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Assessment of anguillid eels’ bio-ecology and ecological status in Athi-Galana-Sabaki and Ramisi rivers
(Egerton University, 2025)
Microplastic concentrations in water and four commercially important fish species in Kisumu Bay, Lake Victoria, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2025) Wanjiku, Gathu Sylvia
Microplastics (MPs) are fragments of any type of plastic formed through processes such as abrasion and photodegradation and are considered emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. They can be mistakenly ingested by aquatic organisms. Despite the high plastic pollution within Kisumu City, there is inadequate data and infonnation on the levels of microplastic concentrations in water and fish within Kisumu Bay of Lake Victoria. This study aimed to determine levels of microplastics in water and identify polymers of microplastics in water and fish as Well as evaluate the impact they have on fish. The study was conducted at four sites with different anthropogenic impacts; the Airpofl area (close to the shore with minimal anthropogenic activities), Kichinjio (a near shore site characterized by anthropogenic disturbance), River Nyalenda mouth (a site preceded by a wetland and a tourist beach adjacent), and the Open water (the site was situated several kilometres off shore, representing the pelagic zone) within Kisumu Bay of Lake Victoria. Water quality parameters were measured in situ at each sampling site. Sampling was conducted monthly between March and May 2022. A plexiglass water sampler was used to collect composite water samples. Bulk water samples were filtered through a series of stacked sieves (45 - 300 pm mesh sizes) in the field. Deionized water was added to the residue collected in 250 mL glass bottles. Samples of fish species were caught using 3 and 6-inch gill nets set overnight. Microplastics concentrations in the water ranged between 0.85 i 0.04 - 2.41 i 0.15 particles/L at different sites. The concentration of microplastics differed significantly among the sites (Mood’s median test, X2 = 18,22, df=3, p < 0.05). Fish gastrointestinal tracts were examined, and 62 out of 95 (FO = 65.26%) contained MPs. The sampled fish had consumed MPs with different proportions among the species, 75% (Clarias gariepinus), 71.43% (Lates niloticus), 59.26% (Oreochromis niloticus) and 75% (Synodontis victoriae). Poly (perfluorobutadiene) and poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) were the main plastic polymers found in water. Polystyrene and poly (perfluorobutadiene) were the main plastic polymers found in fish as analyzed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Condition factors for O. niloticus, S. victoriae and L. niloticus were > 1 and below l for C. gariepinus. Positive correlations were observed between microplastic numbers and fish length and weight. However, the low R2 values obtained implied a weak relationship between these parameters. These findings reveal that Kisumu Bay, Lake Victoria is experiencing escalating plastic pollution, with quantitative evidence underscoring the urgent need for targeted environmental interventions and comprehensive plastic waste management strategies.
Determinants, prevalence, spatial variation of pneumonia and control strategies among children aged under five years in Kericho County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2026) Tonui, Nicholas
Although the government of Kenya is putting efforts to reduce the mortality in children under five years old from pneumonia and related diseases, the prevalence of pneumonia in Kenya remains higher. For example, the incidence of pneumonia grew from 8 in 2008 to 9 in 2014, and 14 in 2020 per live birth. The prevalence of pneumonia in Kenya stands at 16, which is higher than the regional prevalence of 14 found in Africa. The main aim of this research was to evaluate the detenninants and prevalence of pneumonia, its spatial distribution, and household response strategies. The research was based on empirical and theoretical literature review. It was guided by germ theory and protective motivation theory. The study utilized descriptive research design involving questionnaires and interviews. The sample frame comprised 391 respondents that arrived using purposive sampling. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square. The results revealed that pneumonia among children under five years of age had a high prevalence of about 36% across various critical indicators. These indicators were cough, respiratory distress, and chest complications. Risk determinants of pneumonia prevalence included hereditary factors, wet cleaning practices, place of residency, and frequency of exposure to congested settings (p- value less than 0.005). Spatial analysis showed a marked spatial variation in pneumonia distribution. Ainamoi Ward with 54%; 469.3 km2 was highest and Kipchebor Ward with 32%; 51 1.8 km2 was lowest prevalence. Kipchimchim Ward recorded the lowest incidence at 14%, covering a total area of 164.2 km2. Household response strategies were frequently mentioned: wearing warm clothes (31%), eating a balanced diet (11%), improving air circulation in the home (9%), avoiding places where people gather in large groups (11%). The research demonstrated high prevalence and household response methods, as well as other important findings about pneumonia, the leading cause of death among children under the age of five. These outcomes are consistent with 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development (SDG) which aims to ensure the well-being of children at all age groups globally. The research calls for a concerted effort to overcome pneumonia and highlights the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure, tackling underlying risk factors, such as hygiene, improving indoor air quality, and increasing vaccination. Priority areas include the development of tailored approaches to address the specific vulnerabilities of different populations, including improved immunization programs, early detection and treatment through training of community health workers and caregivers, and the implementation of integrated community case management centers and effective referral processes.
An assessment of socioeconomic factors influencing the Adoption of cenchrus ciliaris for environmental conservation Among agro-pastoralist communities in South Baringo, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2025) Nyambari, Davis Mathew
Land degradation is a major issue of environmental concern not only affecting food but also environmental security in many countries across the globe. Livestock production is important for communities in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS), but overstocking and overgrazing has over the years led to a decline in pasture production, and by extension food security. In response to soil erosion, deforestation, and Prosopis juli/‘Zora invasion in the Lake Baringo Landscape, the Global Environment Facility through the Small Grants Program supported communities in establishment of Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass), a grass species that has been adopted by some local communities led by local Community Based Organizations. Its establishment and adoption in relation to socioeconomic characteristics of the communities in ASALs has so far not been documented. Thus, this study was undertaken to assess its ecology, and socioeconomic factors influencing its adoption for environmental conservation three wards (llchamus, Mochongoi and Marigat) of Baringo South Sub- County. A cross- sectional survey was employed in this study and data was collected from 103 randomly selected households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Key infonnant interviews (Klls) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted to collect qualitative data to get more insights into the socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of Cenchrus ciliaris. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze this data. Key findings reveal a strong relation between socioeconomic factors, specifically gender and education; and the adoption of Cenchrus ciliaris, with male respondents being predominant (54.4O%). Higher education level was associated with improved awareness and pasture production and environmental conservation (X2 = 16.9344, p < 0.05), while there was a strong association between the type of pasture grass species planted and the stakeholders involved in providing training (X2 = 153.65; p<0.05). A section of the respondents (29%) stated that integrating Cenchrus ciliaris into pasture management systems provides dual benefits of enhancing environmental sustainability and boosting economic productivity. The findings of this study show that despite several challenges, there are multifaceted benefits of integrating Cenchrus ciliaris into pasture management systems which goes beyond enhancing livestock nutrition and productivity to include environmental conservation and economic stability.
Analysis of prevalence and hiv risk factors among Adolescents and young people in Kisumu and Homa bay Counties, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2025) Ouma, Joyce
This study explored the extent to which adolescents and young people aged 15-24 have been affected by the HIV epidemic in Homa Bay and Kisumu counties, Kenya. Both Homa Bay and Kisumu are among the top five counties with the highest HIV prevalence in Kenya, together with Siaya, Migori, and Busia. In 2018, HIV prevalence was 20.7% in Homa Bay and 16.3% in Kisumu. Young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, remain highly vulnerable due to various intersecting social, economic, cultural and behavioural influences. The study aimed to establish the HIV prevalence among this age group, identify the major risk factors driving infection between both genders, and assess how effective the current existing HIV prevention programs are, to guide more focused and sustainable interventions in the two regions. A total of 118 participants were selected for this study based on Cochrane’s formula, using Kenya’s HIV prevalence rate of 4%. A mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative data from county health records and a structured survey involving 118 respondents (64 AGYW and 54 ABYM) was used. The qualitative bits were also obtained from four focus group discussions held and three key informant interviews. The results from the questionnaires were entered into data analysis software and were processed to produce table frequencies and percentages, whereas the verbal responses were transcribed, coded and analysed thematically to highlight behavioural and structural factors shaping risk patterns. The findings of the study indicated a gender imbalance in HIV burden, with AGYW, particularly those aged 20-24, recording higher infection rates than the boys. From this study, the identified risk factors for AGYW included economic hardship, limited access to higher education, intergenerational and transactional relationships, gender- based violence, and reduced power in sexual negotiation. For ABYM, the most outstanding risk factors were the social pressures tied to masculinity, substance use, and their poor health- seeking behaviour. The results also proved that HIV among adolescents in the two counties remains exceedingly high and different between the two genders despite the interventions put in place. To solve this, the HIV response requires integrated approaches that use both biomedical interventions with economic empowerment, gender violence response, youth- friendly services and active community participation. Sustainable solutions should aim to reduce economic vulnerability, empower young women, involve young men and enhance accessibility and cultural suitability of prevention services to curb new infections in HIV endemic areas.