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Publication A Review of Toxic Metals and Hazardous Organics in Wood Treatment Sites and Their Etiological Implications(Journal of Chemical Reviews, 2022-02-07) Miranji, Edwin K.; Kipkemboi, Pius K.; Kibet, Joshua K.Increased natural and human activities over the last century have led to excess levels of inorganic and organic pollutants into the environment and natural ecosystems. This review critically examines heavy metal and organic pollutants' role in wood treatment sites and their etiological consequences. These pollutants are not only recalcitrant but also tenacious to degradation under ordinary conditions. Although some heavy metals are essential to human health, they are toxic at elevated concentrations. Heavy metals feature carcinogenic properties and cause serious health risks to live systems and the environment because of their bio-accumulative, non-degenerative, and refractory characteristics. On the other hand, organic pollutants are readily introduced into the ecosystem from irresponsible use of detergents, volatile organic compounds, paints, pesticides, and wood preservatives. During the wood treatment process, various chemicals are used to enhance durability. Nevertheless, the use of wood preservatives such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) potentially induces pollutants considered detrimental to human health and the ecological environment. Remediation of wood treatment sites using phytomanagement strategies and nanotechnologies has been presented in this review. Therefore, some challenges and recommendations for further research and applications are herein presented.Publication African Journal of Agricultural Research Physiological response of soybean [Glycine max (L) Merrill] to soil moisture stress(Academic Journals, 2019-03-22) Mwamlima, Louis; Ouma, Josephine; Cheruiyot, ErickThis study was done to determine the effects of varying soil moisture regimes on CO 2 assimilation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in pots under greenhouse conditions during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The experiment was conducted as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a 4 x 6 factorial treatment arrangement and replicated 3 times. Soil moisture regimes (80, 60, 40 and 20% of field capacity) and cultivars (Gazelle, Nyala, EAI 3600, DPSB 8, Hill and DPSB 19) were first and second factors, respectively. Collected data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Linear Mixed Model in GENSTAT. Significantly different treatment means were separated using Tukey's test at 0.05 significance level. Leaf relative water content, stomata conductance, photosynthesis rate and sub-stomatal CO 2 concentrations significantly (P < 0.001) declined with increasing soil moisture stress. Total leaf chlorophyll content increased (P < 0.001) with increased soil moisture stress. Cultivars DPSB 19 and DPSB 8 had relatively higher leaf relative water content and stomata conductance at reduced soil moisture regime at 20% moisture from field capacity indicating moisture stress tolerance potential of the cultivars.Publication Analysis of Temporal Drought Characteristic Using SPI Drought Index Based on Rainfall Data in Laikipia West Sub-County, Kenya(Scientific Research, 2017-01-01) Karanja, Amon; Ondimu, Kennedy; Recha, CharlesSevere drought has affected Kenya in the past decades reducing crop yields leaving millions of people in dire need of food. Drought cycle in Kenya has reduced increasing drought frequency in the recent decades. This study assessed drought characteristics in Laikipia West sub-County which lies in a region classified as arid and semi arid. The specific objective of the study was to analyze seasonal and annual drought characteristics in Laikipia West sub-County between 1984 and 2014. The study adopted documentary review design in the data collection. Standard Precipitation Index was used during the data analysis process. The drought years identified in Laikipia West sub-County were: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2008 and 2009. The seasonal drought events shows that for the period under study Laikipia West sub-County has never experience drought during the MAM and OND seasons in the same year. This explains the importance of seasonal climate forecast to crop farmers. The study also established that the average drought cycle in the study area is 3 years. The study recommends construction of mega water reservoirs which could collect water during the wet season to be utilized during the dry seasons. The study also recommends channeling of drought information through the government agencies at the beginning of every season.Publication Analysis of the Spatial Relationship between Cattle and Wild Ungulates across Different Land-Use Systems in a Tropical Savanna Landscape(2018-02-04) Kinga, Geoffrey W.; Mironga, John; Odadi, Wilfred O.In many African savanna landscapes, domestic and wild herbivores cooccur across different land-use systems, but the role of land-use in shaping their spatial relationship is poorly understood. We evaluated the spatial relationship between cattle and wild herbivores categorized by body sizes and feeding habits across different land-use types, namely, private ranches (PR), transitional lands (TRL), and pastoral grazing areas (PGA), in Laikipia County, Kenya. Cattle and wild herbivores spatial distribution data were obtained from Kenya’s Department of Resources Survey and Remote Sensing (DRSRS). Spatial relationships between cattle and different wild herbivore guilds were analyzed using Ripley’s bivariate function. In PR, wild herbivore guilds showed significant attraction to cattle at short distances. In TRL, wild grazers, mixed feeders, megaherbivores, and medium-sized ungulates exhibited significant attraction to cattle. Additionally, repulsion was observed between cattle and browsers at short distances under this land-use system. In PGA, wild grazers, mixed feeders, and megaherbivores repelled strongly with cattle at short distances while browsers and medium-sized ungulates were significantly attracted to cattle. Cattle and wild herbivores were more randomly and independently distributed in PR than in TRL and PGA. These spatial relationships imply better coexistence between cattle and wild herbivores in PR than in TRL and PGA.Publication Association between Anthropogenic Sources of Outdoor Air Pollution and Lichen Diversity, in Nakuru Town, Kenya(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2019) Kimani, Harriet W.; Moturi, Wilkister N.; Kariuki, Samuel T.The purpose of this study was to assess urban lichen diversity in relation to anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution, in Nakuru town, Kenya. An ecological survey was conducted in six sampled sites of the town and data of lichen diversity and anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution, analyzed. Multi-stage sampling technique was used. A total of 51 lichen species were identified while 6 anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution were observed. Results from Fisher’s exact test analysis showed, significant association between the 6 observed anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution and lichen diversity. It was concluded that, different anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution affect presence and absence of urban lichen species. Hence, more studies on lichens and outdoor air pollution should be conducted in Kenya, to conclusively determine whether lichens should be adopted as an alternative biological method to technological devices, for assessing air pollution.Publication Avian and Habitat Diversity in the Semi-Arid Lands of Baringo South, Kenya(Scientific Research Publishing, 2020-08-04) Ogendi, George Morara; Ondieki, Rhoda N.Semi-arid wooded-shrublands are important and critical habitats that provide breeding and feeding grounds for a variety of bird species, some of which are endangered, vulnerable or threatened with extinction. Habitat type and size influence abundance and diversity of birds globally and particularly in developing countries that are characterized by rapid human population growth and haphazard urban, agricultural and industrial development. The objective of this study was to assess avian and habitat diversity at Chemeron, a semi-arid land in the northern rangelands of Kenya. The study was guided by four questions: What kind of Habitat types are present at Chemeron study area? What kind of birds are found at Chemeron area? What is the conservation status of birds found at Chemeron area? What are the functional feeding guilds of birds that are found in the study area? How does the habitat type influence bird species abundance and diversity at Chemeron? Four 2-km long transects radiating from a central point within the study area were selected for a ground survey of birds that was conducted on foot. The surveys were conducted between 06:30 and 09:30 and 16:00 and 18:00 from October 2019 to April 2020. Bird species were observed and identified to the species level using high-resolution binoculars, field guidebooks and available taxonomic keys. Our surveys documented two main habitat types: Acacia-Balanites-Boscia woodlands dominated by Acacia senegal, Acacia mellifera, Acacia nilotica, Boscia angustifolia, and Balanites aegyptica. The second kind of habitat consisted of the invasive Acalypha fruticosa and Indigofera arrecta with Acacia reficiens-Acacia brevispica overstorey. A total of 53 bird species were sighted and identified the vulnerable Yellow necked spurfowl (Francolinus leucoscepus). Seventy-nine percent of the birds were sighted as singles or in pairs except for the gregarious white browed sparrow weaver (Plocepasser mahali), Apus caffer, Numida meleagris, Streptopelia senegalensis, Dinemellia dinemelli and Corythaxoides leucogaster. Significant differences in the various species diversity indices among the six transects were observed (p < 0.05). Approximately 60% of the birds belong to the insectivorous and omnivorous feeding guild. Charcoal burning and uncontrolled harvesting of wood are the major threats to the avian habitats in the study area. The high diversity of bird species in the study area can be attributed to the varied diversity of habitats that provide feeding, nesting, refuge and breeding grounds for the birds. From the foregoing findings, we can conclude that the ASALs of Baringo South offer ample habitat for a large number of bird species including the vulnerable Yellow necked spurfowl. The variations in various bird diversity indices can be attributed to the observed heterogeneity of habitats in the study area. We recommend wise use of rangeland resources and protection of critical avian habitats within the ASALs. Efforts should be geared towards livelihoods diversification and empowerment of the Lake Bogoria communities. This will reduce the pressure on the wooded shrublands that is widespread in the study area.Publication Breeding phenology and population dynamics of the endangered Forest Spiny Reed Frog Afrixalus sylvaticus Schiøtz, 1974 in Shimba Hills, Kenya(Wildlife Informaon Liaison Development Society, 2022-07-26) Koskei, Alfayo; Eshiamwata, George; Kirui, Bernard; Cheruiyot, PhylusAfrixalus sylvaticus Schiøtz, 1974 is a species of hyperoliid frog inhabiting coastal forest Kenya. It is classified as endangered under IUCN B2ab(iii) ver 3.1 and occurs in the Shimba Hills National Park and hinterlands. Habitat loss and other human activities are threatening the species. Therefore, understanding the breeding ecology and population dynamics is important for its conservation. This study assessed the breeding ecology and population dynamics of the species in the protected and community landscapes in Shimba Hills National Reserve in Kenya. Data was collected through ecological surveys conducted from June 2016 to July 2017 using a visual encounter surveys (VES) method. The results show that the species was more abundant during the wet season than dry (58% and 42%, respectively). The population estimate was 192 individuals and a density of 0.98 individuals/km2. Regarding the morphology, the mean snout-vent length (SVL) for males was 15.12 mm and females 15.96 mm, but there was no significant difference (t-test = 0.87, p = 0.390, df = 39). The mean weight of both gravid and non-gravid females was 6.05 g and males was 4.82 g. The weights were statistically different between both sexes (t-test = 3.50, p-value = 0.001, df = 39). The sex ratio was 1:2 (male: female). There was more activity in the wet season (April and May), and the breeding habitats were reeds and water lilies. The threats identified to their habitat include; human activities such as bush burning, livestock grazing, drainage, and plantation of exotic tree species (Eucalyptus sp.) that have led to habitat loss and degradation. The study recommends that the reforestation processes such as plantation of exotic species such as Eucalyptus sp. and Casuarina sp. and bush burning in the wetlands and species habitats must be discouraged among the stakeholders (community and park management). Moreover, more synchronized studies are necessary to highlight the driver(s) of imbalanced sex ratios and species habitat shifts.Publication Characterization of Forest Fire Emissions and Their Possible Toxicological Impacts on Human Health(Institute of Forest Science, kangwon National University, 2017-05-31) Kibet, Joshua; Bosire, Josephate; Kinyanjui, Thomas; Lang'at, Moses; Rono, NicholasIn flight particulate matter particularly emissions generated by incomplete combustion processes has become a subject of global concern due to the health problems and environmental impacts associated with them. This has compelled most countries to set standards for coarse and fine particles due to their conspicuous impacts on environment and public health. This contribution therefore explores forest fire emissions and how its particulates affects air quality, damage to vegetation, water bodies and biological functions as architects for lung diseases and other degenerative illnesses such as oxidative stress and aging. Soot was collected from simulated forest fire using a clean glass surface and carefully transferred into amber vials for analysis. Volatile components of soot were collected over 10 mL dichloromethane and analyzed using a QTOF Premier-Water Corp Liquid Chromatography hyphenated to a mass selective detector (MSD), and Gas Chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). To characterize the size and surface morphology of soot, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used. The characterization of molecular volatiles from simulated forest fire emissions revealed long chain compounds including octadec-9-enoic acid, octadec-6-enoic acid, cyclotetracosane, cyclotetradecane, and a few aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene and naphthalene). Special classes of organics (dibenzo-p-dioxin and 2H-benzopyran) were also detected as minor products. Dibenzo-p-dioxin for instance in chlorinated form is one of the deadliest environmental organic toxins. The average particulate size of emissions using SEM was found to be $11.51{\pm}4.91{\mu}m$. This study has shown that most of the emissions from simulated forest fire fall within $PM_{10}$ particulate size. The molecular by-products of forest fire and particulate emissions may be toxic to both human and natural ecosystems, and are possible precursors for various respiratory ailments and cancers. The burning of a forest by natural disasters or man-made fires results in the destruction of natural habitats and serious air pollution.Publication Comparative assessment of prevalence, risk factors and economic losses of lameness in smallholder zero- and pasture-grazed dairy cows in Kenya(Egerton University, 2019-03-25) Darboe, MomodouLameness is a cause of worry to dairy producers for being indicative of welfare problem with resultant economic losses from reduced milk yield, veterinary cost or premature culling. Risks for lameness are both animal and herd level factors, but the magnitude varies with housing conditions of the cows. This study compared farmer estimated and observed prevalence, types of lameness, risk factors and economic losses from lameness of cows in farms practicing zero- and pasture grazing. The study was conducted in Nakuru County, Kenya where zero- and pasture-grazed cows were obtained in an observational study design. In a random sample of 172 smallholder farms, 485 cows were examined for lameness, individual records and performance histories. Data were subjected to Chi square test, means comparisons and spearman rank correlation. Results showed that lameness prevalence was not different between zero-grazed (23.0%) and pasture grazed (20.2%) cows. The prevalence of lameness observed (22.1%) and that estimated by farmers (22.7%) closely matched with a strong positive and significant correlation (r=0.959; p<0.05). Four types of lameness were identified of which prevalence was in the order: laminitis (43.1%), digital dermatitis (32.1%), white line disease (14.7%) and sole ulcer (10.1%), but their prevalence did not vary with the grazing system. Lameness was more prevalent among the zero than pasture -grazed cows for cows kept on earth floor (46.4% vs 20.4%), small dairy breeds (46.0% vs 27.5%) or those kept on dry bedding (15.0% vs 4.9%). Estimated economic loss from lameness was 51% higher in zero- than in pasture grazing (KES 4,695.49 vs 3,109.41/farm/year) with a larger proportion attributable to production losses and veterinary costs. The loss is equivalent to loss of 104 to 157 litres of milk in a herd in a year for farmgate milk price of KES 30 a litre. Production losses were more in zero- than in pasture grazing (68.3 vs 55.7%) but veterinary costs were lower in zero- than in psture grazing (29.1 vs 34.4%). It is recommended that farmer training focuses on skills upgrading on routine care of claws and hooves to reduce incidences of lameness and the resulting economic losses from lameness.Publication Determinants of Women Access and the Extent of Access to Land Among Small-Scale Farmers in Machakos County, Kenya: A Double-Hurdle Approach(Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2019-04-30) Veronica N. Kariuki; Oscar I. Ayuya; John M. NdukoThe aim of this paper is to evaluate the determinants of women access and the extent of access to land. The study used cross-sectional data from 384 randomly selected small-scale women farmers from Machakos County, Kenya. Using double hurdle (DH) model, we found that marital status, household size, the value of productive assets, credit borrowed, extension contacts, farmers’ groups and social influence from family members had a positive and significant influence on women access to land. However, the spousal age gap, market distance and social influence from friends/peers had a negative influence on the probability of women having access to land. To improve women access to land, the findings imply that women need to be motivated to join and participate in farmers’ groups through which they can gain access to extension information and credit. In addition, women farmers should be sensitized on the need to invest in farm productive assets. Importantly, the government can aid in improving crucial infrastructures and promoting girl-child education since education empowers women and inhibit early marriages.Publication Drivers and responses to climate variability by agro-pastoralists in Kenya: the case of Laikipia County(Springer, 2019-07-04) Atsiaya, Godfrey O.; Ayuya, Oscar I.; Nakhone, Lenah W.; Lagat, Job KibiwotThis paper examines factors influencing the choice of response strategies and the actual strategies smallholder farmers use to respond to the effects of climate variability in transitional climatic zones of Africa, specifically Laikipia West Sub-County in Kenya. Data for this study were collected from 392 randomly selected smallholder farmers, using a structured questionnaire. The study used principal component analysis to group together related strategies that farmers used to respond to the effects of climate variability, which resulted into seven groups of responses. Majority of farmers at 97.5%, 85% and 74.1%, respectively, used cultural practices, diversification practices and risk reduction practices. Intensification practices followed by 69.3% while terraces crop and herd management and new breeds were the least adopted at 27%, 13.2% and 9%, respectively. Multivariate probit model was then used to examine the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ choice of response strategies to effects of climate change. The results indicated that access to weather information had a strong effect on use of risk management strategies at 74% and intensification strategies at 49%. Increase in level of education and exclusive dependence on agriculture increased the probability of introducing new breeds by 30% and 53%, respectively, while access to extension services increased use of terraces by 42%. Strong local institutions that facilitate access to information and credit are likely to initiate changes in key household characteristics, which positively affect response to effects of climate variability. Policies should aim to strengthen local institutions that enhance access to information and credit services. There is need for investment in the provision of affordable and quality education, relevant demand-driven extension services that provide localized response solutions.Publication Effect of land terracing on soil physical properties across slope positions and profile depths in medium and high altitude regions of Rwanda(Taylor and Francis, 2020-03-14) Fashaho, Aloys; Ndegwa, George M; Lelei, Joyce J; Musandu, Amos O; Mwonga, Samuel MAlthough land terracing is promoted as a management practice for effective soil conservation in hilly areas, construction of terraces causes changes in soil properties. This study evaluated the effect of land terracing on some soil physical properties across slope positions and profile depths in medium and high altitudes of eastern and north-eastern Rwanda. Soil samples were collected from top, middle and bottom slopes of four year-old terraced and non-terraced lands. Results showed that soil textures were mainly sandy clay loams. At medium altitude, silt (19.6, 18.6%) and hydraulic conductivity (237.9, 129.8 mm h−1) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in terraced than non-terraced land, while clay (29.2, 27.8%) and total available water content (TAWC) (222.2, 201.7 mm m−1) were higher in non-terraced than terraced land. At the high altitude, hydraulic conductivity (194.3, 124.1 mm h−1) was higher in terraced than non-terraced land, while soil bulk density (1.42, 1.35 g cm−3) and TAWC (251.6, 235.3 mm m−1) were higher in non-terraced than terraced land. Terracing increased silt content and hydraulic conductivity, and slightly decreased clay and water retention capacity. These changes are important in soil water and fertility management, and therefore need to be considered when using terraced lands.Publication Effect of Land Use on Leaf Litter Decomposition in Upper Mara Streams, Kenya(Egerton University, 2018-01-18) Tsisiche, A.; M’merimba, C.; Mbaka, J. G.Modification of riparian vegetation via land use change alters leaf litter processing rates in streams. This study aimed at investigating the effect of land use change from forestry to agriculture on leaf litter decomposition in the upper Mara River catchment, Kenya. The study involved collecting, drying and weighing leaves of Eucalyptus saligna (exotic) and Macrocalyx neubotonia (native). About 6g of each leaf species was enclosed in litter bags measuring 11 x 11cm and mesh size of 10mm. The bags were exposed randomly in six streams; three draining agricultural and three draining indigenous forests. They were later retrieved at intervals of 0, 1,3,7,14,28 and 48 days, dried and weighed. The difference in processing rates of Eucalyptus leaves were statistically not significant (insert test and statistics) between streams draining indigenous forest (mean -k = 0.039±0.009, pooleddata) and streams draining agricultural areas decaying Macrocalyx leaves were –k = 0.095±0.005 in streams draining agricultural areasand k=0.062±0.01 for streams draining indigenous forest. The two values differed significantly (t = 2.892, d.f=4, p= < 0.05). Significant differences in processing rates were also evident between Eucalyptus and Macrocalyx leaves in streams draining indigenous and agricultural forests respectively (ttest, p<0.05). It would take 63 and 69 days for 90% of leaves of Eucalyptus to be processed in agricultural and forested streams respectively whilst Macrocalyx leaves would take 24 and 53 days. Processing rates for the two leaves were generally higher in agricultural streams than in forested streams most probably due to higher nutrients especially Phosphate concentration arising from agricultural land. In all the study streams SRP had significant correlation with decay rates for both species. Significant differences in processing rates observed between the two leave species could be attributed to differences in leave toughness and the presence of inhibitory compounds in eucalypts. The findings of this study suggest that land use change interacts with change in the composition of riparian tree species to influence decomposition ratesof leaf litter in streams. This has implications on theEgerton J. Sci. & Technol. Volume 16:functional organization of shredders and nutrient cycling in streams. This study confirms that land use activity has an effect on litter decomposition rates in Upper Mara catchment streams. However Eucalyptus decomposition did not respond to change in land use activity because of its poor quality which masks the land use effect.Publication Effects of tillage depth and speed on drawbar power and performance of disc and Mouldborad ploughs in silt loam soil(Egerton University, 2019-09-25) Alele, Joseph OderoA research was carried out at the Ngongongeri Farm Kenya to determine effects of tillage depth and speed on drawbar power and performance of disc and mouldboard ploughs so as to develop a mathematical model that would assist farmers, machinery managers and policy makers to properly match implements to tractors and the size of tractors to import based on soil types and conditions. The implements used were a standard 2-bottom mouldboard plough and a 3-bottom disc plough. Tillage depths used were 6.5 cm, 12.5 cm and 22.5 cm while the forward speeds were 1.3 km/h, 2.3 km/h and 3.0 km/h with the width of both implements fixed at 80 cm. Preliminary field studies of soil parameters were conducted and the analysis of parameters showed homogeneity hence a completely randomized design was used. Two tractors were used with a digital pull dynamometer located in between the tractors to take the readings of draught at various depths and speeds of tillage. The measured draught was used to calculate the drawbar power and specific power. The results showed increase in drawbar power with increase in tillage depth and forward speed at all the levels of the parameters tested for both the ploughs used with mouldboard plough having higher values of power requirement at all levels of the parameters investigated. The specific drawbar power increased with increase in forward speed and decreased with tillage depth for the implements used. Mathematical models were developed to predict specific drawbar power given by: Ys 0.27 X1 X 2 0.13X 3 and Ys 0.41X1 3.43X 2 0.15X 3 for disc and mouldboard ploughs respectively based on depth (X1), speed (X2) and width of cut (X3). The predicted values from the models fitted well to the measured values with some minimal residuals, hence can be used in matching of these implements to tractors in silt loam soils. Soil pulverization ratio increased with increase in speed while trench specific resistance decreased with increase in tillage depth. Mouldboard plough had better soil inversion at all levels of interaction between speed and depth of tillage as compared to disc plough. The results of the study showed that the mouldboard plough had better performance in terms of soil slice inversion and pulverization as compared to the disc plough at all levels of the factors tested. Therefore, based on the tillage power and specific power disc ploughs should be encouraged to minimize the cost of tillage. While looking at the field in terms of performance in primary tillage then shallow mouldboard tillage should be encouraged to take advantage of good inversion properties.Publication Efficacy of Bomas (Kraals) in Mitigating Livestock Depredation in Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya(MDPI, 2023-03) Wakoli, Elizabeth; Syallow, Dorothy Masiga; Evans Sitati; Webala, Paul W.; Ipara, Hellen; Finch, TabithaLivestock depredation is a major conservation challenge globally, causing significant economic losses to pastoralists and threatening large carnivore species outside protected areas. Our study investigated the temporal and spatial distribution of livestock depredation incidences, carnivore species associated with livestock depredation, and assessed mitigation measures in Maasai Mara Conservancies in Southern Kenya. Using daily monitoring of livestock depredation cases, we made comparisons between livestock attacks occurring in predator-proof bomas and those with traditional kraals. A total of 305 livestock depredation incidents were recorded between January and December 2021, translating to a total tally of 1411 livestock maimed or killed. Most livestock depredation incidents occurred during the day (59%) as opposed to night (41%), but this difference was not significant. Livestock depredation incidents in the nighttime occurred mostly inside traditional kraals (34%) and occurred the least in predator-proof kraals (2%). Lions were responsible for more livestock attacks in the grazing fields compared with leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs. Hyenas were more daring and attacked livestock inside traditional bomas relative to lions and leopards. Our study concludes that predator-proof bomas are more effective in minimizing livestock depredation and can be embraced as a sound intervention for human–carnivore co-existence in communities’ wildlife conservation areas.Publication Environmental Degradation’s Effect on the Gains Made in SDG6(Springer International Publishing, 2021-02-23) Moturi, Wilkister NyaoraWater is a vital limited resource for humanexistence, and the availability of adequate andsafe water ties strongly with the sustainabledevelopment concept. In the last 100 years, thedemand for water has increased six times andcontinues to grow at an annual rate of 1%(WWAP 2018). Sustainable Development Goal 6sets out to ensure availability and sustainablemanagement of water and sanitation for all.Water connects us all and is embedded in almostall the other SDGs, particularly those dealing withfood, energy, and the environment. It links theweb of the 17 SDGs and their 169 targets. Nolonger can water be addressed as a separate ele-ment in isolation from the other goals. But thisinterconnectedness has important implications. Itmeans that the Water Goal will only be achieved ifthe other goals are attained, and in turn, that otherSDGs will only be achieved if the water goal isattained (Ait-Kadi 2016).Publication Environmentally persistent free radicals and particulate emissions from the thermal degradation of Croton megalocarpus biodiesel(Springer, 2018-09-01) Mosonik, Bornes; Kibet, Joshua; Ngari, Mwaniki; Nyamori, VincentPyrolysis of biodiesel at high temperatures may result in the formation of transient and stable free radicals immobilized on particulate emissions. Consequently, free radicals adsorbed on particulates are believed to be precursors for health-related illnesses such as cancer, cardiac arrest, and oxidative stress. This study explores the nature of free radicals and particulate emissions generated when Croton megalocarpus biodiesel is pyrolyzed at 600 °C in an inert environment of flowing nitrogen at a residence time of 0.5 s at 1 atm. The surface morphology of thermal emissions were imaged using a field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG SEM) while the radical characteristics were investigated using an electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer (EPR). A g-value of 2.0024 associated with a narrow ∆Hp-p of 3.65 G was determined. The decay rate constant for the radicals was low (1.86 × 10−8 s−1) while the half-life was long ≈ 431 days. The observed EPR characterization of Croton megalocarpus thermal particulates revealed the existence of free radicals typical of those found in coal. The low g-value and low decay rate constant suggests that the free radicals in particulates are possibly carbon-centered. The mechanistic channel for the formation of croton char from model biodiesel component (9-dodecenoic acid, methyl ester) has been proposed in this study.Publication Evaluation of Plant Growth on Expanded Black Cotton Soil(The Premier Publishers, 2018-02-01) Nyakach, Samwel; Owido, Seth; Onyando, JaphethIn aggregate hydroponics, the suitability of a particular medium is often guided by its physical properties. However these may not provide adequate evaluation. By growing a crop, the growth characteristics can also be used to guide medium preparation and selection. Tomatoes (Anna F1 variety) were grown in containers under a greenhouse and provided with equal amount of nutrient solution. The expanded black cotton soil was prepared by mixing with rice husk at a ratio of 90:10, fired at 750oC for 30 minutes and size reduced to various textures. The crops planted in the expanded clay aggregates performed better than the black cotton soil both in terms of stem elongation and enlargement due to improved drainage, nutrient flow and aeration conditions. The root length density was 25654 m m-3 in black cotton soil, being the highest and lowest in the coarse aggregates which had 9433 m m-3.Publication Evaluation of Spatio-Temporal Soil Moisture Variability in Semi-Arid Rangeland Ecosystem, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya(Journal of Engineering Research and Reports, 2021-09-02) Kapkwang, Charles C.; Onyando, Japheth O.; Kundu, Peter M.; Hoedjes, JoostAim: To evaluate the spatio-temporal soil moisture storage and retention capacities in semi-arid rangeland ecosystem, Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR), Kenya Study Design: Randomized complete block design (RCBD) of reference Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS) station, ten-(10) spatially distributed (soil moisture and temperature capacitance) probes (5TM-ECH20) sites. Place and Duration of Study: Kenya, MMNR, the oldest natural semi-arid rangeland ecosystem and globally unique for the great wildebeest migration, between May 2017 and April 2019. Methodology: Soil moisture (SM) variation data was collected using (CRNS) at spatial and point-scale 5TM-ECH2O probes, and gravimetric water content from (10) spatially distributed stations. Both CRNS and 5TM-ECH2O probes were used to monitor near-real time moisture levels at different soil layers ranging between 0-5cm, 5-10cm, 15-20cm, 35-40cm, and 75-80cm. Soil physical and chemical properties were laboratory analyzed. Calibration and validation datasets were obtained from 5TM-ECH2O probe and gravimetric soil samples extracted from respective layers and sites.Publication Factors Influencing the Implementation of Environmental Management Practices in Small and Medium Sized Manufacturing Entreprises in Nakuru Town, Kenya(Bharti Publications, 2020-11) Walela, Hillary BarasaSmall and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play crucial role in economic growth for many nations globally. Whereas growth of SMEs contributes to economic growth and development of a society they can also cause a significant environmental degradation. Despite continued emphasis on environmental management in Kenya, there is limited study that has focused on the environmental management strategies undertaken by manufacturing SMEs in Nakuru Town. The aim of this study was to assess the factors influencing the implementation of environmental management practices in small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises in Nakuru Town. The study employed cross sectional research design where data was collected through structured questionnaire, face to face interviews and observations. The respondents were owners of the industry, technical managers or administrative staff. Simple random sampling procedure was used to select 32 manufacturing SMEs in Nakuru County. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and results presented as frequency tables and bar graphs. Logistic regression model was used to determine factors influencing the adoption of environmental management practices. The findings indicate that the owners/managers of SMEs in Nakuru Town had limited awareness with regard to environmental impacts surrounding their business. The SME owners/managers had a positive attitude towards environmental management. But it was established that the adoption of environmental practices among the selected small and medium manufacturing enterprises was still very low or non-existent. On the factors influencing the adoption of environmental practices, the size of the firm, level of awareness and financial resources had significant influence on the decision to undertake environmental management practices. New efforts are therefore required to engage the SMEs sector in addressing environmental issues by building capacity such as raising awareness and offering incentives on programs that supports sustainable practices.