Uasin Gishu County Research Articles

Impact of Maize Production on the Welfare of Small-Scale Famers in Uasin Gishu County; a Case Study of Moiben Constituency

When a community engages in economic activity, they always expect to use it as a resource to elevate their economic status. Residents of Uasin Gishu county have over the years engaged tremendously in maize farming expecting it to aid in elevating their economic status. However, despite the heavy investment in the farming of maize, the majority of small-scale farmers in the region still languish in poverty despite farming maize every season. As a result, the study aimed at determining the impact of maize farming on the economic welfare of small-scale farmers in the region. The study looked at how maize farming influenced the income, food security, and employment status of the farmers. The study was carried out in the Moiben constituency which had a population of 300 maize farmers and it was able to sample a total of 75 farmers from the constituency who were sampled through a simple random sampling technique. The study used a structured questionnaire to interview the farmers. The study used simple linear, Poisson, and binary logistic regression models to determine the effect of maize production on income, food security, and employment of small-scale farmers in the region. The results of the linear regression model showed that maize production had a positive significant effect on the income of the farmers in the region (p<0.05). An increase in the size of land for maize production by 1 ha was determined to increase the income of the farmer by approximately Kshs 55,945/=. Based on the results of the Poisson regression model, maize production was determined to have a positive significant effect on the food security of the farmer (p<0.05). An increase in land size under maize production by 1 ha was determined to increase the number of bags of maize stored for family consumption by 1 bag. Lastly, the logistic regression model showed that maize production had a significant effect on the employment of small-scale farmers (p<0.05). The results showed that a farmer with 1 ha of land more was 3.942 times more likely to only carry out farming as a source of employment compared to a farmer with 1 ha of land under maize farming. In conclusion, the study was able to determine that maize farming was able to increase the income of the farmers, increase food security and provide employment opportunities for small-scale farmers. Therefore, this showed that maize production was able to improve the welfare of maize farmers in the region.

The State of Records Management and Service Delivery in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Public service delivery by county governments in Kenya is increasingly being recognised as a pillar of development and public engagement with citizens. Good records management practices ensure that county governments are efficient and accountable. County governments have, however, been riddled with mismanagement due to unprofessional practices that can directly be associated with deficient records management systems. This study aimed at determining the state of records management in relation to services offered by Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. Key findings indicated that Uasin Gishu County generated a lot of paper-based records. The state of records management at the county headquarters was poor, while service delivery practices were of low standards. The study concluded that the poor state of records management had contributed to inadequate service delivery, making the county government inefficient in meeting its objectives. The study recommends that Uasin Gishu County should adopt a comprehensive records management and service delivery model. Top county management should offer its support, records management standards should be adopted and adhered to, and the records system should be manned by professional staff. Research implications include the development of sound policies and pragmatic solutions that affect records management and consequently improve service provision.

HIV Incidence and Death Among Orphaned and Nonorphaned Children and Adolescents Living in Family-Based Settings in Western Kenya: A Prospective Cohort Analysis

To compare the incidence of HIV, death, and abuse among orphaned children to nonorphaned children living in households caring for orphaned children in Western Kenya. A random sample was taken of 300 households caring for at least one orphaned child in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. All orphaned and nonorphaned children in each selected household were enrolled in a prospective cohort study between 2010 and 2013. A total of 1488 children (487 double orphans, 743 single orphans, and 258 nonorphans) were followed up annually until 2019. Survival analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between the number of parents the child had lost (none, 1, or 2), and HIV incidence, death, combined HIV incidence or death, and incident abuse. Among 1488 children enrolled, 52% of participants were females, 23 were HIV positive, and the median age was 10.4years. Over the course of the study, 16 orphaned children died and 11 acquired HIV. No deaths or incident HIV infections were observed among the nonorphaned children. Among children who were HIV negative at enrollment, loss of a parent was strongly associated with incident HIV (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.21 per parent lost, 95% CI: 1.03-4.73) and HIV or death (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.46 per parent lost, 95% CI: 1.37-4.42). There were no significant associations between orphan level and abuse. In similar households, orphaned children experience a higher risk of HIV and death than nonorphaned children. Both orphaned children and the families caring for them need additional support to prevent adverse health outcomes.

Movable and Immovable Modes of Potable Water Storage and Distribution in Rural, Peri-Urban and Urban Areas in Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties in Kenya, East Africa

In developing counties, especially in Africa, the storage and distribution of clean and safe water for domestic consumption remain a great challenge. The current study investigated the various modes of storing and distributing potable water in a classical African setting. Potable water is majorly stored and distributed in two modes, i.e., movable and immovable. Selection is determined by several factors, i.e., geographical locality (rural/urban), water infrastructure, distance to the water source and water morbidity, economic disposition, and cultural considerations. Cultural beliefs and norms dictate certain modes of storage and distribution that are assigned along gender lines. The availability of certain animals, i.e., beasts of burden in some geographical localities, also influenced the selected mode. To determine the various modes of storing and distributing potable water in Uasin-Gishu and Nandi Counties in Kenya, a total of (50) subject respondents were purposefully identified and interviewed using an on-spot questionnaire. The sampling of respondents considered diverse demographical considerations, e.g., age bracket, educational background, and profession. The respondents were assured of confidentiality in the responses submitted. The results obtained were analysed using statistical methods and presented using frequencies, graphs, and pie charts as follows:&#x0D; Movable modes Immovable modes&#x0D; Overhead water pipeline, 19%; Jerricans, 8%&#x0D; Water Boozer, 5%; Containers, 3%&#x0D; Hand Carts, 8%; Calabash/gourd, 1%&#x0D; Beasts of burden, 15%; Water jug, 6%&#x0D; Pick-up/lorry (tanks), 9%; Dispenser, 4%&#x0D; Motorcycle, 17%; Traditional pot, 11%&#x0D; Manual (head), 21%; Overhead steel tank, 14%&#x0D; Rollable water container, 4%; Household tanks, 53%&#x0D; Water tunnel, 1%; &#x0D; Underwater pipeline, 1%.&#x0D; The findings indicate that the household tank (53%) is the main mode of immovable potable water storage, and the manual-head (21%) is the main mode of movable potable water distributed in Nandi and Uasin Gishu Counties.

Hustler Fund: A Benediction or an Enigma Implementation and Economic Empowerment of Recipients in Uasin Gishu County

The Hustler Fund, as a form of digital finance exploring mobile money, has received considerable amounts of praise and criticism almost in equal measures, notwithstanding the material determination behind its creation or the noble intentions of its architects. Though ingeniously crafted, publicized, and adorned into the hearts of Kenyans during the campaign period, that political phase has long elapsed. Promulgated at the end of 2022 amidst pomp and colour, Kenyans were excited that, eventually, the fund was here, and the uptake was unprecedented. Just like for any other innovation, feedback comes in fast, both positive and negative. Some praised the Hustler fund immensely, while others did not have many kind words. All this was in the heat of the moment, a demonstration of general perceptions, not sufficient to make a resolute deduction on the Hustler fund. That wave has finally settled. Time for monitoring and evaluation now, followed by improvement. The hard work has just begun. This paper undertakes an assessment of the effect of the implementation of Hustler Fund on the economic empowerment of recipients in Uasin Gishu County. Eldoret town provided the sample for the study. The end-game is to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the evolving Hustler fund.

Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on Table Banking: A Survey of Selected Table Banking in Uasin Gishu County

Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on Table Banking: A Survey of Selected Table Banking in Uasin Gishu County

Has Kenya’s Governance Reforms in the Energy Sector Enhanced Access to Electricity in Rural Areas?

Access to clean and affordable electricity in rural areas is very critical towards improved living standards, economic growth, and development of Kenya at large. Kenya has over the years implemented various reforms in the electricity sub-sector with the aim of accelerating the pace of rural electrification. Nevertheless, there is dearth of evidence on the effects of these reforms on rural electrification. The study sought to evaluate the effect of governance reforms in the electricity energy subsector on rural electrification. We adopted a survey design with a sample size of 384 drawn from rural households in Kakamega, Uasin Gishu and Nyandarua counties. Data was collected using questionnaires analysed by both descriptive and multiple logistic regressions. Findings show that enhanced accountability and decentralization in the electricity sub-sector has a positive effect on access to electricity in rural Kenya. Nevertheless, stakeholder participation has no effect on rural electrification. In addition, there is a low level of citizen participation in the rural participation projects. We suggest that the government should sensitize the rural population on the reforms in the electricity sub-sector and provide a platform for citizens to participate in electrification projects. Key Words: Access to electricity, governance reforms, Logistic regression, Rural. DOI: 10.7176/JETP/13-1-08 Publication date: March 31 st 2023

Self-reported continuity and coordination of antenatal care and its association with obstetric near miss in Uasin Gishu county, Kenya.

Continuity and coordination of care are core principles of high-quality primary health care. Optimising continuity and coordination improves maternal satisfaction. However, their association with morbidity and mortality outcomes is unclear. The obstetric near-miss approach can be used to investigate whether continuity and coordination influences the occurrence of a severe maternal outcome. To compare self-reported continuity and coordination of care between obstetric near-miss survivors and those without near miss during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Uasin Gishu county, Rift Valley region, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey targeting 340 postnatal mothers. Continuity of care index (COCI) and modified continuity of care index (MCCI) were used to estimate longitudinal continuity. The Likert scale was administered to measure perceived continuity and coordination of care. Mann-Whitney U test and binomial logistic regression were used for hypothesis testing. COCI and MCCI were lower among near-miss survivors (COCI = 0.80, p = 0.0026), (MCCI = 0.62, p = 0.034). Near-miss survivors scored lower on items assessing coordination between a higher-level provider and usual antenatal clinic (mean = 3.6, p = 0.006) and general coordination of care during pregnancy (mean = 3.9, p = 0.019). Presence of a non-life-threatening morbidity in pregnancy was associated with occurrence of near miss (aOR = 4.34, p = 0.001). Near-miss survivors scored lower on longitudinal continuity and coordination of care across levels. Further research should focus on strengthening coordination, determining the optimal level of longitudinal continuity and improving systems for early identification and management of morbidities in pregnancy.Contribution: The results of this study show that while longitudinal and relational COC is important during the antenatal period, the presence of a non-life-threatening condition in pregnancy remains the most important predictor of the occurrence of a near miss.

Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity Building on Sustainability of Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program in Uasin Gishu County

Disasters have become a typical occurrences all around the globe. Certainly, their frequency has grown as economic growth, technological sophistication, and vulnerability to disadvantaged groups has risen. Natural calamities are predicted to cause the deaths of one million people worldwide per decade. There is minimal evidence that M&amp;E of disaster response operations leads to better results in terms of more effective practice. As such, the aim of this research will be to determine the influence of monitoring and evaluation capacity building on sustainability of disaster emergency preparedness program in Uasin Gishu County. This study adopted theory of Sustainability. This study used an explanatory research design. Because of the limited number of workers, a census survey will be used; this research target population will be 52 workers of the Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program and M&amp;E in Uasin Gishu County. Questionnaires was used to collect data. Data analysis process will begin with questionnaire editing. Collected data were coded into Statistical package for social science (SPSS) for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, means and standard deviations were calculated, and data presented in form of tables. Inferential statistics used were regression model. The study findings revealed that M&amp;E capacity building has a positive and significant effect on Sustainability of disaster emergency preparedness programs (β1=0.885, p=0.000&lt;0.05). The study concluded that Disasters and emergencies impact population health, and their consequences can be mitigated by planning, exercises, and preparedness. Monitoring and evaluation are essential for the sustainability of projects, including disaster emergency preparedness programs. Therefore, it can be concluded that monitoring and evaluation have a positive influence on the sustainability of projects. It can help in preventing, preparing for, respond to, and recover from humanitarian emergencies and large outbreaks. The study recommends that there is need for establishment of coordinating mechanisms, planning, financing, and implementing strategies to ensure the program’s sustainability. Developing a monitoring and evaluation framework that includes clear indicators to measure the program’s effectiveness and sustainability.

The Extent to Which Rainfall Variability has Affected Small Scale Dairy Farmers in Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya

Dairy farming in Kenya remains among the key wheelers to the Nations GDP contributor at about 6- 8%. Majority of the farmers in this sector, are small scale who mostly have no knowledge and capacity to handle challenges posed by rainfall variability that causes frequent droughts, impacting on water and pasture supply to their animals. Objective of study was: To assess the extent to which rainfall variability had affected small scale dairy farming in Uasin-Gishu County in Kenya between years 2010-2020. Rainfall data was collected from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), Eldoret. While milk produce data was obtained from Ministry of Agriculture Uasin-Gishu County. Structured Questionnaires were used to collect data from farmers with few key respondents interviewed on the same . The questionnaire was administered to small scale dairy farmers who were sampled in a stratified manner based on their sub counties, then randomly within the Sub County. In total about 368 small scale dairy farmers were sampled out of which 300 (82%) of administered questionnaire were fully responded to. Analysis of objective one was done by Pearson correlation to establish the relationship between various rainfall characteristics and milk produce. Total annual rainfall with total annual milk had correlation of r= 0.532, number of rainy days in a year to the amount of milk with Pearson correlation of r =0.375, P&gt;0.05. Onset and cessation periods had Pearson correlation of r=0.305 and r=0,019 respectively. Average monthly rainfall to milk had Pearson correlation indicating a negative relationship of r= -0.424, P= 0.169, meaning months with high rainfall amounts had lower milk produced while dry ones had higher milk produced. The researcher therefore failed to accept the null hypothesis and adopted the alternative one that rainfall variability has had significant impact on small scale dairy farming in Uasin –Gishu County. Research recommended that farmers should keep more of cross breed animals which cope with climate variability unlike exotic ones. There was also need for farmers to join and strengthen cooperative societies to assist them adapt, this is besides use of digital methods of sharing challenges and solutions to rainfall variability

Relationship between Mediation Conflict Management Strategy and Teachers’ Productivity in Secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Conflicts occur more frequently in school system where there is human interaction. The current paper investigated the extent to which mediation conflict management strategy influence teachers’ productivity, assess the effect of collaboration conflict management strategy on teachers’ productivity, find out how avoidance conflict management strategy influence teachers’ productivity and examine the extent to which teacher support influence the relationship between conflict management and teachers’ productivity. The study adopted correlational research design and targeted 156 principals and 1783 teachers from 156 public secondary schools. Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination formula was used to attain a sample size of 427 respondents. The study employed purposive sampling, stratified and simple random sampling approaches. Data was collected using questionnaires. The study used mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages and Pearson Correlation Analysis to analyze data which was presented in tables. The study found out that there was a significant positive correlation between mediation and teachers’ productivity (r = .627; p = .000) in secondary schools in Uasin-Gishu County. The paper concluded that mediation conflict management strategy positively improves teacher productivity in public secondary schools and thus it was recommended that to get the best results in the resolution of workplace disputes, the management or administrators of secondary schools may utilize a combination of several organizational conflict management approaches. This could be helpful in guiding management decisions and choices as to the most effective conflict management strategies to apply to resolve existing workplace conflicts.

English Language Cultural Dynamics in ELT at Secondary School Level in Kenya

The debate on cultural issues of English language has recently taken centre stage in educational research in Kenya. Language educators have voiced their concern due to lack of recognition of the important role of culture in English language curriculum at secondary school level in Kenya. In addition, Kenya being an ethnically diverse country has realized problems of cultural intolerance in the recent past. Yet, culture of a language plays a major role in language development and acquisition of intercultural competence of learners in any society in the world. However, the contribution of English language culture has rarely been studied in the Kenyan context. This study sought to determine English language cultural related issues in English language pedagogy at secondary school level in Kenya. This was one of the objectives in a PhD Thesis research. The study adopted qualitative design, multiple case study method. The raw data was generated through the use of interview schedule, focused group discussions, document analysis and lesson observations. The research was carried out in Uasin Gishu County in six secondary schools based on categories girls, boys and mixed. The sample comprised of 60 participants: twelve teachers of English language and forty-eight form three students who were purposively sampled. The data was analyzed basing on emerging themes. The findings included etiquette, pronunciation of sounds, stress and intonation, grammar rules, English language cultural beliefs and indigenous languages. The study is useful to language educators, teachers of English language and curriculum designers. The study concludes that English language native culture could be enhanced more in the curriculum to help second language learners to learn English language with ease. Keywords: English language culture, teaching, curriculum, indigenous language culture DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-2-03 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

The Transformation of Inter-Ethnic Conflicts in Uasin Gishu in the Post-Independence Era, 1963-2020

This study investigates the historical context of inter-ethnic conflicts in Uasin Gishu County during the post-colonial period right from 1963 when Kenya attained her independence. This study argues that European colonial land policy laid the groundwork for inter-ethnic strife. The land became heavily politicized during this period, as political elites strategically used it to mobilize their various ethnic groupings, thus stoking ethnic tensions and occasionally culminating in conflicts. The goal of this study was to examine the evolution of inter-ethnic disputes in Uasin Gishu from independence through 2020. The historical approach was used in the study, which drew on both primary and secondary data sources. Annual reports, reports from appointed commissions, interviews, court judgments, and official government statistics were the key sources of data. Furthermore, secondary sources were used in the study. It was shown that tensions in the post-independence era were created by how land distribution was carried out after independence, as well as the politicization of the issue. The immediate post-colonial government failed to properly transfer land to people and instead, the political class took advantage to incite ethnic tensions. Successive governments also failed to resolve historical land concerns, worsening ethnic tensions and resulting in violent clashes in 1992, 1997, and 2007. These conflicts generated far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals not only politically but also socially and economically; as shown in clashes between Kalenjin, the Kikuyu, Luo, Abaluhya, and Abagusii, particularly in 1992 and 2007/2008. The study concludes that all parties, both public and private, should take a holistic approach to addressing historical causes and preventing future disputes.

Direct Educational Costs and Students’ Retention Rate in Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Kenya

Student retention in secondary school is paramount for the ultimate achievement of goals in education. This is the reason why individuals, societies, education partners and stakeholders pull together to finance education at all levels. Despite this effort, student retention in public boarding secondary schools in Kenya is wanting, Literature indicates that, costs incurred while going through secondary education may have an effect on the retention of students. This study therefore sought to establish the extent to which direct costs of education affect student retention rate in public boarding secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used to gather both the qualitative and quantitative data. The target included 31 principals and 4012 parents. All the 31 principals were purposively selected. Yamane simplified formula was used to sample 399 parents who were then distributed among the sub counties using proportionate random sampling. Questionnaires were utilized to collect quantitative data from parents while an interview schedule helped to gather qualitative data from the principals. Document analysis provided secondary data on students’ retention. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data on the other hand was analyzed thematically. The study findings showed that, direct educational costs are crucial predictors of students’ retention rate in public boarding secondary schools. They account for 94.1% of the variance. Costs of meals, accommodation, activity fee, parents’ association fund and the costs of repairs, maintenance and improvement all contributed to the variance. However, the cost of repairs, maintenance and improvement accounts for the highest contribution (90%) as the cost of activity fee accounts for the lowest (0.01%). The study concludes that, direct educational costs affect students’ retention rate in public boarding secondary schools. The study recommends the government through the departments of basic education and early learning to reconsider waiving all the boarding costs so as to lessen the cost burden and hence enhance student retention. Keywords : Direct educational costs, Retention, Boarding secondary schools. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-3-05 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

A Comparison of the Mean CTDIvol and DLP Values for Adult Abdominal CT Examination for MTRH, Eldoret Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and Mediheal Hospital: A Retrospective Study

Background: Advances in Computed Tomography (CT) have facilitated widespread use of medical imaging while increasing patient lifetime exposure to ionizing radiation. In Kenya we use the international DRLs as our point of reference and so far, no regional protocols for abdominal CT scan have been adopted. This study endeavors to form a basis for dose reference levels protocols for abdominal CT scan in Uasin Gishu County. Objective: To compare the mean CTDIvol and DLP values for adult abdominal CT examination for MTRH, Eldoret Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and Mediheal Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective review of CT scans of 700 adult patients conducted in Uasin Gishu healthcare system at MTRH, Eldoret Hospital, Mediheal Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital in a period of 1 year in the year 2021 using systematic and consecutive sampling. The Volumetric CT-dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) length from CT abdominal scans for the adults were collected from the various CT scans dose tracking software’s. Results: The mean age of patients who underwent CT abdominal scans was 52 years with majority being females at 53 %. The mean CTDIvol was 81. (SD=22.2) and the mean DLP values was 1699.1 (SD=1053.1). Comparison by scan model demonstrated the median for the Total DLP and for the CTDIvol significantly differed by the model with the median for the Neusoft model being highest at 2538 mGy.cm and 10.3mGy respectively while those for the Siemens were the lowest for the two markers at 1318.5 mGy.cm for the DLP and 5.39mGy respectively. These findings were statistically significant with a p value of &lt; 0.001. Comparison by the type of facility showed that the median DLP and CTDIvol values were significantly higher in the public facilities at 1668.8mGy.cm and 6.3mGy respectively when compared to private facilities at 1282.4mGy.cm and 5.9mGy with a p value of &lt;0.001. The Local Dose reference level (LDRL) was set as the median value for CTDIVOL and DLP at 6.1mGy and 1465 mGy.cm respectively. Conclusions: The LDRLs for the patients undergoing abdominal CT examination in Uasin Gishu healthcare system were markedly lower than the regional and the international values for the same abdominal CT examination.

Influence of Government Subsidy on Students’ Retention in Public Secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Influence of Government Subsidy on Students’ Retention in Public Secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

The Influence of Language use in Functional Writing Skills on Students’ Performance in Kiswahili in Secondary Schools in Kenya.

Functional writing has been given prominence in the Kenyan Secondary school Kiswahili syllabus. This study investigated the influence of functional writing skills on students’ performance in Kiswahili in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. The need for this study was based on the fact that functional writing is an area faced with challenges. The main objective of the study was to examine the influence of functional writing skills on students’ performance in Kiswahili. Theoretical framework is based on Jane Emig’s Process Theory of Composition Writing of (1971). The study employed descriptive research design and data was collected using questionnaire, observation schedule and document analysis guide. The area of study was Elgeyo-Marakwet County. The target population included all Form Four students and all teachers of Kiswahili from the 122 secondary schools. From this population, stratified, purposive and simple random sampling was used to get a sample. There were 9852 Form Four students in secondary schools in Elgeyo–Marakwet County as of October, 2020. During the entire study 579 students in Form Four class and 35 teachers of Kiswahili participated. The study used both primary and secondary data. Lecturers in the School of Education, at the University of Eldoret determined the validity of the research thesis instruments. Reliability was tested using a test-retest method in four secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County. The study used qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Data from the questionnaire was presented in frequency tables and percentages using descriptive statistics, narrative and verbatim. The research established that incorrect use of language in functional writing skills have a negative effect on students’ performance of Kiswahili in secondary schools. The findings would be used for reference by other researchers and would also give guidance on how to improve in the writing of functional essays. The study recommended that teachers should emphasize the appropriate choice of vocabulary while teaching and evaluating learners in functional writing.

Communication Lapses in the Adoption of Improved Cook Stoves in Kenya

The effective improved cook stoves have been designed to offer environmental, socio-economic and health benefits that facilitates the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is low adoption of effective improved cook stoves among the rural populations in Kenya. This study therefore sought to analyse communication lapses in the adoption of improved cook stoves in Kenya. The Research Questions of the study is: What are the communication lapses in the adoption of the improved cook-stoves in Uasin Gishu County? The study was anchored on Constructivist Paradigm and Qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. The study is a case study of Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 respondents for the study and the Qualitative data was collected using interviews research instruments. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse data qualitatively. The collected data was presented in the form of narratives. From the study findings, the study concludes that communication lapses have led to the low adoption of improved cook-stoves. There is limited use of Participatory communication strategies and media channels have not been utilised adequately to sensitise the rural populations on the health, environmental and socio-economic benefits of improved cook-stoves. It is anticipated that the study will be significant in emphasising the importance of using effective communication strategies to educate, create awareness and campaign for the adoption of improved cook-stoves and thus lead to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

Influence of Government Subsidy on Students’ Enrollment in Public Secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Influence of Government Subsidy on Students’ Enrollment in Public Secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Building forward better-An exploration of nutrition practices, food choice, and coping behaviors among Kenyan adolescents during COVID-19: Experiences and program implications.

This implementation research study sought to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent nutrition practices and related behaviors in Nairobi and Uasin Gishu Counties, Kenya. Eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with adolescents 10-19 years of age, in-depth interviews with 10 health facility providers, and a combination of FGDs (n-4) and key informant interviews with government stakeholder and implementing partners (n= 9). During the pandemic, adolescents tended to avoid commonly consumed junk foods, in favor of "immune boosting, protective" foods. Widespread unemployment and reductions in parental income rendered some food items such as meat, eggs, and fruits unaffordable for families of adolescents. Adolescents relayed experiences of skipping meals and reducing the amount and variety of foods consumed. Adolescents also described employing strategies such as working in the informal sector and selling personal items to support families financially, in response to rising food insecurity. School closures mandated during the pandemic likely contributed to reductions in overall physical activity. To improve the diets of adolescents, programs should build on the healthy mindset brought on by the pandemic, while strengthening, targeting, and improving access to social protection measures and agricultural initiatives for vulnerable families with adolescents to cushion them from rising food insecurity as an effect of COVID-19. Building practical adolescent life skills to encourage healthy nutrition actions will also be key to building forward from the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya.