Regions Of Kenya Research Articles

Context Informing the Adoption of Regional Security Initiatives for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in East Africa

The proliferation of SALWs in the East African region has negatively impacted both national and regional security. Porous and expansive borders, corruption, and instability in the region, commercialization of cattle rustling, weak governments and the presence of ungoverned spaces in the region, have facilitated the proliferation of SALWs in the region. This article presents the findings on the initiatives adopted by Kenya and Uganda, both individually and collaboratively for the control of the proliferation of SALWs in East Africa. The study was guided by the regionalism theory of inter-state cooperation and a descriptive survey design. The sampled respondents totalling 55 were drawn from the security agencies, members of civil societies, foreign relation offices, non-state actors and religious leaders. Instrumentation encompassed questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. The findings indicate the context that entails armed robberies, cattle rustling, and conflicts between communities and in urban areas like Nairobi, illegal firearms can be purchased relatively cheaply. Similarly, SALWs are used by various non-state actors, including rebel groups and criminal gangs, which exacerbates instability and hampers peace efforts. This context forms a critical need for comprehensive strategies that address the SALW proliferation, enhance regional collaboration, and improve public awareness to effectively mitigate the associated security threats. The study recommends that the governments of Kenya and Uganda should enhance the recruitment, training, and deployment of sufficient security troops to the Northeast of Uganda and the Northwestern region of Kenya

In-vitro Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of the Stem Bark Extract and Fractions of Warbugia. ugadensis, Prunus africana and Albizia gummifera from Mt Kenya and Elgon Regions in Kenya

Fungal and bacterial infections pose a major global public health challenge due to rising antimicrobial resistance. Over 50% of hospital infections now involve pathogens resistant to multiple drugs, contributing to higher death rates, longer patient illness, and increased/prolonged hospital stays. Exploration of medicinal plants' phytochemical properties provides one avenue for developing new treatment options outside the traditional drug development process to address the intensifying antimicrobial resistance crisis. The plant materials were subjected to cold maceration followed by liquid-liquid partitioning using hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate in order of increasing polarity. The derived methanol extracts were screened for phytochemicals using standard procedures. The disk diffusion method evaluated the antimicrobial activity of 50mg/mL of W. ugadensis, P. africana, and A. gummifera against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. The study qualitatively and quantitatively assessed antibacterial and antifungal activities by observing inhibition zones and determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Several bioactive compounds were detected in the methanolic extract of these plants such as saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and glycosides. Preliminary disk diffusion screening revealed that W. ugadensis DCM extract exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity against C. albicans, E. coli, and S. aureus, with mean inhibition zones of 21.0, 10.3, and 15.7mm respectively. MIC analyses with 96-well microliter plate assays confirmed S. aureus as the most susceptible and E. coli as the least vulnerable to the extracts. Tukey’s Multiple Comparison Test (P < 0.05) demonstrated significant differences in antimicrobial activity among A. gummifera, W. ugandensis, and P. africana. The inhibition of the various plant extracts against the tested microorganisms indicates that further study could reveal their potential use in treating infections caused by these microorganisms. Additional research is required to fully elucidate their therapeutic potential and explore practical applications for combating microbial infections.

Banana Value Chain Factors and Marketing Channels: A Case Study of Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi Counties in Kenya

Banana is a tropical crop grown in most developing countries, where it is commercialized by smallholder farmers. Banana is a major source of income, improved food security and possess great potential for value addition and export. Kenya is the largest producer of banana in East Africa, where it is a major source of food and income for smallholders. However, despite all these benefits, little is reported about its value chain factors and marketing channels in Kenya. Apparently, there are many restricting constraints in terms of banana supply and marketing management. Therefore, this study mapped socio-economic factors in the banana value chain and identified marketing channels in one banana-rich region, comprising Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi in Kenya. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and multi-stage sampling of 384 respondents, comprising farmers, traders, and middlemen. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents to collect primary data, which was subjected to descriptive and econometric analyses. The study found that majority of the farmers were small-scale, who used family labour (60%) and had limited access to credit and extension services. Middlemen were the dominant actors in marketing channels, compared to direct marketing. Farming experience and land allocated to banana were significant predictors with P=.030 and .040, respectively in Tharaka-Nithi, and P=.030 and .014, respectively in Embu. In Meru, land allocated to banana, type of labour, farming experience and education level were significant predictors with P=.012, .009, .059 and .080, respectively. Most farmers did not have a specific buyer of their bananas and hence were prone to exploitation by middlemen. Also few farmers got information on marketing channels. These findings provide insights into challenges faced by small-scale banana farmers in the region and recommends enactment of policies that support farmer access to credit, extension services, and direct marketing channels. Sustained sensitization of farmers on value chain requirements should instill the right marketing channel to adopt and consistently use.

Estimated contributions and future mitigation strategies for HIV risk around funeral practices in western Kenya: a mathematical modeling study

BackgroundA disco matanga, or “disco funeral,” is a celebration of a decedent’s life that is culturally important in parts Africa, often involving overnight travel and alcohol consumption. These are known risk factors for HIV, which is prevalent in many areas where disco matanga is practiced. However, the contribution of disco matanga to HIV transmission is not well-understood. We used agent-based network modeling to estimate how disco matanga impacted HIV transmission, and to explore the impact of relevant biomedical, biobehavioral, and structural interventions to reduce HIV risk.MethodsWe adapted EMOD-HIV, a previously validated network-based model of HIV in the Nyanza region of Kenya, to incorporate disco matanga assumptions informed by literature review. Occurrence of disco matanga was modeled to occur following any death in the population. We compared past HIV incidence (1980–2024) with and without incorporating disco matanga, and future HIV incidence (2025–2050) with different interventions for disco matanga attendees: (1) biomedical (HIV prophylaxis), (2) biobehavioral (reduction in condomless sex partners), (3) structural (female empowerment to avoid unwanted sex). We estimated HIV infections and deaths averted in the overall population, with sensitivity analysis around intervention uptake.ResultsOver 1980–2024, disco matanga contributed 7.8% (95% CI: 5.5–9.3%) of all HIV infections, an effect that peaked at 9.9% (95% CI: 6.4–12.0%) in the year 2004, coinciding with a peak in all-cause mortality due to HIV/AIDS. Biomedical prevention at disco matanga could avert up to 9.7% (95% CI: 8.9–10.5%) of adult HIV infections and 2.3% (95% CI: 1.9–2.6%) of deaths; biobehavioral 2.9% (95% CI: 2.1–3.6%) of infections and 0.9% (95% CI: 0.6–1.2%) of deaths; and structural 1.2% (95% CI: 0.5–1.8%) of infections and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2–0.7%) of deaths. Results were highly sensitive to intervention uptake.ConclusionsWe conducted the first modeling study, to our knowledge, simulating the interactions between disco matanga, HIV/AIDS, and intervention options. We found that biomedical, biobehavioral, or structural interventions implemented during disco matanga could substantially reduce HIV transmission and mortality in the Nyanza region. Research is needed to understand the feasibility and acceptability of HIV interventions tailored to local cultural practices.

Agropastoralist Community-led Restoration of Degraded Drylands: Factors Influencing Adoption of Soil Conservation Practices in Semi-arid Regions of Kenya

Background: The conventional approach of soil conservation practices in degraded drylands has shown little success. Lack of knowledge on factors influencing inhabitants of such regions to adopt appropriate conservation practices is the primary cause of low adoption. This is because the disseminators of conservation practices assume a one-fit-all design, resulting in a disconnect between them and farmers. Thus, this study aimed to understand factors influencing soil conservation practices in agropastoral dryland communities of semi-arid lowland West Pokot, with a particular interest in terraces. Methods: A concurrent mixed-method approach embedded in a cross-sectional survey was used and data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and field measurements of existing terrace attributes. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis, Spearman’s rho correlation, Kruskal Wallis and Chi-Square Test of Independence. Result: The community-driven approaches, gender, size of land and topography are key factors contributing to terrace adoption. Sixty percent of farmers living in degraded high-sloped lands have portions of their farms terraced with average terrace dyke volumes of 103.8±21.45 m³, 105.89±33.13 m³ and 129.6±15.97 m³ for highly sloped, relatively flat and moderately sloppy areas respectively. The study further established terrace dyke sedimentation and limited terrace embarkment reinforcement options as the major challenges facing terracing adoption in the region.

Incidence of insect pests in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) fields and storage in Karachuonyo and Nyakach Constituencies of Western Kenya

Groundnut is a popular grain legume crop, and an important cash crop in Western Kenya. However, farmers are facing various production constraints leading to low yields. Yearly, statistical reports by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Nuts and Oils Crops Directorate show a consistent decline in groundnut production in the potential. Lack of quality planting seeds, and pest infestation during growth and storage have been cited as major problems. Studies on the pests of the groundnut crop in the regions are still scarce. The study’s objective was to identify the key insect pests associated with the cultivation and storage of groundnuts in selected parts of the Western region of Kenya. The study was conducted in ten groundnut farms in Nyakach and Karachuonyo constituencies in two seasons, 2021 and 2022. Observation and direct field and storage insect sampling were done in the two regions. The species richness, abundance, and diversity of insects were calculated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Shannon Weiner index, respectively. In the present study, a total of 2,714 insect pests from 7 orders, 14 families, and 20 species of field pests and 2,396 individuals from 3 orders, 5 families, and 7 species of storage pests were recorded. This study shows that Empoasca kerri, was the most dominant field pest with a mean average of 344, followed by Aproaerema modicella (230), Frankliniella schultzei (136), Aphis craccivora (208), Microtermes sp. (96), Scirtothrips dorsali (64), Elasmolomus sordidus (69), Spodoptera litura (56) and Parastictococcus multispinosus (30), while storage pests were Liposcelis decolor (438), Tribolium castaneum (438), Plodia interpunctella (146), Cryptolestes minutus (137) and Ephestia cautella (30). These pests were causing physical damage to the groundnut plants, seeds and pods, leading to deterioration in the weight, quality, vigor, and reduction in the germination, thus leading to the loss of yield and market value. The study recommends further investigation of the actual damage potential of insect pests on groundnuts and the appropriate management strategies. Key words: Groundnut, insect pests, Empoasca kerri, Aproaerema modicella, Liposcelis decolor

Assessment of the Genetic Diversity of the Traditional Tree Species Kigelia africana (Sausage Tree) Using Molecular Markers for Conservation Genomics in Kenya

This study is the first to explore the genetic composition of ancient Kigelia africana across a distribution range in Kenya. Kigelia africana is a native forest species of Kenya as far as we know it; it is widely planted in the central regions of the country by the Kikuyu tribe who inhabit this region for making their traditional brew Muratina. Unlike other tree species like Acacia, Kigelia africana has seldom been studied, although there is ample evidence of its great ecological and economic value. Because of cultural reasons, natural populations are rare in the wild. Hence the study seeks to explore the genetic diversity and composition of ancient the tree distributed across various regions in Kenya. In this study, four ancient tree populations were investigated to explore the genetic diversity and composition of Kigelia africana through DArTseq technology. Thirty-two (32) Plant seed samples were obtained from various locations, their DNA extracted, libraries prepared, and sequenced using the Illumina 2500 high throughput sequencer. A total of 8,556 SilicoDArT and 3,703 SNP markers were selected and used. The average PIC was 0.45 and 0.41 for the SilicoDArT and SNPs respectively. The population structure and average linkage hierarchical clustering based on the SNPs revealed two distinct subpopulations and a few smaller admixture groups. Both marker types identified all 32 landraces as potential duplicates with very low genetic diversity between individuals. The heterozygosity defining the genetic variation within each subpopulation was around 0.25. A mantel test showed good harmony between DArTseq and SNP marker data sets. It also showed no significant correlation between genetic diversity and the geographical coordinates of the tree samples. The results of this study provide important information and insights for decision-makers, farmers, and breeders to make the necessary actions to conserve this culturally important tree.

A Cluster Analysis of Identity Processing Styles and Educational and Psychological Variables Among TVET Students in the Nyanza Region of Kenya

A Cluster Analysis of Identity Processing Styles and Educational and Psychological Variables Among TVET Students in the Nyanza Region of Kenya

Early Childhood Education in Pastoralist Regions of Kenya

ABSTRACT This article brings together two long-term collaborators with a focus on early childhood policy, curriculum, and practice in Kenya in the context of pastoralist childrearing, culture, and the transition to preschool in Turkana, Kenya. The first author is an Indigenous Turkana scholar who has done work on early childhood education in pastoralist traditional cultures and the second author has done research and volunteer work in Kenya for three decades with a focus on changing childrearing, early childhood policy, and disability and inclusion. In this article, we foreground issues of Indigenous culture and ways in which the new Kenya early childhood curriculum is inclusive and creates openings to strengthen this emphasis, as well as missed opportunities to do so. The first author shares work from a study on childrearing practices in Turkana communities and the transition to formal preschool, and both authors discuss environmental issues facing the community with potential for early childhood practices consistent with sustainability and cultural relevance. We discuss pastoralist children’s everyday cultural knowledge and children’s learning styles to argue for an inclusive early childhood curriculum in Kenya.

Atypical hyperendemicity of Rift Valley fever in Southwestern Uganda associated with the rapidly evolving lineage C viruses.

Recent Rift Valley fever (RVF) epidemiology in eastern Africa region is characterized by widening geographic range and increasing frequency of small disease clusters. Here we conducted studies in southwestern (SW) Uganda region that has since 2016 reported increasing RVF activities. A 22-month long hospital-based study in three districts of SW Uganda targeting patients with acute febrile illness (AFI) or unexplained bleeding was followed by a cross-sectional population-based human-animal survey. We then estimated RVFV force of infection (FOI) and yearly cases using the age-structured seroprevalence data and conducted genomic phylodynamic modelling of RVFV isolates. Overall RVF prevalence was 10.5% (205 of 1,968) among febrile or hemorrhagic cases, including 5% with acute (PCR or IgM positive) infection, averaging 5 cases per month. Community-based serosurvey recorded prevalence of 11.8% (88 of 743) among humans and 14.6% (347 of 2,383) in livestock. Expected yearly human RVF cases were 314-2,111 per 1,369 km 2 in SW Uganda versus 0-711 in comparable regions of Kenya and Tanzania. Viral genomic studies identified RVFV lineage C, sub-clade C.2.2, as the circulating strain in SW Uganda since 2019. Lineage C strain has undergone recent rapid evolution and clonal expansion resulting in four sub-clades, C.1.1, C.1.2, C.2.1, and C.2.2, that are more adept at establishing endemicity in new territories. We demonstrate an atypical RVF hyperendemic region in SW Uganda characterized by sustained human clinical RVF cases, unusually high population prevalence, and high number of expected yearly human cases, associated in part with emergence of new RVFV sub-lineages. Rift Valley fever (RVF) studies in SW Uganda found atypical sustained human cases averaging 5 cases/month, >10% population prevalence, and expected yearly cases >3-fold higher (314-2,111 vs 0-711) than comparable regions in East Africa, associated with emerging RVFV sub-lineages.

Exploration of Relationship between Group Dynamics and Client Exit from Microfinance Institutions: A Case of Kenya Women Finance Trust North Rift Region, Kenya

The study took place in the North Rift Region of Kenya, where the problem was identified for exploration of the relationship between group dynamics and client exit from microfinance institutions. In recent times, many people have been attracted to the first borrowing but are declining to take a repeat financial product. Repeat borrowing is critical for the long-term financial viability of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). High client exits may hamper organizational and financial sustainability. The study sought to establish the relationship between group dynamics and client exit. The study adopted the Diffusion of Financial Mechanisms Theory by Di Maggio and Powell. The study also adopted a conceptual framework to guide the process of loan clients in transit. The beneficiaries of Kenya Women Finance Trust in the North Rift Region of Kenya include a total of 37,520 clients. To obtain a sample, the researcher used a stratified sampling technique to categorize clients into eight towns according to where they received their loans. Proportionate random and snowball sampling were used to select a total of 300 clients from the towns in the North Rift Region of Kenya. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the sample. The study was quantitative in nature, and survey methodology was adopted. A pilot was administered to adjust the items for the study. It was appropriate to conduct a pilot and find out the Cronbach Alpha. Tests were done by identifying a pilot sample, collecting necessary data, and using the test-retest technique and Spearman's correlation coefficient to determine the level of reliability. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated that there was evidence that group dynamics had a significant negative correlation with client exit. As this research took place in the Kenyan context, it contributes to the bank of findings relating to curbing client exit.

A Study of Teachers’ Perceptions on Economic Factors Influencing Boys’ Dropout in Secondary Schools in Kericho County, Kenya

School dropout is a major hindrance in attaining the goals of education in Kenya. Following the implementation of Free Primary Education (FPE) and Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) by the Kenyan government, several report reveal more boys drop out of school than girls. Boy-child school dropouts is a concern, not only in Kenya but also in the world over. Numerous researches have been conducted in various regions of Kenya; however, few have specifically examined the factors contributing to the escalating rate of male students dropping out of secondary schools, specifically in Kericho County. The objective of this study was to examine the perceptions of teachers regarding economic factors that contribute to the dropout rates of male students in public mixed-day secondary schools in Kericho County. The study aimed to find out the perceptions of teachers regarding the impact of economic factors on the dropout rates of boys from school. A descriptive research design was adopted. The research was conducted under the framework of Gibson’s Theory of Direct Perception. The multistage sampling technique was used, where 121 schools were sampled to participate. The sample size was based on the Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select a total of 136 form four class teachers. Piloting of the instrument was conducted to determine its reliability using the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula. The validity of the instrument was determined with respect to the established objectives. Data collection involved the use of questionnaire for the teachers. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) software version 27. The findings of the study revealed that economic factors such as low parental income, high cost of remedial teaching, and high cost of transportation to and from school (F = 2.689, p < .05), had a significant impact on the dropout rates of boys. The results of the regression analysis indicated that economic factors were found to contribute 22.4% (R2 = .224) to the drop-out rate among boys. Male individuals who drop out of school may potentially involve themselves in crimes, thereby posing a significant risk to the welfare of the community. The findings hold substantial importance for educators, parents, and students, as they shed light on the determinants impacting male students’ educational persistence.

Relationship between Authentic Leadership and Volunteer Retention in Word of Faith Churches in Kenya

Volunteer turnover poses a significant challenge for churches and other volunteer-driven organizations. High turnover rates are often attributed to leadership issues, highlighting the need for leaders to understand volunteer motivations and expectations to foster better engagement. This study focused on the impact of authentic leadership's four dimensions on volunteer retention within Word of Faith Churches in Kenya, aiming to deepen understanding and provide insights crucial for sustaining and enhancing volunteerism in church contexts. The research employed a correlational approach grounded in positivist principles. The study targeted volunteer workers from Word of Faith Churches, encompassing 3,757 individuals across 333 local churches and 28 regions in Kenya, each led by a regional overseer, pastors, and volunteer ministry leaders. Stratified sampling was used, and data collection utilized a structured questionnaire incorporating the Authentic Leadership Inventory and Likert scale items to measure volunteer retention. Multiple linear regression analysis tested the study hypotheses, revealing that authentic leadership explained 47.1% of the variance in volunteer retention. However, among the leadership facets examined, only relational transparency demonstrated a statistically significant impact on volunteer retention (β = .411, p < .001). These findings underscore the critical role of relational aspects, particularly transparency, in predicting volunteer retention. This aligns with theories positing that leaders who cultivate open and trusting relationships with followers are more effective in inspiring loyalty and commitment. The strong positive relationship observed between Leader Relational Transparency and Volunteer Retention supports Authentic Leadership theory's emphasis on honest and transparent interpersonal interactions in leadership. In response to these findings, leaders within Word of Faith Churches are encouraged to prioritize relational transparency, fostering a leadership culture that values and promotes open communication among leaders and volunteers.

Evaluation of Beekeeping and Financial Benefits of Modern Beehive Adoption in Kitui County, Kenya

Beekeeping has developed into a multimillion export earning activity in countries like China and USA. These countries have embraced modern apiculture where beekeepers use modern beehives. The adoption of modern beehives is still a new idea in Kenya as most beekeepers use traditional log hives leading to low economic benefits from the beekeeping sub-sector. Traditional beehives produce low amounts of honey that is of low quality. Kitui county is within the arid and semi-arid climatic region in Kenya where the regular crop husbandry agriculture fails most of the seasons. Apiculture has been proved to offer substantive livelihood diversification strategy in such places. However, most of the beekeepers in the region continue to use traditional hives resulting to little economic benefits. This study sought to evaluate the performance of beekeeping and the financial benefits of using modern beehives in Mwingi Central Sub-County of Kitui County, Kenya. The study objectives were; (i) to investigate bee farming (apiculture) in Mwingi Central Sub-County (ii) to evaluate the financial benefits of adopting modern bee farming in the study area. Data was mainly collected through administering questionnaires to 110 sampled beekeepers from Mwingi Central. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. The results proved that traditional log hives were the most common bee hives used in the area with quite few modern hives (langstroth hives) in use. Low honey bee occupation rate was observed in the log hives. Income from beekeeping was consequently low. The partial budgeting technique proved that adopting modern bee hives bring more financial benefits compared to use of log hives. The study recommends among other things; the county government should partner with non-governmental organizations to facilitate more adoption of modern bee hives by giving loans and donations and that there should be more training on modern apiculture to the beekeepers in the study area.

DArTseq-based silicoDArT and SNP markers reveal the genetic diversity and population structure of Kenyan cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) landraces.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is an important tree grown worldwide for its edible fruits, nuts and other products of industrial applications. The ecologically sensitive cashew-growing region in coastal Kenya is significantly affected by rising temperatures, droughts, floods, and shifting rainfall patterns. These changes adversely impact cashew growth by altering flowering patterns, increasing pests and diseases, and causing postharvest losses, which ultimately result in reduced yields and tree mortality. This is exacerbated by the long juvenile phase, high heterozygosity, lack of trait correlations, large mature plant size, and inadequate genomic resources. For the first time, the Diversity Array Technology (DArT) technology was employed to identify DArT (silicoDArT) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers for genomic understanding of cashew in Kenya. Cashew leaf samples were collected in Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu counties along coastal Kenya followed by DNA extraction. The reduced libraries were sequenced using Hiseq 2500 Illumina sequencer, and the SNPs called using DarTsoft14. A total of 27,495 silicoDArT and 17,008 SNP markers were reported, of which 1340 silicoDArT and 824 SNP markers were used for analyses after screening, with > 80% call rate, > 95% reproducibility, polymorphism information content (PIC ≥ 0.25) and one ratio (>0.25). The silicoDArT and SNP markers had mean PIC values ranging from 0.02-0.50 and 0.0-0.5, with an allelic richness ranging from 1.992 to 1.994 for silicoDArT and 1.862 to 1.889 for SNP markers. The observed heterozygosity and expected values ranged from 0.50-0.55 and 0.34-0.37, and 0.56-0.57 and 0.33 for both silicoDArT and SNP markers respectively. Understanding cashew genomics through the application of SilicoDArT and SNP markers is crucial for advancing cashew genomic breeding programs aimed at improving yield and nut quality, and enhancing resistance or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Our study presents an overview of the genetic diversity of cashew landraces in Kenya and demonstrates that DArT systems are a reliable tool for advancing genomic research in cashew breeding.

Influence of Structural Adjustment on Organisational Development of Kenya Commercial Bank in the Great Rift Region in Kenya

This study aimed to determine the influence of structural adjustment on the organisational development of KCB Bank Ltd. Changes to the organisation's structure that may result from internal or external causes and frequently have an impact on how a business performs. KCB Bank Ltd. has been implementing changes for its organisation in an effort to improve its performance and growth, just like any other organisation operating in a highly competitive climate. This study employed a descriptive survey design and targeted employees of the bank in the Great Rift Region. A sample size of 48 respondents was used. Data for the study was collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire and a key informant interview. Descriptive and regression analysis was used to analyse quantitative data, whereas content analysis analysed qualitative data. These results demonstrated that the bank has been undergoing structural adjustment, which has improved organisational development. However, there are still gaps in employee participation in decision-making and transfers/placement of employees from one department to the other. Management should, therefore, promote a culture of open and transparent communication within the bank. They should also establish transparent guidelines and processes for employee transfers/placements between departments.

Reintegrating rice bran into the diet: community readiness and anthropometric assessments in combating malnutrition in rice growing regions in Kenya

Background: Malnutrition remains a critical public health issue in many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it contributes significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality. Rice bran, a nutrient-rich byproduct of rice milling, holds potential as a cost-effective dietary supplement. However, in rice-growing regions like Kirinyaga, Kisumu, and Kwale in Kenya, rice bran is predominantly used as animal feed, with little recognition of its potential for human consumption. The aim of this study was to assess community knowledge, perceptions, and readiness to incorporate rice bran into the diet as a strategy to combat malnutrition, while also evaluating the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using cluster sampling in Kirinyaga, Kisumu, and Kwale. Nutritional status was assessed through stunting, wasting, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements. A sample of approximately 400 households per region was selected to gauge community perceptions regarding rice bran consumption. Results: Awareness of rice bran was high in Kirinyaga (77.6%) and Kisumu (70.8%), yet it was largely perceived as animal feed, with 93.4% in Kisumu and 91.8% in Kwale associating rice bran with livestock. Malnutrition rates were notably high in Kwale, with 17.1% of children severely stunted, 5.3% severely wasted, and 12.9% experiencing edema. Conclusions: Despite significant barriers to reintroducing rice bran into human diets, the study identified opportunities for intervention. Rice bran could be a crucial tool in combating malnutrition if effectively integrated into local food systems.

A biobank resource for placental malaria and placental health research

Background Malaria during pregnancy is a serious threat to maternal and child health in malaria-endemic regions. Malaria during pregnancy often leads to placental malaria, which has severely detrimental effects on fetal outcomes, including fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, and stillbirth. However, the mechanisms by which placental malaria causes adverse outcomes remain poorly understood. Crucially, there are no tools for detecting and/or intervening in placental malaria during pregnancy. This is mainly because the placenta is inaccessible to research during pregnancy. Nonetheless, its accessibility after delivery offers unique opportunities for studying placental diseases. To support such research, collecting and biobanking naturally-infected placental samples in the geographical context in which diseases of interest occur is crucial. Methods Here, we describe the establishment of a biobank of samples obtained from a malaria-endemic region of Kenya, which aims to enhance research capacity in this important but under-studied health challenge. Histology, PCR, and isothermal identical multirepeat sequence PCR were used to determine the placental malaria status of biobank samples. Results Our biobank characterization indicates that placental malaria affects most pregnancies in the malaria-endemic region, despite mothers being asymptomatic during pregnancy and having received anti-malaria chemoprophylaxis. Of the techniques used to detect placental malaria, isothermal identical multirepeat sequence PCR detected the highest number of placental malaria-positive samples (54.2%), compared with placental histology (37.3%), and placenta tissue PCR (17%). However, results from the various techniques did not overlap fully. Conclusion Our observations highlight the need to rigorously characterize placental samples from malaria-endemic regions, including by using multiple complementary techniques, even in cases of undetectable malaria during pregnancy. It may also be beneficial to obtain samples from non-malaria-endemic regions for use as placental malaria-naïve controls.

Role of surveillance data in detecting malaria outbreaks in an epidemic-prone region in Kenya: findings from an investigation of a suspected outbreak in Nandi County

BackgroundApproximately 70% of the Kenyan population is at risk for malaria, including 19 million people in highland epidemic-prone and seasonal transmission areas. Surveillance data showed a 288% increase in malaria cases and an incidence rate of 10.5 per 1000 population between January and May 2021 in Nandi County. We investigated the increased incidence of malaria in Nandi County.MethodsWe abstracted demographic and clinical data from the laboratory register in health facilities with high malaria burden. Key informant interviews using a structured questionnaire collected healthcare worker perceptions on malaria interventions and personnel capacity. We calculated means and medians for continuous variables and frequency and proportions for categorical variables. Data quality assessment (DQA) was conducted to evaluate timeliness and completeness, data accuracy, and overall system assessment.ResultsWe reviewed 19,526 records from 12 health facilities. Females contributed 61% cases (11,862). A majority of cases, 21% (4111), were between the age group 15–24 years. Of the 19,498 tested, 2662 tested positive (test positivity rate, TPR = 13.7%). Microscopy accounted for 39% (1041) and RDT for 61% (1620) of tests conducted, with some patients being double tested using both tests. Kapsabet County Referral contributed 26% (5051) suspected cases, TPR 3.2%, and Chemase Health Centre TPR was 33.2%. Facilities experienced major RDTs stock-outs in the preceding 3 months while three (30%) of the 10 facilities assessed conducted laboratory Internal Quality Control (IQC) programmes. Of the 12 facilities assessed, four (33%) facilities had an over-reporting of suspected cases in the monthly summary, while three (25%) facilities were over-reported in the online tool. On reporting confirmed malaria cases, over-reporting was noted in three (25%) facilities in both the monthly summaries and the online tool. Data completeness was 77% and timeliness 93%.ConclusionThe increase in malaria cases in Nandi County displayed a seasonal pattern that coincided with either the long or short rainy seasons, the investigation did not reveal an active outbreak at the time of the inquiry. Sub-county hospitals in Tinderet and Aldai sub-counties had malaria cases exceeding both the alert and action thresholds at specific times during the year under review, suggesting a potential occurrence of unidentified outbreaks, while several other facilities had an increase of cases reaching alert thresholds, indicating upsurges. In healthcare settings, we noted there were problems with data quality. We advised routine data review, analysis, and feedback; mentorships for data analysis and on the job and support supervision; mentorships for malaria diagnosis; and installation of laboratory quality assurance.

Green Human Resource Acquisition Practices as a Determinant of Employee Performance in Developing Countries: Evidence from Public Universities in Western Kenya

Many organizations are embracing sustainability initiatives as the global race towards environmental conservation picks momentum. Some organizations in Kenya including public universities, have undertaken green-oriented human resource management practices, including employee acquisition practices as they seek to cope with reduced government financial support for their operations. The role of green human resource acquisition practices on academic staff performance in public universities remains relatively unexplored in Kenya. This study assessed the effect of green human resource acquisition practices on employee performance. Anchored on a positivist philosophy and using the Ability, Motivation and Opportunity Theory, an correlational research design was used to undertake the study on a target population of 438 academic staff holding top and middle level management positions in 11 public universities in the Western region of Kenya. From it, a sample size of 209 respondents was determined using Slovin’s sample determination method. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The collected Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics where correlation analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0. The results show that green Human Resource Acquisition practices had a strong positive correlation(r=0.702) to the employee’s performance. The research concluded that Human Resource Acquisition practices of recruitment and selection determined employee performance. The study recommends that Public Universities should focus on recruiting and selecting green focused human resources in order to improve employee performance.