Siaya County Research Articles

Temporal variation in confirmed diagnosis of fever-related malarial cases among children under-5\xa0years by community health workers and in health facilities between years 2013 and 2015 in Siaya County, Kenya

BackgroundMalaria case management continues to experience dynamic changes. Building community capacity is instrumental in both prevention and treatment of malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends utilization of well-trained and supervised community health workers (CHWs) to reduce the burden of malaria deaths among children under-5 years of age in Africa. Longitudinally-tracked information on utilization of CHWs by communities in terms of trends in diagnosis of malaria in children under-5 years of age is essential in influencing national and local malaria control policies and strategies.MethodsA desktop review was carried out of a database consisting of confirmed uncomplicated malaria cases in 10 villages using CHWs and out-patient departments of 10 health facilities in children under-five for the period of 3 years between January 2013 and December 2015. Analyses of association between the diagnosed cases and satellite-based rainfall, village and time (months and years) were carried out using a Poisson regression model.ResultsAnalysis of malaria diagnoses made by CHWs showed the following trends: (i) the incidence of reported documented malaria-positive fever cases increased with time (2013–2015) and the difference over the years was statistically significant (P < 0.001), (ii) specific village was significantly associated (P < 0.001) with reporting malaria-positive fever cases, (iii) the long-term monthly sequence starting from highest to lowest incidence of reported malaria-positive fever cases was July, May and June, March, August, April, September, November, and February, October and, finally, January, and the difference in reported malaria-positives between the months was statistically significant (P = 0.001) and (iv) none of the tested rainfall regimes (current, lagged or cumulative) was associated with reported malaria-positive fever cases during the 3-year period (P > 0.1). Looking at the number of diagnoses made at the health facilities, (i) The number of reported malaria-positive fever cases decreased with time (2013–2015) and the difference among the years was not statistically significant (P = 0.399), (ii) The long-term monthly sequence starting from highest to lowest number of reported malaria-positive fever cases was July, June, May, April, January, August, March, February, September, November, October and December, and the difference between the months was statistically significant (P < 0.001).ConclusionsCHWs have the potential to play a major role in diagnosing and treating malaria, thereby decreasing under-five children mortality. Temporally, the risk of diagnosing malaria seems predictable and this may present opportunities for policy-targeted malaria preparedness and control. The findings are expected to support policy actions that may scale-up community health services in remote rural settings.

Evaluation of Cyanide Levels in Two Cassava Varieties (&lt;i&gt;Mariwa&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Nyakatanegi&lt;/i&gt;) Grown in Bar-agulu, Siaya County, Kenya

Mannihot esculenta Crantz (Cassava) is the second highest producer of carbohydrates after sugarcane. However, some varieties have high levels of cyanogenic glycosides and therefore are potentially toxic for human consumption. Nyakatanegi is one of the local varieties cultivated in Bar-agulu village in Siaya County (Kenya) and has been severally in the recent past reported to cause fatal cyanide toxicity. The other variety which is rarely associated with cassava poisoning is Mariwa. The objective of the current study was to determine cyanide levels in the two cassava varieties (Mariwa and Nyakatanegi) which are locally cultivated in Siaya County. The study was based on three laboratory assays: the picrate paper, picrate in solution and titration. Whole root cassava tubers were collected from a farmer in Bar-agulu village, Siaya County, packaged separately and transported to Mount Kenya University Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory for analysis. Voucher specimens were authenticated in the cassava laboratories at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. It was observed that all the cortex samples of Nyakatanegi variety had the highest concentrations of cyanide giving 400 ppm for the picrate paper assay, 14.10 mg/Kg for the picrate in solution and 63 mg/Kg for the titration assays. On the other hand, the cortex samples of Mariwa reported cyanide concentrations of 30 ppm, 11.20 mg/Kg and 27.20 mg/Kg for the picrate paper, picrate in solution and titration assays respectively. The results showed higher amounts of cyanide in the tested cassava varieties than the WHO recommended levels (10 mg/Kg) especially the Nyakatanegi variety. Based on these results, sensitization campaigns are necessary to minimize cases of cyanide poisoning following cassava consumption.

Strong spatial-temporal patterns in maize yield response to nutrient additions in African smallholder farms

Large variability in crop responses to macronutrient application at various spatial scales present challenges for developing effective fertilizer recommendations for crop production in smallholder farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed maize yield responses to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) application and evaluated relationships between crop responses to N, P and K application and soil analysis data. Nutrient omission trials were conducted on 23 farms located in Sidindi, Western Kenya, selected to be representative of the main soil and management factors in maize based systems in Siaya County. Treatments included a control and PK, NK, NP and NPK applications. The trials ran for six consecutive cropping seasons, without changing treatments or plot location, covering the period 2013–2015. Strong spatial-temporal patterns in maize yield responses to N, P and K applications were observed. Average maize yields in the control, PK, NK, NP and NPK treatments were 2.8, 3.2, 5.1, 5.1 and 5.5tha−1 at 88% dry matter respectively in the first cropping season, and 1.1, 1.4, 2.9, 3.6 and 5.3tha−1 at 88% dry matter respectively in the sixth cropping season. In all seasons, variability in maize yield between fields was greatest in the control treatment followed by the NK treatment and least in the NPK treatment. Mean relative yield was 0.6, 0.92 and 0.93 for N, P and K respectively, in the first cropping season, and 0.25, 0.52 and 0.68, respectively, in the sixth cropping season. Six main maize yield response categories were identified that differed in the maize grain yield responses to recursive N, P and K applications. Maize yield responses to N, P and K were not fully accounted for by soil organic matter, soil available P and exchangeable K respectively. Our results indicate that current methods for soil analysis do not adequately predict the response to application of N, P and K fertilizer under the highly variable soil fertility conditions encountered in smallholder farming systems. The strong spatial-temporal patterns observed present major challenges for the development of effective site-specific fertilizer recommendations. Potential avenues for future research and options for more effective intensification strategies are discussed.

English

Cassava commercialization is a concept that has been used by many development practitioners because of its possible strategic role in transforming livelihoods of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, including Siaya and Kilifi Counties in Kenya. This concept can easily be implemented when the levels of commercialization is known. However, empirical evidence reveals little information on the levels of cassava commercialization amongst smallholder farmers in these counties. Thus effective policy interventions on cassava commercialization for these farmers are difficult to implement, since there is no proper understanding of their levels of cassava commercialization. Therefore the main objective of this paper was to characterize levels of cassava commercialization among smallholder farmers. Factors influencing cassava commercialization were also evaluated. The data was collected from 381 farm households in Siaya and Kilifi Counties (Kenya).This data was used to calculate the Household Commercialization Index (HCI) and Value Addition Indices (VAI) which were then integrated to form the Commercialization Index (CI). This integrated index formed the basis for categorizing the levels of commercialization. A multinomial regression model was used to evaluate factors that affect levels of commercialization. The results obtained revealed that majority of smallholder farmers’ operate at low and medium categories with very few of them at high level. Distance to the market, cassava acreage, schooling years, gender and marketing costs were the key determinants of the levels of commercialization. In order to promote high level commercialization, the study recommends developing policies that enhance formal education among farmers, optimal usage of land and minimization of transportation costs through infrastructural development. Key words: Commercialization, cassava, smallholder farmers, value addition, market participation.

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial investigations of crude methanol extracts of &lt;i&gt;Senna didymobotrya&lt;/i&gt; (Fresen.) H. S. Irwin &amp; Barneby

Objective: Senna didymobotrya (African senna, African wild sensitive plant, peanut butter cassia, peanut butter tree, popcorn cassia, popcorn senna or wild senna) is native to East Africa and is widely used as a medicinal plant among many communities in Kenya. The objective of this research was to evaluate the presence of phytochemicals present in the different plant parts and their antibacterial activity. Methodology and results: Leaves, flowers, stem bark, immature pods and root barks were collected from Siaya, Nandi and Nakuru Counties. These were dried and ground. Methanolic crude extracts were in cooperated in nutrient media at 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 % and 10 %. Test organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were inoculated on impregnated media, incubated and observed for colony development. Observation on growth of cultures was made at an interval of 2 days for 8 days. The area under disease progress stairs (AUDPS) was calculated using the derived colony surface areas. Results indicated that all plant parts contained terpenoids, phenols and steroids. The presence of alkaloids and flavonoids varied with the location the plant was collected and the plant part. Growth of S. aureus cultures grown on media impregnated with 2.5% root bark extract and that with 7.5% stem bark extract were completely inhibited (no growth). Media with 10% flower, pods and leaves extract had average reduction of colony sizes from AUDPS 10102 (control) to AUDPS 2475. Growth of E. coli was completely inhibited on media impregnated with 5% root bark extract and 7.5% stem bark extracts. At 10% concentration, the flowers, pods and leaves extract did not result in complete inhibition of colony growth. Conclusions and applications: The present research suggests that S. didymobotrya extracts possessed antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens thus supporting their folkloric usage, promising a future scope for its use against microbial populations. Methanolic extracts possessing high antibacterial effects should be further investigated for their therapeutic utility. This would be related to the presence of bioactive metabolites, which are soluble in methanol. There is need to explore further the quantities of phytochemicals in the root and stem barks that make them more potent than the other plant parts. The structures of the bioactive metabolites should be examined in future. Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Methanolic extract, Senna didymobotrya , Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus

Nurse-midwives\u2019 ability to diagnose acute third- and fourth-degree obstetric lacerations in western Kenya

BackgroundObstetric fistula devastates the lives of women and is found most commonly among the poor in resource-limited settings. Unrepaired third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations have been shown to be the source of approximately one-third of the fistula burden in fistula camps in Kenya. In this study, we assessed potential barriers to accurate identification by Kenyan nurse-midwives of these complex perineal lacerations in postpartum women.MethodsNurse-midwife trainers from each of the seven sub-counties of Siaya County, Kenya were assessed in their ability to accurately identify obstetric lacerations and anatomical structures of the perineum, using a pictorial assessment tool. Referral pathways, follow-up mechanisms, and barriers to assessing obstetric lacerations were evaluated.ResultsTwenty-two nurse-midwife trainers were assessed. Four of the 22 (18.2%) reported ever receiving formal training on evaluating third- and fourth-degree obstetric lacerations, and 20 of 22 (91%) reported health-system challenges to adequately completing their examination of the perineum at delivery. Twenty-one percent of third- and fourth-degree obstetric lacerations in the pictorial assessment were incorrectly identified as first- or second-degree lacerations.ConclusionCounty nurse-midwife trainers in Siaya, Kenya, experience inadequate training, equipment, staffing, time, and knowledge as barriers to adequate diagnosis and repair of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears.

Devolution of Early Childhood Development and Education in Kenya: Improvement in the Status of Infrastructural Facilities and Its Influence on Enrolment in Siaya County

The Kenyan Constitution devolves to County governments the responsibility to deliver quality Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) services. This study focused on determining infrastructural facilities that influenced ECDE enrolment during the first three years of devolution, viz. 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16. Its purpose was influence County Government’s investment decisions in ECDE infrastructural facilities, as well as contribute to relevant policy discourses and stimulate research in developing countries. Quantitative data were sourced from 145 participants, including education officers, administrators and teachers; while qualitative data were obtained from 12 participants including senior education officers, non-governmental agencies and head teachers of primary schools hosting ECDE centres. Results show that the extent of increase in ECDE enrolment significantly associated with improvement in the status of classrooms (x2 = 30.453, df = 8 and ρ-value = 0.000); and furniture (x2 = 25.938, df = 8 &amp; ρ-value = 0.001). However, no significant association existed between the extent of increase in ECDE enrolment and improvement in the status of: sanitation facilities (x2 = 3.057, df = 8 &amp; ρ-value = 0.931); outdoor play equipment (x2 = 1.609, df = 6 &amp; ρ-value = 0.925); as well as assistive facilities (x2 = 2.840, df = 6 &amp; ρ-value = 0.829). Of the five infrastructural facilities, only classrooms and furniture improved to the extent of causing a significant influence on enrolment. The results amplify the need for the County Government to broaden the scope of infrastructural facilities considered in the investment plan for public ECDE centres to provide holistic development to children; thereby, build a strong foundation for lifelong educational attainment and socio-economic development.

Effects of water stress on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of African nightshades

Okello OP, Gweyi JPO, Nawiri Mp, Musila W. 2017. Effects of water stress on phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of African nightshades. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 15: 79-95. This study aimed at mapping out the distribution of different African Nightshade species in Siaya and Kisii Counties of Kenya and to determine water stress effect on total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of two selected African nightshade namely, giant nightshade (Solanum scabrum) and black nightshade (Solanum villosum). Before selection of the two varieties, the study involved farmer field visits, mapping of nightshades present and administration of semi-structured questionnaires to farmers to determine the indigenous vegetables being grown, the nightshade species grown and factors affecting their production. The experiments were conducted both in the field and greenhouse conditions. Watering intervals were at 15 cbars, 50 cbars, and 85 cbars. Data on the number of secondary buds, leaf area, shoot height, shoot and root dry weights were gathered. The total antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic content were recorded using DPPH radical scavenging method and Folin-Ciolcalteu method, respectively. The data collected were subjected to ANOVA. In both counties where production was 100% under small scale, Solanum scabrum was the main variety grown is Siaya County (36%) while in Kisii the main variety was Solanum villosum (32%). There were significant differences (P≤0.05) among treatments in leaf area, plant height, shoot biomass, number of secondary buds, leaf and root total phenolic content and leaf and root antioxidant activity. At all stress levels, Solanum scabrum exhibited the tallest plants with a maximum height of 45.17cm at 15cbars, while Solanum villosum had the shortest plants at all stress levels, with the shortest one being recorded at 16.65 cm at 85 cbars. S. scabrum also had the highest root dry weight (7.78g), shoot dry weight (50.78g) and highest leaf area of (304.45cm2). However, Solanum villosum had the highest number of secondary buds at all stress levels with the highest being 24 at 15 cbars. Concerning phytochemicals, Solanum villosum had a higher concentration of both the total phenolics and antioxidant activity in the shoots (46.41g GAE/Kg DM total phenolic content and 52.68% total antioxidant activity). Meanwhile, Solanum scabrum had a higher concentration in the roots (25.06gGAE/Kg DM total phenolic content and 27.18% total antioxidant activity). Water stress cause a decline in all growth parameters but increased phytochemical accumulation in nightshade accessions grown. It is therefore suggested that for better yields, irrigation should be performed at every 15 cbars, however for adequate phytochemical accumulation, the irrigation should be carried out at 50 cbars. Further research to explore and quantify other phytochemical components as affected by different watering regimes need to be undertaken.

Effects of storage methods and seasons on seed quality of jute mallow morphotypes (Corchorus olitorius) in Siaya and Kakamega Counties, Kenya

Jute mallow is an important source of nutrients, income and traditional medicine in Kenya. It is extensively grown and consumed in Western Kenya. However, its production is constrained by lack of quality seeds due to varied farmers’ agronomic and postharvest practices. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of storage methods on seed quality of jute mallow in Western Kenya. Seeds of two morphotypes of C. olitorius (with 70% and above germination)were stored in clay pots, transparent plastic jars, brown paper bags and polythene bags at room temperature in Kakamega and Siaya Counties. Seeds were also stored in a freezer at Chepkoilel campus in Eldoret at -2 0 C. In Kakamega County, average room temperature was 23 0 C and relative humidity was 85% during the storage period of May to July 2006. In Siaya County, the average room temperature was 25 0 C and relative humidity was 80% during the same period. Between December and February 2006, the average room temperature was 26 0 C while relative humidity was 80% in Kakamega County. In Siaya County, the average temperature was 28 0 C and relative humidity 65% for the same period. Storage duration was 90 days, which is the length of time farmers in the study areas store jute mallow seeds to avoid seed dormancy. Seed viability and vigourof the seeds was determined. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Ttests using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) programme. Season of growth and storage methods influenced the seed quality. Seeds stored in clay pots, brown paper bags, plastic transparent jars and freezer had higher seed quality than those stored in polythene bags. Even though there was varied response to different storage methods, generally it was recommended that in order to obtain high quality seeds, farmers should store jute mallow seeds in clay pots or brown paper bags or plastic transparent jars or freezer. Key words: jute mallow, seed vigour, seed viability, storage methods, Corchorusolitorius

EXTENT OF USE OF BIOLOGY INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES AND EFFECT ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SIAYA COUNTY – KENYA

This study sought to find out the extent of use of biology teaching and learning resources and how it affects students’ academic performance. The study was carried out in public secondary schools in Siaya County. The researcher used a sample of twenty-three schools drawn from ninety two public secondary schools selected through stratified random sampling. Teacher respondents were purposively or randomly sampled. Purposive sampling was used to choose the most experienced biology teacher from two or more teachers teaching form two classes. Where there existed more than one long serving and experienced teachers teaching form two classes, random sampling was employed to pick one of them for interview. Student respondents were chosen through random sampling in single sex schools and stratified random sampling in mixed schools. Head teachers from each of the sampled schools were selected for personal interview. The data were collected using questionnaires, checklists, observation schedules and interview guides. Observation schedules were used by the researcher to ascertain use of resources by teachers and learners and the resultant tests used to determine the score differences in achievement between classes frequently taught using resources and those rarely taught using resources. Interviews with head teachers were used to countercheck the information given by teachers and students on utilization of resources. The findings of the study established that audio-visual resources were least usedin schools. The resources were mainly bought by the headteachers. The researcher’s assessment during live lesson teaching using observation schedules showed that students frequently taught using resources performed better than those rarely taught using the resources. The research also established that frequent use of resources was not the only factor determining high student’s academic performance but other factors like teacher’s qualification, pedagogy, attitudes and students’ entry behaviour also played a role in realizing improved academic performance in students.

The Significance of Benefit Perceptions for the Ethics of HIV Research Involving Adolescents in Kenya.

Assessment of benefits is traditionally regarded as crucial to the ethical evaluation of research involving human participants. We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with health and other professionals engaged with adolescents, caregivers/parents, and adolescents in Siaya County, Kenya, to solicit opinions about appropriate ways of conducting HIV research with adolescents. Our data revealed that many focus group participants have a profoundly positive conception of participation in health research, including studies conferring seemingly few benefits. In this article, we identify and analyze five different but interrelated types of benefits as perceived by Kenyan adolescent and adult stakeholders in HIV research, and discuss their ethical significance. Our findings suggest that future empirical and conceptual research should concentrate on factors that may trigger researcher obligations to improve benefit perceptions among research participants.

Fisheries around Lake Victoria and Attendance of Girls in Secondary Schools of Nyangoma Division in Siaya County, Kenya

Fisheries around Lake Victoria and Attendance of Girls in Secondary Schools of Nyangoma Division in Siaya County, Kenya

Relationship between Fishing Industry around Lake Victoria and Enrollment of Girls in Secondary Schools of Nyangoma Division, Siaya County, Kenya

Relationship between Fishing Industry around Lake Victoria and Enrollment of Girls in Secondary Schools of Nyangoma Division, Siaya County, Kenya

Factors Contributing to the High Drop out of Girls in the Secondary Schools around Lake Victoria: A Case Study of Nyangoma Division in Siaya County, Kenya

Factors Contributing to the High Drop out of Girls in the Secondary Schools around Lake Victoria: A Case Study of Nyangoma Division in Siaya County, Kenya

Fisheries around Lake Victoria and Attendance of Girls in Secondary Schools of Nyangoma Division in Siaya County, Kenya

Fisheries around Lake Victoria and Attendance of Girls in Secondary Schools of Nyangoma Division in Siaya County, Kenya

Teachers Involvement in Creation of Awareness to Members of School Community on Inclusive Education Practice in Regular Primary Schools in Siaya County

&lt;em&gt;Inclusive education is a process that involves the transformation of regular schools to become accessible to all learners regardless of their diverse needs. Teachers’ involvement in this transformation is significant in sensitizing members of the school community to fully participate in inclusive education practices in their respective schools. Lack of awareness about inclusive education practices has been captured in the Kenya national special needs policy framework of 2009 as a common problem. Preliminary information indicates that there is low level of advocacy and lobbying among the regular teachers, parents, communities and ministry of education officials on inclusive education practices. Baseline information shows that 48(7.52%) regular schools in Siaya County still practice integration and learners enrolled in the special units hardly transit to mainstream classes. The rate at which learners with special needs access regular education in the county is equally very low. This is despite the presence of teachers with background training in inclusive education in the county. The purpose of the study was to determine teachers’ involvement in awareness creation on inclusive education practices. Objectives of the study were to: -establish the methods teachers use to create awareness on inclusive education to members of the school communities; determine the frequency with which teachers created awareness among the members of the school communities and determine teachers’ involvement in awareness creation on inclusive education. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population comprised of 216 teachers and 72 head teachers. Out of which 10% were used for piloting. Saturated sampling technique was employed to select 194 teachers and 65 head teachers for the study. Instruments for data collection included Questionnaires, Interview Schedule, Observation Guide and Document Analysis. Content and face validity of the instruments were determined by experts in the school of education and their comments and recommendations were used to determine the validity of the instruments. Reliability of the instruments was established through test re-test method and correlation coefficients of 0.76 and 0.78 were obtained for teachers and head teachers respectively at a level of significance of 0.05. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was transcribed and categorized into emergent themes. The study established that teachers mostly used school forums, seminars and workshops as the main methods of creating awareness to members and that they rarely create awareness to members. The result also indicated that teachers were involved in creation of awareness to members of the school communities to a fairly small extent. The study concluded that teachers were involved in creation of awareness but not to a level that was encouraging. The study recommended that:-teachers still need to intensify the creation of awareness to members of the school community especially to parents and local members of the community for them to fully participate in inclusive education practices.&lt;/em&gt;

The Impact of Corporate Governance on Financial Management of Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Case of Siaya County

This study sought to investigate the impact of corporate governance on financial management of public secondary schools in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to: To establish the impact of the board composition on financial management of secondary schools, to establish the composition of board skills on the financial management of public secondary schools, and to analyze how the application of corporate governance principles impacts the financial management of public secondary schools. This study was undertaken among the 41 secondary schools in Siaya County the target population comprised of 205 respondents who were either Chairman. Treasures, parent teacher association member, board of governor member or auditor in the respective institution. Using stratified sampling a sample size of 137 was arrived at although only 110 responded giving an 80% response rate which was considered sufficient. Questionnaires was used as a data collection tool and using SPSS version 20, the descriptive and inferential statistics was computed. The analysis revealed that majority were aware of budgeting practices in schools and as board member, they oversee supply chain management, movable asset management and control. It was also noted that the members prioritize on use of scarce resources to ensure effective stewardship over public money and assets and most of the respondents were actively involved in planning and implementation of the financial plan, accounting and reporting on funds management. A positive correlation was established thus a positive change in board composition led to a positive change in financial management. The findings also revealed that presence of accounting knowledge was vital in order to improve financial management in schools and the board had illustrated governance expertise in the last five year. It was also established tenure of board member affected financial management and all members had information on projects undertaken by the school. Positive correlation revealed that with every positive change in board skills there is a positive change in financial management. Lastly the findings revealed that management and board of director’s are efficient and have capacity to perform their duties properly and it was also established that there are set rules and policies that generate information on roles and responsibilities. The members were also found to be able to effectively manage issues of procurement, allocation and control of financial resources although there was no clear response on difficulties in managing large volumes of paper work. Positive correlation revealed that with every positive change in corporate governance there is a positive change in financial management.

Positioning and making citizenship through Obama K’Ogelo Cultural Festivals in Siaya County, Kenya

This paper examines how cultural festivals are used as both symbols and instruments for producing and claiming citizenship in Kenya. It analyses in particular the Obama K’Ogelo Cultural Festival, held in 2008 and 2010, to commemorate the election and presidency of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America (U.S.A.). The two events were used in the first place to position President Obama in Kenya. More importantly, I argue in this paper, the Luo people of K’Ogelo used it in documenting their ethnographies and as an instrument of positioning themselves in Kenya’s body politic, contesting narratives of exclusion as well as claiming their human rights. This paper develops an interpretation of the K’Ogelo Cultural Festival in the light of the Kenyan Constitution-making debate on the subject of ‘culture’ and the public comments of the U.S. ambassador to Kenya at the time (Michael Ranneberger). At the local level in K’Ogelo, these festivals are primarily used by local intellectuals and their courtiers to develop an ethnography of Luos and Luoness. In addition, the festivals were used to claim the presidency of Obama in support of the argument that Luos are good enough to be leaders.

Assessment of palliative care services in western Kenya.

The need for palliative care services is rapidly increasing due to the rising number of patients with non-communicable diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the current availability and barriers to palliative care and healthcare worker knowledge and perceptions on palliative pain control in western Kenya. An evidence-based 40-question assessment tool was conducted between October 2015 and February 2016 in Siaya County, western Kenya. All level 4 and 5 facilities (e.g., regional and district hospitals) were assessed, as well as a selection of lower-level facilities chosen via convenience sampling, stratified by facility level (e.g., dispensaries, health centers, and health clinics). A key informant at each of 22 facilities was surveyed and included 1 medical officer (5%), 12 clinical officers (55%), and 9 nurses (41%). Key themes included training and education, awareness of palliative care and hospice, services provided, and pain control. All 22 providers had heard of palliative care and 4 (18%) had received formal training. Fourteen (64%) providers knew that morphine was on the World Health Organization (WHO) essential medication list, 8 (36%) had previously prescribed opioids, and 5 (23%) had prescribed them for palliation. Provider concerns for opioid use included its addictive properties (59%), appropriate dosing (9%), cost (5%), side effects (9%), and availability (5%). Palliative care and hospice services were identified by providers as important components in the management of chronic illnesses in western Kenya. Further provider education as well as increased access to pain medications including opioids is necessary to improve the care of patients in western Kenya.

Effect of fish farming on household food security in western Kenya

This study examined the impact of fish farming on household food security and livelihoods of fish farming and non-fish farming households in Siaya County. Fish farming involves raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures, usually for food. Currently fish farming remains under developed in Western Kenya where pond productivity is low and not rising, despite the efforts of several players including the national government of Kenya. Further, capture fishing in Lake Victoria and rivers has been declining. These scenarios called for the need to examine the production systems and their current performances. The objective of the study was to examine effect of fish farming on household food security and livelihoods. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. Stratified random sampling was used to select fish farming and non-fish farming households. For nutritional assessment, lactating mothers and pre-school children were selected through stratified and systematic random sampling. Chi-Square revealed slight association between nutritional status and fish farming (𝜒4,0.012= 0.448;p>0.05) though not significant. Analysis of variance found a higher dietary diversity score for fish farmers at 77.1% (CL: 95%) compared to 14.6% (CL: 95%) for non-fish- farmers on the high end Hoddinote Scale. From the measurement of the mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) of pre-school children, a correlation coefficient was determined to establish if there is a relationship between improved nutritional status and fish farming. Findings were that non-fish farmers experienced more food shortages than fish farmers. Children from fish farmers’ households were well nourished as compared to those of non-fish farmers. This study will benefit farmers since they will adopt Best Management Practices in fish farming in order to improve their household food security and livelihoods through increased income. Increased fish farming will avail fish as food hence improved food and nutrition security to curb incidences of under-nutrition in pre-school children and lactating mothers. Key words : Fish farming, Food security, Livelihoods, Household, Nutritional Assessment