Kirinyaga County Research Articles

Influence of Schools’ Management Financial Preparedness on the Implementation of Competence Based Curriculum in Public Primary Schools in Kirinyaga West Sub-county, Kirinyaga County, Kenya

The competency-based curriculum (CBC) is presently being implemented in public primary schools in Kenya. Yet, empirical evidence indicates that schools’ management faces a lot of challenges, hence making it very difficult for the implementation of the new programme. The study sought to explore the influence of schools’ management financial preparedness on implementation of CBC in Kirinyaga west subcounty, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Curriculum Implementation Theory, Theory of Organizational Readiness for Change, and Kurt Lewin Change Management Model. The study adopted mixed method approach, which allowed concurrent triangulation of data where both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used. Target population comprised 68 headteachers, 1,020 teachers, 15, 500 CBC pupils and 4 sub-county education officials totaling to 16,592 respondents. Yamane Formula was used to sample 399 respondents that were identified using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from teachers whereas an interview guide was used to collect qualitative data from head teachers and subcounty education official. Quantitative data was organized and processed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS (version 23) and presented using frequency tables. Linear regression was carried out under inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis technique and presented using narratives. All research protocols were observed throughout the study, including obtaining all relevant authorizations and observing respect for the participants. The study established that schools’ financial preparedness has significant influence on the implementation of the CBC in public primary schools in Kenya. The study recommended that there is need for the government to provide enough financial resources for implementation of the CBC. School managers should be trained on how to mobilize financial resources to complement government efforts.

Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Water Use in Lower Thiba Sub-Catchment, Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Human related activities affect how water is used. However, there is limited information on the effect of socio-economic factors on water use. This study was to establish the socio-economic factors that affect water resource use in Lower Thiba Sub-Catchment using a descriptive survey design. Qualitative as well as quantitative data was collected from 361 households and 5 focus group discussions (n=366) across the Sub-catchment. The sub-catchment was sub-divided into three zones namely; upper zone, middle zone and lower zone, from where each zone, 120 respondents were randomly sampled and issued with a questionnaire. Data was analysed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) at a statistical significance of 5% probability level. Data was then presented using descriptive statistics such as tables, graphs and test for significance was done using Chi-square. The results showed that men were more likely to do irrigation farming than women, with 81%, as compared to their female counterparts who had 68%. Most of the respondents (82%) earned between Kshs. 10,000 (87$) and 30,000 (261$) from different occupations; however, 4% of respondents, all of who were farmers earned over kshs 70,000(609$) a month, compared to other types of occupation, indicating it as the main economic activity in the area. The results showed that 57.9% of respondents who had tertiary education preferred formal employment over farming with only 9.9% of them choosing to be farmers. The results also showed 75% of the respondents who owned land were male, with only 25% of the female respondents owning land. Further, respondents in formal employment had a higher ownership (83.9%) of water harvesting facilities compared to those doing irrigation farming at 73%. The results indicate that the community socioeconomic factors within the LTS should be considered by policy makers, as they clearly affect water use within the sub-catchment.

Tomato Cultivation and Farmers’ Knowledge on Selected Foliar Fungal Diseases in Agro- Ecological Zones of Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Diseases are hindrance to tomato production in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. However, information on farmer’s knowledge about tomato diseases to warrant pesticide usage is scanty. Further, there is information gap on disease predisposing factor such as varietal choice and seed source. This study assessed the tomato farmers’ socio characteristic, varieties grown, seed source and knowledge of selected foliar fungal disease among tomato farmers in agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Kirinyaga County. A cross sectional survey design that in cooperated purposive sampling and snowballing approaches was adopted in the study. Data were collected from 120 tomato farmers using structured questionnaires. A chi square (Ӽ2) test was used to examine the association between different variables at α= 0.05 using SAS version 9.4. No significant association (p > 0.05) was observed between gender of farmers and AEZ. Nonetheless, there were more men (83.33%) than women (16.67%). Terminator F1 variety was popular among farmers (25%). No significance (p > 0.05) association was observed between source of tomato planting material and AEZs. However, Agrovet was a popular seed source among farmers (40%). The reasons for choosing a particular tomato variety was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the AEZ with 40.83% of farmers preferring tomato varieties with good marketability traits such as fruit size. Farmers’ knowledge of causative agent of early blight, late blight and Septoria leaf spot was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with AEZs. The source of farmer’s knowledge on tomato foliar fungal diseases was not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with AEZ. However, farming experiences was a popular source of knowledge (51.67%) among farmers. Inability of some farmers to identify tomato diseases negates the efforts on disease management in tomato production in Kirinyaga County. Therefore, measures such as coordinated education on tomato diseases is necessary to empower farmers on disease causes and identification to enhance disease management and improve tomato yields in Kirinyaga County in Kenya.

Effect of CSR on the Financial Performance of Financial Institutions in Kenya

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an integral path towards realizing vision 2030 and the sustainable goals of the UN, as well as the sustainable development of individual countries. However, in recent years it has become increasingly clear that these goals cannot be achieved without sustainable corporate practices. Previous research seeking determine the effect of CSR on the financial performance of various institutions have yielded different results, leaving geographical, sectorial, and scholarly gaps. This study aimed to discover the effect of CSR on the financial performance of financial institutions in Kenya, as this country lacks a direct association between CSR and corporate financial performance (CFP). We focused on examining the effect of ethical, charitable, and gender-mainstreaming CSR activities on the financial performance of financial institutions in Kirinyaga County. A study population of 300 employees working in the financial institutions in Kirinyaga County was included, and a sample of 171 participants was selected using stratified and systematic sampling techniques. A causal research design was adopted, and data were analyzed using SPSS software. Questionnaires were administered in person to gather primary data. The study found a strong positive relationship between CSR practices and the financial performance of financial institutions and recommends that firms invest more in ethical, charitable, and gender-mainstreaming CSR activities, as such activities positively influence their financial performance.

Molecular Characterization and Diversity of Bacteria Isolated from Fish and Fish Products Retailed in Kenyan Markets.

Fish products are highly vulnerable to microbial contamination due to their soft tissues, making them perishable and harmful to consumers. The clinical and subclinical infections reported by fish consumers are mainly associated with pathogenic microorganisms in fish products. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing the molecular profiles and diversity of the bacterial isolates from fish and fish products obtained from Kirinyaga County markets in Kenya. A total of 660 samples were randomly sampled in six Kirinyaga County markets and transported to Kenyatta University for bacterial isolation. The fish skin surface was cut using a sterile knife and blended in buffered peptone water. The blended product was serially diluted and plated on nutrient agar. After 24 hours, the bacteria cultures were subcultured to obtain pure bacterial isolates. The pure isolates were grouped and characterized based on their morphology and biochemical characteristics. One representative of each group was selected for bacterial DNA extraction. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified using the 27F and 1492R primers, and the obtained PCR product was subjected to Sanger-based sequencing using the same primers. Morphological characterization yielded 54 morpho groups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Citrobacter freundii, Bacillus sp. and Alcaligenes faecalis. Bacillus sp. was the most dominant group, as compared to other isolates in the study. The study, therefore, revealed diverse bacterial strains from the fish products. This high microbial diversity calls for heightened surveillance to prevent possible foodborne disease outbreaks.

Implementing an intensified mentorship approach towards accelerated medical laboratory accreditation in 10 counties in Kenya.

BackgroundDespite Kenya’s roll-out of the Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation programme in 2010, most laboratories had not made significant or tangible improvements towards accreditation by 2016. In April 2016, the University of Maryland, Baltimore enrolled 27 facilities in the standard Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation programme.ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe and evaluate the implementation of an intensified mentorship strategy on laboratory accreditation.MethodsIn October 2017, the University of Maryland, Baltimore implemented intensive mentorship in 27 hospital laboratories in Nairobi, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Muranga, Nyeri, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kirinyaga counties in Kenya. Laboratories were paired with competent mentors whose skills were matched to facility gaps. Baseline and follow-up assessments were done between April 2016 and March 2019 using the World Health Organization’s Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation Checklist and overall scores of the 12 Quality System Essentials and star ratings (from zero to five, based on scores) used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intensified mentorship.ResultsIn September 2017, 14 laboratories scored zero stars, three scored one star, eight scored two stars, one scored three stars, and one laboratory was accredited. By March 2019, eight laboratories were accredited, five scored four stars, 10 scored three stars, three scored two stars, and only one scored one star. The average score change with the intensified approach was 81.5 versus 53.9 for the standard approach.ConclusionThe intensified mentorship strategy resulted in fast-tracked progress towards laboratory accreditation and can be adopted in similar resource-limited settings.

Comparison of Pesticide Residue Levels in Tomatoes from Open Fields, Greenhouses, Markets and Consumers in Kirinyaga County, Kenya

The study was carried out to determine and compare pesticide residue levels in tomatoes from Mwea Irrigation Scheme. Thirty five tomato samples of Rambo variety randomly collected from open fields, greenhouses, markets and consumers were analyzed using QuEChERS method. Results showed that pesticide residue leve;s from greenhouse tomatoes was higher compared to open fields, markets and consumers. Alpha-cypermethrin level in greenhouse tomatoes (0.0871±0.0087mg/kg) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than from consumers (0.0218±0.0061mg/kg) while difenoconazole from greenhouse tomatoes (0.2597±0.0522 mg/kg) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than from the open field (0.0295±0.0014 mg/kg). Carbendazim level in greenhouse (1.2341±0.1667 mg/kg) tomatoes was significantly (p<0.001) higher than from open fields (0.0596±0.0178 mg/kg), markets (0.1160±0.0490 mg/kg) and consumers (0.0494±0.0155 mg/kg). Imidacloprid in greenhouse tomatoes (0.1446±0.0086 mg/kg) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than from the markets (0.0236±0.0019 mg/kg) and consumers (0.0170±0.0017 mg/kg). High pesticide residue levels in tomatoes are a health concern for consumers. Enforcing the food safety laws, enhancing farmer training on safe use of pesticides and creating awareness on pesticide risks would promote production of uncontaminated crops consumed locally.

Effect of tilt angle on the performance of a thin-film photovoltaic system

Solar energy is among the cleanest and most sustainable ways to enhance electrical supply's resiliency and reliability for domestic and industrial use. A Photovoltaic (PV) system is the most effective way of capturing solar energy. Long-term warranty, low-cost maintenance, and vast resource availability, solar power generation has an advantage over other approaches. Thin-film technology PV cells are a new kind of solar cell that offers an efficient technique of generating electricity from sunlight. The thin-film PV technology (FFMAT-10, Renovagen, UK) used in this study can supply 0.9 to 1.6 kW of energy to the fast-fold energy hub. The hub’s system status and configuration display battery power input, battery’s state of charge, thin-film PV power and AC power output. Two fast-fold mats (with a surface area of 25.3 m2) were connected to the energy hub. Increasing energy demand coupled with frequent power outages, and inaccessibility of electricity in rural areas necessitates the usage of PV systems at their best performance level. The study objective, therefore, sought to assess the effect of tilt angle on the performance of the thin-film PV system. The study was conducted at Kimicha in Kirinyaga County Kenya, and Juja, Kenya at tilt angles between 0o to 30o. The results indicated that the mean peak PV power for Kimicha was 347.8±231.9 W at 5o and 517.7± 131.3 W at 15ofor Juja. The maximum solar radiation during the study period was 1086.4 ±211.4 W/m2 for Juja and 973.5±219.93 W/m2 for Kimicha. From the study, it was realized that an optimal tilt angle yields optimum solar radiation that translates to maximum power production. Even though the study was conducted in two different regions, it may be applied to any other geographical location. The outcome of the study aids in acquiring self-sustaining power in the most remote locations where electricity is scarce as well as improving energy security.

Servant Leadership And Organization Performance Of Faith Based Self Help Groups In Kirinyaga County

Organization performance has attracted attention in profit and non-profit organizations. In the current sporadic, complicated and dynamic business environment the need for swift and accurate decision making cannot be ignored. In response to it organizations have adopted servant leadership approach. Despite of its attractiveness its contribution in faith-based organization is inconclusive. Hence, the current study examined the effect of servant leadership on organization performance. Specifically, the study examined the effect of empowerment, stewardship, role modeling and compelling vision on the effect of organization performance in faith-based self-help groups in Kenya in Kirinyaga County. The study was anchored on Green leaf leadership theory. Primary data was sourced using questionnaires among 80 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics analyzed the data. It was documented that servant leadership has positive and significant effect on organizational performance of faith-based self-help groups in Kenya in Kirinyaga County. There is need for adoption of leadership styles which are in response to the needs of respective faith-based groups. Key words: Empowerment, stewardship, role modelling, compelling, organization performance. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/14-12-09 Publication date: June 30 th 2022

Heterosis and combining ability for related traits in tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yields have continued to plummet in Kenya due to biotic stresses and reliance on low yielding varieties. This study aimed at determining heterosis and combining ability for fruit yield and yield components among tomato genotypes and select F1 hybrids combining high fruit yield and other market demanded traits under Kenyan conditions. Ten parental genotypes and their 45 F1 hybrids were studied using 10×10 half diallel mating design, excluding the reciprocals and the self’s. The experiment was set up in Kiambu and Kirinyaga Counties in Kenya. Out of 45 F1 hybrids evaluated, 89% had reduced (negative heterosis) days to 50% flowering and 11% days to maturity, compared to their better parents. Higher heterosis (-9%) was recorded on days to flowering in AVTO1429 x Cal J VF) and -5% for maturity in Roma VF x AVTO1314. All the F1 hybrids had positive heterosis for number of trusses per plant and fruit yield. F1 hybrid AVTO1429 x AVTO1314 had the highest positive heterosis of 114.39% for fruit weight per plant yield. The results showed high significant difference among the ten genotypes for general and specific combining ability effects (male x female) for all the traits evaluated. There was additive and non-additive gene action for the traits, which are important aspects in developing a tomato breeding programme.

Foliar Diseases and the Associated Fungi in Rice Cultivated in Kenya

We conducted a survey to assess the occurrence and severity of rice blast and brown spot diseases on popular cultivars grown in the Busia, Kirinyaga, and Kisumu counties of Kenya in 2019. Working with agricultural extension workers within rice production areas, we interviewed farmers (n = 89) regarding their preferred cultivars and their awareness of blast disease, as this was the major focus of our research. We scored the symptoms of blast and brown spot and assessed the lodging, plant height, and maturity of the crops (days after planting). Furthermore, we collected leaf and neck tissues for the assessment of the prevailing fungal populations. We used specific DNA primers to screen for the prevalence of the causal pathogens of blast, Magnaporthe oryzae, and brown spot, Cochliobolus miyabeanus, on asymptomatic and symptomatic leaf samples. We also conducted fungal isolations and PCR-sequencing to identify the fungal species in these tissues. Busia and Kisumu had a higher diversity of cultivars compared to Kirinyaga. The aromatic Pishori (NIBAM 11) was preferred and widely grown for commercial purposes in Kirinyaga, where 86% of Kenyan rice is produced. NIBAM108 (IR2793-80-1) and BW196 (NIBAM 109) were moderately resistant to blast, while NIBAM110 (ITA310) and Vietnam were susceptible. All the cultivars were susceptible to brown spot except for KEH10005 (Arize Tej Gold), a commercial hybrid cultivar. We also identified diverse pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi, with a high incidence of Nigrospora oryzae, in the rice fields of Kirinyaga. There was a marginal correlation between disease severity/incidence and the occurrence of causal pathogens. This study provides evidence of the need to strengthen pathogen surveillance through retraining agricultural extension agents and to breed for blast and brown spot resistance in popular rice cultivars in Kenya.

Implications of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability on Small-Scale Coffee Production in Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Coffee farming constitutes a substantial source of income to a significant fraction of ménages across the globe, Kenya being one. The impact of climate variability on coffee farming is negative. Small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure ward, Kirinyaga have not adequately assumed appropriate adaptation strategies to enhance resilience against this challenge. The purpose of the research was to evaluate climate variability, how it relates with coffee farming and to determine the effects of adaptation strategies for resilience against climate variability by small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure ward. The study area was Mukure ward within Kirinyaga County with a total population of 30,534. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, conducting interviews among selected respondents and field observations. Data on temperature and precipitation trends was accessed from the local Kenya Meteorological Department offices while data on coffee farming was provided by Kirinyaga County Government. The raw data from the field was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and spreadsheets that then generated tables, comparative graphs and frequencies. The findings from this study indicated that small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure Ward experienced climate variability in the period 1987-2017. The study concluded that small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure ward were facing climate variability, and had devised different adaptation mechanisms which were on the other hand faced by myriad of challenges. Going by the findings of the study, with the fluctuations in temperature and rainfall patterns, there is an absolute need to create awareness among small scale-coffee farmers on climate variability, weather forecast and appropriate adaptation strategies.

Effects of Agricultural Nutrients Influx on Water Quality in Thiba River basin, a sub-catchment of Tana River Basin in Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Excessive enrichment of waters with nutrients and the associated adverse biological effects leads to eutrophication, which is one of the major environmental problems across the world. Various studies have revealed the overuse of inorganic fertilizers to increase agricultural productivity in Kenya contributes to pollution of water bodies. In order to meet increasing demand for clean water, sustainable use and conservation of available water resources is therefore paramount. This study was done to find out effects of agricultural nutrient pollution in Thiba River, a sub-catchment of Tana River Basin, located in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The study area was divided into four distinct agro-ecological zones based on different anthropogenic activities. Ecological survey design was used in the study. Sampling was done during the wet and dry season. Water samples were analysed for temperature, transparency, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and toxic microalgae. All parameters showed both spatial and temporal variations with statistically significant differences (p˂0.01). Temperature of the river ranged from 14.57 0C to 28.08 0C due to climatic changes along the agro-ecological zones. The pH ranged from 7.02 to 8.51. The DO values decreased from the highlands to lowland within the range of 9.00 mg/l at the reference site to 5.43 mg/l at the most polluted site. EC ranged from 20.54 µScm-1 at the reference site during the wet season to 251.2 µScm-1 at the rice irrigation scheme site during dry season. The TDS ranged from 16.9 ppm at the reference site to 167.05 ppm at the most polluted site. Salinity also had a high variation with a range of 0.01 ppt at the reference site to 0.07 ppt at the most polluted site. The highest values of BOD (3.49 mg/l) were recorded at the rice irrigation scheme during the wet season and the lowest (0.22 mg/l) at the forest edge reference site. The lowest levels of NH4, P, NO2 and NO3 were recorded at the forest edge reference site at 1.088 µg/l, 1.177 µg/l, 0.217 µg/l and 0.148 µg/l respectively during the dry season while the highest values for the same nutrients were recorded at the rice irrigation site at 11.439 µg/l, 4.933 µg/l, 1.518 µg/l and 2.721 µg/l in the same order. There was a high peak of all nutrient levels at the rice irrigation scheme zone which was attributed to the extensive use of inorganic fertilizers. Dam water samples were analysed for members of Cyanobacteria group of microalgae which are bio-indicators of eutrophic waters. Out of the seven members of this group that were identified four were toxic genera. These were Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Anabaena and Microcystis. During the wet season Nostoc had the highest population followed by Oscillatoria and Anabaena. No Microcystis was observed during the wet season. There was a steady increase of all the genera during the dry season with Microcystis making appearance. Microcystis and Oscillatoria had a very high correlation. This study concludes that various anthropogenic activities especially agriculture along the study site are the main factors of Thiba River pollution hence a major threat to human, livestock and aquatic organisms. Environmental protection laws should be enforced by the government

Agro-Dealers’ Knowledge, Perception, and Willingness to Stock a Fungal-Based Biopesticide (ICIPE 20) for Management of Tuta absoluta in Kenya

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), tomato is an economically important crop that contributes not only to employment and income, but also food security. Like the rest of the SSA countries, tomato production in Kenya is constrained mainly by pests and diseases, key among them being the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta), which can cause 80–100% losses if not properly managed. To suppress this pest, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and partners are introducing a fungal-based biopesticide (ICIPE 20) in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach as a sustainable alternative to the sole use of synthetic pesticides. This study was carried out before the introduction of the biopesticide to assess its commercial feasibility among agro-dealers, using Kirinyaga County in Kenya where tomato production is predominant, as the study area. Specifically, the study assessed the knowledge, perception, and willingness to stock biopesticide using a market survey involving 141 agro-dealers. Successful commercialization of a new product is assumed to be the cumulative result of traders’ and buyers’ knowledge and perceptions about the product. The results show that a higher proportion of agro-dealers were willing to pay for ICIPE 20 at a higher price than Coragen®, the most popular insecticide for management of T. absoluta. The regression analysis revealed that individual characteristics such as age, education, access to social networks and credit facilities, and information are correlated to the agro-dealer’s knowledge, perception, and willingness to stock the biopesticide. Training agro-dealers may promote greater uptake of the biopesticides through enhancing their knowledge and perception towards the effectiveness of the product.

Occurrence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in donkeys from central Kenya.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite of zoonotic concern and economic importance in humans and animals, respectively. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of T. gondii and associated risk factors in domestic donkeys from Kirinyaga and Meru counties in Kenya. Blood samples were collected from 363 randomly selected donkeys for detection of antibodies to T. gondii using a commercial kit ID Screen® Toxoplasmosis Multi-species indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data on risk factors were collected by interviewing donkey owners using epidemiological questionnaire. Serum antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 26.4% (95% CI: 22.2-31.3) of the donkeys. The analysis showed that age of donkeys (OR = 2.484, 95% CI: 1.315-4.693; p = 0.005) was associated with increased risk for T. gondii seroprevalence while county of origin of donkeys (OR = 0.182, 95% CI: 0.083-0.400; p = 0.000), residential place of donkeys (OR = 0.301, 95% CI: 0.136-0.665; p = 0.003), rearing chicken (OR = 0.203, 95% CI: 0.064-0.644; p = 0.007), and donkey production system (OR = 0.644, 95% CI: 0.456-0.909; p = 0.012) were associated with reduced risk of T. gondii seroprevalence. This is the first report to provide epidemiological information on T. gondii infection among donkeys in Kenya. The presence of antibodies to T. gondii in donkeys suggests the high potential of transmission to other animals and humans. Regular monitoring and control of T. gondii infection in donkeys were recommended in the study area.

Njega wa Gioko and the European missionaries in the colonial Kenya: A theo-historical recollection and reflection

Njega wa Gioko (1865–1948) was one of the pioneer Chiefs in Kirinyaga county of Kenya. The other pioneer Chief in Kirinyaga county was Gutu wa Kibetu (1860–1927) who reigned in the Eastern part of Kirinyaga county. Gioko reigned in the western part of Kirinyaga county (Ndia) that extended to some geographical parts of the present-day Nyeri county and the present-day Embu county. Njega also became the first paramount Chief of Embu district, which refers to the present-day Embu and Kirinyaga counties. As colonial hegemony and the protestant missionary enterprises, and its resultant evangelical theology, began to shape up in the present-day Kirinyaga county and the surrounding areas between 1904 and 1906, it found Gioko and Kibetu as the Athamaki (the most revered leaders). The evangelical European missionaries (Church Missionary Society [CMS]) who were comfortable with the colonial expansion, as it provided western governance structures that favoured their enterprises, employed Calvinistic theology in their dealings with the colonial government, and they dealt with the local leaders (Athamaki), who were eventually ‘promoted’ to the post of Chiefs in 1908 by the new rulers. Nevertheless, the missionary’s emphasis on unrealised eschatology (future concerns) differed sharply with those of Athamaki who were the custodians of African indigenous religion and its resultant emphasis on realised eschatology (present concerns). As an agent of African religion, how did Gioko relate with the early 20th-century evangelical European missionaries and their Calvinistic tendencies that favoured the Church–State relationship as the way of God? The data for this research article are gathered through oral interviews, archival sources and extensive review of the relevant literature.Contribution: This article contributes to the journal’s vision and scope with its focus on the early protestant theologies of the European Missionaries of the 19th and 20th centuries, and their resultant clashes with the theologies of African indigenous religion. As a multidisciplinary article that builds on a theo-historical design, the article contributes to the ongoing discourses on gospel and culture.

Legacies and pitfalls amongst the African Evangelicals: A Kenyan experience from a historical perspective

The research study sets out to explore the contribution of the African Evangelicals in both the colonial and post-colonial Kenya to the social lives of the nation. Can’t it be viewed as a positive social influence or an ecclesiastical pitfall? In utilising a socio-historical design, it poses the question: how did the Evangelical European Missionaries demonstrate their theological and social influences in Kenya, and how did the post-missionary Evangelical-leaning leaderships play out? And was Muthirigu Dance an extremist reaction against the rigidity of the Evangelicals? Methodologically, this article will attempt to explore the Evangelical European Missionary Christianity, especially the Church Missionary Society that entered Central Kenya in the early 1900s, and assess the way in which they handled indigenous cultures of the local Africans. It has also attempted to critically explore their social influences in both colonial and post-colonial Kenya (1895–2021). The CMS has been given more emphasis in this article as an Evangelical society so as to help in bringing out the specific Evangelical activities in the Kirinyaga County of Kenya. Overall, the article has endeavoured to hypothesise that Eurocentrism was not the Evangelical problem, as there were diverse European missionaries, such as the High Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic and the Lutherans who were non-Evangelicals, and who were not necessarily dogmatic and rigid.Contribution: This study adhered to the HTS journal’s vision and scope by its focus on the histories of the Evangelical European Missionaries of the 19th and 20th centuries, their interactions with the local religio-cultures, and how it later played out amongst the Africans.

Legacies and pitfalls amongst the African Evangelicals: A Kenyan experience from a historical perspective

The research study sets out to explore the contribution of the African Evangelicals in both the colonial and post-colonial Kenya to the social lives of the nation. Can’t it be viewed as a positive social influence or an ecclesiastical pitfall? In utilising a socio-historical design, it poses the question: how did the Evangelical European Missionaries demonstrate their theological and social influences in Kenya, and how did the post-missionary Evangelical-leaning leaderships play out? And was Muthirigu Dance an extremist reaction against the rigidity of the Evangelicals? Methodologically, this article will attempt to explore the Evangelical European Missionary Christianity, especially the Church Missionary Society that entered Central Kenya in the early 1900s, and assess the way in which they handled indigenous cultures of the local Africans. It has also attempted to critically explore their social influences in both colonial and post-colonial Kenya (1895–2021). The CMS has been given more emphasis in this article as an Evangelical society so as to help in bringing out the specific Evangelical activities in the Kirinyaga County of Kenya. Overall, the article has endeavoured to hypothesise that Eurocentrism was not the Evangelical problem, as there were diverse European missionaries, such as the High Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic and the Lutherans who were non-Evangelicals, and who were not necessarily dogmatic and rigid. Contribution: This study adhered to the HTS journal’s vision and scope by its focus on the histories of the Evangelical European Missionaries of the 19th and 20th centuries, their interactions with the local religio-cultures, and how it later played out amongst the Africans.

Occurrence of fungal foliar diseases of tomato in different agro-ecological zones of Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Occurrence of fungal foliar diseases of tomato in different agro-ecological zones of Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Bioefficacy and durability of Olyset\xae Plus, a permethrin and piperonyl butoxide-treated insecticidal net in a 3-year long trial in Kenya

BackgroundLong-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) are a core malaria intervention. LLINs should retain efficacy against mosquito vectors for a minimum of three years. Efficacy and durability of Olyset® Plus, a permethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) treated LLIN, was evaluated versus permethrin treated Olyset® Net. In the absence of WHO guidelines of how to evaluate PBO nets, and considering the manufacturer’s product claim, Olyset® Plus was evaluated as a pyrethroid LLIN.MethodsThis was a household randomized controlled trial in a malaria endemic rice cultivation zone of Kirinyaga County, Kenya between 2014 and 2017. Cone bioassays and tunnel tests were done against Anopheles gambiae Kisumu. The chemical content, fabric integrity and LLIN survivorship were monitored. Comparisons between nets were tested for significance using the Chi-square test. Exact binomial distribution with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was used for percentages. The WHO efficacy criteria used were ≥ 95% knockdown and/or ≥ 80% mortality rate in cone bioassays and ≥ 80% mortality and/or ≥ 90% blood-feeding inhibition in tunnel tests.ResultsAt 36 months, Olyset® Plus lost 52% permethrin and 87% PBO content; Olyset® Net lost 24% permethrin. Over 80% of Olyset® Plus and Olyset® Net passed the WHO efficacy criteria for LLINs up to 18 and 12 months, respectively. At month 36, 91.2% Olyset® Plus and 86.4% Olyset® Net survived, while 72% and 63% developed at least one hole. The proportionate Hole Index (pHI) values representing nets in good, serviceable and torn condition were 49.6%, 27.1% and 23.2%, respectively for Olyset® Plus, and 44.9%, 32.8% and 22.2%, respectively for Olyset® Net but were not significantly different.ConclusionsOlyset® Plus retained efficacy above or close to the WHO efficacy criteria for about 2 years than Olyset® Net (1–1.5 years). Both nets did not meet the 3-year WHO efficacy criteria, and showed little attrition, comparable physical durability and survivorship, with 50% of Olyset® Plus having good and serviceable condition after 3 years. Better community education on appropriate use and upkeep of LLINs is essential to ensure effectiveness of LLIN based malaria interventions.Graphical