West Pokot Research Articles

Influence of Communication Systems on Performance of Contractors in Building Public Projects in Pokot Central Sub-County, West Pokot County, Kenya

This study determined the influence of Communication Systems on Performance of Contractors in Building Public Projects in Pokot Central Sub-County, West Pokot County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the Theory of Constraints as proposed by Goldratt in 1984. The study adopted descriptive survey research design, which considered the use of structured questionnaires and interview schedules. The Target population was estimated to be 1500 (contractors and officials from regulatory agency) while the sample size was determined using Mora and Kloet formula and was 315. Stratified and random sampling was used to identify contractors. Purposive sampling was used to identify officials from the regulatory agency. Data collection was done by administering questionnaires to contractors in building public projects while officials from regulatory agencies responded to interviews. Quantitative data from questionnaires was analyzed using SPSS software version 22 to determine frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data from interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis where responses were organized in themes and sub-themes as they relate to objectives and indicators respectively. From the study, 89.7%, 85.0%, 84.7% and 83.0% of the respondents stated that communication systems, influenced performance of building contractors. Further, 90.0% respondents stated that effective communication from clients influenced performance of building contractors. The study concludes that Building Contractors ( BCs) from Pokot Central and its environs suffers the challenge of poor communication network and infrastructural challenges, which have negatively influenced their performance. Contract suppliers might be failing to enhance communication with contractors because of waiting for approval from authorities to dispatch information to contractors, which largely influence performance. Performance of BCs rely on the cooperation between all stakeholders in the building and construction industry. It was recommended that the County Government should work closely with the National Government to build network masts and transmitters to enhance communication.

Analysis of the Current and Potential Future Climate Hazards and their Impacts on Livelihoods and Adaptation Strategies in Arid and Semiarid Lands

The study was carried out in four selected counties within the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS) of Kenya namely Garrisa, West Pokot, Kilifi and Tana River which were under Kenya-Adaptation to Climate Change in Arid Lands (KACCAL) program. The study focused on the current and potential future climate hazards and their impacts on livelihoods and adaptation strategies within the framework of Kenya – adaptation to climate change in arid lands. The ASALS covers 80% of Kenya’s land mass and support about 70 percent of the national livestock population and 90% of wildlife resources. Despite the great potential for development in the ASALS, the areas have continued experiencing great climate hazards leading to severe impacts on household livelihoods. The study methodology involved identification and assessing the major climatic hazards experienced for many years and implementation of adaptation strategies by the local communities. This involved a review of operating/ existing assessment of Climate Risks in Agriculture and Rural Development, Field visits, data collection and stakeholder consultation through a series of intensive questionnaire interviews with farmers, project Planners and managers and county officials in the four counties.The results showed that the four counties under study have been affected by droughts, floods, gusty winds and landslides hazards associated with climate change which have affected the livelihoods of the communities living in the ASALS. The impacts have been felt in food insecurity, scarcity of water resources, loss of livestock resources, persisted crop failure, increased malnutrition cases leading to infant morbidity and mortality among others. The intervention strategies to manage the climate change impacts  applied by stakeholders among other well-wishers are; distribution of food relief, provision of shelter, provision of tents, building gabions, moving families at high risk to saver grounds, construction of water dams and pans. At household level, intervention strategies used are diversification of livelihoods, growing of fodder crops to supplement the natural pasture, charcoal burning, growing of drought resistant crops among others. Subsequently, the study recommends that more awareness should be created among local communities so that they diversify their livelihoods to cope with changing climate. The stakeholder working in ASALs, County governments and National government should invest more on intervention strategies to management climate change impactsCommunities living in ASALs and other stakeholders should be trained on how to use tools and methodologies developed in order to monitor impacts of climate change in their respective counties and implement the appropriate intervention strategies to ensure households recover from impacts associated to of climate change. In other words, capacity building at community, county and national government should be a top priority.

Effects of Seasonality on Physico-Chemical Properties and Selected Ligands on Rivers in Sigor Division, West Pokot County, Kenya

There is need to determine the exact nature of river systems for key decisions such as water treatment, construction of irrigation dams, piping systems or bridges to be made. Seasonality affects the nature and amounts of compounds getting into or out of rivers. It is therefore critical to know the exact amounts of physico-chemicals and ligands in water systems. This study aimed at analyzing the levels of various physico-chemicals and ligands in the rivers of Sigor division, West Pokot county, Kenya during different seasons. Sampling was done at four different parts of the four rivers (Weiwei, Chesogon, Lomut and Muruny) during both the wet and dry seasons. Analysis was then conducted, in situ for most physico-chemicals and later on by UV-VIS spectroscopy for the ligands. The findings revealed that there was a great impact of seasonality on most of the physico-chemical parameters analyzed. Crucial parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity and turbidity were all affected by seasonality. The rivers did not however differ significantly in most of the physico-chemical parameters. Muruny river, however experienced more values of physico-chemical parameters due to its agricultural neighborhood. The phosphate values in the rivers were way above the permissible values. However, nitrate values were within the recommended values whereas sulfate values in the rivers were below the threshold values.

Operating Environment and Performance of Small and Micro Enterprises in Urban Townships in West Pokot County, Kenya

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya have not performed creditably well and hence have not played the expected vital and vibrant role in the economic growth and development of Kenyan economy. This situation has been of great concern to the government, citizenry, operators, practitioners and the organized private sector groups especially because many of the SMEs owners are faced with unpredictable operating environment which presents many entrepreneurs with a challenge of both growing and managing their SMEs consequently affecting SMEs performance. The study aimed at establishing operating environment effects on performance of small and micro enterprises in urban townships in West Pokot County. The specific objectives of the study included determining the influence of skills and competence, technology, legislations and competition on the performance of small and micro enterprises in urban townships in West Pokot County. The study was anchored on the theory of multi-dimensional performance, goal setting theory and Human capital theory. The target population was drawn from small and micro enterprises owners and managers in the two major townships in West Pokot County that is Kapenguria, and Chepareria Townships. The study was based on descriptive research design where the researcher used stratified random sampling techniques to sample its respondents; Questionnaires were used for the data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were undertaken. Inferential statistics was used to test the extent and nature of the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The correlation results of the study found that SMEs owners/managers skills and competence, technology and competition are positively related to SMEs performance. Results further showed that legislations are negatively related to SMEs performance.SMEs owners/managers skills and competence, legislation, technology and competition were found to be significant variables in explaining SMEs performance which is illustrated by coefficient of determination(R square) of 79.4%.Based on the research findings the study concluded that SMEs owners/managers skills and competence, legislation, technology and competition has a significant relationship with SMEs performance. The study recommends that the financial institutions, NGOs, and Government agencies should work in collaboration in improving SMEs owner’s skills and competence, also technological changes awareness should be provided to the SMEs owners and managers. The Government agencies should come up with friendly policies and regulations to eliminate unhealthy competition towards the SMEs.

Biological Sand Filter Performance Test Using Multiple Methods for Pathogen Detection: a Longitudinal Field Study in Kenya

Fifty biological sand filters (BSFs) housed in 70-L plastic containers were built and installed in the West Pokot County of Kenya. Half of the BSFs were installed in June 2010; the remainder were installed in June 2012. BSF performance was analyzed during June 2012 and 2015. Performance indicators included the removal of turbidity and fecal and total coliforms. In 2012, 17 of the original 25 BSFs installed were operational, and their performance was evaluated. In 2015, 15 of the BSFs were operational. BSF performance during 2015 showed an average fecal coliform removal of 98.9%. The most common reasons provided to explain why the BSF installed was no longer in use included the family moved and the BSF was too heavy to carry, and the effluent pipe broke. Relative affluence was observed using the Progress out of Poverty Index (PPI)™. With an increase in elevation, we noted a decrease in PPI. The average PPI for homesteads with operation BSFs was 10 points higher than homes where the BSFs were in disrepair. An assay to estimate Escherichia coli presence and concentration was modified, and the results were compared with more traditional field enumeration methods. The field assay used a five-compartment bag to quantify the most probable number (MPN) of E. coli to provide a low-tech option to field workers in developing country to test the viability of drinking water sources. We used a Hach medium, varying from that prescribed by Aquagenx. Results from using the modified method compared well with the more traditional field assay.

Factors Affecting Savings And Internallending Communities in Informal Finance Groups On Pastoral Communities In Kenya, A Case Of West Pokot County

Purpose: This study has explored the factors affecting savings and internal lending communities (SILC). The specific objectives were: financial viability, financial sustainability, financial acceptability and Information and Communication Technology. The literature review is in line with the variables under this study, the target population established was 440 covering Women groups, Youth groups, elder’s council, youth association, livestock trader’s cooperative society, Financial institutions and Government agencies in Kapenguria Division. Keywords: financial viability, financial sustainability, Information and Communication Technology and financial acceptability DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/10-9-03 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Serological evidence of Flavivirus circulation in human populations in Northern Kenya: an assessment of disease risk 2016\u20132017

BackgroundYellow fever, Dengue, West Nile and Zika viruses are re-emerging mosquito-borne Flaviviruses of public health concern. However, the extent of human exposure to these viruses and associated disease burden in Kenya and Africa at large remains unknown. We assessed the seroprevalence of Yellow fever and other Flaviviruses in human populations in West Pokot and Turkana Counties of Kenya. These areas border Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia where recent outbreaks of Yellow fever and Dengue have been reported, with possibility of spillover to Kenya.MethodologyHuman serum samples collected through a cross-sectional survey in West Pokot and Turkana Counties were screened for neutralizing antibodies to Yellow fever, Dengue-2, West Nile and Zika virus using the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT). Seroprevalence was compared by county, site and important human demographic characteristics. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated using Firth logistic regression model.ResultsOf 877 samples tested, 127 neutralized with at least one of the four flaviviruses (14.5, 95% CI 12.3–17.0%), with a higher proportion in Turkana (21.1%, n = 87/413) than in West Pokot (8.6%, n = 40/464). Zika virus seroprevalence was significantly higher in West Pokot (7.11%) than in Turkana County (0.24%; χ2P < 0.0001). A significantly higher Yellow fever virus seroprevalence was also observed in Turkana (10.7%) compared to West Pokot (1.29%; χ2 P < 0.0001). A high prevalence of West Nile virus was detected in Turkana County only (10.2%) while Dengue was only detected in one sample, from West Pokot. The odds of infection with West Nile virus was significantly higher in males than in females (aOR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.22–5.34). Similarly, the risk of Zika virus infection in West Pokot was twice higher in males than females (aOR = 2.01, 95% CI 0.91–4.41).ConclusionEvidence of neutralizing antibodies to West Nile and Zika viruses indicates that they have been circulating undetected in human populations in these areas. While the observed Yellow Fever prevalence in Turkana and West Pokot Counties may imply virus activity, we speculate that this could also be as a result of vaccination following the Yellow Fever outbreak in the Omo river valley, South Sudan and Uganda across the border.

Establish The Influence of Government Policies Strategies on Tourism Performance In West Pokot County

The research focused on the influence of government policies strategies on tourism performance in west pokot county in Kenya. The study was guided objectives-policy framework, provision of infrastructure, provision of amenities and conducive taxation strategy. The theory guiding this study is consumer choice theory. The study found out government policies should have a conducive taxation strategy to attract more investors in the tourism industry. The study recommends that the government policies should be friendly.. Areas for further research include another study be done on challenges facing domestic tourism which was not part of the study.

Factors Affecting Savings And internal lending communities in Informal Finance Groups on Pastoral Communities in Kenya, A Case of West Pokot County

Purpose: This study has explored the factors affecting savings and internal lending communities (SILC). The specific objectives were: financial viability, financial sustainability, financial acceptability and Information and Communication Technology. The literature review is in line with the variables under this study, the target population established was 440 covering Women groups, Youth groups, elder’s council, youth association, livestock trader’s cooperative society, Financial institutions and Government agencies in Kapenguria Division. Keywords: financial viability, financial sustainability, Information and Communication Technology and financial acceptability DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/10-9-03 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

A previously unreported potential malaria vector in a dry ecology of Kenya

BackgroundIn Kenya, malaria remains a major public health menace equally affecting the semi-arid to arid ecologies. However, entomologic knowledge of malaria vectors in such areas remains poor.MethodsMorphologically-identified wild-caught Anopheles funestus (s.l.) specimens trapped outdoors from the semi-arid to arid area of Kacheliba, West Pokot County, Kenya, were analysed by PCR and sequencing for species identification, malaria parasite infection and host blood-meal sources.ResultsThree hundred and thirty specimens were analysed to identify sibling species of the An. funestus group, none of which amplified using the available primers; two were infected with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium ovale, separately, while 84% (n = 25) of the blood-fed specimens had fed on humans. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences of 55 specimens (Plasmodium-positive, blood-fed and Plasmodium-negative) did not match reference sequences, possibly suggesting a previously unreported species, resolving as two clades.ConclusionsOur findings indicate the existence of yet-to-be identified and described anopheline species with a potential as malaria vectors in Kenya.

Characterization of Kenyan Honeys Based on Their Physicochemical Properties, Botanical and Geographical Origin.

Properties and composition of honey are essential in providing information regarding their quality as well as in their differentiation based on production region characteristics, e.g., floral sources. This paper presents physicochemical properties and floral sources (botanical origin) of 21 honey samples obtained from arid and semiarid areas of Kenya, specifically, West Pokot, Baringo, and Kitui Counties. Physicochemical parameters which were analyzed to determine honey quality included moisture content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), diastase activity, free acidity, and electrical conductivity. Values of these parameters were compared with those of the existing local, regional, and international standards for honey. Melissopalynological analysis (pollen analysis) was also carried out to provide information on botanical origin of the honeys. Results showed mean parameter values of moisture, 16.34%; HMF, 23.28 mg/kg; diastase activity, 10.67 Schade units; free acidity, 22.95 meq/kg; and electrical conductivity, 0.40 mS/cm. Free acidity and electrical conductivity values of honey samples obtained from West Pokot were significantly lower than the values of honeys from Baringo and Kitui. Eighteen (18) honey samples had all parameter values within the limits set in the East African, Codex Alimentarius, and the European Union directive standards for honey. Results also showed a total of 29 pollen types in the honey samples analyzed, and Acacia spp. was the predominant pollen type in 4 of the 21 honey samples. Findings of this study showed that Kenyan origin honeys can tap into the existing regional and international markets based on their quality which can be attributed to their botanical origin. Results of this study also suggested that honey producers have undertaken appropriate measures in honey harvesting, processing, handling, and storage. However, there is a need to build capacity of producers whose honey were of unacceptable quality. This would involve training on proper honey production, processing, and handling practices as well establishment of honey collection and processing centres at the local level in order to improve honey quality. This will enhance access to existing honey markets. Conservation of bee floral sources would also be needed to maintain honey quality.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Participation by Farm Households in Soil Erosion Management in Chepareria Ward, West Pokot County, Kenya

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Participation by Farm Households in Soil Erosion Management in Chepareria Ward, West Pokot County, Kenya

Building pastoralists’ resilience to shocks for sustainable disaster risk mitigation: Lessons from West Pokot County, Kenya

Most pastoralists’ in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) are adversely affected by climate-change related shocks such as droughts and livestock diseases. These shocks lead to deterioration of livestock quality and even mass death of herds. This leaves pastoralists vulnerable as they derive most of their food and income needs from livestock, necessitating emergency disaster response and the need to build their long-term adaptive capacity. In most cases however, investments only focus on reducing risks and not on building long-term adaptation strategies. In this study, we analyzed factors affecting household resilience among the pastoralists of West Pokot County in Kenya. A focus group discussion and key informant consultations were held to understand community perspectives on the historical nature of climate-change related shocks. In additional, individual household surveys were done with 191 randomly selected households to obtain information on the shocks experienced by pastoralists, coping strategies, long term adaptation strategies and external support, their uptake of these and the effect on their resilience. The household resilience index was constructed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). An ordered probit regression was used to analyze the effect of socio-demographic, institutional factors and adaptive practices on households’ resilience. It was noted that years of formal schooling, household income, access to credit and extension and adaptive practices such as post harvest use of field crops for grazing, enclosures, stocking improved breeds, bee keeping, ethno-veterinary practices and afforestation have a positive and significant effect in building household resilience to shocks. There is therefore a need to direct investment to bolster pastoralists’ own efforts towards building their resilience.

Health-seeking pathway and factors leading to delays in tuberculosis diagnosis in West Pokot County, Kenya: A grounded theory study.

BackgroundPatients’ health-seeking behaviour can lead to delays in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, however little is known about the experiences and treatment pathways of patients diagnosed with TB in Kenya. The aim of this study is to explore the health seeking practices and factors contributing to delay in TB diagnosis.MethodsThis study was based on explorative qualitative research using a constructivist grounded theory approach. A total of 61 TB patients in the intensive phase of treatment were recruited as informants in the study. Six focus group discussions and 15 in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed through three step coding using the grounded theory approach.ResultsParticipants adopted different treatment pathways as they sought care from a pluralistic health care system involving traditional healers, herbalists, private clinic, drug shops and the public health sector. The study revealed an explanatory model of factors leading to delay illustrated by the participant’s expression “I suffered for a long time.” The model is comprised of three categories that lead to delays, namely individual, social-cultural and structural factors.ConclusionThere is a need to improve timely diagnosis of TB through innovative approaches such as intensive case finding. Similarly, the health-care system should decentralize TB services as much as possible and offer free diagnostic services to increase accessibility.

Enhancing soil organic carbon, particulate organic carbon and microbial biomass in semi-arid rangeland using pasture enclosures

BackgroundRehabilitation of degraded rangelands through the establishment of enclosures (fencing grazing lands) is believed to improve soil quality and livelihoods, and enhance the sustainability of rangelands. Grazing dominated enclosure (GDE) and contractual grazing enclosure (CGE) are the common enclosure management systems in West Pokot County, Kenya. Under CGE, a farmer owning few animals leases the enclosure to households with relatively more livestock, while GDE is where the livestock utilizing the enclosure are purely owned by the farmer. Livestock management in both systems is via the free-range system. This study evaluated the effect of enclosure management on total soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) as key indicators of soil degradation at 0–40 cm depth. The two enclosure systems were selected based on three age classes (3–10, 11–20 and > 20 years since establishment) (n = 3). The adjacent open grazing area (OGR) was used as a reference (n = 9).ResultsRelative to OGR, the pasture enclosures significantly decreased soil bulk density and increased the concentrations of total organic C, POC, MBC and MBN compared to the degraded OGR (P < 0.001). Significantly higher concentrations of POC and MBC was recorded in GDE than CGE (P = 0.01). The POC accounted for 24.5–29.5% of the total SOC. MBC concentrations ranged from 32.05 ± 7.25 to 96.63 ± 5.31 µg C g−1 of soil in all grazing systems, and was positively correlated with total SOC and POC (P < 0.001). The proportional increase in POC and MBC was higher in GDE (56.6 and 30.5% respectively) compared to CGE (39.2 and 13.9% for POC and MBC respectively).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that controlling livestock grazing through the establishment of pasture enclosures is the key strategy to enhance total SOC, POC, MBC, and MBN in degraded rangelands; a precondition for improving soil quality. Therefore, the establishment of enclosures is an effective restoration approach to restore degraded soils in semi-arid rangelands.

Vector competence of Aedes bromeliae and Aedes vitattus mosquito populations from Kenya for chikungunya virus.

BackgroundKenya has experienced outbreaks of chikungunya in the past years with the most recent outbreak occurring in Mandera in the northern region in May 2016 and in Mombasa in the coastal region from November 2017 to February 2018. Despite the outbreaks in Kenya, studies on vector competence have only been conducted on Aedes aegypti. However, the role played by other mosquito species in transmission and maintenance of the virus in endemic areas remains unclear. This study sought to determine the possible role of rural Aedes bromeliae and Aedes vittatus in the transmission of chikungunya virus, focusing on Kilifi and West Pokot regions of Kenya.MethodsFour day old female mosquitoes were orally fed on chikungunya virus-infected blood at a dilution of 1:1 of the viral isolate and blood (106.4 plaque-forming units [PFU]/ml) using artificial membrane feeder (Hemotek system) for 45 minutes. The engorged mosquitoes were picked and incubated at 29–30°C ambient temperature and 70–80% humidity in the insectary. At days 5, 7 and 10 post-infection, the mosquitoes were carefully dissected to separate the legs and wings from the body and their proboscis individually inserted in the capillary tube containing minimum essential media (MEM) to collect salivary expectorate. The resultant homogenates and the salivary expectorates were tested by plaque assay to determine virus infection, dissemination and transmission potential of the mosquitoes.ResultsA total of 515 female mosquitoes (311 Ae. bromeliae and 204 Ae. vittatus) were exposed to the East/Central/South Africa (ECSA) lineage of chikungunya virus. Aedes vittatus showed high susceptibility to the virus ranging between 75–90% and moderate dissemination and transmission rates ranging from 35–50%. Aedes bromeliae had moderate susceptibility ranging between 26–40% with moderate dissemination and transmission rates ranging from 27–55%.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that both Ae. vittatus and Ae. bromeliae populations from West Pokot and Kilifi counties in Kenya are competent vectors of chikungunya virus. Based on these results, the two areas are at risk of virus transmission in the event of an outbreak. This study underscores the need to institute vector competence studies for populations of potential vector species as a means of evaluating risk of transmission of the emerging and re-emerging arboviruses in diverse regions of Kenya.

English

In recent decades, researchers and development practitioners have explored strategies to manage shocks and reduce food insecurity in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) especially through introduction of modern scientific approaches and interventions; for instance promotion of exotic livestock breeds, but these interventions have not yielded desired results. This has been attributed to the fact that most of these interventions ignore pastoralists’ own indigenous knowledge and practices and thus tend to have low acceptability. Recognizing the need for context-specific locally-acceptable and adaptable solutions to pastoralists’ challenges, the present study assessed the role of indigenous knowledge and practices in reducing food insecurity in pastoralists’ households in West Pokot County, Kenya. Data was collected from arid and semi arid locations. A focus group discussion, key informant interviews and individual surveys on 191 households were conducted. Results demonstrate the value attached to traditional customs, guided migratory patterns and sustainable human-environment interactions in adapting to the harsh environment and mitigating food insecurity. Results from a binary probit regression analysis showed that seasonal transhumant migration, traditional pasture conservation and planting indigenous drought tolerant crops have a significant effect in reducing household food insecurity. The findings point to the need for documentation of indigenous knowledge and practices and their integration in long-term programs and plans aimed at building resilience in pastoralist systems. Key words: Pastoralists, indigenous knowledge, local practices, food security.

The occurrence, diversity and blood feeding patterns of potential vectors of dengue and yellow fever in Kacheliba, West Pokot County, Kenya

IntroductionYellow fever (YF) and dengue (DEN) viruses are important re-emerging mosquito-borne viruses sharing similar vectors and reservoirs. The last documented YF outbreak in Kenya occurred in 1992–95. However, YF virus is re-emerging in bordering countries including Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan with the potential for spread to the neighboring regions in Kenya. Dengue is endemic in Kenya with outbreaks being detected in various towns in the north and the coast. This study reports on the Aedes (Stegomyia) mosquito species occurrence, diversity, and blood feeding patterns, as means of measuring the risk of transmission of YF and DEN in Kacheliba sub-county, West Pokot County, which borders previous YF outbreak areas in eastern Uganda. MethodologyAdult mosquitoes were collected using CO2-baited BG Sentinel traps at three time points during the rainy season. Mosquitoes were identified to the species level. Species abundance during the three sampling periods were compared, with emphasis on Aedes aegypti and other Stegomyia species, using generalized linear models that included mosquito diversity. Individually blood-fed mosquitoes were analyzed by DNA amplification of the 12S rRNA gene followed by sequencing to determine the source of blood meal. ResultsOverall, 8605 mosquitoes comprising 22 species in 5 genera were collected. Sampled Stegomyia species included Ae. aegypti (77.3%), Ae. vittatus (11.4%), Ae. metallicus (10.2%) and Ae. unilineatus (1.1%). Ae. aegypti dominated the blood-fed specimens (77%, n = 68) and were found to have fed mostly on rock hyraxes (79%), followed by goats (9%), humans and cattle (each 4%), with a minor proportion on hippopotamus and rock monitor lizards (each comprising 1%). ConclusionOur findings reveal the presence of important Stegomyia species, which are known potential vectors of YF and DEN viruses. In addition, evidence of more host feeding on wild and domestic animals (hyrax and goat) than humans was observed. How the low feeding on humans translates to risk of transmission of these viruses, remains unclear, but calls for further research including vector competence studies of the mosquito populations for these viruses. This forms part of a comprehensive risk assessment package to guide decisions on implementation of affordable and sustainable vaccination (YF) and vector control plans in West Pokot County, Kenya.

INFLUENCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SUPERVISION ON CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN SELECTED NORTH RIFT, KENYA COUNTIES PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The aim of this paper is to describe how instructional supervision activities influenced curriculum implementation in selected North Rift counties public secondary schools in Kenya. Key educational stakeholders in the region are concerned with deteriorating quality education and that is why the study determined how internal quality assurance and standards of instructional supervision was carried out in the schools. This study was conducted in three counties in Kenya; Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo Counties. The paper adopted a descriptive survey research design targeting teachers, principals and sub counties quality assurance and standards officers. The study used questionnaire and interview schedule as instruments of data collection. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data analysis was done using thematic method. Research findings showed that instructional supervision had a significant influence (β=0.203 and p=0.05) on curriculum implementation in schools. the paper recommends that there is need for principals to continuously work with teachers on how to improve and revolutionise their teaching and learning approaches to match with the current and global trends in the teaching profession. Article visualizations:

Influence of Cost Sharing Policy on Provision of Physical Facilities in Public Day Secondary Schools: A Comparative Study of Trans-Nzoia and West Pokot Counties, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to analyze cost sharing policy on provision of physical facilities in public day secondary schools: a case of Trans Nzoia and West Pokot Counties Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: to identify the effect of community on physical facilities development, role of government in physical facility development, role of partners and the removal of Parents Teachers Association support in physical facility development in Trans Nzoia and West Pokot Counties. The study was based on classical liberal theory. Descriptive survey was used by the researcher and research was employed in research design. Simple and stratified techniques of sampling were employed during the study. Target population for the study took into account all government-aided day secondary schools within Trans Nzoia and West Pokot Counties, out of which 86 schools were sampled. Observation schedules and questionnaires were the tools used to collect data which is quantitative in nature and the presented in frequencies of tables and analysis done by use of SPSS. The major findings indicated that majority of the schools were majorly supported by the communities, physical facilities and materials were lacking, majority schools charged the recommended ministry fees, majority of the schools relied on parents contributions to develop physical infrastructure, that government did not support physical infrastructural development, there is little support of the non state actors in physical development and there is a lacuna on physical infrastructure development. In the recommendations, the government needs to budget for and dispatch the finances directly to such schools on time; the government needs to initiate a strategy of building additional; sports facility, classrooms, toilets as well as science labs, transport infrastructure for schools, government should set aside resources to clear the debts owed by schools to avoid the skyrocketing interest accrued to this debts now that the Parents Association fund stands disqualified and the researcher also recommends that schools and stakeholders should rally donors and well wishers to support school facility development. Further research should be conducted on relationship between boards of management capacity in resource utilization in secondary schools and out the alternative and sustainable vehicle to school infrastructure funding.