Narok County Research Articles

Socio-Economic and Environmental Interactions in the Maasai Mau Forest Kenya: A Comprehensive Household Survey Analysis

Maasai Mau Forest contains a diversity of flora and fauna, which are a source of livelihood for the local communities and provide various valuable ecosystem services. However, it is under threat from illegal subsistence farming in the Mau catchment and its surrounding areas due to anthropogenic activities leading to deforestation. The main objective of the study was to look at socioeconomic and environmental contexts of the households to inform sustainable land management (SLM) and conservation efforts. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed with a study area located in the Maasai Mau Forest region, Narok County, Kenya, which comprises of communities living within and around the Maasai Mau Forest. The study participants included Maasai communities, with a study population being mainly household-headed in the Maasai Mau Forest, which mainly depended on agriculture and animal farming for their livelihoods. A multi-stage sampling approach was also used in selecting the sampling units, such as villages, which were then further stratified into different areas or locations depending on the boundaries. The final sample size comprised of 385 households. Data were collected using semi-structured household questionnaires. Data was analyzed by the software SPSS using frequencies and percentages for nominal data and means for numeric data. About 59.5% of the respondents were women, a higher proportion compared to male-headed households of 76.1%. The major source of education of respondents was primary education (49.9%) followed by secondary education (29.6%) while only 14% had no formal education. Sources of income included crop farming (37.4%); livestock production (28.2%) followed by casual employment (15.8%). About 77.9% of the households had monthly incomes of below KES 15,000. Land ownership was freehold with 97.7% of the land in the freehold status and an average of a freehold land size at 1.4 acres. Most households kept various livestock including cattle (71.7%), poultry (12.5%) followed by other livestock kept. Crop production declined from the past years; with maize (96.4%) and beans (90.9%) being the main crops grown followed by potatoes (30.6%) and wheat (29.8%). Food security was a main concern with 54% of households indicating a downward trend in crop production over time. The survey objectives were met, showing that there are challenges with socio-economic issues, resource base, agricultural productivity and food security impacting the Maasai Mau Forest. However, there are opportunities for investing in sustainable agriculture and enhancing community involvement in conservation. The study recommended an integrated conservation approach that addressed the economic related issues, improved sustainable farming practices and enhanced community involvement, by: Improving land use planning and its management; Improving agricultural productivity and increasing market access; and Increasing food and water security to support improved sustainability of the Maasai Mau Forest Ecosystem.

The Nature of Gender Mainstreaming Policies in Nakuru and Narok Counties, Kenya

This study examines the implementation of gender mainstreaming policies at various levels of public administration in Nakuru and Narok Counties, Kenya. It explores the integration of global conceptions, national policymaking, local self-governance, and feminist ideology in achieving gender equality. The research addresses the debate on the capacity of local versus national governments to implement gender equality initiatives. Feminist Theory guided this research. Using a comparative evaluative study design, the study investigates why these policies have not effectively increased women’s political participation. The target population comprised of elected leaders, civil society and the general public of Nakuru and Narok Counties. Stratified random sampling was employed to derive a sample of 335 respondents comprising of 92 elected leaders, 22 civil society members and 221 members of the general public. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, involving key informants and community members. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics while qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions was analyzed through content analysis. Findings revealed that there was no good familiarity with gender mainstreaming by 135(40.3%). Most of those unfamiliar with gender mainstreaming were from Narok, 68 (50.7%) followed by Nakuru 67(33.3%). Similarly, research showed that a significant portion of respondents in both counties agreed to their awareness of equality and equity, with 32.8% (66) in Nakuru and 28.4% (38) in Narok. This suggests that many people in both Counties recognize the importance of these concepts. The study concludes that the government has significantly shaped these policies, which have advanced gender equality in various ways. However, challenges remain, requiring a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, cultural shifts, and targeted support programs. The research recommended that promoting gender-friendly political cultures, challenging patriarchal norms, and providing support and training are essential for empowering women to take on leadership roles and contribute to the political process. This holistic approach is crucial for achieving gender parity in politics and ensuring women’s voices are heard in decision-making.

Strategy Implementation Practices and Performance of Commercial Banks in Nakuru County

Organizational performance entails recurring duties like establishing organizational goals, monitoring progress towards those objectives, and making modifications to enhance their accomplishment in a more efficient manner. Strategy implementation represents a significant phase within an organization; however, existing literature consistently underscores a notable failure rate in the implementation process across numerous organizations. The prevalence of poor performance in banks is attributed to issues such as inadequate coordination, suboptimal structural frameworks, and insufficient personnel proficiency in executing rebranding strategies. As a result, the goal of this study was to look into how Nakuru's commercial banks implemented their strategies and how well they did so. General Systems Theory, Contingency Theory, and Resource-Based Theory served as the study's guiding theories. The study targeted 108 workers from 24 commercial banks in Nakuru County using a descriptive survey research approach. A sample of 54 respondents was chosen using a stratified random selection procedure to assure representation. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain data, and they were chosen for their propensity to do so with little bias and mistake. Pilot research was done in Narok County commercial banks prior to the main investigation. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Percentages, frequencies, measurements of central tendency (mean), and measures of dispersion (standard deviation) were examples of descriptive statistics. Correlations were used for inferential analysis of qualitative data. To analyse quantitative data, Version 25 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized. The study found that resources, organizational change, structure, and leadership significantly influence the performance of commercial banks in Nakuru CBD. Effective resource allocation, strategic change management, well-defined organizational structures, and strong leadership positively impact operational efficiency and overall performance. The study recommends investing in employee training, optimizing IT services, and aligning organizational structures with strategic goals. Further research should examine how organizational capabilities and market dynamics shape performance outcomes.

Influence of COVAW Capacity Building on Gender-Based Violence Program Performance in Narok County, Kenya

Purpose: The study explores the influence of employee capacity building on the performance of gender-based violence (GBV) programs in Narok County, Kenya. The specific objectives include examining the effect of leadership style, the impact of community empowerment on program effectiveness, the role of resource allocation, and the influence of organizational innovation on program outcomes. Methodology: Utilizing a descriptive survey design grounded in modernization theory and performance and human capital theory, the research targets full-time staff from ten GBV programs operated by COVAW. A sample of 92 respondents is collected through convenience and stratified sampling techniques, incorporating both community participants and program personnel. Data collection employs interview schedules and semi-structured questionnaires, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS software and qualitative data thematically analyzed. Findings: Findings reveal a prevailing democratic leadership style that fosters collaboration; however, community empowerment faces challenges due to inadequate integration and mobilization. The study concludes that there is a significant interconnectedness among leadership, community engagement, resource management, and organizational adaptability in enhancing GBV program performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Recommendations include adopting diverse leadership styles, strengthening community engagement, and optimizing resource management practices to ensure the sustainability and impact of GBV initiatives.

Sustainability of the Linkages Between Water–Energy–Food Resources Based on Structural Equation Modeling Under Changing Climate: A Case Study of Narok County (Kenya) and Vhembe District Municipality (South Africa)

Sustainability of the Linkages Between Water–Energy–Food Resources Based on Structural Equation Modeling Under Changing Climate: A Case Study of Narok County (Kenya) and Vhembe District Municipality (South Africa)

Effect of Electronic Tax Invoice Management System on Value Added Tax Compliance Among Tented Camps in Narok County, Kenya

Purpose: Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance is a critical aspect of revenue collection for governments worldwide; however, it has encountered various challenges, the most prevalent being verifying input tax claimed by taxpayers when filing VAT returns. The main objective was to examine the effect of electronic Tax Invoice Management System on Value added tax compliance among tented camps in Narok County. The theory that supports the study was Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Methodology: The study employed explanatory research design, with a target population of 150 tented camps in the Masai Mara National Reserve, out of these, 122 respondents successfully completed and returned the questionnaires, resulting in a response rate of 81.3%. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Results: The study found that ETIMs positively and significantly affect VAT compliance β =0.236 p-value =0.012<0.05. Conclusion: The study recommended that The KRA should enhance the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (ETIMS) to improve VAT compliance among tented camps in Narok County. Future research should be conducted on the effects of taxpayer behavioural factors on VAT compliance.

Types of Socio-Cultural Practices that Affect Inter-Ethnic Conflict in Narok County, Kenya

In Kenya, inter-ethnic conflicts have caused irreversible damages to people and their assets, and to the nation’s cohesive fabric. There have been several roots for interethnic conflicts, and one of them has been socio-cultural practices. Such practices are different in each generation and between various different ethnic groups. Despite this occurrence, limited studies have researched on the types of socio-cultural practices and inter-ethnic conflicts. Hence, this study investigated several types of socio-cultural practices, and the way they sway inter-ethnical conflicts in Narok county. The research employed a cross-sectional survey approach conducted in Narok, focusing on adult residents categorized into security agencies, village elders, nyumba kumi elders, and the general public as the target demographic. The County was divided into constituencies and wards for sampling purposes using purposive sampling. Purposive sampling was used to select the security agencies, as well as village elders and nyumba kumi elders. The general public were picked by systematic random sampling. The tools utilized to get data were, questionnaires and interview schedule. Quantitative data underwent analysis using descriptive statistics. Specifically, frequency distributions were predominantly employed to synopsize the outcomes, aiding in the interpretation and presentation of the findings. Qualitative data, on the other hand, underwent thematic analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated to offer comprehensive depictions of the main discoveries. The study found that, there are four types of socio-cultural practices: Promoting ethnic identities, upholding cultural belief systems, promotion of indigenous knowledge and passing downwards historical grievances. And together they affect inter-ethnic conflicts in Narok county. The study concluded that, the government should as a matter of fact and necessity have refined national values and incorporate them into our national security development strategy in order to have stability which is a pre-requisite for our national development. From the forgoing, cultural values if harnessed can be a vital tool for development strategy. The study recommended that, there should be efforts to counter the types of socio-cultural practices like promoting ethnic identities that heighten inter-ethnic conflicts, and strengthen the ones that can decrease in inter-ethnic conflicts like promoting socio-cultural exchange programs so as to attain the noble environment for the community and citizens.

Investigations into the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface waters of the Narok and Bomet counties of Kenya

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of emerging chemical pollutants that pose severe health challenges and toxicity to people and aquatic organisms exposed to these pollutants. This study sought to assess the types and levels of PAHs and their eco-toxicity indices in surface waters of Narok and Bomet counties of Kenya, which have witnessed an increase in charcoal-burning activities and vehicular emissions near water bodies. Sampling was done in eight regions of the two counties based on their proximity to PAH sources. Extraction of the water samples was done via a solid-phase mmethod. Seven US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) priority PAHs were detected. The concentrations of these PAHs varied from below the limits of detection up to 31.42 µg l −1 for dibenzo[ a,h ]anthracene. The majority of the PAHs from Narok County were pyrogenic, while those from Bomet were petrogenic based on PAH diagnostic ratios. The surface waters were significantly polluted with dibenzo[ a,h ]anthracene, with risk quotients above 1.0 in the surface waters, and were found to be hazardous, with hazard quotients above 10.0, thus indicating potential environmental risks. The findings indicate the need for stringent measures to be put in place to mitigate the risks posed by these PAHs.

Maternal Infant Feeding Knowledge And Dietary Diversity Of Children’s Diet Born Of Hiv-Positive Mothers, In Narok County, Kenya

Despite progress in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, children still acquire HIV infection (Frange et al., 2021), in 2020, the world had 31.6 million HIV positive people and sub-Sahara African countries had 83% pregnant women, 80% infants with HIV, and 78% of teenage women 15-24 years newly infected. Kenya had 1.4 million HIV positive people a prevalence rate of 4.5% and 5% in Narok County. Breastfeeding, especially early and exclusive breastfeeding, is one of the most important ways to improve infant survival (WHO, 2023c). However, the complementary feeding period, from 6 to 23 months of age, is one of the most challenging times to meet children’s nutrient demands. While children’s stomachs can only hold a small amount of food, their nutrient needs reach a lifetime peak leaving them vulnerable to growth faltering (Almasri et al., 2020). The overall objective of the study was to determine maternal infant feeding knowledge and dietary diversity of children’s diet born of HIV-positive mothers, in Narok County, Kenya The research was a cross-sectional analytical study and involved HIV+ mothers and their babies aged 0 – 23 months, purposively selected. A defined questionnaire was utilized for socio demographic indicators (e.g. age, marital status), anthropometry assessment (e.g. weight, Height) and secondary data/ hospital records. Through simple random sampling, mother baby pairs were generated by use of a computer and SPSS version 22.0 was utilized to analyse data. Socio-economic and demographic characteristics were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics

Impact of integrated WASH and maternal and child health interventions on diarrhea disease prevalence in a resource-constrained setting in Kenya

BackgroundWater, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and child health interventions are proven simple and cost-effective strategies for preventing diarrhea and minimizing excess mortality. Individually, they are able to prevent diarrhea though sub-optimally, and their effectiveness when combined may be higher. This study examined the effect of integrated WASH and maternal and child health (MCH) interventions on prevalence of diarrhea, in a resource-limited setting in Kenya.MethodsA controlled intervention was implemented in Narok County. The interventions included WASH interventions integrated with promotion of MCH. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on targeted indicators before and after the interventions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square to establish the impact of the interventions.ResultsA total of 431and 424 households and 491 and 487 households in intervention and control sites, respectively, participated in the baseline and endline surveys. Following implementation of the interventions, prevalence of diarrhea decreased by 69.1% (95% CI: 49.6–87.1%) and 58.6% (95% CI: 26.6–82.4%) in the intervention and control site, respectively. Treatment of drinking water and animal husbandry practices were significantly associated with diarrhea post-interventions.ConclusionsIntegrating WASH interventions with other diarrhea control strategies and contextualizing them to meet site-specific needs may effectively prevent diarrhea.

Female Genital Mutilation/Circumcision and Transition of Girls in Education - Kajiado and Narok Counties, Kenya

Female Genital Mutilation/Circumcision and Transition of Girls in Education - Kajiado and Narok Counties, Kenya

Postnatal neonatal outcomes of a targeted mobile phone intervention use in antenatal care amongst pregnant women in a pastoralist community in narok county, Kenya: a randomized control trial

Postnatal neonatal outcomes of a targeted mobile phone intervention use in antenatal care amongst pregnant women in a pastoralist community in narok county, Kenya: a randomized control trial

Livestock Value Chain Mapping in Kajiado and Narok Counties, Kenya

The livestock value chain encompasses a comprehensive range of activities involving various actors that facilitate the conveyance of the final product to the consumer through different stages of collection, processing, production, and final delivery. This case report presents the findings from the mapping of livestock value chains in Narok and Kajiado Counties, Kenya. The study aimed to determine the status and gaps within the value chain, as well as the technological needs of enterprises engaged in the value chain. The ultimate goal was to foster innovation, enhance the productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), improve managerial and technical skills, strengthen local supply chains, and reduce gender disparities within the value chain. The study employed well-structured questionnaires and interviews in both counties to capture the technological status and needs, map all stages of the value chains, outline the main activities and actors, and identify existing gaps. Three primary value chains in the livestock subsector were identified: dairy, beef, and leather. Each of these value chains was studied and analyzed separately. The activities and actors involved at each stage, from inputs and production to transformation and marketing, were examined. The findings highlight intervention areas and provide recommendations to improve the three value chains.

Assessment of rural livelihoods, health and wellbeing in Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa and Narok County, Kenya: A water-energy-food nexus perspective

The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus has become an integral component duly suited to enable sustainable development and an important tool to achieve and sustain various socioeconomic and environmental outcomes, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. The WEF nexus has become increasingly important in recent years as it can holistically address humankind's current triple challenges, including resource depletion, environmental degradation, and population growth. Socioeconomic factors such as increased population, economic development, and climate change patterns frequently induce unprecedented pressure on WEF resources. From the various climate change model simulations, the climate is likely to increase in the future, exacerbating the demand of the population to access the WEF resources and services. For effective resource planning and decision-making, the availability of WEF resources must be assessed under ongoing climate change. In this regard, this study assessed rural livelihoods, health, and wellbeing indicators within the WEF nexus framework in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), South Africa, and Narok County, Kenya. The premise was to determine the drivers of livelihood changes by applying the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making to understand the causal linkages between the WEF nexus resources and the sustainable livelihood indicators. Data collected from the literature review, questionnaire/group discussions, and field visit engagements were used to formulate and develop a matrix of indicators to assess livelihoods, health, and wellbeing. A correlation analysis based on the AHP was used to determine the linkages between WEF resources and sustainable livelihood indicators. The multivariate analysis used the correlation matrix to capture the pairwise degrees of relationship between WEF resources and sustainable livelihood indicators in the two study areas. The results show that the resources for sustainable livelihoods in VDM are more sustainable than those in Narok County. The Consistency Ratio values for Narok County and VDM were 0.046 and 0.067, respectively. The resulting composite index (0.143) classified both study sites under the lowly sustainable category. The results are important for informing policy formulation that guides timely interventions to balance socio-ecological systems.

Effect of Innovative Technology on Revenue Collection in South Nyanza County Governments, Kenya

After the enactment of Kenya's new constitution in the year 2010, a lot of public services were delegated to the County governments. Ideally, the county governments should finance their operations. However, almost all Counties suffer from inadequate financial resources to carry out their functions. This has been attributed to poor revenue collections. The main objective of this study, therefore, was to establish the effects of innovative technology on revenue collection in the South Nyanza region counties of Kisii, Migori, Homabay, and Nyamira County Governments. Specifically, the study aimed at answering; what is the effect of mobile money, electronic billing, online banking, and electronic receipting on revenue collections in County Governments of the South Nyanza region? Anchoring on the technology acceptance model, the study used a descriptive research design with a sample of 352 from a target population of 720 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires. The study used random sampling to select revenue collection officers, and tax and revenue managers at the selected county governments as respondents. Before data collection, the study did a pilot study in Narok County to test the reliability of the questionnaires using the Cronbach Alpha test. The data collected was analyzed descriptively followed by multiple regression analysis. The study found that there was a positive and significant (β = .415, p-value = .0001<.05) relationship between mobile money and revenue collection. Secondly, the study found a positive and significant (β = .172, p-value = .0001<.05) relationship between e-billing and revenue collection. Further the study established a positive and significant (β = .092, p-value = .0044<.05) relationship between online banking and revenue collection. Lastly, the study reported a positive and significant (β = .360, p-value = .0001<.05) relationship between e-receipting and revenue collection. The study concluded that innovative technology (mobile banking, e-billing, online banking and e-receipting) positively influence collection of revenue collection in South Nyanza Counties. The study recommended that from the findings and conclusions, the study recommends that the revenue management or administration of South Nyanza Counties of Kisii, Nyamira, Homabay and Migori should formulate policies to help ensure costs of revenue collections remains low. They should do cost benefit analysis of innovative technologies in revenue collection like mobile money in revenue collections to ensure that they don’t cost too much and eat into their revenue collections. The counties should also make policies aimed at using innovative technologies like e-billing to aid in revenue planning. Thirdly, the revenue administration team should ensure that there are adequate policies that guides use of innovative technologies like online banking, mobile money, e-billing and e-receipting can aid them in better audit of their revenues.

Understanding performance of public hospitals: operational strategies approach in Kajiado County, Kenya

The performance of the healthcare sector is crucial for delivering optimal patients care and creating efficient healthcare systems. However, Kajiado County in Kenya faces various challenges that obstruct effective performance. This paper aims to assess the impact of operational strategies on performances of public hospitals in Kajiado County, Kenya. Specifically, it aimed to investigate the effect of information management strategy, continuous quality improvement strategy, innovation strategy, and resources management strategy on hospital performance. This study was anchored on balanced scorecard model, resource-based theory, quality improvement theory, and technology acceptance model, and employed a descriptive research design. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires distributed to full-time healthcare workers, following a successful pilot study in Narok County. Data collection utilized the drop-and-pick later method. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software was used to analyze the data, involving descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations while multiple regression model was used to test the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable. Main findings of the study revealed that there exists a statistically significant relation between information management strategy and hospital performance, as well as continuous quality improvement strategy, innovation strategy, and resource management strategy, respectively. Consequently, the study recommended that the County Health Department should initiate a comprehensive training program for healthcare professionals, collaborate with hospital management to adopt innovative technologies, and identify and address skill gaps while promoting a positive work environment within public hospitals in Kajiado County. These actions aim to enhance hospital performance and ultimately improve patient care in the region.

Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in pastoralist communities of Kenya: A cross-sectional study.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, the National School Based Deworming Program (NSBDP) was launched in 2012 with a goal of reducing STH prevalence in school-aged children (SAC) to <1%, however monitoring and evaluation results have consistently showed > 20% prevalence in Narok County. We conducted a study to investigate factors associated with STH infections among SAC in Narok County. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 SAC from five schools in Trans Mara West sub-county, Narok County. The sub-county was selected because it had participating schools within the NSBDP with a high prevalence of STH infection. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Stool samples collected from participants were examined for STH eggs using Kato-Katz technique. An open data kit questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographics, household, and STH knowledge information from 139 of the 514 SAC. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data, prevalence and mean intensity of infections were calculated, and logistic regression used to determine factors associated with STH infections. The overall prevalence of any STH infection was 24.6% (95%CI: 21.1-28.6). Trichuris trichiura 14.4% (95%CI: 11.7-17.8), Ascaris lumbricoides 12.5% (95%CI: 9.9-15.7) and hookworm 0%. From multivariable analysis the only factors significantly associated with increased risk of STH infection were, children attending Karda and Nkarano schools with aOR = 5.29 (95%CI: 1.45-19.24); p = 0.011 and aOR = 4.53 (95%CI: 1.29-15.97); p = 0.019 respectively. For A. lumbricoides, children attending Nkarano School were associated with a significant risk of infection with aOR = 7.81 (95%CI: 1.81-33.63); p = 0.006. Despite the ongoing work of NSBDP, the STH prevalence is still ≥ 20% in Trans Mara West sub-county Narok County, among SAC. This underscores the need for continued annual MDA. Additionally, if possible, drug combinations may effectively manage T. trichiura, the region's most common helminth. The study found a correlation between children attending specific schools and STH infection risk, suggesting the importance of health education and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices holistically both in schools and associated catchment areas that can act as STH reservoirs to alleviate the burden of STH.

Health System-Related Factors that Influence Retention in Care among HIV Infected Pregnant Women in Narok County, Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to establish the health system-related factors that influence retention in care among HIV infected pregnant women in Narok County, Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional mixed method design. Purposive sampling method was used to sample the required sample size of 117 HIV infected pregnant women, the participants of the Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informant Interviews (KII). The study was carried out at Narok County Referral and all the sub-county hospitals in Narok County. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Focus group discussion and KII guides were used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative and qualitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and Nvivo version 14 respectively. Chi square test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the health system-related factors that influence retention in HIV care. Thematic content analysis was done for qualitative data. The mean age of participants was 30 years (SD=6.48). The study results generated were presented in bar graphs and tables for quantitative data. Results were presented as narrations and triangulated with qualitative data. Findings: This study established that health system-related factors (waiting time, health care workers services and ARV availability) influenced retention in care among HIV infected pregnant women. However, only ARV availability had a significant association with retention in care (P&lt;0.001, OR=0.19). The multiple logistic regression was used to predict the influence of grouped variables. Overall, the model was a significant predictor of retention in care. Health system related factors was found to increase the likelihood of being retained in care (OR=5.14), though not significant predictors of retention in care (P&lt;0.34). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Health system-related factors particularly ARV drug stocks, healthcare workers staffing and timely access of services should be strengthened in order to avert stock outs, minimize waiting time and follow up patients who miss clinic appointments to increase retention among pregnant women in HIV care. Advocate for policy reforms aimed at addressing structural barriers to retention in care, including increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, workforce capacity building, and integration of HIV services within maternal and child health programs. By aligning policy initiatives with the unique needs of HIV-infected pregnant women, policymakers can foster an enabling environment for retention in care, ultimately contributing to the achievement of national and global HIV/AIDS targets.

The Determinants of Low Wheat Productivity in Kenya

Agriculture contributes 24% directly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 60% of the export earnings and about 75% of industrial raw materials. Food crops subsector contributes about 30% to the Kenyan GDP. Among the cereals in Kenya, wheat is the second most important after maize. Wheat has a substantial contribution to poverty reduction, food security and creation of employment. Due to the high growth in population, increased urbanization, and related changing trends in food consumption patterns, the demand for wheat and wheat products is on the increase. Demand for wheat products is apparent in the preference of confectionery, pasta and breakfast cereals. Wheat demand in Kenya has been swelling hence production has not been able to certify it leading to importation of huge quantities to fill the gap between demand and supply. Increased imports diminish local prices. This becomes a disincentive leading to decline in wheat production. In regard to the importance of wheat enterprise in the country, a survey was conducted to determine factors that have led to decline in wheat production and there after give recommendations for future research. Primary data was collected by use of structured questionnaires to a sample size of 344 wheat farmers in selected wheat producing counties of Kenya. Results of the survey reveal that factors contributing to low wheat production consists of: pests, diseases and Shortage of improved wheat variety seed, droughts, heavy rains, and high cost of farm inputs. Through wheat research, the country will increase production, reduce the amount of wheat imports hence save the country’s foreign exchange. The study was undertaken in Narok and Nakuru Counties of Kenya. A sample size of 344 farmers was involved in the survey. Njoro BWII the most famous variety accounting for 30.4% of the total wheat varieties cultivated followed by Kwale (10.41%), Kenya Korongo (10.28%), Eagle10 (6.17%), and Kenya Kingbird (5.21%). All these (5) varieties collectively account 55.71% of the total varieties cultivated by the farmers in the study areas. Some of the varieties are more than 20years old. This indicates that wheat varietal turnover is very low. As a recommendation, to improve wheat production in Kenya, adoption of the new improved technologies should be accelerated to reduce the adoption lag period, varietal turnover rates should be increased and wheat production risks eliminated or minimized. Additionally, appropriate development programmes and policies promoting new technologies should target disease and pest management, input and output distribution, seed multiplication and diffusion.

Gender Literacy as a Determinant of Decision-Making in National Government Constituency Development Fund Projects in Narok County, Kenya

Gender mainstreaming is a crucial consideration in project formulation, appraisal and implementation. However, gender disparities disadvantaging girls in education and training persist in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Illiteracy is the main constriction to social, human and economic development; thus, women's participation in development may be stifled by their education levels. This study was carried out to establish the role of literacy on gender participation in decision-making in National Government Constituency Development Fund Projects in Narok County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed in which a census was carried out on 66 respondents comprising 6 Officials in charge of NG-CDF projects, 48 committee members, 8 Chairpersons of the projects and 4 government representatives. Data was collected using questionnaires where a questionnaire return rate of 93.9% was realized. The key findings of the study were: the gender distribution of participants involved in the management of NG-CDF projects did not reflect the gender distribution in the population of Narok County; there was an association between the gender and age of the respondents where there were more female than male participants among the younger respondents and more male than female participants among the older respondents; there was no association between education levels and the gender of respondents; and there was gender indifference and non-discrimination in decision making in NG-CDF projects in Narok Sub-County. The study, therefore, concluded that formal education among different genders is not necessarily the classical measure of successful participation in decision-making in projects.