Masters Theses

Assessment of the effects of water quality parameters on zooplankton distribution, diversity, and abundance in water pans of semi-arid Narok, Kenya

2026-02-17T10:36:19Z

Assessment of the effects of water quality parameters on zooplankton distribution, diversity, and abundance in water pans of semi-arid Narok, Kenya ACHIENG, Dorine Were Freshwater pans in Kenya’s semi-arid regions play an important role in supporting domestic use, irrigation, livestock, and aquatic biodiversity. However, they are increasingly threatened by climate variations, eutrophication, sedimentation, and overexploitation, all of which affect water quality and biological productivity. Understanding the interactions between water quality and zooplankton population is essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of these systems. This study therefore aimed to (i) assess variations in physico-chemical parameters, (ii) determine variations in zooplankton distribution, diversity, and abundance, and (iii) evaluate the influence of water quality parameters on zooplankton diversity and abundance in selected water pans of Narok County, Kenya. Sampling was conducted twice monthly between February and July 2023 across 20 water pans. In situ measurements were taken for temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC), while nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) and chlorophyll-a were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Zooplankton were identified and enumerated microscopically, and diversity indices were computed. Results showed that temperature ranged from 16.65–26.20 °C, DO from 0.40–9.55 mg/L, pH from 6.70–9.30, and EC from 79.83–761.85 µS/cm. Chlorophyll-a concentrations varied from 19.08–176.61 µg/L, total nitrogen from 393.00–2609.43 µg/L, and total phosphorus from 295.43–1331.14 µg/L. Zooplankton communities were dominated by Rotifera (48.9%), followed by Copepoda (25.8%), Cladocera (19.9%), and Ostracoda (5%). Diversity increased from February to June/July, with Shannon-Wiener Index rising from 1.76 to 1.96 and taxa richness from 14.21 ± 0.79 to 16.43 ± 0.67 (p = 0.043). Weak correlations between zooplankton abundance and most water quality parameters indicated that multiple interacting factors influence community composition. The study concluded that Narok water pans support diverse zooplankton under varying environmental conditions. Strengthening riparian vegetation, managing nutrient inflows, and regulating water abstraction are recommended to sustain ecosystem health and productivity. Master's Thesis

Post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors in patients with severe physical injuries at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga teaching and referral hospital, Kisumu, Kenya

2026-02-17T07:13:28Z

Post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors in patients with severe physical injuries at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga teaching and referral hospital, Kisumu, Kenya NAMUNYU, Michael Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychological condition that significantly impairs daily functioning and quality of life. It is brought about by exposure to traumatic experiences such as natural disasters, military warfare, sexual assault, or physical harm. Despite its high prevalence, PTSD is often underdiagnosed. Local information on how prevalent and associated attributes of this condition are deficient. The study aimed to assess how common post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is and to identify the factors linked to its occurrence among individuals with severe physical injuries at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. The research employed a cross-sectional study design to examine the variables, collecting data from 143 patients with severe physical injuries who were undergoing follow-up in the surgical and orthopaedic outpatient clinics at JOOTRH over a two-month period. A standardized PTSD assessment tool was used to evaluate all the patients for probable PTSD. The collected data were processed and analysed using SPSS version 25 statistical software. Descriptive statistics were summarized in tables and charts, while for inferential analysis, chi-square statistics were used to assess categorical associations. Independent risk factors for PTSD were ascertained through multiple logistic regression analysis, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. The study found a PTSD prevalence of 16.8% among individuals with severe physical injuries (n = 24). Statistically significant factors associated with PTSD included male gender (P=0.005, OR=0.27), being in employment (P=0.001, OR=0.178), urban residency (P=0.006, OR=0.27), low social support (P=0.000, OR=0.55), and being married (P=0.018, OR=0.19). These factors were associated with lower prevalence. However, prior physical injury (P = 0.00, OR = 9.38) and a familial predisposition to mental illness (p = 0.001, OR = 12.9) exhibited a markedly higher prevalence of PTSD. In conclusion, compared to similar studies conducted in tertiary institutions across the region, this study reported a notably higher prevalence of PTSD. Gender, occupational status, prior physical trauma, residential setting, social support level, marital status, and a family history of mental health disorders were all identified as important predictors of PTSD. Given the higher prevalence of PTSD found in this study, the external validity of these findings warrants confirmation through replication studies with adequate statistical power so as to generalise the findings throughout other institutions and the wider region. Targeted screening of patients with increased risk factors should be done, specifically those with a history of prior physical injuries and individuals with familial predisposition to psychiatric disorders. Master's Thesis

The use of e-procurement on performance of procurement functions of Uasin Gishu county government, Kenya

2025-12-02T06:23:43Z

The use of e-procurement on performance of procurement functions of Uasin Gishu county government, Kenya JEPKOSGEI, Imelda In recent years, Uasin Gishu County Government has faced persistent challenges in its procurement processes, including inflated procurement costs, delayed service delivery, limited transparency and procurement-related irregularities issues consistently highlighted in reports from the Office of the Auditor General. These inefficiencies, often stemming from the continued use of manual procurement systems, have prompted the county to adopt e-procurement as a strategic solution. E-procurement involves the use of digital technologies to streamline procurement activities such as tendering, requisitioning, communication with suppliers and contract management. The present study seeks to examine the use of e-procurement on performance of procurement functions of Uasin Gishu County Government, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to examine the use of e-informing on performance of procurement functions; to determine the use of e-auction on performance of procurement functions; to establish the use of e-contract management on performance of procurement functions and to investigate the use of e-requisition on performance of procurement functions. The study was anchored on dynamic capability theory. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach. The data collection methods were interviews and observations for primary data and documents review for secondary data. Purposive sampling was adopted when selecting participants. The participants were 12 procurement officers who comprised of director procurement, deputy director and ten heads of procurement officers of various departments of Uasin Gishu County Government. Validity and trustworthiness of the study was handled by credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability (Interviews, observations and document reviews). Thematic data analysis technique was used to analyze data. The analyzed data was presented in narratives and direct quotes. The study findings indicated that that e-procurement has a positive influence on the performance of procurement functions in county governments. E-procurement streamlines and automates various procurement processes, such as vendor registration, bid solicitation, bid evaluation, contract management and invoice processing. Based on the findings, the study recommends full adoption and continuous upgrading of e-procurement systems to improve efficiency, reduce corruption and strengthen service delivery. The results are significant for county governments, policymakers and procurement professionals seeking to optimize procurement functions and they contribute to policy development, institutional reform and future research in public sector procurement. Master's Project

Effectiveness of permanet® dual on malaria vector control in a Pyrethroid resistant population of mosquitoes in western Kenya

2025-11-11T11:55:38Z

Effectiveness of permanet® dual on malaria vector control in a Pyrethroid resistant population of mosquitoes in western Kenya OGUTU, Nashon Ang’ienda Malaria affected 263 million people and resulted to 597000 deaths globally. In Kenya 5.5 million malaria cases were reported in 2023. Malaria cases and deaths globally have decreased through long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). However, intensive use of these strategies has led to a rise in resistance, which necessitated development and trials of new generation LLINs (nLLINs). New generation LLINs are products impregnated with a pyrethroid and another insecticide to enhance their efficacy against pyrethroid resistant malaria transmitting mosquitoes. However, there are gaps in knowledge regarding effectiveness of nLLINs on vectors resistant to pyrethroids. Specific objectives of the work were to evaluate phenotypic resistance on malaria vectors between nLLINs and pyrethroid only nets; to determine the difference in blood feeding inhibition (BFI) of malaria vectors between nLLINs and untreated nets, and to determine the difference in mortality of malaria vectors between nLLINs and untreated nets in western Kenya. This was an experimental huts study with seven arms, where each study hut was weekly allocated different treatments of the nLLINs, namely permanet 3.0 (PN 3.0), permanet dual (PD), interceptor G2 (IG2), as unwashed and after 20X washes, together with an untreated Polyester net (UN X0). The huts were randomly allocated sleepers daily. Mosquito samples were collected from the huts every morning from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, to aid in efficacy assessment of the study treatments against wild malaria vectors. Data analysis for phenotypic resistance was calculated as mortality proportions and analyzed using Fisher’s exact test. Data on blood feeding inhibition and mortality were analyzed utilizing ANOVA and Tukey (HSD) test. The study detected phenotypic resistance of 66.7% with An. gambiae and 88.9% with An. funestus, against pyrethroids as well as significant association between phenotypic resistance and net types among mosquito species; An. gambiae X2 =7.1875, p – value 0.03; An. funestus X2 = 11.875, p = 0.003. ANOVA test for BFI and mortality produced p-values of 0.000 and 0.001<0.05 respectively. Significant differences in blood feeding inhibition were noted between UN X0 vs PD 20X , PN 3.0 0X, PN 3.0 20X, IG2 20X, all with adjusted p. values of less than 0.05. PN 3.0 0X vs IG2 0X and PD 0X (adjusted p. values <0.05) and PN 3.0 20X vs IG2 0X and PD 0X (all with p values <0.05). On mortality, UN 0X vs IG2 20X, PD 0X and PD 20X, with adjusted p-values of 0.008, 0.005 and 0.002, respectively, which were statistically significant. Overall, the study confirmed existence of significantly different phenotypic resistance between nLLINs relative to the conventional interventions, thus affirming the importance of nLLINs as probable substitutes in the fight against pyrethroid resistance. PN3.0 was found to be the better product based on its significantly better BFI performance. PD proved to be the best product on mosquito mortality and was the promising intervention for future consideration in that regard. Altogether, PD was found to be effective against the An. funestus mosquitoes, due to its outstanding mortality results. There is need for continuous monitoring of insecticide resistance situation in regions facing pyrethroid resistance to keep abreast and properly manage the resistance from an informed opinion. Altogether, use of nLLINs is an effective intervention against insecticide resistance. Master's Thesis

Histological patterns of prostate specimens analyzed at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga teaching and referral Hospital

2024-02-14T15:23:44Z

Histological patterns of prostate specimens analyzed at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga teaching and referral Hospital MUSUNGU, Vincent Sechere Prostate cancer is the fifth most prevalent cause of cancer-related death worldwide in men, accounting for an estimated 366,000 deaths and 6.3 million disability-adjusted life years. There is scarce information on prostate biology and histological characteristics of prostate tumors among men in western part of Kenya who are all exposed to factors that can alter the biology of prostate gland thus predisposing to prostate cancer variants that may be different from the conventional adenocarcinoma. Such scarcity of information could lead to assumptions that all prostate tumors are adenocarcinoma. While some prostate tumors are not aggressive, there are different types of prostate tumors and each prostate tumor type has unique clinical profile. Some prostate tumors have indolent course while others have aggressive course and therefore knowledge of tumor subtypes can help in clinical decision making based on patient profile. This purpose of the study was to investigate prostate histological patterns among patients whose prostate specimens were processed and reported at JOOTRH between 2017 and 2022 with a focus on improving prostate cancer diagnosis and histology reporting. The main objective was to determine histological patterns of prostate specimens at JOOTRH between 2017 and 2022. The specific objectives were to: find out the histomorphology of prostate specimens as reported at JOOTRH, to correlate the patient age and PSA level at the time of prostate specimen collection at JOOTRH and to determine the common prostate tumor type reported in men whose prostate specimens were analyzed at JOOTRH. This was a laboratory based cross sectional study design carried out in pathology laboratory at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu city. The target population in this study constituted prostate specimens which had PSA level, analyzed and reported at JOOTRH between 2017 and 2022. The study was carried out between December 2022 and February 2023. Using Yamane formula, the sample size was determined to be 80. Random sampling was used. A sampling frame consisted of pathology register of the histopathological reports of the prostate specimens analyzed at JOOTRH. Each name in the register was assigned serial numbers. All the numbers were fed in a computer program (randomizer application) to randomly sample 80 names. Data extraction form was used. The extraction form consisted of age of the patient, clinical notes (PSA and Age), macroscopic examination, microscopic examination of the prostate tissues and conclusion. Descriptive and inferential statistics was done by the SPSS version 29 for windows. The frequencies were tabulated in percentages, tables and graphs. Inferential statistics utilized chi-square, ANOVA, independent t test, one sample chi-square and linear regression. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was statistically significant variation (p 0.001) in prostate specimen color as reported in prostate histology at JOOTRH. The researcher could not demonstrate that the prostate specimen surfaces occur with equal changes (p<0.05, X2=23.275, df=2, 95% CI). The results reveal that there is no statistically significant difference in the prostate biopsy sizes in comparison to the mean (p=0.984, t=0.020, 95% CI). Prostate histology reports were divided into four groups based on the age of the patient (Group 1: 40–49 years, Group 2: 50–59 years, Group 3: 60–79 years, and Group 4: above 80 years). The ANOVA results suggest that the microscopic features of the groups did not differ significantly (F2, 34 = 1.469, p = 0.244, 95% CI). There is a statistically significant positive correlation between Gleason scores and PSA levels (p = 0.004, r = 0.474). The Pearson correlation between age and PSA levels was found to have a statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.236, p = 0.035, 95% CI). Regarding the prostate tumor type, prostate adenocarcinoma was the predominant tumor type, accounting for all 100% of observed prostate cancer types. The tumor types reported were divided into four groups based on the age of the patient (Group 1: 40–49 years, Group 2: 50–59 years, Group 3: 60–79 years, and Group 4: above 80 years). The ANOVA results suggest that the types of prostate tumors in the groups did not differ significantly (F3,76 = 1.300, p = 0.28, 95% CI). Based on study results, the health workers should improve documentation of the prostate histology reporting to include core biopsies and gross morphological parameters like volume, description of cell details observed and Biopsies should be requested in cases where there is high likelihood of prostate cancer. Master's Thesis

The Histomorphological and biochemical hepatorestorative Effects of silymarin milk thistle on paracetamol induced Hepatotoxicity in adult albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

2024-02-14T14:53:24Z

The Histomorphological and biochemical hepatorestorative Effects of silymarin milk thistle on paracetamol induced Hepatotoxicity in adult albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) NGETICH, Davis Kiprono Liver toxicity has been on a steady rise worldwide and it is attributed to various causes including paracetamol-induced when taken singly in high dose or prolonged use. Paracetamol is a common, most preferred and widely tolerated first line analgesia for mild and moderate acute pain for all age groups. Since its cheap and easily accessible as an over-the-counter drug, it can be easily misused especially with increasing causes of pain in the society. Its long-term use causes liver toxicity and eventually liver failure. Most plant medicinal extracts have been found to either prevent or ameliorate the hepatotoxic effects either alcohol or drug induced. Silymarin milk thistle is a medicinal herb that grows widely in various climatic conditions, available locally and affordable to all. It has been used over time to prevent or treat liver diseases though there is inadequate data on its histo-morphologic restorative effects that occur on the liver following drug induced hepatotoxicity. This study aimed at evaluating the restorative histo-morphological changes of silymarin milk thistle on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. Specifically, the study determined; the histomorphological injurious effects that occur on the liver following toxicity, the restorative histomorphological effects of various doses of silymarin milk thistle on paracetamol hepatotoxicity and assessed the changes in liver biochemical parameters of Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) following administration of silymarin milk thistle and paracetamol toxicity. A post-test only true experimental study design was used with a total of 24 adult albino rats randomly sampled into intervention and non-intervention groups. The non-intervention further into control of 3 rats received no drug interventions and 3 rats that received high dose of paracetamol (750 mg/kbwt) for 5 days. A total of 3 intervention groups each having 6 rats received same dose of paracetamol (750 mg/kbwt) for 5 days to induce hepatotoxicity and varying doses of silymarin (low dose- 200mg/kbwt, medium dose- 400 mg/kbwt and high dose- 600 mg/kbwt) to each group respectively for the remaining 16 days of the experimental process. Humane sacrificial was done on day 21 and liver tissues harvested and processed for both gross and histological examinations and stained using Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E). Morphological data were entered into excel sheet, analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the mean groups and a post hoc was used to test the difference between the mean groups. The results showed that there was a significant reduction (P=0.0001) in length, width and volume in the control group as compared with the paracetamol only group. It also had areas of hemorrhagic necrosis, vacuolated hepatocytes and dilated sinusoids. Unlike the low dose and medium dose silymarin groups, there was a significant increase in all the parameters (volume, weight, length and width) in the high dose silymarin when compared with the control. In comparison with the control group the medium dose and low dose groups registered a significant difference in all the parameters while the high dose group showed no significant difference to signify some level of restoration. Histologically, the paracetamol only group liver had areas of hemorrhagic necrosis, pocket foci of hemorrhage and dilated sinusoids and compared with those of the low dose and medium dose silymarin groups. The high dose group had even distribution of normal hepatocytes and sinusoids and was similar with the control liver. The liver biochemical parameters were significantly (P=0.0001) elevated in the paracetamol only group, low dose and medium dose silymarin groups when compared with the control whose parameters presented no significant difference with those of the high dose silymarin group. In conclusion, high dose silymarin had hepato-restorative effects, therefore more studies should be done on the safe human dose and its pharmacokinetics so that it can be taken alongside those drugs causing hepatotoxicity and to treat liver related conditions, ultimately reducing liver related mortalities. Master's Thesis

Contribution of the independent policing oversight authority to police accountability in Kenya

2023-12-21T15:14:27Z

Contribution of the independent policing oversight authority to police accountability in Kenya OBONG’O, Wilson Odida This study focused on the contribution of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to police accountability in Kenya. It thus established that the National Police Service (NPS) is an important factor in the security sector of Kenya, it serves to; detect and prevent crime, maintain public order, investigate, crimes, and support the criminal justice system. To effectively discharge such duties, the police are legally endowed with the powers to arrest, detain, and use force. This monopolistic privilege to use force has been subject to numerous cases of abuse such as violently crushing demonstrations thereby leading to the deaths of citizens; thus calling for the need for an oversight body to ensure responsibility in the use of police powers. Kenya in a view to reform its police service established the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) in 2011 to help in promoting police accountability. Notwithstanding the existence of IPOA, complaints of Police misconduct have continued to rise, thus creating a contention as to whether the IPOA is really achieving its founding objectives. The study‘s overall objective was to evaluate the contribution of IPOA to police accountability in Kenya with the specific objectives being to: assess IPOA‘s complaint handling mechanism; evaluate IPOA‘s investigative capacity and examine the challenges IPOA faces in attempts to hold Police accountable for their actions. The study employed the use of Institutional theory to understand how IPOA interacts with the Police as an institution influencing institutional behavior. Similarly, the study adopted a mixed- method design incorporating the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches for primary data collection. Fisher et al., (1998) formula was employed to arrive at the study‘s sample size which upon data collection and coding yielded 322 respondents drawn from IPOA, NPS, victims of Police misconducts, and actors within the criminal justice system; four categories of key informants interviews and Focused Group Discussions were employed for qualitative data collection while quantitative data was collected through questionnaires. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed thus generating themes around the three specific objectives whereas quantitative data was analyzed by way of simple descriptive statistics represented in histograms and percentages with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS). The study established that IPOA‘s complaints handling mechanism had positively contributed to reporting of complaints of police misconducts thus fostering police accountability in Kenya, that IPOA‘s investigative capacity is aligned to the responsibilities bestowed on them as custodians of public interest in policing though not sufficiently staffed and finally that IPOA operates in a difficult environment. In conclusion, the study established that IPOA had a positive impact on police accountability in Kenya. The study made recommendations aimed at enhancing IPOA‘s capacity to uphold police accountability in Kenya. In conclusion, the study made suggestions for further research in the field of policing such as a comparative study of police accountability in Kenya and other countries with similar oversight initiatives

A history of women’s land rights and food production in Kasipul division, Homa-Bay county Kenya, 1908-2012

2023-12-21T14:54:08Z

A history of women’s land rights and food production in Kasipul division, Homa-Bay county Kenya, 1908-2012 MIRERI, Moses Matunga In most developing countries, land is the most essential resource for agricultural production. As such, secure access, ownership and use of land leads to improved food security hence poverty reduction especially in the rural areas. Much as it is imperative to note that a lot of ground has been covered through affirmative action, the graph still remains skewed to the disadvantage of women, especially in rural areas. Despite women being the main food producers for their families, a majority of them still do not have secure access to, use and ownership of land. In Kenya, the rights to property are guaranteed in law for both men and women. However, the realization of this objective has not been optimized due to intersectional factors. And based on the centrality of women in food production, rural areas like Kasipul continue to witness food insecurity due to questions of rights to access, usage and disposal of land. This study has therefore interrogated from a historical perspective, women‘s land rights and its impacts on food production among the Luo of Kasipul from 1908 to 2012. The study accounted for British colonial policies on women's land rights and food crop production among the Luo of Kasipul from 1908 to 1963; evaluated the government's land policy for increased food production in Kasipul after independence from a gendered perspective; and examined the implications of constitutional reformsin Kenya on women‘s land rights in relation food production in Kasipul from 2002 to 2012. The study was guided by Berman‘s (1984) articulation of modes of production theory whose two main tenets are; forces of production defined as the modes of appropriation of nature that encompasses all the resources used in production andsecondly, relations of production which implies the way in which labour is organized and reproduced. The study also adopted Intersectionalitytheory as proposed by Crenshaw (1989) and used the simultaneity tenet to unpack the multilayered forms of gender inequality affecting women. The study adopted descriptive research design. Through the use of the Purposive and Snowball sampling techniques, a sample size of 40 respondents was determined. In-depth Interviews, Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions as well as archival records were utilized to gather primary data while desktop research was used to gather secondary data. The study then utilized qualitative methods of data analysis to draw conclusions and used discussions approach to present the findings.The study established that colonial policies on land, labor, and taxation impacted on women‘s rights of ownership, usage and disposal of land which had a direct impact on optimization of food production in Kasipul.Furthermore, the land tenure reforms initiated soon after independence undermined the customary laws that had secured usufruct rights to land by women. Men, who were regarded as the legitimate heads of households were registering land in their names. In addition, the laws and policies passed by successive post-colonial governments to promote women land rights were not put into practice fully. This happened despite the effort to enable women, whether married or not, to access, own, utilize, and even inherit land. The capacity of women to manage land in a way that would increase food production was hampered by the lack of security around their land ownership and use. Finally the studydemonstratedthat Kenya's 2010 constitutional proclamation furthered the advancement of women's land rights. However, this did not bridge the gap for most women, especially those in rural areas who continue to grapple with multilayered obstacles to full realization of their rights to land. The study therefore recommended that state and non-state actors should partner in the sensitization of women on the provisions of the law that guarantees those rights to land.

Effect of rainfall variability on selected food crops Production in Nyando sub county, Kisumu county Kenya

2023-12-21T14:50:05Z

Effect of rainfall variability on selected food crops Production in Nyando sub county, Kisumu county Kenya ODUNDO, Tom Rainfall variability has led to detrimental influence on food crop production in different parts of the world. Many countries experience cases of reduced crop production thus lowering food security. Kenya being an agricultural country, has been affected by variation of rainfall leading to reduced food production. Nyando Sub-County has experienced incidences of rainfall variability which has affected crops that are rain-fed. Despite the fact that studies have been conducted on the effect of rainfall variability on food crop production, there was pending need to provide detailed information on how rain had affected maize, beans, and African nightshade. The data used in this study was for the past 10 years (2013 -2022) because it is within this period that the study area received fluctuating rainfall in terms of magnitude, duration and timing which affected production of maize, beans and African nightshade. The crops are the staples within the study area but their production was perceived to decline over the same period. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the effect of rainfall variability on selected food crops production. The specific objectives of this study were: to examine the effect of duration of rainfall on maize, beans and African nightshade production; to establish the effect of magnitude of rainfall on maize, beans and African nightshade production; to assess the effect of timing of rainfall on maize, beans and African nightshade production in Nyando Sub County. A Quasi-longitudinal research design was adopted. The study was conducted in five wards in the sub-county namely; Ahero, Awasi, Kobura, East Kano and Kabonyo. A sample size of 384 household heads was selected using Fischer’s formula from a target population of 24,866 households. The household heads’ selection was done through simple random sampling for Questionnaire administration. Primary data collection methods were Observation, Photography, Key informant interview and Focus Group Discussions. Literature from KMD and Sub County and County Agricultural offices provided secondary data. Qualitative data was analyzed through themes. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, percentages and standard deviation. Simple regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of rainfall duration, magnitude and timing on yields of maize, beans and African nightshade. The regression model was found linear and significant; Rainfall duration and maize yield was [F (383) =25.63, P < .001, R2 = .65], Beans yield [F (383) =20.42, P < .001, R2 = .47], and African nightshade Yield [F (383) =19.41, P < .001, R2 = .38]. This is because both beans and the African nightshade are cover crops which are susceptible to floods. Rainfall magnitude and maize yield showed [F (383) =11.45, P < .001, R2 =.44], Beans yield [F (383) =16.08, P < .001, R2 = .37], and African nightshade Yield [F (383) =8.73, P < .001, R2 = .34]. This was so because the mean rainfall volume was not enough for maximum maize yield. The reduction in both beans and nightshade yields was possibly due to extreme fluctuations in rainfall volumes during short rains seasons. Rainfall timing and maize yield [F (383) =13.68, P < .001, R2 =.44], beans yield [F (383) =21.24, P < .001, R2= .38], and African Nightshade Yield [F (383) =14.45, P < .059, R2 =34]. Poor timing affected maize yields in short rains timing. Similarly, the depreciation in both beans and African nightshade yields was possibly due to rainfall unpredictability which is common during short rains. However, correct rainfall timing resulted in the increase in the African nightshade yields. The findings were fundamental to the farmers as they advised on the importance of timing of rainfall enable them prepare adequately for onset of long and short rains to realize best crop yields. The findings showed that rainfall variability affected the production of the three crops hence the need to minimize absolute reliance on rain-fed farming, adopt smart farming and use hybrid seeds that mature faster. Meteorological data interpretations should be availed to farmers for timely planting

An analysis on the contribution of European Union foreign electoral assistance on Kenya’s general elections integrity

2023-12-21T14:45:11Z

An analysis on the contribution of European Union foreign electoral assistance on Kenya’s general elections integrity OGUTU, Reuben Kennedy In both the global North and South, electoral integrity serves as the bedrock of democratic societies, and is an idea used to mean ensuring the legitimacy of election outcomes and fostering peaceful transitions of power. Nonetheless, challenges in this realm persist, particularly in developing nations such as Kenya. The European Union (EU) has emerged as a significant player, providing electoral assistance in an attempt to address these challenges. This study analyzed the EU's contribution in enhancing Kenya's general elections integrity using three analytical objectives which are the main avenues through which EU supports Kenya‘s electoral democracy; civic education, technical and capacity building, and finally to examine key electoral stakeholder perceptions on EU‘s support. Informed by the Democratic Peace Theory, the study employed a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the EU's impact. Quantitative analysis involved a diverse sample of 384 individuals across nine strata, encompassing media, ORPP, JLAC, judiciary, political parties, IEBC, law enforcement, CSOs, and local observers. Qualitatively, 31 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) provided in-depth insights while quantitative data were collected using semi-structured survey questionnaire. To ensure the rigor of findings, multiple data sources were employed and tools underwent pre- testing. Each objective was pursued through both quantitative and qualitative means. Questionnaire data were subjected to simple descriptive statistics, while KII data were analyzed thematically. Study found that EU's role in civic education, revealed that 68% of respondents considered EU interventions highly effective in promoting voter education. KII data corroborated this, with CSOs highlighting the EU's crucial contribution to enhancing civic and political consciousness; it also indicated that 53% of respondents perceived EU‘s capacity building and technical support as highly necessary with CSOs and the IEBC echoing this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of EU capacity-building and technical support initiatives. However, only 33% of the respondents supported the views that EU‘s interventions can lead to free, fair and credible elections through technical and capacity building; in-depth interviews further revealed that EU‘s electoral assistance is not enough but what matters in the extent of ―political hygiene‖ within Kenya‘s body politick. Lastly, stakeholders' perceptions of EU contributions. While 66% of respondents believed that EU interventions significantly improved electoral integrity, KII insights provided a nuanced picture. CSOs and the IEBC displayed confidence in the EU's role, while political parties, ORPP, and law enforcement expressed skepticism. The findings shed light on the multifaceted dynamics of the EU's involvement in Kenya's elections. This study contributes to both academic discourse and policy debates. It deepens our understanding of the various dimensions of EU contributions and provides insights into Kenyan viewpoints, enriching debates surrounding the influence of external actors on democratic consolidation. However, the empirical findings also underscore the complexity of external interventions. While some stakeholders acknowledge the positive impact of EU assistance, divergent opinions among political parties and law enforcement reveal the intricate interplay between external assistance and domestic dynamics. This mirrors the Democratic Peace Theory's assertion that external actors' interests can shape domestic politics, though internal dynamics define the outcome of the interventions. The insights generated have far-reaching implications for theory, policy, and future research. They enhance our understanding of the interplay between external assistance and domestic context, informing policies that promote electoral integrity. Furthermore, the study provides a foundation for future research, urging scholars to delve deeper into the multifaceted dynamics of external actors' contributions to democratic consolidation.