Theses and Dissertations

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REPARAMETERIZATION OF AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTED LAG TO ERROR CORRECTION MODEL TO STUDY YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN KENYA
(2019-07) Shem Otio Odhiambo Sam
The research provides statistical basis for assessing and prioritizing investment policies, initiatives and projects to maximise youth employment by scrutinizing in uence of macroeconomic variables. The macroeconomic variables considered are gross domestic product (GDP), external debt (ED), foreign domestic investment (FDI), private investment(PI), youth unemployment(YUN), literacy rate (LR), and youth population (POP). The research approach taken uses predictive analytics such as impulse response functions and variance decomposition from vector error corrections model (VECM) and cointegration regression in autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) to identify key determinants of youth unemployment to prioritize investment. This research analyzes reparameterization of ARDL to VECM through cointegration of time series. First, the time series data undergo logarithm transformation to reduce outlier e ects and have elasticity interpreted in terms of percentage. The study scrutinizes the e ects of macroeconomic shocks on youth unemployment in Kenya. For this purpose, the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test is conducted to assess stationarity of the variables used. Then Johansen Cointegration test is carried out to establish the rank at which the series are cointegrated. The unit root test has been performed on YUN, GDP, ED, FDI, PI, and LR, and POP to assess stationarity. The cointegrated dynamic ARDL model is estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS) and e ects of variables and their lags interpreted. The results reveal that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its second lag have negative e ect on youth unemployment, that is, one unit increase in (GDP) and GDP lag 2 reduce youth unemployment by 0.207922% and 0.2052705% respectively. Also, one unit of External Debt (ED) and ED lag 2 reduce youth unemployment by 0.07303% and 0.009116% respectively. Furthermore, unit increase in one year lag of youth literacy rate reduces youth unemployment by 0.0892691%. Lastly, lag one and three of population reduce youth unemployment by 0.2590455% and 4.3093119% respectively. The Johansen Cointegration Analysis has revealed three long run relationships which can be interpreted as a GDP e ect; External Debt e ect and Foreign Direct Investment e ect relations. A structural VECM has been described through restrictions taken from the Cointegration Analysis. Based on the results of the Impulse-Response Function and variance decomposition analyses of the Structural VECM, it is concluded that GDP, literacy level, population, and FDI shocks have signi cant iii e ects on Kenyan youth unemployment in the long run. On the superiority of the two models, whereas ARDL captures the in uence of past shocks through coe cients of lags, VECM predicts the e ects of current shocks and resulting movement of variables more than 10 unit steps ahead. Also, Granger causality present in ARDL does not exist in reparameterized VECM. The F-test and t-test reveal that the two models are signi cant at 95% c
SCREENING FOR SALT STRESS TOLERANCE, IN VITRO REGENERABILITY AND RELATIVE GROWTH AMONG SELECTED KENYAN SWEETPOTATO Ipomoea batatas L. Lam GENOTYPES
(2018-12) Nzaro Gona Makenzi
Salinity affects about 40% of the global area mainly the arid and semi-arid regions. In Kenya the ASALs cover approximately 80% of the total area where agricultural production constraints include water scarcity, salinity and sodicity. Sweetpotato Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.) is the third most economically important root crop after potato and cassava in the world cultivated for human consumption, animal feed and industrial uses. The production of sweetpotato by smallholder farmers in the ASALs is affected by abiotic stresses including salinity. However, data on levels of salinity stress tolerance among Kenyan sweetpotato genotypes is limited. The objective of the study was to determine physiological response of sweetpotato to salinity stress and assess in vitro regeneration among selected Kenyan sweetpotato genotypes. Fifteen Kenyan selected sweetpotato genotypes Ksp 36, Ksp 20, Ksp28, Kemb 36, Kemb 10, Kemb 23, Kalamb Nyerere, Mweu Mutheki, Enaironi, Mugande, Zambezi, Spk 004, Spk 013, Spk203 and Jewel were used for the present study. In vitro shoot organogenesis using TDZ was used in detrmining regenrability while sudden shock treatment and an incremental stress regime were used for studying the physiological resposes of sweetpotato genotypes to osmotic and salinity stresses. Physiological responses was assessed by measuring the leaf photosynthetic pigment content, vine and leaf length, relative water content and yield. All data collected were analyzed using ANOVA at 95 % confidence interval using SAS statistical software. Mean separation was carried out using pairwise comparison test at 5 % probability level. Results shows that the highest number of adventitious bud; 8.00 (Kalamb nyerere) was produced in the dark at 0.25 mg/l TDZ hormone level. Regeneration frequencies of adventitious buds recovered in the dark was the highest, 83.20% (Jewel) at 0.10 mg/l NAA hormone level. The best genotypes for direct shoot organogenesis were Kalamb nyerere, Kemb 36 and Spk 004. Growth analysis shows that the sweetpotato genotypes with the highest mean growth rates were Kalamb Nyerere, Spk203, Enaironi, and Mweu Mutheki. Results show that at high in vitro osmotic and salinity stresses all genotypes had reduced amount of photosynthetic pigments. Best performing genotypes under in vitro osmotic and salinity stress were Ksp 36, Ksp 28 and Zambezi. Results of in vivo salinity stress shows that all the genotypes had reduced vine length except Spk 013, Spk 203 and Kemb 23. Yield was negatively affected by in vivo salinity stress but was lowest in Spk004 (-31.13%), Mweu Mutheki (-31.43%) and Ksp 36 (-35.29%). Using the combined morphophysological approach the following genotypes were found to be salt tolerant Spk 004, Mweu Mutheki, Ksp 36, Kemb 36 and Kalamb Nyerere and can be incooperated in breeding programs so as to introgress tolerance to sensitive genotypes.
PREVALENCE OF FETAL HEMOGLOBIN AND ANTIBODY RESPONSES TO Plasmodium Falciparum ANTIGENS IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE PATIENTS IN WESTERN KENYA
(2016-06) BRENDA AKINYI WEBALA
Malaria is a major public health problem worldwide with increasing cases and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Sickle cell disease conditions relate geographically with malaria endemic areas. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) moderates the clinical severity of sickle cell disease (SCD) and also provides protection against malaria. Consequently, it provides survival advantage but the data is limited. Designing a study linking HbF with protection against malaria infection has been a challenge due to potential confounders on the exposure outcome. This study therefore investigated the prevalence and levels of HbF and the IgG responses to Plasmodium falciparum antigens in 100 SCD patients aged 5-30 years living in a malariaendemic area in Western Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and levels of HbF and the IgG responses to a panel of eleven recombinant P. falciparum antigens in SCD patients. The levels of HbF and the IgG responses to each of the 11 antigens were determined using the alkali denaturation (Betke) method and the cytometric bead assay in a Luminexsuspension array technology respectively. The study reports a prevalence of up to 77 % of the SCD patients with high fetal hemoglobin (>10%) with a mean and range of 19.09% (1.44-56.25%) respectively. Generally the levels of HbF increased with age (r = 0.17, P < 0.05) indicating that fetal hemoglobin provides survival advantage in SCD, in males there was an increase in HbF with age (r=0.31; P<0.05) while in females it was not significant (r = 0.02; P>0.05). The IgG responses to the multiple P. falciparum antigens were differently expressed in the SCD patients, preerythrocytic antigens showed a statistical difference when the mean IgG levels were compared using unpaired T test between the seropositive SCD patients and nonSCD individuals with the later having high IgG levels (P<0.05). In contrast LSANRC had high IgG levels in SCD patients (P<0.05). The IgG responses to blood stage antigens on the other hand were not statistically different between the SCD patients and non- SCD individuals (P>0.05). The IgG responses to MSP-1-42-FVO were high both in the seropositive SCD and non-SCD individuals. However, when compared with the non-SCD individuals using unpaired T-test, the non- SCD individuals had significantly high levels of IgG responses to both the preerythrocytic and the blood stage antigens than the SCD patients (P<0.05). Using Spearmans’ rank correlation analysis, HbF positively correlated with the IgG responses to LSA-NRC (r= 0.26; P<0.05), other antigens showed no correlation. This implies that HbF can provide protection against malaria in SCD patients living in malaria endemic areas and thus increase their life expectancy. The findings also reinforce the previous findings that antibody cooperates with fetal hemoglobin to provide protection against malaria. Nonetheless, further rigorous study design approach should be used for investigations on the role of HbF on pathogenesis and chemotherapy of malaria in SCD patients.
PARENT-RELATED DETERMINANTS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON GIRLS RETENTION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS
(2017-06) KADIMA ARTHUR WANG’ANYA
Education is an important life process that plays a vital role in forming the foundation for girls’. Female education especially in secondary level has been realized as a critical pathway in promoting social, political and economic benefits for the developing countries. In spite of the government’s progress in narrowing the gender gap in education at secondary level, girls’ low retention in secondary school remains unresolved in some parts of the country. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the parentrelated determinants and their effects in girls retention in public secondary school in Kaloleni Sub-County. The objectives of the study were to; determine the effects of parental level of education on girls’ retention of girls in schools, determine parental involvement in girls’ academics in schools, to find out if parents partnering with the schools affect the retention of girls in secondary education. The study based on the Classical Liberal Theory of equal opportunity and Social Darwinism which asserts that each person is born with a given amount of capacity (Orodho 2003). The main areas of literature review were; parental level of education, parental involvement, partnering with parents in school. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to collect information. The selected area for the study was Kaloleni Sub-County in Kilifi County. The target population was 1690 where the sample population of the study was 351; 5 principals, 15 class teachers, 330 students and 1 SQASO. The study utilized questionnaires and interview schedule for data collection. Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency distribution were used to analyze the data. The study established that majority of the students 128 (40.9% ) had their fathers and 114 (36.4%) had mothers who had only attained primary level of education which implied that majority of the girls had no role models and lacked the motivation to continue with their studies which had resulted to low retention of girls. Majority of the principals 3 (60%,) class teachers 8 (53.3%) and 198 (63.26%) of the students showed that majority of parents were not involved in the learning process causing most of the girls from poor economic backgrounds to stay away from school and others dropping out leading to low retention of girls. The study further revealed from the 4 (90%) principals, that majority of the parents to a small extent partnered with the schools on going activities which implied that most parents were not concerned with their daughters’ education making most of the girls to have low retention in secondary schools. The study recommended parental partnership to be embedded in teaching and learning policies so that girl-child problems and challenges are addressed. The study further recommended for more research to be done on a large area or the whole country as it had been done in a Sub-County.
levels of environmental noise and perceived health implications in bus termini nairobi central business district
(2018-06) KOGUTU NYARANGA CALEB
Environmental noise is noise emanating from all other sources except the industrial workplace, main sources include road, rail and air traffic, industries, construction, public works and social activities. WHO and NEMA provides permissible environmental noise level standard to be 75 and 60 dB (A) respectively. Noise pollution has been linked to many adverse health effects and there is limited documentation to this effect within the CBD termini of Nairobi.The aim of this study was to assess noise levels and it’s perceived health effects across bus termini in Central Business District of Nairobi City. Using a cross-sectional study design and fishers et al (1983) to determine the sample size, a random sample of 422 community members working within nine bus termini for more than 8 hours a day were approached and recruited in the study. Noise levels were measured using Calibrated sound level meter (Model # 8926). A selfadministered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data to identify perceived health risks of noise and safety practices across bus termini. Univariate Chisquare test of independence was used to test the association between noise levels and reported health implications. The response rate was 94.7% (n= 397). The study revealed that 66.8% of respondents (n=265) had awareness on effects of excessive noise exposure as compared to 33.2% (n=132).This study revealed that a higher proportion of respondents spending more than 3 days a week working at the bus termini visited the doctor for a perceived noise induced hearing problem. As such there was a significant association between the number of days spend working at the bus termini in a week and visiting a doctor for a noise induced hearing problem (χ2=16.52, df=2; p<0.001). In this study, the leading acute perceived health effects of excessive noise were reported to be sleep disturbance at 24.17% (n=152), hearing impairment at 23.05% (n=145), exhaustion at 13.04% (n=82), high blood pressure at 12.72% (n=80) and annoyance at 10.18% (n=64). This study revealed a high concentration of noise levels ranging between 88.14 to115.04dB(A) at Tuskys, St Peters Clavers, Central, Latema and Ronald Ngala bus termini as compared to Ngara and Railways bus termini which reported low concentration of noise levels ranging 85.45 to 93.63dB(A). There was a variation in maximum mean noise levels across the day, in the morning the maximum noise level was 93.65dB recorded at Old Nation Bus Terminus, at midday the maximum noise level was 94.28 dB recorded at Tuskys Bus Terminus while in the evening maximum mean noise level was 118.44 dB as recorded at Moi Lane Bus Terminus. This study revealed a significant association (χ2=27.663; df=8; p<0.001) between a respondent visiting a doctor for a perceived noise induced hearing problem and bus termini in which they are located. Hence a high proportion of respondents who visited the doctor for a perceived noise induced hearing problem were from bus termini that recorded high noise levels. This study revealed that safety practices most likely to be utilized across all occupational groups include; working few hours in the noisy environment (χ2=7.746; df=2; p<0.021); closing windows and doors to eliminate noise (χ2=3.89; df=2; p<0.05) and walking away from noise (χ2=5.29; df=2; p<0.024). However, a higher proportion of respondents across all the occupational groups reported not using personal protective equipment. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that noise levels in Nairobi are beyond the permissible levels as per NEMA standards 60 dB(A) and WHO ( 75dB(A) standards. Location of bus termini close to each other contributes to the significant generation of noise. Consequently, the authorities should spread out bus termini to reduce high concentration of noise levels at single hotspots in the city. In addition, the public transport routes should be designed in a manner such that they do not terminate at one point in the city.
FORMS AND BIOAVAILABILITY OF ZINC AND COPPER ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN PARTS OF WATERMELONS FROM NGARA AND MWEA MARKETS, KENYA
(2018-09) Bernard Chege
During the last few decades analytical chemists and nutrition scientists have increasingly realized that total concentrations of chemical elements cannot give, in general, information about mobility, bioavailability, and the eventual impact of elements on biological organisms. Only the knowledge of the chemical species of the elements can provide an understanding of chemical and biochemical reactions, bioavailability, and subsequent paths of metabolism, thus leading to more information about essentiality or toxicity. This stresses the necessity of speciation analysis to determine the species of an element in a specific matrix. There is need therefore to determine the species of essential elements in different types of fruits, vegetables and other foods. One fruit that is increasingly being consumed and which is available throughout the year and has essential elements is watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai). There is need to determine the form in which the essential elements occur in the seed, red flesh, white flesh and peel in a watermelon to avoid deficiency when used as food to encourage use of thrown away parts. The study therefore aimed at providing information on bioavailability and forms of essential elements in the peel, white flesh, red flesh and seed parts of watermelons. Water and ethanol extractable elements are more available for absorption than those extracted by other solvents. Watermelons selected for the study are widely consumed and were purchased from Mwea and Ngara markets in Kenya. They were separated to peel, seed, white and red flesh and dried. Each of the watermelon part was sequentially extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol, water and lastly residue digested and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) was used to determine the levels of each element in various fractions. Free Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions and their organic acid complexes in the extracts constitute the bioavailable forms. The data of this study were analysed through One Way Analysis of Variance. The results of this study showed that there were variations in extracted mean levels of Zn and Cu minerals in the parts and varieties of watermelon. Significantly high water extracts mean levels (p < 0.001) of 0.46±0.01 mg/100 g, (46%) Cu was recorded in peel of sugar baby from Ngara market compared to the other watermelon samples. Crimson sweet watermelon samples bought from Ngara market recorded the highest Zn water extracts mean levels (p < 0.001) of 4.84±0.04 mg/100 g, (52%) in red flesh compared to the other watermelon varieties in the market. Charleston grey watermelon samples from Mwea market significantly recorded a high Zn water extracts mean levels (p < 0.001) of 5.96±0.01 mg/100 g, (61%) in white flesh than was recorded in the other parts of the watermelon varieties. Presence of hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids which are complexing agents that enhance bioavailability of Zn and Cu were obtained in the watermelon extracts through GC - MS analysis. The bioavailable species of Zn and Cu could have been either as free ions or their organic acid complexes. Since Zn and Cu minerals were bioavailable in the four parts of the watermelon samples, people should eat all the parts of watermelon either when dry or fresh as a source of these nutrients. Result from this study will be used to guide people on nutrition aspect of a watermelon which will in turn enhance human health.
FISH PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE FROM DAGAA (Rastrineobola argentea) AS NUTRITIONAL COMPONENT IN MICROBIAL CULTURE MEDIA
(2016-09) Pere Katherine
Dagaa is a small pelagic fish found in Lake Victoria. It is mainly used as a nutrient source in the animal feed industry as well as for human consumption among the poor and the middle class. Fish protein hydrolysate as a source of nutrient in culture media has been explored in several fish species such as Silver Carp, Yellow Tuna, Yellow Stripe Trevally, Herring and Mackerel. Dagaa could also be an excellent candidate for culture media since it is rich in proteins, lipids and minerals. This would also add value to the underutilized fish species and minimize post-harvest losses of up to 50% during rainy seasons. In the current study, Dagaa as a source of nitrogen in culture media was explored by first preparing the Dagaa Protein Hydrolysate (DPH) using Alcalase enzyme. Proximate analysis for protein, lipid, moisture /dry weight and ash contents of DPH was performed and compared with that of Dagaa, Dagaa Fish Hydrolysate (DFH), Standard media Luria Bertani (LB) and Sabouraud’s Dextrose Broth (SDB). Mineral analysis was also performed on all these samples. The potential of DPH as a nitrogen source in microbial growth media was investigated using; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Rhodobacter capsulatus for bacterial growth studies while Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana were used for fungal growth. Potential of DPH to sustain production of commercial valued enzyme amylase was also investigated with R. capsulatus and B. subtilis in DPH-Starch media. This was done using Dinitrosalicylic (DNS) acid assay. M. anisopliae was analyzed for sporulation (conidia production) rate in DPH-Dextrose media. Proximate and mineral analysis indicated that there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the nutritional and mineral profiles of DPH and the two standard media (LB and SD). The protein content of DPH was higher than that of LB and SDB while the mineral content of DPH was lower than that of LB but slightly higher than that of SDB. LB had more Sodium content than DPH. Investigation of the potential of DPH as a nitrogen source in media indicated that in all microorganisms used in this study, there was no significant difference (p˃0.05) in DPH-FM and DPH-Dextrose as compared to standard media in the growth of microorganisms. The potential for DPH-Starch to sustain production of commercial valued amylase indicated that there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the sustenance of amylase production in formulated DPH-Starch and standard media by R. capsulatus and B. subtilis. DPHStarch media gave better production of amylase enzyme in both microbes than the standard media. There was no significant difference (p˃0.05) in the sporulation rates of M. anisopliae in DPH-Dextrose and the standard media. Hence DPH formulated media can be substituted as a potential culture media for microbial growth. The cost of formulation is low and provides an alternative means of value addition to Dagaa.
FINGERPRINTING AND RELATING JUVENILE CHARACTERS OF RICE TO YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN KIAMBU AND KIRINYAGA COUNTIES
(2019-02) SYLVIA A. HENGA
Rice is increasing as an important food and cash crop in Kenya and is third to maize and wheat in terms of consumption. Consumption has continually outstripped production resulting in massive importation. The main problem affecting productivity involves lack of proper information on best storage time, use of poor quality seed, varietal admixtures which has contributed to low yields. There is need to characterize genotypes. Microsatellit are useful in various plant genetic studies and plant characrerization. Accelerated aging is considered an excellent option as a vigor test due to shortest time of acquisition and efficient results. In the proposed study, seed quality experiments including germination, dormancy, purity, were carried out in the laboratory using eight rice varieties in a Completely Randomized Design. Accelerated ageing tests at 0,24,48 and 72hrs(45oC and 98%RH) were carried out JKUAT post-harvest laboratory using eight rice varieties‟ in four replications of100 seeds each. Data was collected on dates to plumule and radical emergence and height. Five varieties were used to produce seeds which were stored for 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 months respectively. The seedlings were transplanted into fields in a Randomized Complete Block Design using 5*6 factorial arrangement. The study also determined the relationship between juvenile characters and adult characters of rice in Kiambu and Kirinyaga counties. All the data were analyzed using GENSTAT statistical package. ANOVA and LSD at 5% significant level. Seed quality results showed that There was significant variation in both coleorrhiza and coleoptile formation among rice varieties (p<0.001), treatments (p<0.001) and interaction between rice varieties and treatment ((p<0.001). The difference between all treatments was significant with 72 hours treatment having the highest number of days to coleorhiza and coleoptile formation. Results showed that the effect of genotype on coleorhiza and colleoptille formation was significant (p<0.001). Genotype B317 had the earliest colleoptile formation 8.75days, coleorhiza formation (9.81), B317 also had the highest germination percentages at 7(33.69), 14 (52.44) and at 21 days after sowing (56.62). Mzungu had the latest number of days to coleorhizae (12.44), coleoptiles (11.18) and lowest germination percentages at 14(27.52) and 21days (31.31). The genotype had significant effect on germination index, seed length and seedling vigor index. In Mwea, there was a significant effect of storage time on germination, with 4 months giving the highest seedling vigor index (673.6), height at 1 month after transplanting (73.3cm), height at maturity (72.3cm) and 3 months giving the highest days to flowering(58.87) .The interaction between storage time and genotype on was significant, with genotype B217 stored for 3 months leading in height at one month after transplanting (87.7), height at maturity(91.8cm) .in Kiambu.The interaction between storage time and genotype was significant with 5months of storage having the highest seedling vigor index (759.5), 1000grain weight (69) and yield (15.5kg/ha). Analysis of molecular variance results indicated that the five polymorphic markers used in this study showed a total of 11 alleles across the loci of the 18 rice genotypes studied. Juvenile characters such as seedling vigor and height at transplanting had a positive and significant correlation to 1000grain weight.Genotypes TXD and B217 were identified by the 5 markers. TXD (Saro 5) was the best fit for fingerprinting as it was identified by only 1 marker. These results could be used in preparing rice seed certification procedures, in gene bank management and other seed storage ventures.
ELECTRON IMPACT ELASTIC SCATTERING OF STRONTIUM USING DISTORTED WAVE METHOD
(2018-11) KIMANI MARTIN KIRUGU
Differential and integral cross sections for electron-atom are useful for interpretation and understanding of electron contact with the targets and for determining dynamics of the collision processes. They are useful in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), upper atmosphere dynamics, Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS), Auger-electron spectroscopy (AES), in gaseous-exchange, laser development, plasma physics and fluorescent lighting. For elastic scattering of strontium very few calculations have been performed and currently there are no known results using the present method. Also the available theoretical results do not have other results to be compared with so it makes it important to obtain results to compare them and to be compared with future experimental results. In calculation of differential and integral cross section for elastic scattering of electron by strontium atom, first-order distorted wave born approximation method has been used to determine DCS and ICS at impact energies of 10eV to 200eV and scattering angles ranging from 00 to 1800 . Also in this study at the initial state, both initial and final channel distortion potential of elastic scattering of electron by a strontium atom are taken as the static potentials since it is an elastic scattering. The distorted waves are expanded in terms of radial wavefunctions and spherical harmonics, Numerov method was then used to solve the radial equations to obtain the radial wavefunctions. The Madison and Bartschat computer program DWBA1 for e- - H scattering was modified to perform the mathematical computations for e - - Sr scattering and the results for differential and integral cross sections are calculated and compared with the available results. The integral cross sections (ICS) results agree well qualitatively with the other theoretical results. At lower incident energies (10-30 eV), the present differential cross section (DCS) results disagree with results obtained from optical potential method. This is because the first order distorted wave method gives poor results at low impact energies and also the nature of the distortion potential used. At intermediate and higher energies (60-200 eV), the present DCS results agree well with the results obtained from optical potential method. In conclusion, the DWBA was developed and applied to 𝑒− - Sr scattering, changes on the DWBA1 computer program were made for strontium, differential cross section (DCS) and integral cross section (ICS) at impact energies 10-200eV for elastic scattering of electron-strontium were determined using DWBA at intermediate and high energies and the results compared with the other available results. From this work it was recommended that some experimental studies on electron impact elastic scattering of strontium should be made to give results for comparison with the calculated results, more theoretical studies using other methods should be conducted on DCS and ICS for purposes of comparison with the present results, a distortion potential that incorporates the polarization potential, exchange potential and absorption potential should be used in the calculation and the present method incorporating all the distortion potentials should be extended further for electron impact elastic scattering of other alkaline earth metals such as beryllium, cesium, ytterbium, and radium.
EFFICACY OF PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL NUTRITION INITIATIVE ON ENERGY AND MICRONUTRIENT INTAKE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PREGNANCY OUTCOMES IN MIGORI COUNTY, KENYA
(2019-03) ODIWUOR OYEHO FLORENCE A.
A large number of pregnant women in many parts of the world enter pregnancy at sub-optimal weight and height. A third of Kenyan population suffer from food insecurity that is further complicated by factors such as adverse weather conditions and increases in food prices. The result is malnutrition which primarily affects pregnant women and children under five years and significantly contributes to their morbidity and mortality. Maternal nutrition is critical for both mother and child as it lays fundamental foundation for the successful outcome of pregnancy. Kenya’s high rate of undernutrition among women of reproductive age are due to sub-optimal feeding practices, heavy workload, inadequate micronutrient intake and insufficient awareness and knowledge on nutritionally adequate diets among pregnant women leading to preterm births, low birth weight, high mortality and morbidity, impaired growth, and increased risks during childbirth for both mother and child. This study sought to investigate socio-demographic characteristics, determine nutrition knowledge and health conditions and effect of nutrition educationon nutrition knowledge and dietary practices, assess energy and micronutrient intake, determine physical activity levels, and determine pregnancy outcomes and associations between psycho-educational nutrition initiative and nutrient intake, physical activity and pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women in Migori County. A prospective cohort study design was used and simple random sampling was used to obtain a sample of 150 pregnant women from three sub-county hospitals purposively selected for study. Pregnant women of GA ≤26 weeks were recruited and enrolled into psychoeducational nutrition intervention study. Data was collected by 24 hour recall, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, biochemical analysis, anthropometric measurements and secondary data. Data was collected at baseline and after intervention for each woman and analyzed by Nutri-Survey computer package, IPAQ scoring protocol and SPSS. Data was summarized by descriptives and relationships between variables was tested by Chi square, regression model and pearson’s product moment correlation.ANOVA and t-tests were used to test for differences between means. Findings showed that the pregnant women were of low economic status. Nutrition education had positive significant associations with nutrition knowledge and practices. Most women had good health with on conditions interfering with their food consumption. Generally, there was improved dietary intake of all nutrients after the intervention although some did not meet the RDA even after intervention There was a slight reduction in physical activity factors and increased time for rest was observed after intervention although there was no significant reduction in activity levels (p ≤ 0.05). Weight gain (5.98 kg) was lower than recommended, mean gestation age was normal (37.74 weeks) but lower for preterm births category and mean BW (3039±489.5 g) was normal although 7% of new bornes had LBW. The study found significant effects of nutrition knowledge from the psycho-educational initiative on nutrient intake and pregnancy outcomes but found no effect on physical activity. The study concludes that nutrition education can be used to enhance pregnancy outcomes and nutrient intake among pregnant women. The finding is important to central and county governments, civil society, intergovernmental agencies, research groups, business enterprises and community under study
EFFECT OF INDOMETHACIN ON SELECTED PROTEIN DIGESTING ENZYMES IN THE NORWAY RAT, RATTUS NORVEGICUS
(2020-07) ONYINGO JOSEPH OPONDO
Rats are rodents of the genus Rattus and are commensals. They are rapid breeders and tend to breed all year round. Rats are responsible for the transmission of many diseases, are sources of allergens and harbour fleas and ticks which are parasites that carry diseases. Rats destroy agricultural produce, household items and documents leading to huge financial losses. Biological and physical methods of rat control have proved inefficient, while rodenticides use is associated with high cost, risks and dangerous side effects. Indomethacin has been shown to lead to 100% mortality in the Norway rat experimentally, with accumulation of undigested food in their stomach. This research therefore determined the effects of indomethacin on selected protein digesting enzymes pepsin, trypsin and amino peptidase in rats. One hundred and fifty female rats were randomly divided into six groups of twenty five rats each. Group A was used as control while B, C, D, E and F served as experimental groups and were given 12.5mg/Kg, 25mg/Kg, 50mg/Kg, 100mg/Kg and 150mg/Kg of indomethacin respectively. Five rats in each group were euthanized at intervals of one hour, two, four, eight and twelve hours from the time of indomethacin administration. The rats were dissected and the gut contents removed. The digesta from the stomach, duodenum and ileum were collected, centrifuged, and the supernatants gently pipetted into sterile vials and then frozen in liquid nitrogen. The activity of digestive enzymes in the specimens were determined by continuous spectroscopic enzyme bioassays. Analysis of data was done by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) while significant difference in the means of experimental groups was determined using post hoc ANOVA test (L.S.D). Regression analysis showed a linear relationship between indomethacin dose and enzyme activity. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error. The results showed that increase in dose of indomethacin administered leads to a decrease in the enzyme activity. Pepsin activity at 12.5mg/Kg dose was 214.2±0.6µg/mol while at a dose of 150mg/Kg the activity was 51.4±0.5µg/mol. Trypsin activity at a dose of 12.5mg/Kg, was 113.5±0.03 µg/mol while at 150mg/Kg dose the activity was 29.0±0.1µg/mol. Amino peptidase activity at 12.5mg/Kg dose was 126.5±0.04µg/mol while at 150mg/Kg dose, the activity was 33.5±0.09µg/mol. The enzyme activity is inversely proportional to the length of time taken after indomethacin administration. Pepsin activity after one hour was 214.2±0.6µg/mol while at twelve hours the activity was 108.8±0.4µg/mol. Trypsin activity after one hour was 113.2±0.03µg/mol while after twelve hours the activity was 55.5±0.05µg/mol. Amino peptidase activity after one hour was 126.5±0.04µg/mol while after twelve hours the activity was 67.8±0.03µg/mol). The mean enzyme activities in all groups were significantly different from each other at p<0.05. The results of this study have provided better understanding of the physiological basis of functioning of indomethacin as a rodenticide and its effects in digestion of rats. The findings of this study should be used by government officers to educate the masses on control of rats using indomethacin. The mechanism by which indomethacin decreases protein digestive enzyme activity should be investigated.
EFFECTS OF FARM SIZE AND GREENLEAF MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS ON SMALLHOLDER TEA PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY IN SELECTED COUNTIES IN KENYA
(2018-06) JOSIAH MWANGI ATEKA
The smallholder tea sub-sector makes an important contribution in the Kenyan economy. Although the subsector has enjoyed relative growth in terms of acreage, output and number of growers, productivity has remained low. The subsector is characterized by huge differentials between actual and potential yields, which imply existence of production inefficiencies. Studies on efficiency in the sector have focused on the regional differences in efficiency, but have not explicitly considered the effects of farm size on efficiency; despite rising concerns from stakeholders about subdivision of tea farms. Moreover, the influences of the alternative tea market channels (ATMCs) which are outcome of the tea market reforms have also not been accounted for in previous studies. This study estimated the level of technical efficiency (TE) and analysed the effects of farm size and marketing arrangements on efficiency in the smallholder tea subsector in Kenya. Using the multistage random sampling approach, data for the study was collected from a cross sectional survey of 525 tea farming households. The level of TE was estimated using the variable returns to scale DEA model, while the analysis of farm size effects was explored using the Fractional Regression (FR) model which accounts for the fractional nature of efficiency scores. The study further applied the Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model to investigate the effect of marketing arrangements on TE. The study found that smallholder tea farms were technically inefficient and were operating below their optimal scale. The estimated mean of TE was 0.46 which implies that tea farmers can achieve their current tea output using only 46 percent of their inputs. The study further found that tea farmers in Nyamira County were technically less efficient than their counterparts in Bomet County. The effect of farm size on TE was found to be nonlinear with TE first falling and then rising with increase in farm size. Apart from contributing to literature on the relationship between farm size and efficiency, the study demonstrates that there exists a threshold of farm size (3.93 acres) beyond which increase in farm size leads to an increase TE. The other factors that were found to influence TE were participation in the Farmer Field School (FFS) extension program, the share of family labour applied in tea farming, the age of the farm and the education level of the household head. With regard to tea marketing, it was found that the ATMCs were used by 36.4 percent of the smallholders in the study area. From the ESR and PSM models the study found a consistent result that ATMC participation increases TE in tea production. The study recommends that Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and the respective county governments enact regulations that restrict farm subdivisions and implement policies that encourage consolidation of tea farms, support tea replanting to replace aging tea gardens and deepen market reforms in order to increase the farmers‟ access to ATMC. In addition, efforts should be directed towards promotion of the FFS extension, addressing labour market imperfections and ensuring that the policy formulation process in the tea sector accounts for regional specific heterogeneities that may impact on efficiency.
Effects of Computer Interactive Multiple Mice Technique On Learners’ Performance in Fractions In Primary Schools In Kenya
(2017-11) Metrine Wambani Sulungai
Studies attribute poor performance in mathematics especially in fractions in public primary schools to teacher centred teaching methods. However, few researchers have tried out interventions based on computer interactive multiple mice technique that promises to offer interactive and collaborative learning benefits enabling learners in resource-constrained schools to share one computer each with their own mouse. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of computer interactive multiple mice technique on learners’ achievement, motivation and classroom interaction in learning fractions in public primary schools. The study was guided by the following objectives: to determine any difference in achievement between learners’ taught using computer interactive multiple mice technique and those taught using conventional instructional methods, to find out any difference in motivation between learners’ taught using computer interactive multiple mice technique and those taught using conventional instructional methods and to establish any difference in classroom interaction between learners’ taught using computer interactive multiple mice and those taught using conventional instructional methods. Computer Support for Collaborative Learning theory was used to depict the relationship between computer interactive multiple mice technique and conventional instructional methods as the independent variables and learners’ performance as the dependent variable. The study adopted quasi experimental pre-test, post-test, non equivalent groups design. The target population was 5,487 Standard 6 learners in public primary co-educational schools in Kenya. A sample of 518 learners from 12 schools were selected. Sampling techniques used involved stratification, purposive and simple randomized sampling. Computer interactive multiple mice technique was used in the experimental group while conventional instructional method was used in the control groups. Two Mathematics Achievement Tests (Mathematics Achievement Test 1 and Mathematics Achievement Test 2) gauged learners’ achievement in fractions. Mathematics Achievement Test 1 was used as a pretest for the two groups. Mathematics Achievement Test 2 was used to determine learner achievement after instruction. Mathematics Lesson Observation Checklist (MLOC) was used to gauge learners’ classroom interactions. Learner Motivation Questionnaire (LMQ) was used to determine learners’ motivation towards learning fractions. The instruments were piloted in two public primary co-educational schools of Hamisi Sub County. Face and content validity were determined by experts in mathematics subject. Test retest reliability method was deployed. Reliability was established using Pearson’s Product Moment of Correlation Coefficient to determine if the instruments were reliable. Class observations was employed to provide comparative findings to supplement the quantitative data. To test the hypotheses, inferential statistics (t-test) were used at significance level of .05. Qualitative data was summarized using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and presented using tables and figures. A response rate of 89.1% (476) was realized. The findings revealed that on the pretest, the two groups were comparable. The posttest revealed significant difference with mean performance of the experimental group higher than the control group. The findings revealed significant difference in achievement between the groups (t474 = 21.925, p = .000.), improved mean scores in motivation and enhanced classroom interactions. Therefore, computer interactive multiple mice technique enhanced learners achievement in fractions, improved learner motivation and enhanced classroom interaction as compared to conventional instructional methods in public primary schools of Hamisi Sub County.
DETERMINATION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY AMONG NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS VISITING KISII TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KENYA
(2018-10) MAGETO VINCENT MOGAKA
People with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus have been found to be prone to urinary tract infections. There is a wide gap of information in developing countries regarding the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity of the pathogens causing urinary tract infections in diabetic patients. Developed nations also face a relatively huge burden of managing urinary tract infections among non-insulin dependent diabetics. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria causing urinary tract infections among non-insulin dependent diabetic patients as well as determining the bacterial causative agents of urinary tract infections through biochemical confirmatory tests. The study was carried out in Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisii County, Kenya. One hundred and eighty diabetic patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study design. Clean catch midstream urine was collected from all participants and cultured in cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar for bacteria isolation. The isolates were later cultured in Mueller Hinton for antibiotic sensitivity testing. Classification of a positive culture for urinary tract infection was based on more than 100,000 (≥105 ) colony-forming units of a single bacterial species. All the data was extracted and analyzed with the statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 20. The data was analyzed using frequencies, chi square (P<0.05) and logic regression to find the odds ratio. One hundred and seven participants were male (59.4 %) and 73 (40.6 %) were female. Sixty-three participants (35 %) showed symptoms of urinary tract infections. The overall prevalence of urinary tract infections was 20.6 % with 37 participants testing positive for urinary tract infection. The duration of diabetes mellitus was revealed to be significant (p=0.01) while age was also found to have a significant association with urinary tract infection (p=0.002). Out of the 37 (100 %) isolates, 35 (94.6 %) were gram negative and the remaining 2 (5.4 %) were gram positive. Escherichia coli was the most predominant isolate with 21 (56.8 %) isolates followed by 10 (27 %) isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia and then 4 (10.8 %) isolates of Proteus mirabilis. There were two (5.4 %) isolates of Enterococcus faecalis. Out of the 21 E. coli isolates, five isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, three isolates were resistant to nitrofurantoin and three isolates were resistant to co-trimoxazole. Out of 10 K. pneumoniae isolates, two were resistant to ampicillin, one was resistant to cephalexin and two were resistant to co-trimoxazole. Out of the four P. mirabilis isolates, there were three cases where one strain was each resistant to ampicillin, nitrofurantoin and cotrimoxazole. All 21 isolates of E. coli (100 %) were sensitive to gentamicin and cephalexin. All ten K. pneumoniae isolates (100 %) were sensitive to gentamicin and nitrofurantoin. These findings suggest an increasing antibiotic resistance among pathogenic causative agents of UTI among non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. A longitudinal study is recommended with a higher number of participants, in order to understand the risk factors of urinary tract infection among diabetic patients.
DETERMINATION OF FECAL CONTAMINATION STATUS OF SHALLOW WELLS IN DEDE DIVISION, MIGORI COUNTY, KENYA
(2018-11) OLUOCH EVANCE ODIWUOR
A shallow well is a hole dug, bored or drilled less than 50M deep to extract water. Contamination of shallow wells with fecal matter presents a grave public health threat in developing countries, such as Kenya, where large numbers of households lack access to clean and safe water supplies and rely on untreated surface water sources or shallow unprotected groundwater for domestic utilization. A report by WHO shows that 1 billion people practice open defecation with nine out of ten of them in rural areas and it is estimated that 1.8 billion people use a source of drinking water that is fecally contaminated. In Kenya unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene are the 2nd leading risk factors causing morbidity and mortality at the national and county levels respectively. In Dede Division, 65.5% of households depend on shallow wells for domestic needs and there are rising trends of confirmed cases of fecal-related diseases. The study sought to assess human and technical determinants of fecal contamination status of shallow wells in Dede Division. A cross-sectional study of households using the wells was conducted. Fisher’s formula was then used to calculate the sample size of the heads of households. Since the approximated number of households using shallow wells was <10,000 (4008), the two stages of the formula were adopted, giving a sample size of 386 heads of households. Out of the 180 shallow wells, 54 (30% of 180) were proportionately sampled and grab sampling technique adopted while sampling water from each of the sampled shallow wells. Basic physical parameters like temperature, turbidity and pH were analysed by a portable turbidity meter and pH meter while H2S rapid field test was employed for total corliforms analysis of grab samples in the field. Fecal contamination status of each well was determined by Membrane Filter Technique in kisumu government labaratory. Chi-square test was used to measure associations between variables while Multi-variate logistic regression analysis applied to test the hypotheses. The study reported significant relationship between level of knowledge of respondents on a well being too close to a latrine as a potential route (risk factor), a well located downhill a latrine, an open/uncovered well, surface run-offs into wells, dropping objects in shallow wells, using a dirty drawer, people/animals dropping in wells, doing laundry next to a well, and human/animal feces dropping in the well as potential routes of fecal contamination. It further revealed significant associations between several technical determinants and fecal contamination status of shallow wells e.g distance (M) from a latrine to a well, with majority of wells within safe distances of contamination (>10M) but still tested positive for fecal corliforms, distance (M) from the nearest cattle pen if any with a significant majority of shallow wells testing positive for fecal corliforms, damage or lack of concrete plinth, breaks/cracks on the parapet walls, breaks/cracks in the cover/top slab, breaks in the drainage channels, shallow well covered while not in use and shallow well fenced out respectively. Majority of shallow wells (69%) tested positive for E. Coli, a strong indicator for presence of fecal matter in water, with only 31% testing negative. Common human and technical determinants (risk factors) by and large are functions of fecal contamination status of shallow wells in Dede Division. Efficient protection of shallow wells is a critical pointer to their ground water quality. Households in Dede Division should ensure adequate treatment of shallow wells for fecal contamination before utilization of water from these sources. This can be both at source or household level. They should be sensitized by the relevant authorities on common routes of fecal contamination of shallow well water and safe hygiene and sanitation practices around shallow wells to prevent fecal contamination of the wells. Households using shallow wells in Dede Division should ensure proper sighting and location of latrines in relation to shallow wells to avoid fecal contamination of the wells through leaching. The pit latrines should be sighted down hill the shallow wells and located atleast 10 meters apart.
BIOEFFICACY OF ORGANIC EXTRACTS OF FISH POISON BUSH (GNIDIA GLAUCA, FRESEN) AGAINST COWPEA WEAVIL (CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS FABRICIUS)
(2018-11) WILHELMY MARION JEBET
Cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) is a major pests of stored cowpea in the tropical region of the world. In Kenya, the damage caused by C. maculatus impacts negatively on its economic and nutritional values and contributes to food insecurity. The widely adopted use of chemical pesticides is marred with health and environmental hazards. Global concern on synthetic chemicals has led to heightened restrictions and limitations on their use. This, therefore, has prompted the search for alternatives to synthetic pesticides. New studies are focusing on the use of botanicals as a novel approach to the management of pests. Gnidia glauca has been exploited by local people in control of post-harvest pests. However, no scientific research has been undertaken to evaluate its potential anti-insect properties. In this study, four organic leaf extracts of G. glauca (methanol, ethyl acetate, DCM and blend) were evaluated for contact toxicity, oviposition deterrence, inhibition of progeny emergence and repellency against cowpea weevil. The plant leaves were collected from Embu County, Kenya. The samples were prepared, extracted and investigation carried out under ambient laboratory conditions. The experimental design entailed five test concentrations (2g/100ml, 4g/100m, 6g/100ml, 8g/100ml, and 10g/100ml) of each extract, the untreated control, the solvent control and the positive control-Actellic. Each bioassay had four replications. Adult weevils (1-3 days old) were exposed to the extracts and mortality was monitored daily for the first four days. Subsequently, oviposition deterrence was assessed on the 15th day while inhibition of progeny emergence was evaluated on the 49th-day post-treatment. Extract repellency was assessed for the first 6 hours after treatment. Screening for plants phytochemicals was conducted using the standard recommended procedures. The results of this study revealed all G. glauca extracts, to a varied extent, induced mortality on C. maculatus. Mortality was concentration and exposure time dependent. Highest mortality of 89.74% was recorded with 10g/100ml ethyl acetate extract 96 hours post-treatment. The extracts significantly deterred oviposition with the 10g/100ml concentration of ethyl acetate, DCMand blend statistically (p>0.05) comparable to the activity of synthetic pesticide. All the extracts were found effective in inhibition of progeny emergence. Ethyl acetate extract at the test dose of 10g/100ml demonstrated the highest inhibition of 99.3% while the least inhibition of 9.03% was exhibited by 2g/100ml methanol extract. G. glauca extracts proved to be attractant of C. maculatus rather than repellant, none of the extract concentration attained repellency greater than 50%. Results also showed that the extracts had tannins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and steroids which have been associated with insect control properties. It was therefore concluded that the plant extracts, possess bioactivities against Callosobruchus maculatus on the tested parameters of contact toxicity, oviposition deterrence, inhibition of progeny emergence and repellency. Hence the studied extracts can further be purified and developed into the plant-derived bio-pesticides to control C. maculatus.
ASSESSMENT OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN KENYA TO FORECAST LOCAL PRODUCTION SUFFICIENCY
(2017-10) SARAH KADESA VUGIGI
The World Health Organization’s global strategy on public health aims to support Member States to improve access to essential medicines. The desire of Kenya Government to implement this is expressed by formulation of Kenya National Pharmaceutical Policy (2010) which encourages local production of essential medicines for self-sufficiency. The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Kenya is engaged in production of various types of dosage forms but its capacity and capability to produce essential medicines for Kenyans have not been determined. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Kenya to forecast local production sufficiency. This was attained by evaluating the manufacturing capability, production capacities and compliance with international marketing authorization standard of the Kenyan pharmaceutical industry. The 24 licensed manufacturers of medicines for human use were assessed. Data was collected on the current drug situation in Kenya by scanning Pharmacy and Poisons Board database to determine range of products that are registered in Kenya. Local pharmaceutical manufacturer’s product lists, Kenya Essential Medicines list and pharmaceutical tender lists of three major procurers in Kenya (Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, Kenyatta National Hospital and Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies) were examined to establish the proportion of products which was manufactured locally. Prices competitiveness and market share of local products were evaluated and subsequently, pharmaceutical equivalents of 150 locally manufactured essential medicines were determined. Data on production capacity for 5 years (2010-2014) and compliance of facilities with good manufacturing practices standard and other prerequisites of marketing authorization was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Results showed that solid dosage forms were majority (54.9 %) of local products and sterile preparations were minority (2.7 %). Locally manufactured products accounted for 14.5 % of registered and 21.5 % of retained products. Local firms manufactured 38.4 % of products listed as essential medicines and 55.6 %, 24.5 % and 21.8 %, respectively, of pharmaceutical products procured by Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, Kenyatta National Hospital and Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies. The overall percentage of local pharmaceutical equivalents was 32.5 % for registered products. There was no variation between mean prices of local and imported pharmaceutical equivalents. Scatter diagrams demonstrated that imported pharmaceutical products comprised both low and highly priced brands. The overall utilized production capacity (two shifts) was 21.5 %; tablets (24.1 %), capsules (12.8 %), liquids (25.3 %), dry syrups (21.8 %), external preparations (21.3 %) and oral rehydration salts (23.6 %). This study projected the year for self-sufficiency in non-sterile medicines produced in the local industry as 2043. Good manufacturing practices standard was satisfactory at 11 facilities while the rest were striving to achieve compliance. Research and development of new products was limited in most facilities with 1 % of the workforce deployed in this department. It is concluded from this study that Kenya depends heavily on imported drugs for her essential medicines needs. Majority of local products were less competitive than imported products and production capacity was underutilized. Majority of manufacturers adhered to current good manufacturing practice standards but were inadequate in research. This study recommends augmentation of research and development by the local pharmaceutical industry to generate new products. In addition, substantial government support is required to propel the industry to improve product range, product competitiveness and production capacity utilization.
ASSESSMENT OF RADIOACTIVITY CONCENTRATION AND RADIATION HAZARDS INDEX FOR BUILDING MATERIALS USED IN BABADOGO ESTATE, NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
(2022-05) AMUKAH KENNETH OBORAH,
Natural radioactive materials in certain conditions can get to hazardous radiological level. Some of these hazards are not prone to control as well as, they are usually referred to as the background radiation. The aim of my research work is to evaluate natural radioactivity concentration and radiological impacts on representative sampled building materials collected from different locations in Babadogo estate within Nairobi City County. The selected samples were crushed, sieved dried and store for four weeks after which, analysis done using gamma ray spectrometer was put into action for spectral data acquisition then analysis. The activity concentration levels of 238U, 232Th and 40K for the selected samples of building materials was measured by the use of gamma- ray spectrometry method. Radiological parameters were evaluated based on the prerequisite activity concentration obtained. The analyzed data compared with the standard acceptable values. The activity concentration in 40K varied from 55±3 to 2647±132 Bq/kg giving average value of 831 ±42 Bq/kg, 238U varied from 39±2 to 3602±180Bq/kg giving average figures of 378±19Bqkg¯1 and 232Th ranged from 5.000±0.300 to 4213±211Bqkg¯1 giving mean figure of 290±15Bq/kg . Calculated mean figures for activity concentration surpassed the world mean figures of 420Bq/kg, 33Bq/kg, 45Bq/kg in 40K, 238U and 232Th respectively. Absorbed dose rate calculated ranges between 73±4 and 4777±239nGyh¯1 having average value of 540±27nGyh¯1 .The mean number for the absorbed dose rate was above the world acceptable mean value of 54nGyh¯1 . The calculated annual effective dose rate varied from 0.040±0.002mSvy¯1 to 2.340±0.117mSvy¯1 having average figure of 0.260±0.013mSvy¯1 ,which was above the world average of 0.070mSvy¯1 but below the maximum dose constraint of 1mSvy¯1 .These results show that building materials in Babadogo estate are safe and can be used for construction of buildings and thus can be continued using as further research is done on other building materials not covered in my research work.
ADOPTION OF TALENT MANAGEMENT FOR COMPETITIVENESS AMONG FIVE – STAR HOTELS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
(2020-10) OMOKE JAPHETH OMAE (BSC; HTM)
The study sought to assess the adoption of talent management to competitiveness among five–star hotels in Nairobi City County. The concept of talent management comprises strategies for attraction, selection, development, engagement, and retention of knowledge and talented individuals. These individuals can create quality, diverse and exceptional products that form the competitiveness of the five-star hotels. The competitiveness of the hospitality industry in Kenya is held back due to a shortage of talent, loss of talent, and critical knowledge to other industries. The study investigated; conceptualization of talent management, hospitality core competencies required in talent, inherent approaches used in each talent management practices, the extent of talent management adoption, outcomes of talent management, and the relationship between talent management among five–star hotels in Nairobi City County. The study adopted a mixed-method research design and specifically a QUAN + qual research approach. Purposive sampling was used to select fivestar hotels in Nairobi City County and the hotel executives’ respondents. A simple random sampling technique was used to select guest participants. Data were collected from 145 participants using a semi-structured questionnaire, Servqual structured questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. The data analysis was done using; descriptive statistics, content analysis, thematic analysis, and inferential statistics. Linear regression results revealed that, among the significant predictors (talent selection, talent engagement, hospitality core competencies, talent and knowledge retention, and talent development), selection was the most significant. It meant that their competitiveness is hinged on the selection of talented individuals. Null hypotheses on the hospitality core competencies (β= -0.195, p =0.020), talent attraction approaches (β = -0.202, p= 0.009), talent engagement approaches (β = - 0.224, p= 0.002), talent and knowledge retention approaches (β = -0.189, p= 0.024) were rejected and their impact was not enough to influence competitiveness positively. Null hypotheses on talent selection approaches (β = 0.512, p= 0.001), talent development approaches (β = 0.296, p= 0.002) and outcomes of talent management (β = 2.061, p= 0.018) were also rejected and they impacted competitiveness positively. The null hypothesis on the extent of talent management adoption (β = 4.414, p= 0.130) was maintained indicating that it did not influence competitiveness. Null hypothesis on the relationship between talent management and the competitiveness of five–star hotels; an executives’ perspective was rejected (β = 1.094, p= 0.001). A second null hypothesis on the relationship between talent management and the competitiveness of five–star hotels; a guests’ perspective was rejected (r = -0.277, p =0.009) but showed the need for improvement on talent management aspects to positively affect competitiveness. This thesis recommends that five-star hotels conceptualise talent management from the perspective of exclusive subject and positions. Hotels also need to enrich hospitality core competencies so that they create quality and diverse sustainable products and services to serve a wider clientele. Additionally, hotels need to enhance their employee brands to boost employee value proposition so that talent is attracted. Talent engagement levels also need to be improved to draw valuable knowledge and effort from talent. The retention of talent and protection of tacit knowledge ought to be improved for greater competitiveness. Talent policies and budgets are put in place. This study has been conducted among the management teams and guests in five-star hotels; it is recommended that a related study is conducted on individuals considered talent in the same hotels
DIAGNOSIS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ZOONOTIC NONTUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIA AMONG DROMEDARY CAMELS AND HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS IN SAMBURU COUNTY, KENYA
(2020-09) LUCAS LUVAI AZAALE ASAAVA
Zoonotic nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) cross infect a wide range of domestic animals, wildlife and man causing various diseases. Despite the public health implications associated with mycobacterial infection and the existing close interaction of pastoralists and camels, information on diagnosis and epidemiology of zoonotic NTM amongst camels and closely associated community members is scanty. The present study was a one-health approach study involving diagnosis and epidemiology of zoonotic NTM infection among dromedary camels and associated household members in Samburu East sub-county. The study was cross sectional covering camels slaughtered at county abattoirs as well as household members and camels. Abattoirs sampled included Isiolo and Athi-River camel abattoirs, where all sampled camels were confirmed to have come from Samburu east. Household camel sampling strategy involved stratification of the study area to Wamba and Waso rearing areas. Sampling at abattoirs was consecutive for camels identified to have TB-like lesions during meat inspection. People presumed to have TB from amongst the sampled households were requested to provide a sputum sample. Screening of lactating camels for Mycobacteria infection was done using single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT) in a consecutive sample of 612 lactating camels from 83 households. A consolidated milk sample from all four mammary quarters was collected from 238 tuberculin test reactive camels. Post mortem (PM) examination was conducted on 1600 camels originating from the study area. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to collect data on risk factors from 83 respondents. All milk, sputum and tissue samples were analysed at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centre for Respiratory Disease Research (CRDR) enhanced BSL2 laboratory using mycobacteriology, molecular speciation using GenoType® Mycobacterium line probe assay (HAINLifescience), drug susceptibility testing, 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. This study was conducted between April, 2017 and December, 2018. Results indicated that the proportion of M. bovis and M. avium reactors was estimated at 6.05% and 39.38% respectively. Out of 238 milk samples, 57 (23.95%) had culture positive acid fast bacilli (AFB). Out of 132 suspected lesions on PM, 27/1600 1.69% (binomial 95%, CI: 1.11%-2.45%) were AFB positive on culture. Of the 48 sputum samples, 7 were AFB culture positive. The NTMs were observed to occur widely in various samples analysed, including post mortem lesions: M. fortuitum 17/27 (62.96%), M. scrofulaceum 3/27 (11%), M. szulgai 2/27 (7.4%); camel milk samples: M. szulgai 20/57 (35.09%), M. monacense 5/57 (8.77%), M. litorale 4/57 (7.02%), M. fortuitum 3/57 (5.26%), M. lehmannii 3/57 (5.26%), M. elephantis 3/57 (5.26%), M. duvalii 3/57 (5.26%); and in Human sputum samples: M. fortuitum 1/48 (2.08%), M. szulgai 2/48 (4.16%), and M. litorale 1/48 (2.08%) among others. These findings demonstrate high levels of infection with NTM in both humans and camels. Camel post mortem analyses revealed bronchial, mediastinal lymph nodes and lung lobes were most affected tissues. Several NTMs of medical importance with varying level of commonly used TB drugs sensitivity. The pattern of resistance to first-line TB drugs was as follows: Isoniazid (100%), rifampicin (97.9%) and ethambutol (65.3%). All NTM species isolated were highly resistant to first-line TB drugs. Camel breed, age, production system, origin of new introductions, migration and herd size were identified as risk factors for infection in camels (p<0.05). Surveillance and notification systems for NTMs including specific immunological test for NTMs diagnoses are needed. The public health significance of NTM in camels and humans needs further unravelling.

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