Siaya County Research Articles

Impact of Cash Transfers on Poverty Reduction towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals among Female-Headed Households in Siaya County, Kenya.

Poverty rate is still high among developing economies; 8 years post adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda of 2030. Cash transfers have popularly become one of the ways to support implementation of SDGs. This study focused on the Inua Jamii-CT programme whose principal objective was to establish the impact of cash transfer on poverty reduction towards achieving SDGs among female-headed households in Siaya County. The study was founded on the Household Welfare Theory where household welfare is best measured in terms of income and consumption decisions of the household. The study targeted the 109,680 female-headed households in Siaya County. The Yamane formula arrived at a sample of 399 households. A correlational design was adopted and 377 respondents realized. An analysis of descriptive statistics of respondent household demographics revealed that 214 of the households receive cash transfers against 163 who don’t. The average household expenditure was on food and farm inputs. The female-head was averagely 49 years old, 52.2% were of good health and 85.7% had reached only primary level of education. The household had a mean of 5 members. 51.7% of the female-heads belonged to a social group. 41.4% of the female-head earned their income from farming and 36.3% from small businesses. A binary logit regression model determined that cash transfer, income, household consumption were significant predictors of SDGs among FHHs in Siaya County with P values of less than 0.05. The R2 of 0.3 showed a 30% goodness of fit for the model. The coefficients of cash transfer and income are β1=-0.935 and β2=- 0.689 respectively, hence, increasing cash transfers and income reduces poverty. There was a negligible relationship between household consumption and SDGs β3=0.0004. Conclusion was drawn that CT was significant in the achievement of the SDGs. The study recommends a targeted programme design to ensure more income generating activities and good farming practices.

Social Economic Determinants of Adoption of Fish Farming in Gem Sub-County, Siaya County, Kenya

The demand for fish in Kenya has been steadily increasing, prompting the exploration of alternative methods such as fish farming to address this rising demand. However, the adoption of fish farming in Gem Sub-county, Siaya County, Kenya, has faced several challenges, resulting in a low success rate of only 13.9% in fish farming projects, leading to insufficient fish supply. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the adoption of fish farming in Gem Sub-county. The research was guided by four objectives; determining whether training influence farmers’ adoption of fish farming, determining the availability of fish farming resources on the adoption of fish farming, investigating the availability of fish markets on the adoption of fish farming and assessing fish farmers' attitude on the adoption of fish farming in Gem Sub-county, Siaya County, Kenya. The study employed the theory of innovation diffusion and a descriptive survey research design to investigate the adoption of fish farming in a specific area. The target population included 140 fish farmers, 9 area Chiefs, and 9 Officials from the Fishery Department, totaling 158 individuals. To form a representative sample, 3 out of 9 locations (30%) were selected, resulting in 42 respondents (30% of 140 fish farmers). Purposive sampling was used to select these locations, with the Area Chiefs and Fishery Department Officials coming from these sampled areas due to their expertise on fish farming projects. Data collection methods varied: questionnaires were used for fish farmers, while interviews were conducted with officials from the Fishery Department and Area Chiefs. To validate research instruments, a pilot study involving 4 fish farmers from a specific location was conducted to ensure reliability and validity. The data analysis process began with identifying common themes, assigning codes and labels to relevant data, and then calculating frequencies to provide descriptive information about the respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages, as well as inferential analysis employing Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Analysis, with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS 23). The findings were presented using tables and charts. Qualitative data was analyzed qualitatively, aligned with the specific research objectives, and presented in narrative forms. The study established that there was a positive association between the frequency of farmers' training and the number of farmers who adopted fish farming (r = 0.991 and a significant level (p-value) of 0.000. In addition, correlation between the frequency with which the government markets fish and fish products and the number of farmers who have undertaken fish farming was positive (r = 0.976 and a significant level (p-value) of 0.000). Lastly, the association between fish farmers' interest in fish farming and the number of farmers who adopted fish farming was positive (r = 0.948 and a significant level (p-value) of 0.014. The study concluded that fish farmers in the studied area lacked meaningful training, negatively impacting their ability to adopt fish farming due to a lack of necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, the unavailability of essential resources hindered effective fish farming implementation, while the limited access to fish markets, marked by intense competition, both locally and internationally, further discouraged fish farming adoption. In response to these findings, the study recommended that the Fishery Furthermore, it advised that the government, particularly through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, allocate more funds to support fish farming and explore new markets for local fish farmers, as incentives for the wider adoption of fish farming practices.

Project planning and success of road construction projects in Siaya County, Kenya

Project planning and success of road construction projects in Siaya County, Kenya

Talk as a Victim-Centered Response to Organizational Injustice: A Survey of TVET Institutions in Siaya County

Talk as a Victim-Centered Response to Organizational Injustice: A Survey of TVET Institutions in Siaya County

Microbiological and Physichochemical Analysis of Milk Under Solar Powered Cooling System in Siaya County, Kenya

This study aimed to determine the effect of solar powered milk cooling on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of milk. So far, information on impact of solar milk cooling on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of milk remains limited. Samples of uncooled (144) and milk cooled (144) using SPMCS were analyzed for changes in physicochemical and bacterial counts. Clot on boiling, alcohol test and pH were determined as physical components of milk. Chemical composition such as butter fat content, lactose, protein and density were also determined using a lactoscan. Bacterial counts were determined and expressed as colony forming units (cfu). All cooled milk samples were negative for both COB and alcohol test while 12.5 % and 22.2 % of the uncooled milk samples were positive for COB and alcohol test respectively. The pH of cooled (6.63) and uncooled milk (6.4) was significantly different. Similarly, cfu for cooled (5.8 log10 cfu/ml) and uncooled milk (6.4 log10 cfu/ml) samples were significantly different. Negative clot on boiling and alcohol test for cooled milk indicates the effectiveness of SPMCS in preserving milk quality. Slightly higher pH and low bacterial counts of cooled milk was as a result of reduced microbial activity due to low temperatures provided by SPMCS. The system was effective in preserving milk quality on transit thereby lowering losses incurred by farmers.

Chemical Composition of the <i>Neochetina eichhorniae</i> and <i>Neochetina bruchi</i> and Their Potential for Use as Livestock Feed

Neochetina eichhorniae and Neochetina bruchi have been used for over four decades as Eichhorniae crassipes classical biological control agents globally. Despite the success of bio-control against the water hyacinth globally at different levels and environmental sustainability, biological control against water hyacinth seems to have overlooked the socio-economic sustainability in assisting the ravaged communities, gain resilience and adapt to the challenges of the invasive alien species. This manuscript evaluates the potential to draw out more from biological control of the water hyacinth by evaluating the potential to utilize Neochetina eichhorniae and Neochetina bruchi as feed. The live insects of the two species were collected from the water hyacinth marts in the nearby L. Victoria in Siaya county, Kenya. Where they were then transferred for semi-cultivation in localized ponds for reproduction and closer monitoring. The ponds having been set up in completely randomized design while in the open within the same climatic region mimicked the water quality and most abiotic conditions of the lake necessary for the insects’ and host plant acclimatization and reproduction. The samples for proximate analysis were collected from these ponds as per the research and experimental design. The chemical compositions of the Neochetina bruchi, N. eichhorniae and their larvae composite, satisfactorily compared to basic fish feed requirements, specifically as a protein source having crude protein (CP) percentage per DM of 55.0350 ± 0.025, 54.4350 ± 0.035 and 62.2750 ± 0.025 respectively.

Contribution of Agricultural Extension to Promotion of Value Addition of Insects for Enhanced of Nutritional Security Among Smallholder Farmers

The study intended to investigate the contribution of agricultural extension on edible insect farming for food and feed nutritional security among smallholder farmers of Siaya County in Kenya. The study aimed at examining the role of agricultural extensions towards value addition of insects among smallholder farmers in the study area. In so doing, the study probed relevant questions to establish the role of agricultural extension in the promotion of insects for food, sought to identify factors determining adoption of insect farming and the role of agricultural extension in the value addition of insects among food and feed industry. The study adopted a descriptive survey design since it allows for collection of large amounts of data from the target population. Both primary and secondary data was collected from the respondents which included small holder farmers, extension service providers and stakeholders in the insect food farming and value addition sectors. A sample size of 210 respondents from a population of 443 were interviewed using questionnaires. Additional data was obtained from intermediary respondents through the use of interview guides. Regression analysis was run to estimate the relationships between value addition as the dependent variable and mechanization of the insect farms, rearing methods, pest and disease management, breeding technologies, marketing, consumption and other forms of utilization, credit acquisition and management and finally climate change and its effects. The general outcome of the analysis indicated that extension service provision had influence on production, rate of adoption and value addition of insects among small holder farmers. The study has generated crucial knowledge to various stakeholders and players in the agricultural sector, key among them being Governments and Non-Governmental agencies promoting new technologies to enhance food and nutritional security. Keywords: contribution of agricultural extension, insect farming for food and feeds, small holder farmer, value addition, adoption, nutrition security DOI: 10.7176/DCS/13-1-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

First Report of Cucurbit Aphid-Borne Yellows Virus Infecting Groundnut in Kenya

Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV, genus Polerovirus, family Luteoviridae) causing cucurbit aphid-borne yellows disease (CABYD) in groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea) is characterized by interveinal yellowing symptoms in leaves. CABYV is transmitted by Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae, and Macrosiphum euphorbiae. CABYV causes up to 80% yield loss, but there is no information available on its occurrence and serological and molecular characteristics in groundnuts. Two disease diagnostic surveys were conducted during the short and long rains seasons of 2020 and 2021 in Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, and Siaya counties growing groundnut. Disease incidence and severity were scored, and collected data were analyzed using R software. Serological bioassays were performed using TAS-ELISA, and positive samples were pooled and processed with the transposon-based chemistry library preparation kit (Nextera XT, Illumina). Phylogenetic analyses and comparisons were performed using the MEGA X software. In the short rains season higher incidence (73.61%) was recorded than in the long rains season (42.65%). The CABYV isolates from Kenya clustered with other poleroviruses variedly. CABYV6-2 showed 94.5% nucleotide identity with CpPV2 isolate KX599164.1 from Burkina Faso and 83.4% identity with CABYV isolate MG257902.1 from Korea. This research provides evidence for the first report of CABYV infecting A. hypogaea relevant for development of better plant health management technologies for increased groundnut yield.

Contribution of Agricultural Extension to Insect Farming for Food and Nutritional Security among Smallholder Farmers in the Kenyan Lake Victoria Basin

The study intended to investigate the contribution of agricultural extension on edible insect farming for food and feed nutritional security among smallholder farmers of Siaya County in Kenya. There was no explicit study on the contribution of agricultural extension on insect farming as evidenced by the existing literature. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the influence of agricultural extension on the production of insects as food and feeds among smallholder farmers in the study area. In so doing, the study probed relevant questions to establish the role of agricultural extension in the promotion of insects for food. The study adopted a descriptive survey design since it allows for collection of large amounts of data from the target population. Both primary and secondary data was collected from the respondents which included small holder farmers, extension service providers and stakeholders in the insect food farming and value addition sectors. A sample size of 210 respondents from a population of 443 were interviewed using questionnaires. The data collected was analysed quantitatively using standard statistical packages to extract various pieces of information namely household characteristics, insect food and feed technology within households, status of food and nutritional security, status of livelihoods and challenges to improvement of food and feed nutritional security and general livelihoods. The general outcome of the analysis indicated that extension service provision had influence on the production of insects among small holder farmers. The study generated crucial knowledge to various stakeholders and players in the agricultural sector, key among them being Governments and Non-Governmental agencies promoting new technologies to enhance food and nutritional security. Keywords: contribution of agricultural extension, insect farming for food and feeds, small holder farmer, value addition, adoption, nutrition security DOI: 10.7176/DCS/13-1-03 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

Knowledge, attitude and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures among pregnant women in antenatal clinics in western Kenya.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among pregnant women can lead to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Preventive measures are essential as there is no definite cure. This study determined the knowledge, attitude and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures including COVID-19 vaccine uptake, among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in western Kenya. A mixed-methods study was conducted during the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Kisumu and Siaya counties in Kenya from December 2021 to January 2022. Fishers' Exact/Chi-square tests were used to determine the association between variables, and multinomial logistics regression were used to identify the predictors of knowledge, attitude and practice. Thematic analyses were used to describe qualitative findings. Of the 385 women interviewed, 99.7% and 100%, had good and above knowledge and attitude respectively, while 23%, had adequate practices. COVID-19 vaccine uptake was 28%. Respondents from households with 3-5 and 6-8 members were 2.11 and 2.58 times more likely to have poor practices, whereas respondents with tertiary level of education were 0.48 times less likely to have poor practices. Focus group discussions revealed that poor COVID-19 vaccine uptake was caused by vaccine myths and misconceptions, whereas the cost of masks, the smell of soaps and sanitizers and inadequate space in the clinics and workplaces were identified as barriers to COVID-19 prevention practices. Although knowledge and attitude scores towards COVID-19 preventive measures were high, this did not reflect in pregnant women engaging in adequate preventive practices and vaccine uptake.

Status of Fruit Trees Farming among Small Scale Farmers: A Case Study of Busia, Bungoma and Siaya Counties of Kenya

In Kenya, more than 60% of the population depends directly on forests and woodlands for their energy needs, wood for furniture and construction, as well as food and other non-timber forest products such as fruits, nuts and medicinal plants among others. Even though fruits are widely planted and consumed in the daily diet of local people and also as a source of income, little attention has been given to enhancing their production and commercialization. This study examined the adopted and grown fruit tree among small holder farmers and challenges they face in undertaking this agroforestry practice. The study employed a survey research design, which entails the description, recording, analyzing and reporting of current status of on-farm fruit trees. A multistage sampling was employed for household survey selection, where 906 households were randomly sampled within Busia, Siaya and Bungoma counties. The results indicated that major fruit trees grown include Persea america and Mangifera indica in both Bungoma and Busia counties, while Citrus sinensis and Mangifera indica fruits are common in Siaya. There were significant differences (F= 4.724, d.f = 16, p=0.02<0.05) between the different numbers of preferred fruits among small scale farmers. From the study, it is evident that there is a great potential fruit production leading to improved income generation through sale in local as well as export markets, food security and improved livelihoods for communities.

Dormancy and Light Requirement for Germination of Sprawling Bauhinia (Tylosemafassoglense) Seeds

<em>Tylosemafassoglense</em> (Fabaceae) is a tuber producing vine, endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, where it's used as food, fodder and medicine. However, its domestication may be hampered by limited information on its seed dormancy and germination ecology. This study evaluated seed-coat dormancy on three seed lots, collected from Busia, Migori and Siaya counties in Kenya, and the role of light on germination. Seed-coat dormancy was studied by water imbibition and germination percentage at 25℃ on scarified and non-scarified seeds from each seed lot.

Prevalence of colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria in communities and hospitals in Kenya

We estimated the prevalence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCrE), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in communities and hospitals in Kenya to identify human colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nasal and fecal specimen were collected from inpatients and community residents in Nairobi (urban) and Siaya (rural) counties. Swabs were plated on chromogenic agar to presumptively identify ESCrE, CRE and MRSA isolates. Confirmatory identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were done using the VITEK®2 instrument. A total of 1999 community residents and 1023 inpatients were enrolled between January 2019 and March 2020. ESCrE colonization was higher in urban than rural communities (52 vs. 45%; P = 0.013) and in urban than rural hospitals (70 vs. 63%; P = 0.032). Overall, ESCrE colonization was ~ 18% higher in hospitals than in corresponding communities. CRE colonization was higher in hospital than community settings (rural: 7 vs. 1%; urban: 17 vs. 1%; with non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals), while MRSA was rarely detected (≤ 3% overall). Human colonization with ESCrE and CRE was common, particularly in hospitals and urban settings. MRSA colonization was uncommon. Evaluation of risk factors and genetic mechanisms of resistance can guide prevention and control efforts tailored to different environments.

Association between nurses’ perceived self-confidence in performing family witnessed resuscitation and implementation of the practice at Siaya County Referral Hospital in Kenya

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the relationship between nurses’ perceived self-confidence in performing family-witnessed resuscitation and the implementation of the practice among nurses and to describe nurses’ preferences regarding family-witnessed resuscitation practice. MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional survey. A stratified random sampling design was used to obtain study participants from various units within the medical-surgical departments of the hospital. Data was collected using the Family Presence Self-confidence Scale designed by Twibel et al. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the association between levels of perceived self-confidence and the implementation of family-witnessed resuscitation practice. ResultsThere was a significant association between nurses’ perceived self-confidence (χ2 = 8.06, P = 0.01) and the implementation of family-witnessed resuscitation practice. The nurses who were quite/very confident were 4.9 times more likely to perform witnessed resuscitation than those who were somewhat confident (OR = 4.94, 95% CI 1.07–22.71) ConclusionThe perceived self-confidence in performing family-witnessed resuscitation varied widely among nurses. To achieve successful implementation of family-witnessed resuscitation practice, medical-surgical nurses should get higher levels of perceived self-confidence in the presence of patients’ families through advanced specialized training and practice on resuscitation.

PRINCIPALS’ LEADERSHIP STYLES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH TEACHERS’ JOB SATISFACTION IN SIAYA, KISUMU AND KAJIADO COUNTIES, KENYA

While there is a general agreement the world over, that the principal’s leadership style has a remarkable effect on teachers’ job satisfaction, little is known about Kenya, particularly in the area of full-range leadership. The purpose of this study was to examine principals’ leadership styles and their relationship with teachers’ job satisfaction in public secondary schools in Siaya, Kisumu, and Kajiado counties, Kenya. The study was guided by the Full Range Leadership theory and Herzberg’s two-factor theory. The study adopted a correlation research design. The target population comprised of all the 397 principals, 389 deputy principals, 1,190 heads of departments, and 2,208 teachers in public secondary schools in Siaya, Kisumu, and Kajiado counties who had served for at least two years in the same school. Proportional stratified and simple random sampling was used to sample 39 secondary school principals, 35 deputy principals, 97 heads of departments, and 181 secondary school teachers giving a total of 352 respondents. The data for this study was collected using Teacher Job Satisfaction Survey Questionnaire which assessed the intrinsic and extrinsic factors of job satisfaction. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire Form 5X was used to classify the leadership styles of principals as laissez-faire, transformational and transactional. The data was condensed and summarized before being analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The findings of the study established a positive and significant correlation between transformational leadership style and teachers’ job satisfaction, no significant correlation between transactional leadership style and teachers’ job satisfaction, and a negative significant correlation between laissez-faire leadership style and teachers’ job satisfaction. The study concluded that the leadership style practiced by a principal has a significant effect on teachers’ job satisfaction. It was recommended that Teachers’ Service Commission should organize regular teacher professional development programs to train principals on the importance of using transformational leadership styles as opposed to transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0509/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

High seroprevalence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals amidst vaccination roll-out in western Kenya.

The population's antibody response is a key factor in comprehending SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology. This is especially important in African settings where COVID-19 impact, and vaccination rates are relatively low. This study aimed at characterizing the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) in both SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals in Kisumu and Siaya counties in western Kenya using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. The IgG and IgM overall seroprevalence in 98 symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in western Kenya between December 2021-March 2022 was 76.5% (95% CI = 66.9-84.5) and 29.6% (95% CI = 20.8-39.7) respectively. In terms of gender, males had slightly higher IgG positivity 87.5% (35/40) than females 68.9% (40/58). Amidst the ongoing vaccination roll-out during the study period, over half of the study participants (55.1%, 95% CI = 44.7-65.2) had not received any vaccine. About one third, (31.6%, 95% CI = 22.6-41.8) of the study participants had been fully vaccinated, with close to a quarter (13.3% 95% CI = 7.26-21.6) partially vaccinated. When considering the vaccination status and seroprevalence, out of the 31 fully vaccinated individuals, IgG seropositivity was 81.1% (95% CI = 70.2-96.3) and IgM seropositivity was 35.5% (95% CI = 19.22-54.6). Out of the participants that had not been vaccinated at all, IgG seroprevalence was 70.4% (95% CI 56.4-82.0) with 20.4% (95% CI 10.6-33.5) seropositivity for IgM antibodies. On PCR testing, 33.7% were positive, with 66.3% negative. The 32 positive individuals included 12(37.5%) fully vaccinated, 8(25%) partially vaccinated and 12(37.5%) unvaccinated. SARs-CoV-2 PCR positivity did not significantly predict IgG (p = 0.469 [95% CI 0.514-4.230]) and IgM (p = 0.964 [95% CI 0.380-2.516]) positivity. These data indicate a high seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in western Kenya. This suggests that a larger fraction of the population was infected with SARS-CoV-2 within the defined period than what PCR testing could cover.

Quality of life and well-being problems in secondary schoolgirls in Kenya: Prevalence, associated characteristics, and course predictors.

Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa often report low levels of quality of life (QoL) and well-being, but reliable data are limited. This study examines which sociodemographic, health, and behavioral risk factors and adverse adolescent experiences are associated with, and predictive of, QoL in Kenyan secondary schoolgirls. 3,998 girls at baseline in a randomised controlled trial in Siaya County, western Kenya were median age 17.1 years. Subjectively perceived physical, emotional, social and school functioning was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life (QoL) Inventory-23. Laboratory-confirmed and survey data were utilized to assess sociodemographic, health and behavioral characteristics, and adverse adolescent experiences. We identified a group of girls with Low QoL (n = 1126; 28.2%), Average QoL (n = 1445; 36.1%); and High QoL (n = 1427; 35.7%). Significantly higher scores on all well-being indicators in the LQoL compared with HQoL group indicated good construct validity (Odds Ratio's (ORs) varying from 3.31 (95% CI:2.41-4.54, p < .001) for feeling unhappy at home to 11.88 (95%CI:7.96-17.74, p< .001) for PHQ9 defined possible caseness (probable diagnosis) of depression. Adverse adolescent experiences were independently statistically significant in the LQoL compared to the HQoL group for threats of family being hurt (aOR = 1.35,1.08-1.68, p = .008), sexual harassment out of school (aOR = 2.17,1.79-2.64, p < .001), and for menstrual problems like unavailability of sanitary pads (aOR = 1.23,1.05-1.44, p = .008) and stopping activities due to menstruation (aOR = 1.77,1.41-2.24, p < .001). After 2-years follow-up of 906 girls in the LQoL group, 22.7% persisted with LQoL. Forced sex (aOR = 1.56,1.05-2.32, p = .028) and threats of family being hurt (aOR = 1.98,1.38-2.82, p < .001) were independent predictors of persistent LQoL problems. Persistent QoL problems in Kenyan adolescent girls are associated with adverse physical, sexual and emotional experiences and problems with coping with their monthly menstruation. A multi-factorial integral approach to reduce the rate of adverse adolescent experiences is needed, including provision of menstrual hygiene products. ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03051789.

An Examination on Perceptions of Student Governance Council Communication Skills Necessary in the Governance of Public Secondary Schools within Bondo Sub-county in Siaya County, Kenya

Student governing council skills has been an issue of concern in school administration. Much research has centered on the need for training the student governing council in secondary school administration without adequately identifying the needed skills to address school administration challenges that are reducing tension in the school, which may lead to student unrest and, consequently, the destruction of school property. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the training needs of the student governing council (SGC) in public secondary schools. This examination of skills needed will determine a deficit in performance and determine the training needs of the student council so that SGC could be equipped with the necessary skills to enhance their competency to accomplish their roles (Bhasin, 2021). The objectives of the study were to:Establish the existence of a student governance council in public secondary schools, and Examine perceptions on SGC communication skills necessary in public secondary school governance The theoretical framework that guided the study was functional Leadership theory. The study adopted a case study design, and the target population was 1729 respondents, while the sample size included: 6 principals, 6 deputy principals, 12 class teachers and 127 student council leadersThe sample of the study for principals and deputy principals was selected by use of purposive sampling from the sample schools. Class teachers were selected by random sampling, and student council leaders were selected by random sampling. Data collection tools were questionnaires for principals, questionnaires for deputy principals, questionnaires for student council leaders, interviews for principals and deputy principals, and focus group discussions for class teachers. The researcher used the test-retest method for the test for validity and reliability. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, which included frequencies, percentages, and means as measures of central tendency, and the analyzed data were presented in charts and tables. The Respondents indicated a high need for training in these skills to improve school governance. The study concluded that communication skills are essential in the student council as they aid the student council representatives in carrying out their mandate, which includes linking the students with the school administration. Lobbying skills, negotiation skills, consensus-building skills, handling of difficult and training on how to handle students with disabilities were highly regarded for training.

English

Experiments at Mbaga hills of Siaya County in Kenya were aimed to determine the most effective organic baiting technique for mass harvesting of Macrotermes bellicosus. Around two separate mounds, 5 treatments replicated 3 times, using earthen pot and plastic containers with maize stocks, eucalyptus stems, lantana camara twigs, Napier grass and rice husks, were set up. Termite counts, at 6.00 am and 6.00 pm, and data on temperature and humidity, from a Hobo data logger were collected over the 21 days period. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at (p=0.05) and Least Significance Difference (LSD) tests. Substrate preference differed significantly (p&lt; 0.05) with highest being maize (2,919). Mean termite count differed significantly by containers (p&lt; 0.05) with highest being earthen pots (1787). Termite count at 6.00 am (2,021) differed significantly (p&lt; 0.05) with at 6.00 pm (1,952). The count further differed significantly by temperature at night (22.1 0C) and day (30.2&plusmn;0.13). Finally, count differed by relative humidity (p&lt; 0.05) at night (91.0&plusmn;0.10) and day (69.1&plusmn;0.50). Results on the effect of bait type, container type, humidity and temperature on count of termites may have practical, policy and theoretical implications for sustainable agriculture. &nbsp; Key words: Macrotermes bellicosus, substrate preference, mass trapping.

Real world external validation of metabolic gestational age assessment in Kenya.

Using data from Ontario Canada, we previously developed machine learning-based algorithms incorporating newborn screening metabolites to estimate gestational age (GA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of these algorithms in a population of infants born in Siaya county, Kenya. Cord and heel prick samples were collected from newborns in Kenya and metabolic analysis was carried out by Newborn Screening Ontario in Ottawa, Canada. Postnatal GA estimation models were developed with data from Ontario with multivariable linear regression using ELASTIC NET regularization. Model performance was evaluated by applying the models to the data collected from Kenya and comparing model-derived estimates of GA to reference estimates from early pregnancy ultrasound. Heel prick samples were collected from 1,039 newborns from Kenya. Of these, 8.9% were born preterm and 8.5% were small for GA. Cord blood samples were also collected from 1,012 newborns. In data from heel prick samples, our best-performing model estimated GA within 9.5 days overall of reference GA [mean absolute error (MAE) 1.35 (95% CI 1.27, 1.43)]. In preterm infants and those small for GA, MAE was 2.62 (2.28, 2.99) and 1.81 (1.57, 2.07) weeks, respectively. In data from cord blood, model accuracy slightly decreased overall (MAE 1.44 (95% CI 1.36, 1.53)). Accuracy was not impacted by maternal HIV status and improved when the dating ultrasound occurred between 9 and 13 weeks of gestation, in both heel prick and cord blood data (overall MAE 1.04 (95% CI 0.87, 1.22) and 1.08 (95% CI 0.90, 1.27), respectively). The accuracy of metabolic model based GA estimates in the Kenya cohort was lower compared to our previously published validation studies, however inconsistency in the timing of reference dating ultrasounds appears to have been a contributing factor to diminished model performance.