Introduction In Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), climate change and variability are increasingly affecting agricultural systems, raising the risk of food insecurity. Beyond climatic factors, market price fluctuations, national policies, and social networks shape community responses to shocks and influence vulnerability and resilience. This study integrates climate, land-use, market, and local perception data to identify locally grounded pathways through which food insecurity emerges in Kalama sub-county, Machakos County, Kenya, thereby informing targeted adaptation and policy interventions. Methods The study used a mixed-methods approach. Secondary data on climate variability, agricultural expansion, food production, and market prices were procured and analyzed. Primary qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with residents of Kalama sub-county. Climate trend analyses were performed to quantify rainfall and temperature changes since 1981. Results Agricultural expansion in the study area increased fourfold between 1990 and 2023, reflecting adaptation through cultivation of previously unproductive lands. Innovations such as drip irrigation, sand dams, and drought-resistant crops were reported. However, climate variability remains a major constraint: long rains declined significantly (−1.32 mm/season/year; p = 0.042) while annual maximum temperature increased by approximately 1.0°C since 1981 (+0.23°C/decade; p < 0.001), undermining crop yields and food productivity. Additionally, food price volatility linked to global events (COVID-19, the Ukraine–Russia war) and national policies marginalizing ASALs exacerbated food insecurity. Qualitative narratives indicated persistent food insecurity among vulnerable groups despite adaptation efforts. Discussion Findings demonstrate that climate change impacts are compounded by global economic shocks and policy marginalization, reducing local resilience and food system stability. Integrated policy responses are needed, including market stabilization, targeted agricultural investments in ASALs, and social protection programs to buffer vulnerable communities against climate and economic shocks.

This study investigated the influence of professional development (PD) on teachers' performance in public secondary schools in Machakos County, Kenya. Despite numerous existing PD initiatives, persistent challenges including low teacher motivation and ineffective instructional practices necessitated a thorough examination of how specific PD components affect teacher performance. The research specifically assessed the effects of pretesting, personal development goals, learning environment, and support structures on teacher performance indicators encompassing task prioritization, timeliness, creative problem-solving, and knowledge updates. Guided by four theoretical frameworks: Adult Learning Theory, Teacher Efficacy Theory, Goal-Setting Theory, and Transformational Leadership Theory, the study employed a mixed-methods research design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 368 public secondary school teachers in Machakos County, with analysis incorporating both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings revealed that professional development components collectively explain 70.6% of the variance in teacher performance (R² = 0.706). Quantitative analysis demonstrated strong positive correlations, with the learning environment emerging as the strongest predictor (β =0.41), followed by leadership support (β = 0.29), personal goal setting (β = 0.25), and pretesting (β = 0.18). Qualitative findings complemented these results, highlighting teachers' recognition of pretesting as crucial for identifying training needs and emphasizing the importance of organizational support structures for effective skill application. This study provides evidence-based recommendations for systematic pretesting implementation, enhanced support structures, and improved policy frameworks for sustainable PD programs. These insights contribute significantly to optimizing teacher professional development effectiveness and ultimately enhancing educational quality in Kenyan public secondary schools, while offering a replicable model for similar educational contexts in developing regions.

Insufficient physical activity and poor nutrition during teenagerhood increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. This study assessed physical activity levels and nutritional status of teenagers aged 13-19 years old in Machakos County, Kenya. A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 357 teenagers. Probability proportionate sampling and simple random methods were used to select households with teenagers.Socio-demographicdata were collected by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken by using a digital scale, height using a height board and waist circumference using a tape measure. The GPAQ-A was used to assess participants' physical activity levels. The WHO AnthroPlus v1.0.4 software was used to analyze anthropometric data. Waist circumference was calculated using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) cut-off values. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to establish relationships between variables and control for potential confounding variables. Overall, 56.0% of teenagers were inactive, with females 56.5% reporting lower activity levels than males, 43.5% (p = 0.01). The overall prevalence of underweight and overweight based on BMI-for-age Z-scores was 8.1% and 9.2% respectively. Sex differences were noted; 10.1% of male teens were underweight, while 16.8% of female teens were overweight. Based on waist circumference, 3.4% of females were overweight, while no males were (p = 0.01). Being a male (Adjusted O.R. = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.18-0.99, p-value 0.04) and falling between ages 15-19 years old (Crude O.R. = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13-0.62, p-value 0.00) were significantly associated with underweight. However, being female (Crude O.R. = 8.75, 95% CI: 3.06-25.43, p-value 0.00) and (Adjusted O.R. = 8.82, 95% CI: 2.98-25.94, p-value 0.00), teenager belonging to household with 3-6 members (Adjusted O.R. = 3.72, 95% CI: 2.95-14.63, p-value 0.04) and maternal education of secondary school (Crude O.R. = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11-0.84, p-value 0.02) and (Adjusted O.R. = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.93, p-value 0.03) were significantly associated with overweight. A considerable number of Kenyan teenagers do not meet recommended physical activity levels, with implications for their nutritional status. Physical inactivity is clearly linked to poor nutritional outcomes.

The protection and care of children is a fundamental right enshrined in international and national legal frameworks. Despite Kenya’s ratification of multiple child protection laws and policies, children in need of care and protection (CNCP) remain a significant concern. This study analyzes the prevalence and categories of reported CNCP cases in Machakos County, Kenya, using secondary administrative data extracted from the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) maintained by the Department of Children Services. The objectives of the study were to: determine the prevalence of reported cases of children in need of care and protection in Machakos County; assess the distribution of CNCP cases across Machakos sub-counties; examine the distribution of CNCP cases by age group; and evaluate intervention mechanisms employed in addressing CNCP cases in the county. Findings from 2024 CPIMS records indicate that child neglect was the most prevalent category, accounting for 47.1% of reported cases. Higher case concentrations were recorded in Mwala, Kangundo, and Matungulu sub-counties, while the majority of affected children were below 15 years of age. Intervention responses varied by case type, with joint parental agreements being the most frequently documented mechanism, alongside referrals to the Judiciary, the Department of Children Services, and community-based reconciliation. However, a substantial number of cases lacked documented intervention actions, highlighting gaps in case management and accountability. The study underscores the need for strengthened child-centered interventions, improved CPIMS documentation, and coordinated, community-based child protection responses in Machakos County.

Determinants of Choice of Finance by Coffee Farmers in Machakos County, Kenya

Context: Obesity among adolescents is a growing public health concern worldwide, including in Kenya. Despite its growing prevalence, there is limited evidence on the determinants of obesity among day secondary school students in Machakos County. This study sought to assess socio-demographic and economic determinants of obesity among day secondary school students in selected sub-counties of Machakos County, Kenya. Methods: This study used an analytical cross-sectional design with a mixed-methods approach. Associations between dependent and independent variables were assessed using binary and multivariate logistic regression (p ≤ 0.05), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: From this study, the prevalence of obesity was 8.5%. Students aged 15–18 years (aOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.273–3.721, p = 0.002), Students with mothers who had primary education (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.862–3.322, p = 0.02), and students with employed fathers (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 2.131–3.995, p = 0.001) had significantly higher odds of obesity, whereas spending less than two hours per day on screen-based activities reduced the odds of obesity (aOR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.273–0.742, p = 0.01). Conclusion: This study highlights that adolescent obesity remains a growing public health concern influenced by socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. The findings demonstrates the significant role of family structure, parental education, and lifestyle habits in influencing students’ weight outcomes. The study recommends that schools integrate nutrition and physical activity programs into their curricula, while engaging parents, especially those with demanding jobs or in single-parent households, through community-based education on healthy lifestyles.

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to find out how tax enforcement measures affected the level of tax compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Mavoko Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya. The study further sought to establish the moderating role of government policy on the relationship between enforcement measures and tax compliance among the selected group of SMEs. Methodology: Led by the positivism philosophy, the researchers employed an explanatory and descriptive survey research design to collect primary data from a sample of 376 respondents drawn from a target population of 18,000 SMEs. The data, collected through a structured questionnaire, was analyzed using descriptive statistics to obtain arithmetic means and standard deviations, and through the inferential statistical method of multiple linear regression analysis. The researchers used the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 software when analyzing the data. Findings: The study established that the tax enforcement measures of tax audits, tax penalties, and publicity of enforcement actions had a statistically significant effect on tax compliance among the identified SMEs. In addition, government policy was found to have a significant moderating role on the relationship between tax enforcement measures and tax compliance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study provides practical recommendations to SMEs on the importance of record keeping and bookkeeping practices for ease and convenience in making tax returns. Secondly, the study presents recommendations to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) that are aimed at enhancing tax compliance among SMEs. In addition, the study offers valuable policy insights for the government of Kenya to encourage voluntary tax compliance in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

Building construction firms in Kenya contribute immensely to the country’s economic growth. Despite their importance to the economy, the firms have been facing a myriad of challenges, including inadequate adoption of innovation management practices, resulting in a decline in firm growth. This study sought to interrogate the role of Innovation practices that influence the growth of building construction firms in Machakos County, Kenya. The Focus of the study was to examine how technological, product, and process innovation management practices influence the growth of building construction firms in Machakos County. The importance of this study is that the findings will assist building construction firms in Machakos County and Kenya in general in identifying, acknowledging, and implementing appropriate innovation management practices to spur firm growth. Findings from the study will also enrich the body of knowledge in strategic management for use by other scholars in reviewing similar research in Kenya and elsewhere. The study was premised on Schumpeter's theory of Innovation and the resource-based view Theory. A descriptive study design was employed, and a cluster sampling method was used to achieve a sample size of 237 firms. From each cluster, a sample size to represent all the members in the specific clusters was selected using the formula n = N / 1 + N (α) ². A closed-ended structured questionnaire was used. The questionnaire response rate was 81% which was an acceptable threshold. Findings showed that innovative management practices have a significant positive correlation with the firm growth of building construction firms in Machakos County. In conclusion, the study affirmed that innovative management practices had a strong and significant role in the Firm Growth of building construction firms in Machakos County.

This study aimed to determine the influence of resource allocation on the performance of chicken farming projects in the Mwala sub-county, Machakos county. This study employed a descriptive research design. The target population was 600 chicken farmers in Mwala Sub-County who are beneficiaries of the Machakos County Government agricultural value chain initiative. A sample of 240 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across the six wards. Primary data was collected using fully structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that resource allocation has a positive and significant influence on the performance of chicken farming projects. Respondents generally agreed that their projects operate within set budgets, resources are utilized efficiently with minimal wastage, and usage is closely monitored. While input delivery was mostly timely, occasional delays were noted. A majority of the projects had clear schedules guiding resource allocation, supporting effective planning and operations. It concluded that adherence to budget plans facilitates timely project implementation and financial stability. Efficient use of resources without wastage correlates with higher profitability and expanded production capacity. Timely delivery of inputs supports project continuity, while regular monitoring ensures operations remain on track. Clear resource allocation schedules enhance overall planning and project outcomes. It recommended that chicken farming projects in Mwala Sub-County strengthen adherence to budgetary frameworks to support timely execution and financial discipline. Digital systems that promote efficient resource utilization should be adopted to reduce wastage and increase profitability. Timely procurement and delivery of essential inputs such as feeds and vaccines should be prioritized. In addition, continuous monitoring of resource usage should be emphasized to ensure accountability and sustained project performance.

Tax compliance is important as it has a direct impact on revenue for most governments around the world. Despite the reforms that the Kenya Revenue Authority has been undertaking to increase revenue collection, it has, of late, failed to meet its revenue targets, particularly VAT targets. This shows that there is a problem with VAT compliance in Kenya, and this challenge forms the main motivation for undertaking this study. In realization of this situation. This study aimed to determine the effect of digital payments on value-added tax compliance among manufacturing firms in Athi River, Machakos County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following theories: The study was guided by the Ability to Pay theory and the Innovation Diffusion theory. The study adopted an explanatory research design, and the target population was 263 manufacturing firms in Athi River, Machakos County, Kenya, and a Census survey was used for this study. After collection and analysis of the responses, 218 respondents correctly filled and submitted their questionnaires, indicating an 82.9% response rate. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data, and analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypotheses were tested at a significance level of 0.05 using multiple regression analysis to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the digital payments exhibited a positive and significant effect on VAT compliance (β = 0.185, p = 0.011). The findings of this study provide policy recommendations for the government to improve value-added tax compliance. The study recommends that the government develop policies that incentivize cashless transactions while ensuring equitable access to digital financial services. Future studies should examine the effect of taxpayer sensitization on VAT compliance.

HIV/AIDS remains a major global health challenge, with Sub-Saharan Africa carrying the highest burden. In Kenya, where adult prevalence is 4.3%, treatment interruption (IIT) continues to undermine antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes. This study applied machine learning (ML) to identify predictors of IIT and guide interventions in Machakos County, where prevalence is 3.3% and relies on manual appointment management of patients, physical tracing and phone tracing of patients. A retrospective cross-sectional study used secondary data from KenyaEMR covering 14,339 adults on ART between 2020 and 2024. Data preprocessing included cleaning, anonymization, imputation, encoding, LASSO feature selection, and SMOTE oversampling. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests assessed associations, while Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models were trained and validated to predict IIT. Overall, 910 patients (6%) experienced IIT. Risk was highest among adolescents and young adults (15-24 years), single individuals, urban residents, patients with viral load ≥1000 cps, those on ART <12 months, TB co-infected, and non-DTG regimen users. Poor adherence, unstable status, lack of phone ownership, and shorter refill durations also predicted IIT. Non-significant factors included sex, CD4 count, counseling, and clinic workload. Among models, RF achieved the best performance (recall 0.97, precision 0.87, F1 0.92, AUROC 0.96, accuracy 0.91), outperforming XGBoost and SVM. IIT in Machakos County is shaped by demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and health system factors. Random Forest showed the best predictive capacity, highlighting the value of ML for early identification of at-risk patients. Strategies should include DTG scale-up, early retention support, multi-month dispensing, and digital health interventions. Integrating predictive analytics into EMRs can strengthen HIV program outcomes.

The widespread availability of HAART has significantly extended the survival of people living with HIV. With this increased life expectancy, NCDs such as cardiovascular disease have emerged as major health concerns. Both HIV infection and long-term exposure to antiretroviral therapy contribute to metabolic changes and early vascular aging. This study assessed cardiovascular risk using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving HAART at Machakos County Referral Hospital, Kenya. It examined demographic and clinical factors associated with elevated risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 406 adult PLHIV who had been on HAART ≤ 3 months. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, health records review, and laboratory analyses. The 10-year CVD risk was estimated using the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) Framingham algorithm, categorizing patients as low, moderate, moderately high, or high risk. Most participants (71.2%) were classified as low cardiovascular risk; 18.5% as moderate risk, 9.8% as moderately high cardiovascular risk and 0.5% as high cardiovascular risk individuals. Older age {25–40 years (AOR = 37.11, 95% CI: 10.12–140.16, p < 0.001), 41–59 years (AOR = 31.01, 95% CI: 9.04–140.16, p < 0.001), and ≥60 years (AOR = 9.75, 95% CI: 7.14–31.74, p < 0.001)}, male gender (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.67–8.09, p = 0.001), elevated HDL (AOR = 8.23, 95% CI: 3.92–17.26, p < 0.001), smoking (AOR = 6.80, 95% CI: 1.53–31.25, p < 0.001), shorter duration on antiretrovirals (<5 years) (AOR = 5.17, 95% CI: 1.94–13.79, p = 0.001), and systolic BP ≥140 mmHg (AOR = 30.16, 95% CI: 12.43 73.18, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher CVD risk. Thus, although most PLHIV on HAART at Machakos County Referral Hospital had low cardiovascular risk, older age, male gender, hypertension, smoking, short duration on antiretrovirals, and dyslipidemia were found to be key contributors to elevated FRS. These findings underscore the need to integrate routine cardiovascular risk screening and lifestyle modification interventions into HIV care programs in Kenya.

The construction industry in Kenya is a critical driver of economic growth but also one of the most hazardous sectors, with Athi River in Machakos County emerging as a hotspot for frequent and severe site accidents. This study investigated the impact of safety management practices on reducing construction site accidents, focusing on four dimensions: workers’ awareness of accident causes, knowledge of safety management practices, barriers to implementation, and the role of safety interventions. Guided by Domino Theory, Human Factors Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, the study employed a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative data from 83 valid survey responses with qualitative insights from key informant interviews across five large-scale projects. Descriptive and inferential analyses using SPSS established that awareness of accident causes (β = 0.338, p < 0.05), knowledge of safety practices (β = 0.215, p < 0.05), and safety interventions (β = 0.422, p < 0.05) significantly reduced accident occurrence, while barriers to implementation had a negative effect (β = –0.187, p < 0.05). The findings highlight that construction site safety in Athi River can be substantially improved through structured awareness programs, continuous training, strong managerial oversight, and enhanced regulatory enforcement. The study recommends institutionalizing regular safety audits, enforcing mandatory training, and embedding participatory safety interventions to foster a proactive safety culture. These measures are essential to safeguard workers, sustain project efficiency, and support Kenya’s broader development agenda.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important drought-tolerant root crop suitable for arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), yet its adoption in Eastern Kenya remains limited, contributing less than 10% to national cassava production. This study evaluated eight cassava varieties across three ASAL sites namely, Southeastern Kenya University (Kitui County), Lukenya University (Makueni County), and Scott Christian University (Machakos County), to identify high-yielding and well-adapted cultivars. Field experiments covering five acres per site were established using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The evaluated materials included four farmer-selected landraces (Kasukari, Mzungu, Kitwa, and a local check) and four improved cultivars, including Migyera and two KALRO-developed lines. Growth parameters, yield components, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentrations in tubers were assessed and analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) tests at α = 0.05. Significant varietal differences (p < 0.01) were observed in plant height, leaf morphology, tuber number, and yield. Kasukari, Mzungu, and Migyera consistently exhibited superior performance, achieving plant heights exceeding 2.5 m and yields ranging from 15 to 18 tons per hectare. These varieties also recorded lower HCN levels (45–55 mg/ kg) compared to others that exceeded 70 mg/kg. Although all varieties surpassed the recommended safe food threshold (10 mg/kg), appropriate processing can mitigate cyanide toxicity. No major pest or disease outbreaks were observed. The results identify Kasukari, Mzungu, and Migyera as promising cultivars for ASAL conditions, with potential to enhance food security and promote cassava-based value addition in Kenya’s drylands.

Background: Effective extension services have the potential to bridge adoption gaps in soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies and ultimately minimize farmers’ vulnerability to climate-related risks in agricultural production. However, information on the effectiveness of agricultural extension services (AES) in supporting the adoption of sustainable practices such as SWC technologies, remains limited in many parts of Kenya, despite being provided to farmers for decades. The aim of this research was to determine youth farmers’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of extension services and the factors that influence their use and use intensity of SWC technologies. The effectiveness of AES was measured using eleven variables. Methods: Data were collected from 396 youth farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey with a multistage stratified sampling procedure. We used descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model for data analysis. Result: The study found that AES among youth farmers in drylands of Machakos County were perceived as ineffective. The frequency of receiving extension services, the main source of information, tools used in delivering AES and the level of extension education influenced use and use intensity of SWC technologies. The results underscore the need for targeted interventions that increase the frequency of extension services, diversify information sources and improve the tools and training provided to youth farmers.

Microfinance institutions in Kenya play a unique role in promoting financial inclusion, loans, and savings provision, especially to low-income individuals and small-scale entrepreneurs. However, despite their benefits, most of their products and programs in Machakos County have been reducing due to repayment challenges, threatening their financial ability to extend further credit. The objective of the research was to establish key credit risk indicators for microfinance institutions operating within Machakos County, Kenya. The study adopted a mixed research design using supervised machine learning approach. It randomly sampled 6771 loan appli- cation account records and repayment history.Rstudio and Python programming languages were deployed for data pre-processing and analysis. The logistic regression algorithm, XG Boosting and the random forest ensemble method were used to rank the feature importance. Based on the study findings; The amount of loan required, the income level, the gender and the age of the applicant were the main features that influenced loan default rate. Integration of the hard and soft data into machine learning for better credit risk assessment outcome was recommended. Similar research but using different target population and institutions, to as- certain the validity, reliability and the generalizability of the study findings was recommended for further research.

Food and livelihood insecurity are ongoing global concerns that continue to increase due to changing climate conditions and unreliable market conditions. In Machakos County, one of Kenya's semi-arid regions, households frequently face recurring droughts, crop failures, livestock deaths, and seasonal food shortages. Churches and faith-based organizations have implemented programs to support livelihoods, but the benefits and impact on household resilience remain unknown. This study examines whether Christ-Centered Approaches (CCA) foster household resilience, with a particular focus on Christian Stewardship and Faith-Driven Value Creation (FDVC). The study employs a descriptive mixed-methods design, involving 384 households and key informants, including program coordinators and local actors. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses served as the tools for quantitative data analysis. A thematic analysis was employed to capture the mechanisms and constraints in the qualitative data. Regression analysis revealed that stewardship and FDVC were statistically significant and positively predictive of livelihood outcomes among households (β = 0.12, p < 0.001; β = 0.11, p < 0.001), with a conditional R² ranging from 26% to 29%. The findings indicate that households participating in CCAs have improved planning, safer resource utilization, greater income diversification, and enhanced cooperation. Participation in these strategies is associated with measurable improvements in household livelihood indicators and accounts for approximately one-quarter of the conditional variance in the fitted models.

Principals of secondary schools undergo various training some organized by employer while others are organized by Ministry of education and its agencies like Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI). These trainings come in form of INSETS, seminars, workshops and Teacher Professional Development (TPD) and are geared towards improving their leadership skills and knowledge and improve academic performance of students in schools. Despite training of principals, academic performance of students in public secondary schools have declined between 2019 to 2024. This study investigated effect of training of principals on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya. The study was guided by the goal setting theory and human capital theory. The study used mixed methodology involving descriptive survey design. The study conducted a census of all 33 principals of public secondary schools in Kalama Sub County was done. Questionnaires was used to collect data. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis and presented in narrative form. Quantitative data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics where linear regression model was utilized. The study findings indicated training of principals had significant positive effect on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya. The study recommends that school management including principals to be trained on how monitor learners’ discipline and on ways of upscaling their leadership strategies in schools to improve the students’ performance. There are also need ensure that field officers Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) and Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) are facilitated so that they may make regular school visits to offer professional support and train teachers on areas with gaps in order to improve learning in schools.

Cucurbits are important food crops worldwide due to their nutritional benefits and contribution to the national economies. In Kenya, cucurbits are mainly produced by small scale farmers for their leaves, immature or mature fruits and seeds. However, their production in the country is constrained by viral disease infections including Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus (MWMV), a potyvirus in the family potyviridae. The virus is transmitted mainly by several species of aphids in a non-persistent manner, with early infection resulting in complete yield loss. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management practices of MWMV in three major growing cucurbits counties and seven sub-counties in Kenya namely, Machakos County (sub-counties Matungulu and Kangundo), Kirinyaga county (sub-counties Mwea East, Kirinyaga East and Kirinyaga West), Embu county (sub-counties Mbeere North and Embu West). A total of 229 smallholder farmers were randomly identified and a semi-structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews was used to collect the data. The collected data was cleaned and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi square test using SPSS software. The findings indicate that the respondents were aware of MWMV disease symptoms presence in their farms ranging from leaf distortion, dark green blisters and mosaic on the leaves. Majority of the respondents (49.5%) perceived the symptoms to be caused by weather changes while (16.1%) associated the symptoms with pests’ infestation while (11.1%) did not know the cause of the symptoms. Therefore, the Strategies to tackle plant viral diseases must include farm-level training to improve farmers' knowledge and disease management.

Group antenatal (G-ANC) care has been introduced in Kenya and is associated with increased ANC contacts. Previous studies did not report higher likelihood of facility-based deliveries, where facility delivery rates are high (> 80%). It is unknown whether G-ANC influences women's choice of delivery facility. This study sought to understand if and how exposure to and experience of G-ANC, among other factors, influence women's decisions on which facility to deliver. Study findings can inform health system strategies including the Service Delivery Re-design. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from December 2023 to January 2024 in eight health centers in Machakos County, Kenya with women who participated in G-ANC and had a facility delivery to understand women's choice of health facility for childbirth, i.e., whether they returned to the same G-ANC facility for delivery or went to another facility. The survey interviews were administered through telephone, as a nested component of a larger implementation research focused on the adoption of G-ANC. Of the 470 women who participated in the phone survey, 29.8% of women returned to deliver at the facility where they received G-ANC and 70.2% delivered elsewhere. Most women (84.3%) delivered in the public sector. Regression analysis models revealed two significant predictors for delivery in the same G-ANC facility: proximity to the facility (adjusted AOR 4.13, 95% CI: 2.73-6.23, p < 0.001); and positive staff attitudes (adjusted AOR 4.68, 95% CI: 2.06-10.60, p < 0.001). Two significant predictors of delivering in a different facility were being "told/advised to give birth there during pregnancy/ANC" (adjusted AOR 0.23, 95% CI: 0.15-0.35, p < 0.001) and high household wealth status (quintile four AOR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.91, p = 0.034; quintile five AOR 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.72, p = 0.011). Intervention exposure was not significant. Most women participating in G-ANC chose to deliver in another facility. The choice of facility for childbirth was most strongly influenced by factors other than the intervention, such as proximity, positive staff attitudes, health advice, and household wealth status.