Rural Areas Of Kenya Research Articles

Validation of an App-based Food Frequency Questionnaire: Comparison With 24-hour Diet Recalls Among Women in two Rural Areas of Kenya

A new mobile application with a new semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was developed as a quick dietary assessment tool. This study aimed to test the validation of food and nutrient intake measurements from an app-based FFQ, which included 49 dishes and food items, using non-consecutive two-day 24-hour diet recalls as the standard. A total of 179 women aged 19–70 years (mean (SD) = 33.7 (9.9)) from two rural areas of Kenya, Vihiga and Kitui counties, were included. Dietary assessment by the two dietary survey methods was conducted from November to December 2021. The intake of macro- and micronutrients, and food groups between the two methods were compared by Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, cross-classification agreement, and Bland-Altman plots for assessing the validation of the app-based FFQ. The median correlation coefficients between energy-adjusted intakes estimated by the app-based FFQ and the 24-h diet recall were 0.19 (0.10 (protein)–0.26 (fat)) for macronutrients, 0.24 (0.11 (sodium)–0.46 (vitamin B12)) for micronutrients, and 0.26 (0.07 (seasonings)–0.45 (pulses)) for 17-food groups. The median percentage of classification into the same quartiles between the two methods was 31% for macronutrient, 32% for micronutrient and 39% for food group. While 9% for macronutrient, 8% for micronutrient and 10% for the food group were misclassified into the opposite categories. Bland-Altman Plots showed acceptable agreement for macronutrients intake between the two methods. The app-based FFQ was shown to be able to rank or categorize individuals according to their intake of most of the nutrients and food groups we examined. This dietary assessment tool can be used for quantitative dietary data collection. Further research is needed to improve the validation of the app-based FFQ, as it has been shown that intakes of staple foods and sugar are underestimated and others are overestimated, and that estimating intakes of some specific nutrients, such as protein, is challenging. Key words: Diet assessment, food frequency questionnaire, 24-hour diet recall, validation, Kenya

Environmental Factors Affecting Growth of MSME’s Owned by Entrepreneurs with Disabilities in Rural Areas in Kenya: A Case of Meru County

Purpose: In the recent past, the government of Kenya has paid much attention to entrepreneurship primarily because of the positive relationship between entrepreneurship, job creation and economic growth. In Kenya, over 1.3 million Persons live with disabilities with most of them being generally economically deprived and over-represented among the poor. The aim of the study study was to investigate the external business factors affecting growth of MSME’s owned by entrepreneurs with disabilities in rural areas in Kenya: a case of Meru County. Methodology: The target population comprised of 2021 entrepreneurs with disabilities. The researcher used a combination of stratified sampling, census and purposive sampling method to select the respondents. Data was collected by administration of questionnaires designed based on the research objectives. The data collected was then coded, entered, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings: The findings showed that if all factors; political-legal environment, social –cultural environment and technological environment had a positive and significant effect on growth of MSME’s. Political –legal factors had the greatest effect at 0,882, followed technological at 0.799 while social factors had 0.633. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that the government should provide adequate and timely funding to vocational and technical training institutions. Government funding programs such as Women, Youth and Uwezo fund should increase the minimum loan amount, simplify loan application process and ensure timely disbursement of funds as well as establish strategies of lending to individuals. Finally, a mentorship office should be established in every constituency to offer sector specific programs including activities geared towards exposing EwD’s to successful entrepreneurs.

Impact of land use on shallow groundwater quality for domestic use in Mathira East Sub-County in Kenya

Shallow groundwater sources of boreholes and springs form major types of water resources used in rural areas of Kenya. Information on their status is inadequate, thus hindering their sustainable management. This study investigated the relationship between land-use types, groundwater sources and water quality. Thirty-six randomly selected groundwater sources were sampled in Mathira East Sub-County from four stratified land-use types of forest, tea, coffee, and urban, with 18 samples collected for either shallow boreholes or springs. The Principal Component Analyses (PCA) grouped groundwater resources into three groups according to groundwater sources and land-use types. Spearman rank correlation, one-way ANOVA and unpaired t-test found that land use types significantly influenced shallow groundwater quality along an increasing gradient of landscape disturbances from the less disturbed forest, then tea, coffee and lastly to the severely disturbed, the urban area. The most affected water parameters were turbidity, conductivity, NO3–N, phosphates and faecal coliforms and their variation was attributed to land-use changes, especially agricultural intensification and urbanisation. The significant variations in other water quality parameters (total hardness, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, manganese and fluoride) were attributed to water–rock interactions, climatic factors and land use changes. Calculated Water Quality Index (WQI) with faecal coliforms parameter from groundwater sources were found unsuitable for domestic use, while the ones derived without faecal coliforms parameter were found safe for human use. Overall, shallow groundwater sources were contaminated and unsafe for human use. This study recommends regular monitoring of key water parameters affected by land use changes to support the sustainable management of shallow groundwater resources in Mathira East Sub-County and the larger region of South Sahara Africa.

Singlestick purchases: a comparative cross-country analysis in 10 African countries, Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2012-21.

We utilized Global Adult Tobacco Survey data to examine singlestick purchases and related demographic characteristics in 10 African countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mauritania, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania). Results show the weighted percentages and prevalence ratios with predicted marginal means to evaluate significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). The prevalence of singlestick purchases among the 10 African countries ranged from 48.4% in South Africa to 92.0% in Tanzania. Across countries, the incidence of singlestick purchases was higher in urban areas than rural areas in Kenya; among those aged 15-24 years versus those aged 45 years and older in Botswana, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa; and among those aged 25-44 years versus those aged 45 years and older in Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania. The incidence in Botswana was higher among adults with no formal or primary education than among those with secondary or higher education. In South Africa, the incidence was higher among adults in the middle or lower wealth index than among those in the high or highest wealth index. The findings suggest opportunities for strengthening efforts to prevent singlestick purchases through effective legislation and enforcement in line with Article 16 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Informal learning through Tippo games during the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of children in rural Kenya

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching effects on school-going children. With the indefinite closure of schools in many parts of the world, many children found themselves with limited avenues for play and interaction. The current qualitative study, anchored on social capital theory, aimed at investigating the informal learning that took place as children in one rural area in Kenya engaged in Tippo (Hide and Seek) game. Data was collected through naturalistic observation and analysed thematically. Findings revealed that the children gained social, cognitive and physical skills as they participated in the game. Theoretically, children gain when they play and interact with other children in line with social capital theory. A practical implication from this study, therefore, is for teachers and parents/guardians to encourage children (at all times, not just during pandemics) to engage in games such as Tippo, which can enhance the attainment of diverse social, cognitive and physical skills.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rural Kenya-2023: Vihiga II.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among adults in Vihiga County, Western Kenya. A cross-sectional population-based study was completed. Participants (n = 575) were selected at the household level using a systematic random sample, and sociodemographic, anthropometrical, clinical, and biochemical data were collected. The sample consisted of 71.8% women and 28.2% men. The prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) was 56.4%. A greater proportion of women (62.8%) had low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared with men (44.7%) (odds ratio [OR], 2.99; 95% CI, 1.59-5.64). High triglyceride levels were more prevalent in men (16.4%) compared with women (15.4%) (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.71). Based on average waist to hip ratio, abdominal obesity was significantly higher in women (55.4%) compared with men (27.6%) (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.52-4.49). Low levels of physical inactivity were prevalent in women (36.3%) at significantly higher proportions compared with men (22.7%) (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.02-2.92). Women used tobacco at significantly lower proportions (0.5%) compared with men (27.2%) (OR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00-0.06). A higher proportion of women (47.9%) rated their general health as poor compared with men (37.1%), a statistically significant difference (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.23-3.28). The prevalence of CVD risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, low physical activity, and tobacco use indicates the urgent need for comprehensive health promotion programs to improve public health in rural areas of Kenya.

Relationship of dietary intake between children aged 12-59 months and their mothers in rural Kenya: a cross-sectional study in two seasons.

The aim of the study was to investigate the quantitative association between the dietary intakes of children and their caregivers. In this cross-sectional study, a non-consecutive 2-day 24-h dietary recall was conducted in two seasons. Participants comprised 142 pairs of 12-59-month-old children and their female caregivers from rural areas of Kenya. Energy and micronutrient adequacy, food group intakes and food allocation were assessed. Differences and correlations between caregiver and child diets were examined, and multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the children's and caregivers' dietary intakes. The child's diet was significantly lower in energy and higher in micronutrient adequacy than was the caregiver's diet (p < 0.001). Specifically, the child's diet contained more fruits, dairy products, sugar and confectionaries per 4184 kj. Children were allocated relatively more dishes containing nutrient-rich foods than staple foods. The correlation coefficients between the dietary intake of caregivers and children were stronger among 24-59-month-old children. After controlling with covariates, caregiver energy intake was significantly associated with child energy intake (standardised beta [β] = 0.512, p < 0.001), and caregiver micronutrient adequacy was associated with child micronutrient adequacy (β = 0.679 and β = 0.262 after energy adjustment, p < 0.001). The dietary intakes of caregivers and children were closely related. The children had a more nutrient-rich diet compared to that of their caregivers. Differences in food group intakes and food allocation may contribute to the higher nutrient adequacy of children. There is a need to improve the diet of caregivers, which would contribute to improving the diet of children.

Devolved Governance System and its Economic Development Impact to Rural Counties in Kenya: Case Study Kakamega County, Kenya

This study aims at discussing how devolved governance system has an economic impact to rural counties in Kenya with Kakamega rural county as the case study. The Devolution is one of the most transformative changes to Kenya’s governance system brought about by the Kenya Constitution, 2010. Article 174 of the Constitution provides that one of the key objectives of devolution is to promote social and economic development and provide proximate, easily accessible services throughout Kenya. Many rural Counties including Kakamega County faced with a myriad of challenges such as poverty, unemployment, disease, low agricultural productivity among others. Kakamega County through its short, medium and long term plans came up with an Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). The CIDP helps the county in identification of the projects and programmes through various consultative forums at the sub-county level vide Focused Ward Groups, community dialogues, County Stakeholders, such as the County Budget and Economic Forum, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, Public Benefit Organizations such as GROOTS Kenya, ADS, and International development partners such as UNICEF, UNDP and USAID. Kakamega county has achieved much in terms of developments in various sectors such as education, health, infrastructure and urbanization. This study contributes in highlighting how devolved governance system has a positive impact to rural areas in kenya. The study provides crucial insights on devolution as a tool to economic development changes in rural Kenya especially in Kakamega County.

Validation of a batch cultivation protocol for fecal microbiota of Kenyan infants

BackgroundThe combination of cultivation studies with molecular analysis approaches allows characterization of the complex human gut microbiota in depth. In vitro cultivation studies of infants living in rural sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. In this study, a batch cultivation protocol for Kenyan infant fecal microbiota was validated.MethodsFresh fecal samples were collected from 10 infants living in a rural area of Kenya. Samples were transported under protective conditions and subsequently prepared for inoculation within less than 30 h for batch cultivation. A diet-adapted cultivation medium was used that mimicked the daily intake of human milk and maize porridge in Kenyan infants during weaning. 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and HPLC analyses were performed to assess the composition and metabolic activity, respectively, of the fecal microbiota after 24 h of batch cultivation.ResultsHigh abundance of Bifidobacterium (53.4 ± 11.1%) and high proportions of acetate (56 ± 11% of total metabolites) and lactate (24 ± 22% of total metabolites) were detected in the Kenyan infant fecal microbiota. After cultivation started at an initial pH 7.6, the fraction of top bacterial genera (≥ 1% abundant) shared between fermentation and fecal samples was high at 97 ± 5%. However, Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Bacteroides and Enterococcus were enriched concomitant with decreased Bifidobacterium abundance. Decreasing the initial pH to 6.9 lead to higher abundance of Bifidobacterium after incubation and increased the compositional similarity of fermentation and fecal samples. Despite similar total metabolite production of all fecal microbiota after cultivation, inter-individual differences in metabolite profiles were apparent.ConclusionsProtected transport and batch cultivation in host and diet adapted conditions allowed regrowth of the top abundant genera and reproduction of the metabolic activity of fresh Kenyan infant fecal microbiota. The validated batch cultivation protocol can be used to study the composition and functional potential of Kenyan infant fecal microbiota in vitro.

P29-023-23 Validation of App-Based Food Frequency Questionnaire (ADD-IT): Comparison With 24-Hour Diet Recalls Among Women in Two Rural Areas of Kenya

P29-023-23 Validation of App-Based Food Frequency Questionnaire (ADD-IT): Comparison With 24-Hour Diet Recalls Among Women in Two Rural Areas of Kenya

Drivers of Health Insurance Coverage in Low Income Settlements: A Case of Kibera Informal Settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya

Insurance is critical for any country's economic growth and development to be sustainable. In rural areas of Kenya, among the illiterate, unemployed, poor, and vulnerable in society, health insurance adoption is extremely low. This paper focuses on determining the drivers for health insurance uptake among low-income populations in Kibera, Nairobi County. Semi structured questionnaires were administered to households located in Kibera informal settlements to collect data. The Yamane (1967) formula was used to select the sample size. Simple random sampling was adopted in selecting 399 respondents. Both descriptive and inferential analysis were conducted. The binary probit regression model was employed. Health insurance ownership was used as the dependent variable while age, gender, marital status, household size, school attainment, occupation, income levels, religion, cultural beliefs, frequency of hospital visits, cost of premiums, and pre-existing illness were used as the independent variables. Findings revealed that only 27.6 percent of the respondents had health insurance coverage. The findings further revealed that occupation, income levels, and religion significantly influence health insurance ownership among low-income populations in Kibera, Nairobi. Public health insurance cover was the most owned type of health insurance scheme. Recommendations were highlighted for the ministry of health and other relevant stakeholders to raise knowledge on the various health insurance options available and improve flexibility of the products to drive insurance uptake. In addition, national and county governments need to develop programmes and policies that could empower households in the informal settlements. Further, it is necessary for the government to subsidise the cost of acquiring public health insurance covers since this would encourage uptake among low-income families. The ministry of health should also work in conjunction with various religious denominations to campaign for uptake of health insurance among the poor.

Managing Rural Development

This research, which was mainly concerned with the design and testing of management procedures for use by government servants in rural areas in Kenya, was carried out during 1971–73 in collaboration with Deryke Beishaw of the Overseas Development Group of the University of Norwich. It was linked with the Kenya government's Special Rural Development Programme (SRDP), an experimental programme undertaken in six parts of Kenya with objectives which included raising rural incomes and employment opportunities and sharpening the effectiveness of the government machine in rural areas.

ASSESSMENT OF RAINFALL VARIABILITY AND MAIZE CROP FARMING IN NYANDARUA COUNTY, KENYA

Crop farming is crucial to the livelihoods of communities living in the rural areas of Kenya. The sector largely depends on climatic variables such as rainfall for optimum crop output. This article presents the analysis, interpretation and discussion of the research findings based on the objective of assessing the climate variability of mean annual rainfall and its impact on crop farming (maize output) in Nyandarua County. To achieve this objective, the researcher sought to analyse rainfall amount and fluctuations in Nyandarua County for 21 years and correlate the variable with crop output (maize) over the same period. The variability of rainfall and maize output was analysed using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variance. Simple line trends and scatter graphs were used to show this variation. The inferential statistics of regression and correlation analysis were used to establish the relationship between the rainfall factor and the selected crop output. The null hypothesis associated to this objective was tested using results of the correlation and regression analysis. Evidence of the study indicated that the annual average rainfall had increased from 1999 to 2006. However, the last fifteen years preceding the study, the mean annual rainfall had significantly fluctuated between the peaks of 117 mm and off peaks of 67 mm. The utmost variation in the rainfall amount was experienced between the years 2013 and 2007. Referring to the 21-year period of annual crop output records, the output of maize greatly fluctuated between 2019 and 1999 with an average tonnes of 29,145.76. Rainfall variability was concluded to have greatly influenced the changes in maize output (r=0.688). The regression line for rainfall variability and maize output produced a slope that was described by the equation y=463x - 11100 + έ. The regression value (R2 = 0.47189 showed that 47.19% of the fluctuation in maize output was as a result of the disparity in rainfall amount and distribution. In conclusion, results of the study implied that rainfall amount and distribution was highly erratic and unpredictable. Therefore this scenario exhibited much uncertainty to the small scale farmers in the region. For better planning of the effect of climate variability, the study recommended that policymakers and other relevant stakeholders should come up with awareness programs through the provision of useful information that assimilate the small holder farmer indigenous knowledge and perception and its effects on their livelihoods with the accurate meteorological scientific data.

Development of down-flow hanging sponge – slow sand filter system as water purification system: Infection risk reduction in an East Africa rural area

Worldwide, many people still drink unpurified water, putting them at risk of contracting waterborne diseases such as diarrhea. In this study, an interview survey was conducted to evaluate the infection risk from the current water supply in rural areas in Kenya. According to the interview, the residents living in areas with no public water supply drink water from various sources such as surface water, spring water, dug well, rainwater, tap water, and water sold by nearby non-governmental organizations. Further, most of the respondents usually drink unpurified water, which generated a high infection risk value of 0.77 owing to inadequate water storage management. A new self-sustaining water purification process, which is a combination of a down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor kind of biological trickling filter and a slow sand filter (SSF) with a 500 W solar was installed in an area with no public electricity and water supply. The DHS-SSF system efficiently decreased the total organic carbon, color, and turbidity by over 80% after the two-week operation, and the treated water could be used for household water. In addition, a survey for infection risk evaluation was conducted to determine the utility of the DHS-SSF system. However, drinking water supplied by the DHS-SSF system could reduce the infection risk of diarrhea by up to 99.5%. This result indicates that the DHS-SSF system could be an appropriate water purification system in no public water supply area.

Characteristics of Dietary Intake in Relation to the Consumption of Home-Produced Foods among Farm Women in Two Rural Areas of Kenya: A Preliminary Study

The present study aimed to clarify the differences in nutritional intake in relation to the consumption of local food products and dietary patterns between two rural Kenyan regions, Kitui and Vihiga, where different ethnic groups live in different agro-ecological zones. A participant observation study with weighted dietary records was conducted in August 2019. Enumerators stayed in each targeted household for approximately one week and measured the ingredients and dishes. We compared the dietary intake of farm women in charge of meal preparation (n = 21) between the two regions and examined the contribution of each dish to the intake and the degree of home production for each food item. The results showed no difference in energy intake, but vitamin B2, B12, and C intakes were significantly higher in Vihiga, influenced by their consuming small fish and a variety of homegrown leafy vegetables. The people in Kitui consumed large quantities of homegrown pigeon peas, largely contributing to their nutritional intake. Dietary patterns were similar; common staple foods and tea with sugar accounted for about 40% of energy and protein intakes and fruit consumption was low. There was no difference in foods purchased frequently. These results suggested that promoting locally available fruits and vegetables would contribute to a sustainable supply of adequate micronutrients. Further studies are required to develop strategies to promote healthy dietary habits and improve health status.

Healthcare utilization by children with neurological impairments and disabilities in rural Kenya: a retrospective cohort study combined with secondary analysis of audit data

Background: There is a paucity of data on healthcare utilization by children with neurological impairments (NI) in sub-Saharan Africa. We determined the rate, risk factors, causes, and outcomes of hospital admission and utilization patterns for rehabilitative care among children with NI in a defined rural area in Kenya. Methods: We designed two sub-studies to address the primary objectives. Firstly, we retrospectively observed 251 children aged 6–9 years with NI and 2162 age-matched controls to determine the rate, causes and outcomes of hospitalization in a local referral hospital. The two cohorts were identified from an epidemiological survey conducted in 2015 in a defined geographical area. Secondly, we reviewed hospital records to characterize utilization patterns for rehabilitative care. Results: Thirty-four in-patient admissions occurred in 8503 person-years of observation (PYO), yielding a crude rate of 400 admissions per 100 000 PYO (95% confidence interval (Cl): 286–560). The risk of admission was similar between cases and controls (rate ratio=0.70, 95%CI: 0.10–2.30, p = 0.31). The presence of electricity in the household was associated with reduced odds of admission (odds ratio=0.32, 95% Cl: 0.10–0.90, p &lt; 0.01). Seizures and malaria were the main causes of admission. We confirmed six (0.3%) deaths during the follow-up period. Over 93% of outpatient paediatric visits for rehabilitative care were related to cerebral palsy and intellectual developmental delay. Health education (87%), rehabilitative exercises (79%) and assistive technology (64%) were the most common interventions. Conclusions: Surprisingly, the risk of hospitalization was not different between children with NI and those without, possibly because those with severe NI who died before this follow-up were under seclusion and restraint in the community. Evidence-based and tailored rehabilitative interventions are urgently required based on the existing secondary data.

Caregiver factors influencing nutritional status of preschool children in Mwingi West, Kitui County Kenya

Children are at an increased risk of malnutrition, with many undernourished children being highly susceptible to preventable premature death and morbidity. Insufficient dietary intake, infections, food insecurity, and inadequate care are the main causes of child malnutrition. These factors are sequentially influenced by caregivers’ characteristics. Despite this, the effect of a caregiver’s characteristics on a child's nutrition status has not been exhaustively studied in rural areas of Kenya. It is important to continuously examine the trends in the prevalence of malnutrition for effective interventions. Regular updates on the prevalence of malnutrition are crucial for appropriate interventions. In this study, the nutritional status of children was evaluated alongside their association with caregivers’ characteristics. The study was based in Migwani ward, Mwingi West Sub-County in Kitui County. The study was conducted between October and December 2020 and involved 106 caregivers with their 106 children aged 36–42 months. The characteristics of the caregivers were determined by the use of a pretested study questionnaire. To evaluate the nutritional status of children, the height and weight measures, age, and sex of the child were taken and transferred into the WHO Anthro software, and z-scores were derived. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to carry out additional data analysis. Children's nutritional status and caregivers’ characteristics were bivariate tested to determine the association.&#x0D; In the present study, the prevalence of stunting was 33.0%, wasting was 15.1%, and underweight was 20.8%. In this study, the caregivers that had lower income had more children that were underweight (χ2 = 9.2 p = 0.02), stunted (χ2 = 10.4 p = 0.015) and wasted (χ2 = 16.9, p&lt;0.001) compared to those with higher incomes. More so, the caregivers that were younger had more children that were wasted (χ2 = 20.04, p&lt;0.001), stunted (χ2 = 9.65, p = 0.032) and underweight (χ2 = 8.26, p = 0.041). Households that were headed by women had more children that were stunted (p = 0.022), wasted (p = 0.041) and underweight (p = 0.003). Similarly, respondents with lower education levels had more children that were stunted (χ2 = 14.02, p = 0.003), wasted (χ2 = 4.85, p = 0.037) and underweight (χ2 = 4.76, p = 0.045). In this study, the caregiver’s occupation was significantly associated with children's stunting (χ2 = 12.23, p = 0.007) and underweight levels (χ2 = 6.12, p = 0.034). The caregiver’s occupation had no influence on the children's wasting levels. The present study found that the marital status of a caregiver did not influence a child's nutritional status. These study results affirm that nutritional problems of stunting, wasting, and underweight among preschool children in Kitui County require public health actions. That caregivers’ characteristics play a role in the nutritional status of preschool children in Kitui County. Based on these study findings, priority should be given to children's nutrition programs that incorporate the dynamics of caregivers' characteristics. By doing this, such programs will be more effective.

Verbal Irony in the Discourse of Sungusungu Vigilantism in Suneka Township, Kisii County, Kenya

When the state cannot provide adequate security, or citizens do not trust the state to do so, alternatives have been sought. In most cases, the alternatives lie in the nexus between the rich and the poor who opt for private security companies or vigilante groups (or gangs) respectively. Vigilantes have dominated security spaces in urban slums and rural areas in Kenya. This paper focuses on the discourse of Sungusungu vigilante groups in Kisii with reference to the Suneka township from the late 1990s to the present. The study that directed this paper was qualitative. Primary data were obtained using in-depth interviews, while secondary data were collected through a review of relevant literature. Irony was revealed through the way Sungusungu managed to control crime considerably within the short time of their emergence in Kisii, which the state had failed to address adequately. Thus, resenting attitudes were expressed towards the state. Secondly, after controlling crime rates, Sungusungu ironically engaged in the same crimes, besides degenerating into other illegal activities, including extortion, torture and illegal arrests. Consequently, the government dissociated from Sungusungu, banned them and reorganised community policing groups. Strangely, some members of Sungusungu found their way into community policing groups. Over time, Sungusungu have been associated with different identities, including community policing and Nyumba Kumi (Ten Households) on the one hand, and terror groups, underground movements, extortionists and “these people” on the other hand. There is no clear-cut identity difference between Sungusungu and community policing. As a result, the term “sungusungu” has been used as a generic identity for community policing, Nyumba Kumi or any group of people who partner with the state in the maintenance of social order in the community. Still, the debate around Sungusungu, community policing and Nyumba Kumi remains fluid and hazy, and as Kenya approaches the 2022 general elections, Sungusungu are getting involved in the murky waters of politics.

Mothers' knowledge and practices on breastfeeding and complementary feeding in an urban slum area and rural area in Kenya: A cross-sectional interview study.

Maternal breastfeeding and complementary feeding knowledge is an important determinant of childrens' long-term health and development. This study aims to account for associations between knowledge and practices in Kenya and report the food consumption of children from birth to 18 months. In 2015 mother-child pairs were recruited from Mother-and-Child Health Centers; 415 in an urban slum in Nairobi and 364 in rural Machakos. Knowledge and practice scores were calculated from questionnaire variables and 24-h food frequency questionnaire. The associations of knowledge and practices were studied with regression analysis. Breastfeeding knowledge (Nairobi 6.3/9, Machakos 5.9/9) and practices (Nairobi 7.5/8, Machakos 7.2/8) were good in both areas. Complementary feeding knowledge was not as good (Nairobi 7.5/14, Machakos 7.1/14). Minimum meal frequency was reached by almost 80% of the children but dietary diversity was low (Nairobi 2.7 [SD 1.4], Machakos 2.4. [SD 1.3]). Only 27% of children in Nairobi and 13% in Machakos were fed a minimum acceptable diet. The complementary feeding knowledge score was associated only with minimum dietary diversity in Nairobi (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.105-1.514). Infant and young child feeding knowledge and practices were on a similar level in both areas. Future interventions should focus on improving dietary diversity.

Influence of Post-Harvest Technology on Food Security in Narok East sub-County, Kenya

Crop yields have decreased globally due to declining investments in research and infrastructure, which are preconditions for food security. The study established the Influence of Post-Harvest technology on Food Security in Narok East sub-County, Kenya, which is a rural sub-County in Narok County. A descriptive research design was adopted by the study. The target population is comprised of 25078 households distributed proportionally in the four wards and is involved in different farming activities. A sample of 378 household heads was determined using the sample size determination formula. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages and inferential statistics of correlation, ANOVA and regression analysis. The results were presented using frequency and percentages, tables and charts. The relationship between the variables was tested at a significant level of 0.05. The results show that there is a strong, positive and significant correlation between post-harvest technology and food security in the sub-County (r = .606** and p-value = 0.000). This implies that the relationship between the variables is very significant hence post-harvest technology is a strong determinant of food security in the study area. The study concludes that ANOVA model indicated a very significant and statistical relationship between post-harvest technology and food security. The study is beneficial to all the stakeholders in rural areas in Kenya who have consistently experienced food insecurity as it will provide appropriate data that will be used for policymaking.