Euroimmun, ELISA kits, QuantiVac; quantitative, IgG). A total of 2,495 (of 4,703 available) samples were tested. There was an overall trend of increasing seropositivity from a low of 0% [95% CI 0-0.06] in March 2020 to a high of 89.4% [95% CI 83.36-93.82] in Feb 2022. Of the Wantai test-positive samples, 59.7% [95% CI 57.06-62.34] tested positive by the Euroimmun anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP test and 37.4% [95% CI 34.83-40.04] tested positive by the Euroimmun anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac test. No differences were observed between the urban and rural hospital but villages adjacent to the major highway traversing the study area had a higher seroprevalence. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rose rapidly, with most of the population exposed to SARS-CoV-2 within 23 months of the first cases. The high cumulative seroprevalence suggests greater population exposure to SARS-CoV-2 than that reported from surveillance data.

Effect of Innovation Adoption on Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kilifi County, Kenya

Aims: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), create jobs and contribute to GDP but SMEs in Kilifi County are facing stagnation and high failure rate. This study set out to test three hypothesis i.e. process innovation has no significant effect on financial performance of SME’s, product innovation has no significant effect on financial performance of SME’s &amp; Structured innovation has no significant effect on the financial performance of SME’s. The study is anchored on Theory of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of innovation Theory and Kane's Theory of Innovation.&#x0D; Study Design: The study employed explanatory research design with use of both qualitative and quantitative data approaches.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the year 2021/2022 in Kilifi County in Kenya.&#x0D; Methodology: From a target population of 496 registered SMEs, a Sample size of 216 SMEs was drawn using simple random sampling with use of self-administered questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions collecting data from managers/owners of the SMEs.&#x0D; Results: Correlation results indicated that innovation (product, process and structural) are significantly associated with financial performance. Regression results revealed existence of a significant effect of each innovation on Financial Performance; Business Structural Innovation (B=.106, p= .001), Process innovation (B=.289, p=.003) and Product innovation (B=.143, P&lt;.001). &#x0D; Conclusions: A key finding is that only one in every five SMEs in Kilifi are past their 8th birthday. Business innovation has the highest variability suggesting most of the SMEs configure their businesses to market needs. Despite business innovation being low in SMEs, it is the most yielding when it comes to its effect on financial performance. Compared to business and process innovation, product innovation has least differences among the SME. It is conclusive that innovation among the SMEs is still low but the innovation-pursuing SMEs are also performance leaders.

A cross-sectional analysis identifies a low prevalence of Plasmodium ovale species infections in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in Kilifi county, Kenya.

Background The focus on P. falciparum diagnosis has led to an underestimation of the global burden of malaria resulting from neglected Plasmodium species. However, there is still scarce data on the prevalence of P. ovale globally. To address this knowledge gap, data collected from cross-sectional studies in Kilifi county were used to: 1) determine the prevalence of P. ovale species infections; and 2) determine the sensitivity of different diagnostic assays in detecting P. ovale species infections. Methods A total of 531 individuals were sampled across three study sites in Kilifi County, Kenya between 2009 and 2020. Blood smears were prepared from peripheral blood and screened for Plasmodium parasite stages using light microscopy. Molecular screening involved DNA extraction of dried blood spots and blood in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting the 18 small ribosomal subunit and sequencing. Results Microscopy screening revealed that the most prevalent species was P. falciparum (32.0%) followed by P. malariae (9.0%) and then P. ovale (1.5%). PCR screening identified additional P. ovale species positives cases. Overall PCR results indicate that43 (8.1%) out of the 531 individuals harbored P. ovale curtisi infection with the highest prevalence reported in the tertiary health facility, (14.6%, 95% CI 8-23.6%), followed by the primary health facility (8.3%, 95% CI 5.4-11.9%), and the community from a cross-sectional blood survey, (3.6%, 95% CI 1.2-8.2%). Microscopy screening for P. ovale had a low sensitivity of 7% (95% CI 1-19-30%) and a high specificity of 99% (95% CI 98-100%). Sequencing results confirmed the presence of P.ovale curtisi. Conclusions This study provides baseline data for P.ovale species surveillance in Kilifi County, primarily using PCR to improve diagnosis. These results suggest that malaria elimination and eradication efforts should not only concentrate on P. falciparum but should embrace a holistic approach towards elimination of all Plasmodium species.

“I wasn’t sure it would work. I was just trying”: an ethnographic study on the choice of abortion methods among young women in Kilifi County, Kenya, and Atlantique Department, Benin

BackgroundDespite the increased availability of safe abortion methods in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls continue to use unsafe abortion methods and procedures to terminate their unwanted pregnancies, resulting in severe complications, lifelong disabilities, and death. Barriers to safe abortion methods include restrictive laws, low awareness of safe abortion methods, poverty, and sociocultural and health system barriers. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of data on the decision-making around and use of abortion methods. This paper aims to provide answers to the following questions: Which abortion methods do women and girls use and why? Who and what influences their decisions? What can we learn from their decision-making process to enhance the uptake of safe abortion methods? We focus our in-depth analysis on the rationale behind the choice of abortion methods used by women and girls in Kilifi County in Kenya and Atlantique Department in Benin.MethodsWe draw on data collected as part of an ethnographic study conducted between January and August 2021 on lived experiences, social determinants, and pathways to abortion. Data were collected using repeated in-depth interviews with 95 girls and women who had a recent abortion experience. Data from the interviews were supplemented using information from key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Data analysis was conducted through an inductive process.ResultsOur findings reveal that women and girls use various methods to procure abortions, including herbs, high doses of pharmaceutical drugs, homemade concoctions, medical abortion drugs, and surgical abortion methods. Procedures may involve singular or multiple attempts, and sometimes, mixing several methods to achieve the goal of pregnancy termination. The use of various abortion methods is mainly driven by the pursuit of social safety (preservation of secrecy and social relationships, avoidance of shame and stigmatization) instead of medical safety (which implies technical safety and quality).ConclusionOur findings reaffirm the need for comprehensive access to, and availability of, abortion-related information and services, especially safe abortion and post-abortion care services that emphasize both medical and social safety.