Narok County Research Articles

Soil quality index (SQI) for evaluating the sustainability status of Kakia-Esamburmbur catchment under three different land use types in Narok County, Kenya

Land and water degradation caused by soil erosion and climate change pose major environmental threats, particularly in agricultural watersheds. Soil erosion in a catchment leads to low crop yields due to declining soil quality (SQ), productivity and sustainability. However, very few studies have been done to assess soil health in Kenya, and none in Narok County. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the soil sustainability status in Kakia-Esamburmbur catchment, based on the identification of key indicators (IKI) from a large dataset (LDS) of 23 indicators, across three land use types designated as grass land (GL), crop land (CL) and forest land (FL). To achieve the stated objective, two soil quality indexing methods were employed: the Additive Soil Quality Index (A-SQI) using the LDS; and the Weighted Soil Quality Index (W-SQI) using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as a reduction tool to obtain the IKI set. The results show that at a depth of 20 cm, the catchment's soils characteristics did not differ significantly. The two methods (A-SQI and W-SQI) resulted in FL having the highest SQI mean values (0.61, 0.57), followed by CL (0.59, 0.55), while the lowest SQI mean value was recorded in GL (0.58, 0.53). Additionally, the sensitivity analysis showed W-SQI as the most sensitive and superior method in the evaluation of SQI changes due to its high sensitivity and coefficient of variation (CV), at 2.25 and >12 %, respectively. Among the ten IKI, CEC made the greatest contribution to SQ (18.68 %), followed by BD (15.61 %), BIR (14.71 %), Mg (14.26 %), MBN (8.30 %), MBC (8.26 %), Sand (6.77 %), Moisture (5.75 %), TOC (5.16 %), and PMN (2.63 %). The findings show that the catchment belongs to the "medium" category of SQ. The IKI can help save time and reduce the cost of intensive lab works for temporal assessment and monitoring of the effects of different land use on SQ.

Avian Diversity and Abundance in Ololunga town, Narok County, Kenya

This study sought to determine bird abundance and diversity within Ololunga town, Narok County, Kenya. Using point counts and line transects, a rapid assessment of three habitats, based on levels of human disturbance was conducted. A total of 394 (n=394) birds belonging to 25 families and 34 species were recorded, with bushland recording the highest abundance and species richness (43.15%; and 26), followed by farmlands at 31.47% and 15; and human settlement recording the least (25.38% and 10). The Tukey HSD test established a significant difference in bird abundance between bushlands and human settlement areas (p = 0.014), with no significance between bushlands and farmlands (p = 0.082); nor between farmlands and human settlements (p = 0.356). Jaccard index / similarity coefficient across habitat scores noted a reducing similarity across avian sighted habitats at 0.316, 0.281 and 0.2 for human settlements-farmland; farmland-bushlands; and human settlement-bushland, respectively. Study results demonstrate that human influence has an impact on avian species composition, distribution, and abundance, especially within peri-urban areas of Narok, Kenya. Our study proposes creation of avian sensitive buffer zones within the habitats and ecotones; targeted community education on impacts of anthropogenic activities on avian diversity; and a deeper appraisal on seasonal and functional diversity in habitat types and overlapping ecotones on avian species, with a lens on resource availability.

Association Between Caregiver’s Nutrition Knowledge and Nutrition Status of Children 6 to 23 Months: A Case Study of Narok County Referral Hospital

In Narok County, Kenya, where the challenge of achieving optimal child nutrition persists, particularly in the context of its arid and semi-arid climate, the prevalence of stunting among children is alarmingly high compared to other regions. Addressing this critical issue necessitates an enhancement of caregivers’ nutrition knowledge. However, scant information is available on the nutritional knowledge of caregivers responsible for children aged 6 to 23 months, a gap that extends beyond Narok County to encompass broader regions in Africa, including Kenya. Consequently, this study was designed to examine the nutritional knowledge of caregivers within Narok County for children in this age group. All approvals including ethical clearance from the Kabarak University Research and Ethics Committee (KUREC), a research permit from NACOSTI, and a permit from Narok County Referral Hospital were sought before the commencement of the study. This research adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, and Fisher’s formula was used to calculate a sample size of 108 caregivers to children aged 6 to 23 months who were purposively recruited. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and ENA SMART software. The results indicate a variation in caregivers’ nutrition knowledge levels, with 37.0% demonstrating a high level of knowledge, while 27.8% exhibited low knowledge. Moderate knowledge levels were observed in 14.8% of caregivers, while 9.3% had very low knowledge. Furthermore, there was a low positive correlation observed between nutrition knowledge and Height-for-Age Z-score (HAZ), with a correlation coefficient of r=0.235 and a p-value of 0.014. Significantly, HAZ exhibited a higher percentage of normal scores when compared to stunted children (p-value: 0.05*). In conclusion, the study found significant variation in caregivers’ nutrition knowledge across the region, which in turn had an impact on the nutritional outcomes of the children. Therefore, we recommend targeted and continuous nutrition education to caregivers of children in Narok County. Caregivers with better nutrition knowledge tend to provide better nutrition to their children. There is a need to train and capacity-build community health workers to have the necessary knowledge and skills for effective nutrition education.

Sympatric occurrence of Taenia saginata and Sarcocystis spp. in cattle from Narok County, Kenya: meat inspection findings with molecular validation.

The epidemiological picture of Taenia saginata infections in Kenya is fragmented with limited available data. Although Sarcocystis species are significant meat-borne parasites, few studies have explored their occurrence in Kenya. This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis and screen for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. A meat inspection-based survey was conducted in ten abattoirs in Narok County, Kenya, and inspection for T. saginata cysticerci was limited to the Triceps brachii muscle. The apparent occurrence of the parasite was 5.4% (95% CI, 3.8, 7.6, n=573). Molecular confirmation of T. saginata was done via nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene and restricted fragment length polymorphism. Sarcocystis species were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Of the 31 cystic lesions tested, 26/31 (83.9%) were confirmed to be T. saginata.Sarcocystis cruzi and S. hominis were detected in 8/31 (25.8%) and 1/31 (3.2%) of the cystic lesions, respectively. Co-infections of S. cruzi and T. saginata were found in 6/31 lesions (19.4%). The confirmation of bovine cysticercosis and S. hominis is suggestive of the presence of risky culinary and sanitation practices that facilitate transmission. This is the first report and molecular confirmation of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in the country. The presence of both zoonotic S. hominis and pathogenic S. cruzi highlights an underexplored concern of veterinary and human health significance, warranting further epidemiological investigation.

Multiple pathogens co-exposure and associated risk factors among cattle reared in a wildlife-livestock interface area in Kenya.

Understanding multi-pathogen infections/exposures in livestock is critical to inform prevention and control measures against infectious diseases. We investigated the co-exposure of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Brucella spp., Leptospira spp., and Coxiella burnetii in cattle in three zones stratified by land use change and with different wildlife-livestock interactions in Narok county, Kenya. We also assessed potential risk factors associated with the transmission of these pathogens in cattle. We identified five villages purposively, two each for areas with intensive (zone 1) and moderate wildlife-livestock interactions (zone 2) and one for locations with low wildlife-livestock interactions (zone 3). We sampled 1,170 cattle from 390 herds through a cross-sectional study and tested the serum samples for antibodies against the focal pathogens using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. A questionnaire was administered to gather epidemiological data on the putative risk factors associated with cattle's exposure to the investigated pathogens. Data were analyzed using the Bayesian hierarchical models with herd number as a random effect to adjust for the within-herd clustering of the various co-exposures among cattle. Overall, 88.0% (95% CI: 85.0-90.5) of the cattle tested positive for at least one of the targeted pathogens, while 41.7% (95% CI: 37.7-45.8) were seropositive to at least two pathogens. FMDV and Brucella spp. had the highest co-exposure at 33.7% (95% CI: 30.9-36.5), followed by FMDV and Leptospira spp. (21.8%, 95% CI: 19.5-24.4), Leptospira spp. and Brucella spp. (8.8%, 95% CI: 7.2-10.6), FMDV and C. burnetii (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.7-2.8), Brucella spp. and C. burnetii (1.0%, 95% CI: 0.3-2.2), and lowest for Leptospira spp. and C. burnetii (0.3%, 95% CI: 0.0-1.2). Cattle with FMDV and Brucella spp., and Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. co-exposures and those simultaneously exposed to FMDV, Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. were significantly higher in zone 1 than in zones 2 and 3. However, FMDV and Leptospira spp. co-exposure was higher in zones 1 and 2 than zone 3. We recommend the establishment of a One Health surveillance system in the study area to reduce the morbidity of the targeted zoonotic pathogens in cattle and the risks of transmission to humans.

Characterization of Selected Solid Fuels and Their Calorific Values in Kenya: A Case Study of Bomet, Narok, Taita-Taveta, and Mombasa Counties

Characterization of Selected Solid Fuels and Their Calorific Values in Kenya: A Case Study of Bomet, Narok, Taita-Taveta, and Mombasa Counties

Stakeholder Involvement and Strategy Implementation among County Governments in Kenya: A Case Study of Narok County Government, Kenya

In today’s global environment, management is constantly looking for initiatives in creating and sustaining a stakeholder involvement within the organizations to motivate them in strategy implementation. However, stakeholders have continued to complain about how management of different organizations has compromised strategy implementation. The aim of this study therefore, was to ascertain the effects of stakeholder involvement on strategy implementation in Narok County Government in Kenya. The specific objectives were: to determine the effect of stakeholder procedure compliance the effect of stakeholder communication stakeholders’ involvement and stakeholder support on strategy implementation at Narok County Government. The research employed descriptive research design. The target population comprised 58 top level managers, 46 middle level managers; 30 lower-level managers and 300 community project representatives. The study adopted proportionate stratified random sampling technique to select a sample of 87 respondents from the target population. The research utilized primary data collection methods via the utilization of questionnaires including both open-ended and closed-ended questions. The instruments' validity was established via the assessment of face and content validity, while reliability was evaluated utilizing Cronbach's Alpha. A value of 0.7 or above was deemed adequate for reliability. The analysis of the data included the use of both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, facilitated by the SPSS. The data that was evaluated was provided in tables and figures. The researchers used a multiple regression model in order to investigate the correlation between stakeholder participation and the execution of strategic initiatives. The study's findings indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between the independent factors and the dependent variables under investigation. Hence, it is recommended that the county government actively solicit perspectives and opinions from various stakeholders throughout the process of plan implementation, while also facilitating their active involvement in such implementation. This research provides valuable insights for directors, managers, policy makers, and academics seeking to comprehend the impact of stakeholder participation on the accomplishment of strategic initiatives.

Dietary Diversity and Iron Status in Pregnant Women Attending the Antenatal Clinic at Narok County Referral Hospital, Kenya

Dietary diversity is widely acknowledged as a fundamental factor influencing the iron status of pregnant women. Iron deficiency anemia constitutes a pervasive nutritional concern on a global scale, particularly during pregnancy, and it is linked to an array of adverse consequences such as prenatal mortality, low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth retardation. Despite this recognition, there exists a notable gap in our understanding of the dietary habits and iron status of pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Narok County Referral Hospital, Kenya. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study, targeting a cohort of 178 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the aforementioned hospital. The study used a cross-sectional study design with a target population of 178 pregnant mothers attending the antenatal clinic (ANC) in Narok County Referral Hospital, Kenya. A researcher-administered questionnaire, focus group discussion guides (FGD), and key informant interviews (KII) were used to collect data. Logistical regression and Odds ratio were used to control for other factors that affect iron status, and the Odds ratio was used to determine the likelihood of iron deficiency as influenced by dietary diversity. The results revealed that a significant proportion of the pregnant women were aged between 18-24 years (44.4%), were married (71.3%), and engaged in small businesses (52.2%). Approximately one-third of the participants had two children, with 25.3% having had four live births. The majority (68%) reported consuming four meals daily, but the nutrient intake of pregnant mothers generally fell below-recommended levels, with 57.9% failing to meet the minimum dietary diversity score for women. A considerable portion (62.4%) exhibited normal nutritional status, while 68.5% were under Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS); however, adherence to the supplementation regimen was poor. Moreover, 52.2% had hemoglobin levels below 12g/dl, indicating a potential issue with iron deficiency. This study uncovered significant demographic characteristics among pregnant women, particularly noting a significant presence of young, married individuals engaged in small-scale businesses. The dietary patterns highlighted a prevalent intake of four meals, but nutrient intake often fell short of recommended levels. Alarmingly, a substantial percentage exhibited low hemoglobin levels, underscoring the critical necessity for improved nutritional interventions. Specifically, enhancing iron supplementation and promoting dietary diversity is imperative to address the potential risk of iron deficiency among this vulnerable population.

Effect of Employee Relations Practices on Employee Performance in Commercial Banks in Narok County, Kenya

Employee performance is a critical factor for the success of commercial banks in Kenya. Commercial banks in Kenya have been facing various employee-related issues that have affected their performance, productivity and turnover. According to a survey conducted by the Central Bank of Kenya in 2019, the average staff turnover rate in commercial banks in Kenya was 14.6%. This has been attributed to various factors, such as inadequate compensation, lack of career growth opportunities, and poor working conditions. The general objective of the study was to establish the effect of employee relations practices on employee performance in commercial banks in Narok County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the Appraisal theory, Reinforcement theory and expectancy theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 336 managers and middle-level workers in 14 commercial banks in Narok County, Kenya. The study adopted Slovins' formula to get a sample of 182 employees. The study further adopted stratified random sampling to get the sample of each category of worker. The study collected primary data using a questionnaire. Content validity was ensured by the opinions of experts and supervisors. The reliability of the study instruments was determined by conducting a pilot test in Narok County, whereby 18 questionnaires were issued to employees in 2 banks. An internal consistency technique was adopted by utilization of Cronbach's Alpha. Data gathered in the study was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the study. Descriptive statistics involves the use of percentages, frequencies, and mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics involves the use of correlation and multiple analyses. After analysis, data were presented in the form of tables. The study concluded that there is a strong positive correlation between employee relations practices and employee performance in commercial banks in Narok County, Kenya. From the findings, the study recommended that commercial banks in Narok County should encourage a two-way flow of communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback with management. Moreover, commercial banks in Narok County should support employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and increase job satisfaction.

Community Forest Associations Boundaries and Sustainable Forest Management in Loita Forest, Narok County, Kenya

The Kenya Forest Act of 2005, subsequently revised in 2016, introduced the Kenya Forest Service and its mandate to engage in Participatory Forest Management (PFM) agreements with local communities adjoining state forests. This framework necessitated the establishment of Community Forest Associations (CFAs) nationwide, including the Loita Community Forest Association. However, a prevailing concern surrounding CFAs is the delineation and redefinition of boundaries, an issue that has gained prominence due to Kenya's decentralized forest governance system and the ambiguity surrounding the management of locally-held common resources. This study centers on investigating the process of establishing boundaries for the CFAs both in forest resources and the users within Loita Forest in Narok County, Kenya. Notably, Loita forest operates under a Traditional Participatory Forest arrangement, controlled by community elders, led by the revered Oloibon, who steers the resource utilization decisions. The vast expanse of Loita forest encompasses both lush woodlands and savanna landscapes. Employing purposive sampling, the study engaged 52 respondents from nine distinct Loita sub-locations. Key informants were interviewed individually, complemented with focus group discussions conducted with the use of semi-structured questions. Participant observation further enriched data collection, consolidating insights from key informants and group discussions. Collected data was meticulously tape-recorded and subjected to summative content analysis. The inquiry delved into the practicality of existing traditional resource-use boundaries, the adequacy of governmental regulations, policies, and institutions in elevating forest governance within Kenya, and the extent to which individual indigenous rights have been upheld in managing and using communal forest resources. Key findings of this study show that the Loita Maasai still values their traditional norms and have great respect for cultural institutions. Major decisions concerning the management of Loita forest are made by the council of elders led by the Chief Laibon. The study also found that there exists no CFA in Loita forest and that the presence of government institutions in the forest is minimal. This study's outcomes contribute to a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between indigenous wisdom, modern frameworks, and sustainable forest management. It underscores the indispensable role of tradition in shaping boundaries, governance, and ecological equilibrium within Loita forest and offers practical directives for future forest management endeavors.

Kipsigis Cultural Values and Participation Rates Among Boys in Public Day Primary Schools in Trans-Mara East Sub-County, Narok County, Kenya

Education is the foundation of the economic development of human resources. A country that provides free access to quality education for all its citizens is far more likely to reduce poverty, promote economic growth, lower child and maternal mortality and achieve social inclusion. Despite efforts by the Kenyan government to attain gender parity in access and participation in school by both boys and girls, there are still gaps in Trans Mara East Sub-County, Narok County, with boys' participation being low. This study aimed at establishing the influence of the Kipsigis' cultural values on participation rates among boys in selected public day primary schools in Trans Mara East Sub-County, Narok County. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The study was conducted in twelve public day primary schools selected randomly from sixty primary schools in Trans Mara East Sub-County. The target population for this study was 10,060, comprising 120 parent representatives, 60 Headteachers, 9600 pupils in classes six, seven, and eight, and 240 class teachers. Simple random sampling was used to select 144 pupils, while purposive sampling was used to select 12 head teachers, 31 class teachers, and 12 parent representatives, from which a sample of 199 participants was achieved. A pilot study was carried out in the Mogondo zone that was not part of the actual study involving 33 respondents. The reliability of the instruments was tested using Cronbach's Alpha, and a reliability coefficient of 0.758 was obtained. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. The descriptive data was presented using tables of frequencies and percentages, while the Spearman Rho Correlation Coefficient was used to infer the relationship between Kipsigis cultural values and primary school participation among boys. The findings of the study showed that there is a moderate positive correlation between Kipsigis' cultural values and participation rates (r =0.587). The study concluded that Kipsigis' cultural values greatly influenced primary school participation among boys in public day primary schools. Based on the study, the researcher recommends positive cultural values to be used as instrumental tools to instil positive values in enhancing the participation of boys in primary schooling. It is hoped that the findings of this study may be useful in helping primary school administrators and managers, the Ministry of Education, and other key educational stakeholders in coming up with ways of strengthening primary school participation among boys

Role of Investment Literacy on Household Income Generation Among SACCO Members in Narok County, Kenya

Increased formal financial access is widely recognised as a crucial factor in boosting household income generation, a key driver of economic growth. Paradoxically, despite Kenya’s notable increase in formal financial access from 75.5% in 2019 to 83.7% in 2022, household income growth has yet to follow suit. Shockingly, over 50% of Kenyan citizens, in stark contrast to the 25-40% seen in other developing nations, still endure extreme poverty, falling below the international poverty line of $1.90 per day, according to a sobering 2022 World Bank report. This grim reality indicates that financial access may not be the issue. To shed light on this adverse trend, this research focused on the role of investment literacy on household income generation among Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) members in Narok County, Kenya. The study was rooted in behavioural finance theory and adopted a descriptive research design. Further, the study targeted 3,050 registered SACCO members, from which a sample size of 217 was obtained using the Yamane 1957 formula. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were also used to select the study sample. The study used structured questionnaires, which were self-administered to collect the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the study data. A simple linear regression model was adopted for the study. The findings revealed that investment literacy had a significant positive role (β = 0.225, p < 0.05) in household income generation, underscoring its importance in boosting household income among SACCO members. As a result, the study recommends implementing comprehensive investment literacy programs by SACCOs and relevant stakeholders to maximise their impact on income generation

Description of cattle production systems in different agro-ecological zones of Narok County, Kenya

Cattle farming is an integral part of the livelihoods of farmers in Narok County. However, very few studies have been conducted to describe livestock production in different agroecosystems in Kenya. The objective of this study was to determine cattle production systems and characteristics under different agro-ecosystems. The study was conducted through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires to 817 farmers in three sublocations from Narok south sub-county. The main livestock production systems were pure pastoral, communal grazing and zero-grazing where indigenous cattle were the predominant breed kept (86.8%) with a few farmers keeping crossbreeds or exotic breeds. However, sheep (75.1%) goats (79.4%), chicken (68.6%) and donkeys (32.9%) were also kept. The mean lactation period for cattle was 9.5 months with average inter-calving interval of 14.1 months. More households (45.1%) grazed cattle within their own pastureland compared to pure pastoralism (12.5%), communal grazing (8.0%), zero grazing (0.9%), or combination (33.5%). Approximately 37.1% of the respondents herded their cattle, 13.1% were on free grazing, 36.6% both free grazing and herding whereas 13.2% used paddocks. The mean land area under pasture was estimated at 53.9 acres. The main source of drinking water was within the grazing field (63.6%) with 36.4% having had to take livestock elsewhere. Most households (85.7%) practicing mixed farming could easily access veterinary services compared to 57.2% and 55.1% in agro-pastoral and pure pastoral system respectively (p<0.0001). The main veterinary interventions were deworming, vaccination, and antibiotic administration. Most households (98.6%) had sprayed their livestock with 98.9% sourcing the products from agrovet outlets. More respondents (63.8%) in agro-pastoral compared to 61.5% and 49.7% from pastoral and mixed farming respectively were aware of East Coast Fever disease (p<0.0001). Cattle were principally fed on natural pasture either produced from owned or leased lands with farmers getting unequal access to veterinary services.

Investigation of Wind Characteristics and Estimation of Wind Power Potential of Narok County Using Weibull Distribution

Investigation of Wind Characteristics and Estimation of Wind Power Potential of Narok County Using Weibull Distribution

Pastoralists’ Choice of Response Strategies to Climate Change and Variability in Semi-arid areas of Narok, Kenya

Crop farming and pastoralism are the main economic activities in the semi-arid lands of Narok County, Kenya. Like many semi-arid areas in the country, the region has been experiencing climate change and variability. This has caused the farmers and pastoralists to adopt various response strategies to the changing climate. This study aimed to document the strategies that the pastoralists had adopted for livestock production and the factors that influenced their decision. The study was conducted in all the four wards of Narok East in 2016. A cross-sectional survey research design was used, whereby 223 household heads were interviewed using a semi- structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to assess pastoralists’ response strategies, while a multivariate probit model in conjunction with Principal Component Analysis was used to determine the factors that influence their choice of the response strategies. Results showed that herd reduction, transhumance, new breeds of livestock and fencing were the most widely adopted strategies. Results of the multivariate probit analysis showed that gender, level of education and age of the household head, total household size, receiving weather information and land tenure system were all significant factors in influencing a farmer’s choice of response strategy. This study therefore recommends that farmers be empowered to access improved livestock breeds, education on climate change aspects and information on accurate and timely weather forecasts be availed to farmers.

Seasonal variation in pesticide residue occurrences in surface waters found in Narok and Bomet Counties, Kenya.

Narok and Bomet are agricultural counties in Kenya which depend on flowing surface waters for farming activities. Agrochemicals have frequently been used to increase agricultural produce in this region. Occasionally, appropriate pesticide utilization measures are not followed. These surface waters are also consumed domestically by humans, livestock, and wild animals thus posing safety concerns to them. The current study sought to evaluate the levels and nature of pesticide residues found in surface waters in the dry and wet seasons of these counties. Eight water samples were collected in July (dry season) and October (wet season) at four different river sites in each of the two counties predetermined by the agricultural activity of its proximate environs. Pesticides extracted by solid phase extraction were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. At least 38 different pesticides were detected in the two counties with the highest concentration being recorded for chlorpyrifos and piperidine in Narok and Bomet counties, respectively. The pesticides chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, and cyhalothrin were more prevalent in Narok County while triazine, semicarbazone, and epinephrine were more prevalent in Bomet County. There were significantly more pesticides detected during the wet season (P ≤ 0.05). Out of the nine prevalent pesticides detected, four of them posed serious ecotoxicology concerns with risk quotients above 1.0 (high risk); thus, there is a need for more government policy interventions in deterring farming near riparian lands and in training of famers regarding best practice for pesticide applications.

Factors that Influence Place of Delivery for Women of Reproductive Age in Narok South Sub County

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore the factors that influence the place of delivery for women of reproductive age in Narok South Sub County.
 Methodology: The study adapted a descriptive, cross sectional study design which focused on all women of reproductive age who delivered at home after antenatal hospital care visits in the last 24 months. The research was completed in Narok South Sub County, Narok County in Kenya. The target populace included all women with children below two years of age who gave birth at home yet attended antenatal care visits in a health facility in Narok North Sub-County. The study population included all women of reproductive age which were in the age bracket of 15 and 49 years from Narok south sub-county in Narok County. The study adapted two sampling techniques (purposive sampling and simple random sampling) first, purposive sampling was used to obtain women who have had delivered in the last 24 months and also key informants like TBAs and community elders. A sample of 30% of the targeted population was selected; this is coherent with the proposition by Mugenda and Mugenda (2009) that 30% of the population is deemed to be sufficient for statistical analysis in research. A semi structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data. The study utilized primary data only. The primary data was collected through semi structured questionnaires by visiting households with women of reproductive age who gave birth in the last 24 months in a non- hospital set up. Data was analyzed using excel and statistical package for social sciences SPSS version 22.0.
 Findings: The study found that emergencies during delivery are well handled in a hospital setup and will greatly improve delivery outcome, the health of the mother and baby. The extended walking distance nearest health facility, the lesser the expectation of mothers to make use of skilled and trained delivery service. The absence of trouble-free transportation service to the nearest health facility is also an essential significant convolution. Source of information on reproductive health matters and more so about pregnancy, labor, and place of delivery can highly influence decision-making on the place of giving birth. Majority of women in rural areas receive advice on reproductive health matters from their 'mothers-in-law and extended family members. When pregnant mothers attend ANC they are taught about delivery and how to prepare for it.
 Recommendations: County Education officers in liaison with social development officers to promote adult formal education to improve literacy levels, which will go a long way in influencing reproductive health decisions. County health management team, together with the reproductive health section to network with other relevant stakeholders to increase sensitization on utilization of hospital-based deliveries. Health education by all relevant stakeholders on the advantages of hospital delivery. Establish community health units and train community health volunteers and traditional birth attendants to be safe motherhood promoters.

Schooling Related Challenges Faced by Displaced High School Students. The Case of Olposimoru Forest Evictees in Narok County, Kenya

Internal displacement is one of the most critical humanitarian issues of current times. The purpose of this research is to investigate the challenges experienced by displaced high school students while schooling as well as the role of the school community in assisting the displaced student to continue in schooling. The objective is this study was to investigate the physical, social, emotional and financial challenges faced by internally displaced high school students as they experienced schooling as well the psycho social support accorded to the students in order to continue with schooling. This study was guided by Phenomenology theory. Edmund Husserl (1859-1938) is widely regarded as the founder of phenomenology as a transcendental philosophy of consciousness. It’s the careful description of experiences in the manner in which they are experienced by the subjects. It’s an inductive descriptive approach that focuses on understanding the response of the whole human beings not just understanding specific parts or behavior. It endeavors to describe an experience as it is lived by the person. Sample size of 96 students was sampled through purposive sampling technique. The participants included displaced high school students, teachers and Principals. The data instruments included questionnaires and semi- structured interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed and presented in frequency distribution tables and percentages. Qualitative data was organized, coded and analyzed based on emerging thematic topics according to the objectives. The study found out that displaced high school students have several schooling challenges in addition to the normal learning challenges facing un-displaced students. Those interviewed agreed that displaced students had the challenges of financial, psychological and social which must be addressed by educational stakeholders. Though the school were trying to alleviate the challenges faced by displaced student, the support provided was not ...

Existing Strategies for Tackling Adolescent Pregnancy in Public Boarding Girls’ Secondary Schools in Narok County, Kenya

Purpose: The study sought to identify the existing strategies for tackling adolescent pregnancy in public boarding girls’ secondary schools in Narok County, Kenya
 Methodology: Cross- sectional descriptive research design was adopted. The target populations is the adolescent students of the public boarding girls’ secondary schools in Narok county, Kenya and the sample size is 72 (8 principals, 8 counselors and 56 students). The study used purposive sampling to select the secondary school principals and school counselors while using the sampled principals to select the students to participate in the study. The research instruments were an Interview Schedule and Focus Group Discussion guide. The qualitative data was analyzed according to themes, patterns and forms.
 Findings: The study established that strategies for tackling adolescent pregnancy in Narok County, Kenya in the public boarding girls’ secondary schools were the strategies identified were; Guidance and Counseling, Parental Involvement, Peer Counseling amongst students, Invitation of Motivational Speakers, having General Talks at the assembly, Introduction of Life Skills lessons in the timetable and Use of Religious Leaders and Pastoral Sessions. 
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was anchored on ecological systems theory which argues that the different environments we encounter in our life span influences individual behaviors in varying degrees was the principle guide in this study. The study also recommends that all stakeholders in society should join hands in fighting the vice of adolescent pregnancies, which denies the adolescent girl her rights to education. These stakeholders include the parents, the school, the community, the church and the law enforcing agents.

Partial Budgeting Analysis of the Fifty Percent Reduction in Acaricide Use and Adoption of Infection and Treatment Method on Pastoralists’ Cattle in Narok County, Kenya

A 3-month prospective cross-sectional and simulation study was carried out to determine a partial budgeting analysis of infection and treatment method (ITM) using the Muguga cocktail vaccine with the fifty percent reduction in acaricide use on pastoralists cattle in Narok County, Kenya. The study was carried out in Osupuko and Loita sub-counties in Narok County. Partial budgeting analysis recorded positive net returns, an indication of the profitability of the ITM technology with fifty percent reduction in acaricide use. The ITM, with fifty percent acaricide use, realized a net return of Ksh.708.9 per immunized animal. This was significant because the information was generalized to the expansive Narok County. Thus, it can be concluded from the study that it is economically worthwhile to immunize cattle against ECF with fifty percent reduction in acaricide use in Narok County.