Kisumu County Research Articles

All-cause and cause-specific mortality rates for Kisumu County: a comparison with Kenya, low-and middle-income countries

BackgroundUnderstanding the magnitude and causes of mortality at national and sub-national levels for countries is critical in facilitating evidence-based prioritization of public health response. We provide comparable cause of death data from Kisumu County, a high HIV and malaria-endemic county in Kenya, and compared them with Kenya and low-and-middle income countries (LMICs).MethodsWe analyzed data from a mortuary-based study at two of the largest hospital mortuaries in Kisumu. Mortality data through 2019 for Kenya and all LMICs were downloaded from the Global Health Data Exchange. We provided age-standardized rates for comparisons of all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates, and distribution of deaths by demographics and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) classifications.ResultsThe all-cause age-standardized mortality rate (SMR) was significantly higher in Kisumu compared to Kenya and LMICs (1118 vs. 659 vs. 547 per 100,000 population, respectively). Among women, the all-cause SMR in Kisumu was almost twice that of Kenya and double the LMICs rate (1150 vs. 606 vs. 518 per 100,000 population respectively). Among men, the all-cause SMR in Kisumu was approximately one and a half times higher than in Kenya and nearly double that of LMICs (1089 vs. 713 vs. 574 per 100,000 population). In Kisumu and LMICs non-communicable diseases accounted for most (48.0 and 58.1% respectively) deaths, while in Kenya infectious diseases accounted for the majority (49.9%) of deaths. From age 10, mortality rates increased with age across all geographies. The age-specific mortality rate among those under 1 in Kisumu was nearly twice that of Kenya and LMICs (6058 vs. 3157 and 3485 per 100,000 population, respectively). Mortality from injuries among men was at least one and half times that of women in all geographies.ConclusionThere is a notable difference in the patterns of mortality rates across the three geographical areas. The double burden of mortality from GBD Group I and Group II diseases with high infant mortality in Kisumu can guide prioritization of public health interventions in the county. This study demonstrates the importance of establishing reliable vital registry systems at sub-national levels as the mortality dynamics and trends are not homogeneous.

Influence of landscape heterogeneity on entomological and parasitological indices of malaria in Kisumu, Western Kenya

BackgroundIdentification and characterization of larval habitats, documentation of Anopheles spp. composition and abundance, and Plasmodium spp. infection burden are critical components of integrated vector management. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of landscape heterogeneity on entomological and parasitological indices of malaria in western Kenya.MethodsA cross-sectional entomological and parasitological survey was conducted along an altitudinal transect in three eco-epidemiological zones: lakeshore along the lakeside, hillside, and highland plateau during the wet and dry seasons in 2020 in Kisumu County, Kenya. Larval habitats for Anopheles mosquitoes were identified and characterized. Adult mosquitoes were sampled using pyrethrum spray catches (PSC). Finger prick blood samples were taken from residents and examined for malaria parasites by real-time PCR (RT-PCR).ResultsIncreased risk of Plasmodium falciparum infection was associated with residency in the lakeshore zone, school-age children, rainy season, and no ITNs (χ2 = 41.201, df = 9, P < 0.0001). Similarly, lakeshore zone and the rainy season significantly increased Anopheles spp. abundance. However, house structures such as wall type and whether the eave spaces were closed or open, as well as the use of ITNs, did not affect Anopheles spp. densities in the homes (χ2 = 38.695, df = 7, P < 0.0001). Anopheles funestus (41.8%) and An. arabiensis (29.1%) were the most abundant vectors in all zones. Sporozoite prevalence was 5.6% and 3.2% in the two species respectively. The lakeshore zone had the highest sporozoite prevalence (4.4%, 7/160) and inoculation rates (135.2 infective bites/person/year). High larval densities were significantly associated with lakeshore zone and hillside zones, animal hoof prints and tire truck larval habitats, wetland and pasture land, and the wet season. The larval habitat types differed significantly across the landscape zones and seasonality (χ2 = 1453.044, df = 298, P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe empirical evidence on the impact of landscape heterogeneity and seasonality on vector densities, parasite transmission, and Plasmodium infections in humans emphasizes the importance of tailoring specific adaptive environmental management interventions to specific landscape attributes to have a significant impact on transmission reduction.Graphical abstract

Prevalence of Old and New Torch Infection in Pregnant Women from Mombasa and Kisumu Counties in Kenya in 2017

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes simplex viruses, known briefly as TORCH are infectious agents that lead to the development of a maternal infection and may enter the intrauterine circulation at any gestational age increasing the risk of congenital malformations and abortion. Despite this, the testing for these infections is not commonly included in antenatal screenings nationwide in Kenya because it is quite costly and is also considered less prevalent in our population by obstetricians. It is mainly tested to confirm the cause of recurrent unexplained pregnancy losses in mothers with a bad obstetric history. Objectives: Through this study, we aim to confirm the prevalence current and old TORCH infections in the pregnant women in two largely populated counties of Kenya. This would give us estimated of successful vaccination coverage of the MMR vaccine, the lowest age with exposure to the infections, and the possible benefit for conducting the test in all pregnant women. Also to identify possible biographic factors correlated with increased risk of positivity to infection in the population. Methodology: Using stratified method of randomization and selection of centers, one of the largest centers with antenatal clinics (ANC) was chosen in each county and all their patients attending their ANC were screened for the infection using the On-Site TORCH Panel Rapid Test CTK Biotech, Inc. (San Diego, CA 92121, USA) with a specificity of between 85% and 97%. Positive results for IgM were verified using ELISA. Results: There was extremely low prevalence of confirmed active infection of TORCH in the population (only 2 cases which did not have any complications in pregnancy as a result), but presence of old infection was at about 30% for Toxoplasma, 50% for Rubella and HSV-1, 20% for HSV-2 and 10% for CMV. There seems to be an interruption in effective Rubella vaccination around the year 1987 which would be worth investigating. Conclusion: Testing pregnant women for TORCH is not of much benefit in pregnancy in Kenya due to low prevalence. However, the test can be used to screen populations at risk as is being conducted currently.

Effect of Methanolic Extracts of Senna didymobotrya and Moringa oleifera on Growth of Ralstonia solanacearum

Tomato is one of the most important vegetables in the world. Ralstonia solanacearum causes a devastating bacterial wilt that is wide-spread throughout tropical environments that has been difficult to control with chemicals and African cultural practices in poor regions of the world. This study was initiated to determine the inhibitory effect of methanolic root extract of Senna didymobotrya and Moringa oleifera seed extracts on growth and development of R. solanacearum. The study was conducted both in the Laboratory and in the green house in Maseno from where S. didymobotrya and M. oleifera specimens used were collected from the University Botanic Garden, dried under shade for 30 days, before being ground into a fine powder. 1000 grams of the plant powder was later transferred into a conical flask and covered with 250mls of methanol. Filtration was done and the extracts concentrated. Ten diseased tomato plants showing bacterial wilt symptoms earlier collected from Maseno, Mariwa, Seme and Holo all within Kisumu county (Kenya) were cut to obtain plant sections (0.5–1cm) that were later plated onto Triphenyltetrazolium chloride media. Bacteriostatic activity of the extracts was determined by the disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar. In vivo evaluations were conducted in a green house using tomato seedlings. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and means separated were compared using least significance difference (P≤ 0.05). Both plants extracts showed inhibitory activity against R. solanacearum pathogen (M. Oleifera; 8.5 and S. didymobotrya 9.2). Based on the outcome of this study, S. didymobotrya is recommended as a potential botanical agent suitable for future trials and use in the control of R. solanacerum by tomato farmers in Maseno region Kisumu county.

Socio-economic consequences of imported frozen tilapia in the Kenyan aquaculture value chain: Strategies for optimizing local unexploited potential

Capture fisheries production sector, which is the main source of consumed fish in Kenya has been declining over the years, causing huge deficit in fish supply in local market. Even though aquaculture has been fronted as a step-gap measure, there are still eminent fish supply gaps, prompting importation of frozen tilapia, mainly from China. However, the imported fish has attracted numerous socio-economic debates between proponents and opponents of fish imports, almost in equal measure. This study investigated the socio-economic consequences of the imported tilapia in the local fish market and value chain linkages in Kisumu County. Primary data were collected using direct interviews with pre-set questionnaires fed into Open Data Kit (ODK) platform, and observations from 60 randomly selected fishermen and 60 fish farmers, 100 fish traders and 96 households. Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted. About 57% of the respondents processed and traded on the imported frozen tilapia, 27% of them traded on fish from capture fisheries, while 16 % traded on fish from the local aquaculture sector. Imported tilapia was the cheapest at Ksh. 200/kg compared to the locally produced tilapia at Ksh. 320/kg. At least 62 % of the households in Kisumu consumed imported tilapia regularly due to lower prices and availability. About 46 % of the respondents have gained direct employment and experienced improved socio-economic status due to the imported fish, of which 71 % are youth and women. However, about 40% of the respondents reported multiple job losses and degraded socio-economic status due to poor market for the locally produced tilapia, whether from the capture or culture sector. The study concluded that the importation of frozen tilapia can potentially reduce socio-economic returns from the local fisheries and aquaculture value chains. A rational approach is to optimize local fish production to saturate the local market and potentially out-price the imported frozen tilapia. Appropriate government policies tackling the importation of fish into the country can also help reduce the negative impacts of these imported fish on the local fish market systems. Key words: Fish consumption per capita, Fish value chain, imported tilapia, Market saturation

First cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection and secondary transmission in Kisumu, Kenya.

We investigated the first 152 laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases (125 primary and 27 secondary) and their 248 close contacts in Kisumu County, Kenya. Conducted June 10-October 8, 2020, this study included interviews and sample collection at enrolment and 14-21 days later. Median age was 35 years (IQR 28-44); 69.0% reported COVID-19 related symptoms, most commonly cough (60.0%), headache (55.2%), fever (53.3%) and loss of taste or smell (43.8%). One in five were hospitalized, 34.4% >25 years of age had at least one comorbidity, and all deaths had comorbidities. Adults ≥25 years with a comorbidity were 3.15 (95% CI 1.37-7.26) times more likely to have been hospitalized or died than participants without a comorbidity. Infectious comorbidities included HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, but no current cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, dengue fever, leptospirosis or chikungunya were identified. Thirteen (10.4%) of the 125 primary infections transmitted COVID-19 to 27 close contacts, 158 (63.7%) of whom resided or worked within the same household. Thirty-one percent (4 of 13) of those who transmitted COVID-19 to secondary cases were health care workers; no known secondary transmissions occurred between health care workers. This rapid assessment early in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic identified some context-specific characteristics which conflicted with the national line-listing of cases, and which have been substantiated in the year since. These included over two-thirds of cases reporting the development of symptoms during the two weeks after diagnosis, compared to the 7% of cases reported nationally; over half of cases reporting headaches, and nearly half of all cases reporting loss of taste and smell, none of which were reported at the time by the World Health Organization to be common symptoms. This study highlights the importance of rapid in-depth assessments of outbreaks in understanding the local epidemiology and response measures required.

Prevalence of genital &lt;em&gt;Chlamydia trachomatis&lt;/em&gt; among women of reproductive age attending outpatient clinic at Kisumu County Referral Hospital, Kenya, 2021

Background.Chlamydia trachomatis is a common a sexually transmitted infections (STI). Asymptomatic Chlamydia is undetectable because it is asymptomatic. In Kenyan women ages 18 to 49, the disease is poorly understood.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at Kisumu County Referral Hospital, Kenya. 385 women consented and completed the electronic questionnaire. The women then provided vaginal swab samples which were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis using Chlamydia rapid diagnostic test kit.ResultsA total of 29 (7.5%) patients tested positive and were given medication. 65.2% of 385 participants were 18-25, with 5.7% prevalence. Women preferred self vaginal swab collection over health worker collection (0.3%). Multiple sexual partners, coinfection with other STIs, and upper tract infections are linked to genital Chlamydia. 92% of participants didn’t know Chlamydia’s effects.ConclusionsThe study’s prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis was within previous estimates. Populations and screening methods vary. Patient and community education about genital Chlamydia infection is needed. Multiple sexual partners, marital status, education, and STI history are risk factors. Most women preferred self vaginal swab collection.

Irrigation-Induced Environmental Changes Sustain Malaria Transmission and Compromise Intervention Effectiveness.

Irrigated agriculture enhances food security, but it potentially promotes mosquito-borne disease transmission and affects vector intervention effectiveness. This study was conducted in the irrigated and nonirrigated areas of rural Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties, Kenya. We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys to determine Plasmodium infection prevalence, clinical malaria incidence, molecular force of infection (molFOI), and multiplicity of infection. We examined the impact of irrigation on the effectiveness of the new interventions. We found that irrigation was associated with >2-fold higher Plasmodium infection prevalence and 3-fold higher clinical malaria incidence compared to the nonirrigated area. Residents in the irrigated area experienced persistent, low-density parasite infections and higher molFOI. Addition of indoor residual spraying was effective in reducing malaria burden, but the reduction was more pronounced in the nonirrigated area than in the irrigated area. Our findings collectively suggest that irrigation may sustain and enhance Plasmodium transmission and affects intervention effectiveness.

Nature and Extent of Energy Sector Management System with Regard to Electrical Fire Disaster in Kisumu County, Kenya

Nature and Extent of Energy Sector Management System with Regard to Electrical Fire Disaster in Kisumu County, Kenya

Nature of Gender-Based Activities Toward Cross-Border Conflict Management Between Kisumu and Nandi Counties, Kenya

Conflict management has a gendered dimension whereby both men and women play an important role through various activities in cross-border conflict management programs. However, the potential of women's activities in influencing cross-border conflict management remains unrecognized. The study sought to discuss the contribution of gender-based activities toward conflict management along the border of Kisumu and Nandi Counties. The Feminist Conflict Resolution Theory guided the study. The study was conducted in Kisumu and Nandi counties; a Descriptive survey research design was utilized during the study. The target population included household heads, government officials and civil society organizations including community-based and faith-based organizations. Both primary and secondary data were used during the study. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The study had a sample size of 453 respondents selected through simple random, Convenience and purposive sampling. Qualitative data were analyzed by use of thematic analysis and the results presented in a narrative form and through verbatim quotations, while quantitative was analyzed by using Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) to obtain both descriptive and the findings were then be presented in form of charts, graphs and Tables. The study found that there were several gender-based activities in the area that were key to social cohesion and conflict management along the borders of the two counties. These activities included micro-finance institutions at the community level, saving and lending groups, cash transfers, youth programmes, religious peace organizations, and intermarriages among other activities. The study concluded that there are a number of gender-based activities in the study area some of which escalated the conflicts while other were helpful in managing the conflicts.

Using technology acceptance model to understand fish farmers’ intention to use black soldier fly larvae meal in Nile tilapia production in Kenya

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to identify the underlying socio-psychological factors that influence pond and cage farmers’ intentions to adopt Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) in Kenya. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study empirically investigated the relationship between TAM constructs, namely Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Attitude towards Use (ATT), and Behavioral Intention (BI) to use BSFL. The study used a cross-sectional survey design to collect primary data from 211 randomly selected cage operators (98) and pond farmers (113) in Kenya’s Siaya, Kisumu, and Homabay Counties. A structural equation model was employed to examine hypothesized paths in the uptake of BSFL meal with the aid of SmartPLS 3. The inner model path coefficients suggested that ATT had the strongest effect on farmers’ intentions to adopt BSFL (0.411). Further, PU had a greater relative influence on intention to adopt BSFL than PEOU based on the model path coefficients of 0.319 and 0.178 respectively. This indicates that the more respondents believe BSFL is useful in their fish farm's production conditions, the more likely they are to adopt BSFL. Consequently, these findings have direct implications for policy development and the potential use of BSFL in aquaculture.

Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Practice of Community Pharmacy in Kisumu County

Occurrence of pandemics affects every person in one way or another. The recent COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that even frontline healthcare providers are no exception. Pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists at the community pharmacy are often among the first healthcare provider’s patients visit during crises. They thus form a crucial team for supply of medicines, counselling, and controlling the spread of infections. There is either scanty or no data on how precisely the dispensation of community pharmacy was affected especially in Africa during the Covid 19 regime. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of community pharmacy in Kisumu County. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 subjects. Subjects were selected through convenient sampling method. Open ended questionnaires were used to collect data. The questionnaires were self-administered as google forms. Key informant interviews of sampled practitioners were also conducted. A total of 77 subjects responded to the shared questionnaire. A total of 89.6% were pharmaceutical technologists while 10.4% were pharmacists with majority being males (64.9%). Most (57.9%) had between 6 to 10 years of working experience but with no previous experiences (68.8%) on pandemics or national disasters. About 52.6% had received COVID-19 pandemic vaccination and most (70.1%) were trained on COVID-19 management and prevention. A total of 76.6% had been trained on vaccination but only 9.2% were in a position to carry out vaccination in their premises. Further, 58.4% agreed that the pandemic had negatively impacted their practice with most impact felt at socio-economic (97.4%) and psychological levels (75.3%). Moreover, all agreed the pandemic had affected supply chain especially in terms of drug costing (61%) and demand (62.3%). The demand of azithromycin (18.2%), face masks, sanitizers (10.4%) and dexamethasone were largely impacted. A total of 55.8% agreed that technology had impacted their practice during the pandemic in terms of online pharmacy services, especially through online prescription filling (97.7%). To adapt to changing times, practitioners had to increase client engagement (81.8%) and seek aid from financial institutions (55.8%) to stay in business. The pandemic had a slightly more negative than positive impact on the practice of community pharmacy in Kisumu County.

Molecular characterization and genotype distribution of thioester-containing protein 1 gene in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes in western Kenya

BackgroundEvolutionary pressures lead to the selection of efficient malaria vectors either resistant or susceptible to Plasmodium parasites. These forces may favour the introduction of species genotypes that adapt to new breeding habitats, potentially having an impact on malaria transmission. Thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1) of Anopheles gambiae complex plays an important role in innate immune defenses against parasites. This study aims to characterize the distribution pattern of TEP1 polymorphisms among populations of An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) in western Kenya.MethodsAnopheles gambiae adult and larvae were collected using pyrethrum spray catches (PSC) and plastic dippers respectively from Homa Bay, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Kisumu counties between 2017 and 2020. Collected adults and larvae reared to the adult stage were morphologically identified and then identified to sibling species by PCR. TEP1 alleles were determined in 627 anopheles mosquitoes using restriction fragment length polymorphisms-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) and to validate the TEP1 genotyping results, a representative sample of the alleles was sequenced.ResultsTwo TEP1 alleles (TEP1*S1 and TEP1*R2) and three corresponding genotypes (*S1/S1, *R2/S1, and *R2/R2) were identified. TEP1*S1 and TEP1*R2 with their corresponding genotypes, homozygous *S1/S1 and heterozygous *R2/S1 were widely distributed across all sites with allele frequencies of approximately 80% and 20%, respectively both in Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis. There was no significant difference detected among the populations and between the two mosquito species in TEP1 allele frequency and genotype frequency. The overall low levels in population structure (FST = 0.019) across all sites corresponded to an effective migration index (Nm = 12.571) and low Nei’s genetic distance values (< 0.500) among the subpopulation. The comparative fixation index values revealed minimal genetic differentiation between species and high levels of gene flow among populations.ConclusionGenotyping TEP1 has identified two common TEP1 alleles (TEP1*S1 and TEP1*R2) and three corresponding genotypes (*S1/S1, *R2/S1, and *R2/R2) in An. gambiae s.l. The TEP1 allele genetic diversity and population structure are low in western Kenya.

The Influence of Manual Communication on Academic Performance of Learners with Hearing Impairment in Inclusive Settings in Kisumu County, Kenya

The Influence of Manual Communication on Academic Performance of Learners with Hearing Impairment in Inclusive Settings in Kisumu County, Kenya

Influence of Youth Socio-Demographic Characteristics on their Perceptions of Health Facility Factors in Kisumu, Kakamega and Homabay Counties

Worldwide, societal shifts and behavioural patterns exacerbated by unique developmental vulnerabilities create a confluence of factors that place today’s adolescents and youth at heightened risks for poor health outcomes. Youth’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) has emerged as an area of key concern globally and a major topic regarding planning and establishing health goals, as noted by the importance brought out by World Health Organization. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of youth socio-demographic characteristics on their perceptions of Health Facility factors in Homabay, Kisumu, and Kakamega Counties. The study utilised a cross-sectional descriptive design to understand the perceptions of youth seeking SRH services on health facility factors in Homabay, Kisumu, and Kakamega Counties. Findings indicate that SRH services received among youth were comparable, where 97% of males and 100% of females who visited health facilities for services received SRH services, respectively. Furthermore, findings show that only the sex variable among the socio-demographic characteristics had no significant difference, while age, education, and marital status all show significant differentials in perceptions among the youth seeking and utilising SRH services. The study also found statistically insignificant perceptions for the cost of service, opening hours convenience, cleanliness at the facility, and privacy in healthcare delivery, as a statistically significant difference was found in feeling comfortable to return any time for service and youth users to recommend health facility to friends, availability of prescribed drugs, knowledge, and skills of health personnel, waiting time, and overall satisfaction in manner youths was treated. This study recommends maximum optimisation of the opportunity presented by the existing healthcare system to provide SRH services to youths with the aim of reducing or eliminating differentials in SRH services access due to socio-demographic characteristics of youths.

Principals’ Building Collaborative Cultures on Academic Performance of Secondary Schools in Kisumu County

The study arose from the fact that, high school principals are working hard yet the academic performance of public secondary schools in Kisumu County has remained generally poor. Between 2014 and 2018, only 26.9% of students from Kisumu County scored at least C+, and the average mean score in KCSE for the period was only 4.23, below 7.0, the entry marks. At least 65% of the KCSE candidates from Kisumu County did not proceed to university education during the period. Several educational stakeholders had linked school leadership to poor academic performance, but without empirical evidence. The study specifically investigated the influence of Principals’ building collaborative cultures on academic performance of secondary schools in Kisumu County. The study adopted a survey research design. The target population consisted of 204 principals, 2,196 teachers, and 13,213 Form Three students. In sampling, Krejcie and Morgan table was used to find 152 principals, 333 teachers and 378 students, from 152 schools. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, observation and document analysis, and analyzed using simple linear, simple correlation, and stepwise regression with dummy variables, at a.05 level of significance. The study tested a specific hypothesis that Principals’ building collaborative cultures has a significant influence on academic performance of secondary schools in Kisumu County. Building collaborative cultures (good) [F (2,149) = 2.818, p = .009, R2adj = .024, t (149) = 2.362 p = .018] has significant influence on academic performance of secondary schools in Kisumu county. The study recommends that the ministry of education should empower principals with resources that will enable them to empower their teaching staff by training them on various needs that may arise in the society from time to time, and since the society is dynamic continuous provision of resources by the ministry would be ideal.

Influence of Principals’ Teaching Staff Development on Students’ Academic Performance in Kisumu County, Kenya

Transformational leadership was operationalized as setting direction, staff development, building collaborative cultures, staffing the program, and academic performance as the KCSE mean score of a school for the period 2014 – 2018. The study arose from the fact that, high school principals are working hard yet the academic performance of public secondary schools in Kisumu County has remained generally poor. Between 2014 and 2018, only 26.9% of students from Kisumu County scored at least C+, and the average mean score in KCSE for the period was only 4.23, below 7.0, the cut out entry. At least 65% of the candidates from Kisumu County did not proceed to university education during the period. Several educational stakeholders had linked school leadership to the poor academic performance, but without empirical evidence. The study specifically investigated the influence of teaching staff development on the students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Kisumu County. The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design. The target population consisted of 204 principals, 2,196 teachers, and 13,213 Form Three students. In sampling, Krejcie and Morgan table was used to find 152 principals, 333 teachers and 378 students, from 152 schools. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, observation and document analysis, and analyzed using simple linear, simple correlation, and stepwise regression with dummy variables, at .05 level of significance. The study tested specific hypothesis that staff development by principals do not have a significant influence on academic performance. The study found 7 significant associations at α = .01, (ϒSDR*DVP = .594, p = .000; ϒSDR*BCC = .476, p = .000; ϒDVP*BCC = .719, p = .000; ϒ =.416, p =.000; ϒ = .685, p =.000; ϒDVP*ACP = .239, p =.000; ϒBCC*ACP = .212, p = .000) and one significant association at α = .05, ϒSDR*ACP =.203, p = .012. The study found that staff development (good) [F (2,149) = 4.027), p = .020, R2 adj = .039, t (149) = 2.604, p = .010]. The study recommends that the ministry of education should empower principals with resources that will enable them to empower their teaching staff by training them on various needs that may arise in the society from time to time, and since the society is dynamic continuous provision of resources by the ministry would be ideal.

Impact of Vernacular Radio Regulatory Policies on Peacebuilding During 2007, 2012, and 2017 Conflicts in Presidential Elections in Kisumu County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the Ramogi Vernacular FM Radio Station and peacebuilding interventions during conflicts arising from presidential elections in 2007, 2012, and 2017. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the impact of Vernacular Radio regulatory editorial policies on peacebuilding. The study was guided by Agenda setting theory. The study used a mixed method (triangulation) research design. Purposive, Stratified, and Simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample size of 384 respondents. However, 345 (89.8%) respondents from the sample were injected into the study whereby 104 were Head teachers of Primary Schools; 44 principals of secondary schools; 7 Sub-County Administrators; 67 Market Chairpersons; 38 supermarket Proprietors: 56 Bodaboda (Motor Cycle) Operators; 25 Bodaboda Sacco Chairpersons in Kisumu County and 4 Media Persons returned questionnaires and a ration of 1:10 was interviewed. Data for the study was collected by the use of questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis. Pearson’s r for the reliability of piloted data was +0.89 for educationists and +0.82 for business fraternity which indicated good internal consistency. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics and presented using tables and pie charts. Qualitative data was thematically analysed using NVIVO and presented through thematic narratives, which involved the identification and interpretation of patterns and themes whereby inferential statistics were used to gauge influence. The finding showed that the media outlets freely broadcast to residents. Further, social actors’ utterances were not monitored and this was a recipe for chaotic outcomes. This research recommended that there is a need for policy formulation to fill gaps in media policies to facilitate freedom of the press, need for political accountability, and need to adapt inter-cultural dialogue to enhance social cohesion.

Night Time Extension of Aedes aegypti Human Blood Seeking Activity.

This study examined whether Aedes aegypti extends its human blood seeking activity into night hours. Human landing catches (HLC) were conducted hourly from early morning (04:30) to late evening (21:30) in urban and rural sites in Kisumu County in western Kenya, and in Kwale County at the coast. Out of 842 female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, 71 (8.5%) were collected at night (nocturnal), 151 (17.9%) at twilight (crepuscular), and 620 (73.6%) during the day (diurnal). Three-fold and significantly more Ae. aegypti female mosquitoes were collected during the twilight (crepuscular) hours than night (nocturnal) hours. Significantly more Ae. aegypti female mosquitoes were collected during daytime (diurnal) than night time (nocturnal). In general, the number of mosquitoes collected reduced as darkness increased. Extended time into the night to seek for blood meals enhances chances for Ae. aegypti to contact humans and transmit arboviruses diseases.

Performance of Xpert MTB/RIF and Mycobacterial Culture on Multiple Specimen Types for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Disease in Young Children and Clinical Characterization According to Standardized Research Case Definitions.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of illness and death in children globally. Improved bacteriologic and clinical diagnostic approaches in children are urgently needed. In a prospective cohort study, a consecutive series of young (<5 years) children presenting with symptoms suggestive of TB and parenchymal abnormality on chest radiograph in inpatient and outpatient settings in Kisumu County, Kenya from October 2013 to August 2015 were evaluated at baseline and over 6 months. Up to 14 specimens per child were tested for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by fluorescence microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF and mycobacterial culture. Using detailed clinical characterization, cases were retrospectively classified according to standardized research case definitions and the sensitivity and specificity of microbiological tests on different specimen types were determined. Among 300 young children enrolled, 266 had sufficient information to be classified according to the research clinical case definition. Of these, 36% (96/266) had TB disease; 32% (31/96) with bacteriologically confirmed intrathoracic TB. Compared to culture, the sensitivity of a single Xpert test ranged from 60 to 67% and specificity from 97.5 to 100% for different specimen types. Despite extensive specimen collection and laboratory testing, TB could not be bacteriologically confirmed in almost two-thirds of children with intrathoracic TB classified by research clinical case definitions. Improved diagnostic tests are needed to identify children with TB and to exclude other potential causes of illness.