Conferences/ Seminars/Workshops /Journal (JESAR)

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    ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES AND THE RETENTION OFADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAROK, KENYA.
    (Chuka University, 2022) Mugambi, L. M.; Sande, A.
    Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) has acquired prominence and the services deemed as the effective strategy for reducing adolescent pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) infections by various health stakeholders. Despite availability of the services, evidence presents escalation in percentage of early pregnancies and school dropouts among adolescent girls in Narok County. The study purposed to establish the prevalence of ASRH services and retention of adolescent girls’ in secondary schools in Narok County. The total study population was 17813. The target population was secondary school girls aged 15 to 19 years, teachers, public health officers, Non-Governmental Organization officers working in ASRH program and administrators in Narok County. About 377 people were sampled, randomly and purposively. The cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Analysis was done using linear regression. Results of the study revealed that the higher the prevalence of SRH services, the higherthe retention of adolescent girls in secondary schools (p = 0.001). Awareness about ASRH services among adolescent girls reduced early pregnancy and also increased their retention in secondary schools (R= 0.72). Results indicated that the ASRH information, Voluntary counselling and HIV/AIDS testing, delivery services, screening for STDs, family planning services were significantly utilised (0.000). However, prenatal care was less significantly utilised by the adolescent girls (0.008). The study recommended reinforcement on provision of the ASRH servicesto the adolescent girls to further increase girls’ retention in secondary schools.
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    ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES AND THE RETENTION OFADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAROK, KENYA.
    (CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2022) Mugambi, Lacton,M.; Sande, A
    Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) has acquired prominence and the services deemed as the effective strategy for reducing adolescent pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) infections by various health stakeholders. Despite availability of the services, evidence presents escalation in percentage of early pregnancies and school dropouts among adolescent girls in Narok County. The study purposed to establish the prevalence of ASRH services and retention of adolescent girls’ in secondary schools in Narok County. The total study population was 17813. The target population was secondary school girls aged 15 to 19 years, teachers, public health officers, Non-Governmental Organization officers working in ASRH program and administrators in Narok County. About 377 people were sampled, randomly and purposively. The cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Analysis was done using linear regression. Results of the study revealed that the higher the prevalence of SRH services, the higherthe retention of adolescent girls in secondary schools (p = 0.001). Awareness about ASRH services among adolescent girls reduced early pregnancy and also increased their retention in secondary schools (R= 0.72). Results indicated that the ASRH information, Voluntary counselling and HIV/AIDS testing, delivery services, screening for STDs, family planning services were significantly utilised (0.000). However, prenatal care was less significantly utilised by the adolescent girls (0.008). The study recommended reinforcement on provision of the ASRH servicesto the adolescent girls to further increase girls’ retention in secondary schools. Keywords: Adolescent girls, Sexual Reproductive Health, Retention in schools
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    ADSORPTION OF LEAD (II) IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING MANGROVE ROOTS (Rhizophora mucronata) CHARCOAL-CARBON NANOTUBES NANOCOMPOSITE
    (Chuka University, 2021) Ngugi, Fidelis; Mwangi, Joel; Njagi, Eric
    Providing clean and affordable water to meet human needs is a grand challenge of the 21st century. Worldwide, water supply struggles to keep up with the fast growing demand, which is exacerbated by population growth, global climate change, and water quality deterioration. Nanotechnology holds great potential in advancing water treatment to improve water treatment efficiency. In this study, Mangrove Roots Charcoal and Carbon Nanotubes (MRC- CNTs) nanocomposite was synthesized and utilized as a novel adsorbent for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions. The efficacy of MRC-CNT nanocomposites was investigated in batch mode which involved the effects of pH, temperature, concentration of the lead ions, adsorbent mass and contact time on adsorbates removal. Characterization of the adsorbent was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to observe the morphology of the adsorbent and surface area analysis and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to determine the elemental composition of the adsorbent. Adsorption isotherm models and adsorption kinetic studies were used for data analysis. It was observed that the removal efficiency of Pb (II) ions depended on pH of solution and the maximum efficiency was noticed at pH 7 with adsorption capacity of 3.629 mg/g which was calculated by the Freundlich isotherm model. Kinetic studies were well suited and found in good agreement with pseudo-second order. The results indicated that MRC-CNT nanocomposites would be a promising adsorbent for adsorption of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions.
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    AGRICULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RHIZOBIUM SPECIES FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES
    (Chuka University, 2022) Nyakinywa, Ruth; Atieno, Margaret Faith; Ogolla, O. Fredrick
    Strong demand for food necessitates efforts by researchers to create methods for sufficient production. Agricultural challenges include soil fertility loss, climate change, and increased pest infestations. Environmentally friendly practices such as the use of bio pesticides, bio fertilizers, and the return of crop residues are used to produce sufficient quantities in a healthy and sustainable farming system. The wide range of beneficial impacts of soil microorganisms, notably plant growth stimulation, emphasizes the need for more research and application in modern agriculture. Legumes are an important part of many people traditional diets around the world because they provide a slew of benefits to a soil and other crops produced alongside or after them in a variety of cropping systems. Legumes ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in conjunction with rhizobia allows them to thrive in severely deteriorated soils. Is it, nevertheless, necessary to inoculate legumes on a regular basis? Rhizobia are extremely valuable agriculturally and economically since they are the primary supplier of nitrogen in agricultural soils. Aside from nitrogen fixation, several rhizobia strains have plant-growth-promoting features such phytohormone synthesis, siderophores, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, as well as inorganic phosphate solubilization. Rhizobia have become important for both legumes and non-legumes as a result of these factors. Plant growth has been improved by screening and using effective rhizobial strains as inoculants. Plant growth has been improved by screening and using effective rhizobial strains as inoculant. The use of rhizobia as a bio fertilizer ensures crop yield while also reducing the demand for expensive and environmentally harmful artificial fertilizers. Rhizobia and other plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria inoculated together resulted in increase in plant-growth promotion. Bioremediation properties of certain rhizobial strains have also been found.
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    ALTERNATIVE RITE OF PASSAGE FOR THE GIRL CHILD AMONG AMERU COMMUNITY OF KENYA AND THE OBSTACLES IN ACHIEVING ITS SUCCESS: EMBRACING CHANGE FOR A BETTER LIFE
    (Chuka University, 2021) Kinyua, Susan M.
    Every year thousands of girls and women in the Ameru community undergo female genital mutilation according to the Meru tradition. This is a traditional cultural practice which has two components; the actual surgical operation, education guidance and counseling during seclusion and healing process. Largely, the education that is given tithe girls during this period contains some positive aspects which are beneficial to them and the community and therefore should be encouraged. However, the physical cut which is harmful and potentially life threatening and causes distressing pain and suffering should be abandoned. This paper will focus on both the primary targets who are the girls as well as the secondary targets who are the girls’ parents and other close relatives, the peers (boys and girls), community opinion leaders, religious leaders, politicians, government officials and the circumcisers to help bring change. It is hoped that through awareness creation and sensitization forums the targeted groups will experience and acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and develop attitude that will lead to socio-cultural change and transformation of Ameru community as far as FGM is concerned.
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    AN ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS AFFECTING OPTIMIZATION OF COFFEE YIELDS IN CHUKA SUB-COUNTY, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2021-12-04) Gathungu, G.K; Kihoro, D.M; Thogori, M
    The importance of coffee production in the world economy cannot be ruled out due to its contribution in the developing countries in areas such as creation of employment and rise in foreign exchange. Most of the coffee producing countries in the world have come up with strategies to increase their quantity and improve the quality of their produce. In Kenya, the government have also come with numerous policies to support coffee production at the farm level but production of coffee in Kenya has since 1989 crop year been declining. There has been emergence of other enterprises that are profitable than coffee production such as real estate and dairy sector in most of the coffee- growing zones, but there are many farmers who have been determined to maintain coffee production. Despite the efforts made by the government to maximise coffee production in terms of quality and quantity, production has shown a downward trend, with some farmers completely doing away with production This study was aimed at assessing the factors that affect optimization of coffee production in Chuka sub-County, Thaka-Nithi County. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 140 respondents from a population of 7,428 small-scale coffee farmers from ten cooperatives in the sub-County. The findings of the study indicated that access to extension, access to research and management of coffee cooperative were essential in coffee production with a mean agreement of 58.33%. The research established that access to extension (5%) and management of cooperatives (5%) were statistically significant while access to research at (5%) was statistically insignificant. Similarly, access to extension services increased optimization by 91%, poor management of coffee cooperatives reduced production by 45.1%, while access to research increased coffee production by 51%. Therefore, it is important to ensure farmers access extension services, research and improve management of coffee cooperatives.
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    APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK TO EVALUATE EXTEND OF NON LINEARITY AMONG EXPLANATORY VARIABLES WITHIN AND BETWEEN GENOTYPES AND PHENOTYPES
    (Chuka university, 2022) Chesang, s; Muasya, T.K; Ngeno, K
    Artificial neural networks (ANN) have been described as one of the models used for marker-based genomic predictions of complex traits in the field of animal breeding. It accommodates noisy, non-linearity in data set and makes decisions based on prior knowledge. This study evaluated the extent of non-linearity among explanatory variables within and between genotypes and phenotypes using ANN. A feedforward ANN was adopted with different number of neurons where Levenberg-Marquardt back-propagation algorithm was used to train the network.The construction and training of the network were done with matrix laboratory (MATLAB). Mean absolute error (MAE) and Pearson’s correlation coefficients (R) were used to measure the ANN predictive performance as a measure of extent of non-linearity among explanatory variables within and between genotypes and phenotypes. Results showed that the ANN models differed in predictive performance depending on the number of neurons in the hidden layer, for instance the neural network with one hidden layer containing 10 neurons in the hidden layer yielded high R-value of 0.86 and MAE of 2.98E-3. When the network dimension was increased to 16 neurons the performance decreased to 0.67 for R and MAE increased to 7.73E-2. After a further increase of neurons to 32 the model yielded R value of 0.27 and MAE of 7.60E-2. The benchmark model for this study had an R of 0.77 and MAE of 5.72. Thus a model with 10 neurons is enough to handle non-linearity in this kind of data set thus chosen as the best non-linear model. This is because the dimension reduction of neurons in the hidden layer led to higher, more accurate, and more consistent predictions for growth rate. In comparison to the linear model, the best non-linear model performed better though the more complex non-linear architectures with 16 and 32 neurons could not outperform the linear model. Thus, linear models can as well produce reliable results for making genomic predictions. Keywords: Artificial neural network, Backpropagation, Mean absolute error
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    ASSESSMENT OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES AS BIOINDICATORS OF ON WATER QUALITY IN RIVER NAKA, CHUKA
    (Chuka University, 2022) Chamia, L. K.; Kutuny, G. K.
    Freshwater ecosystems worldwide have been progressively deteriorating leading to a decrease in aquatic biodiversity. Conventionally, evaluation of water quality uses single physical-chemical parameters which may be insufficient to fully assess the quality of freshwaters. This study used bio-indicators to assess water quality River Naka in Tharaka-Nithi, Kenya. Fluvial ecosystems support rich and diverse assemblages, making them vulnerable to possible alterations in the habitat. The study assessed the diversity and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and use as bioindicators of water quality. Grab sampling was used to collect water samples, a kick sampler and D-frame aquatic net was used to collect 121 benthic macroinvertebrates from three selected sites and determined using EPT Index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera group). The data obtained was used to determine the index of the sampling sites. Physico-chemical factors were analyzed in-situ (temperature, turbidity and pH) and (nitrates and phosphates) in the laboratory. The highest EPT index values at the upstream corresponded to good water quality, while the slightly low values at the midstream indicated moderate water quality and the lowest values recorded at the downstream showed fair water quality. The water quality parameters downstream exceeded the World Health Organization standards posing health hazard to water users. Continuous bio-assessment based on EPT biotic indicators of rivers should be conducted oftenly to develop long-term profile of water quality status and ecological integrity of rivers.
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    ASSESSMENT OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES AS BIOINDICATORS OF WATER QUALITY IN RIVER NAKA, CHUKA, THARAKA-NITHI, KENYA
    (chuka university, 2022) Chuka, University; Chamia, L.K; Kutuny, G.K
    Freshwater ecosystems worldwide have been progressively deteriorating leading to a decrease in aquatic biodiversity. Conventionally, evaluation of water quality uses single physical-chemical parameters which may be insufficient to fully assess the quality of freshwaters. This study used bio-indicators to assess water quality of River Naka in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. Fluvial ecosystems support rich and diverse assemblages, making them vulnerable to possible alterations in the habitat. The study assessed the diversity and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and their use as bioindicators of water quality. Grab sampling was used to collect water samples, a kick sampler and D-frame aquatic net was used to collect 121 benthic macroinvertebrates from three selected sites and determined using EPT Index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera group). The data obtained was used to determine the index of the sampling sites. Physico-chemical factors were analyzed in-situ (temperature, turbidity and pH) and in the laboratory(nitrates and phosphates). The highest EPT index values (28) at the upstream corresponded to good water quality, while the slightly low values (21) at the midstream indicated moderate water quality and the lowest values (15) recorded at the downstream showed fair water quality. The downstream water quality parameters exceeded World Health Organization limits, posing a health risk to water consumers. Continuous bio-assessment of rivers based on EPT biotic indicators should be conducted on a regular basis to establish a long-term profile of water quality state and ecological integrity of rivers.
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    ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINANTS IN NKENYE STREAM IN MERU SOUTH, KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2022) Kithaka, Samson Chabari; Njagi, Eric C.; Njagi, Joachim
    Access to portable water remains major global concern due to increased rate of water pollution contributed for by human pressure such as accelerated urbanization, high population, industrialization and intense agricultural activities that destroys riparian zones thus exposing the rivers and streams to toxic and pathogenic pollutants released from untreated organic and inorganic waste. Exposure of river and stream used for drinking water to pollution is detrimental to aquatic plants, human consumers and animals inhabiting water bodies. Nkenye stream in Meru South is depended upon for the use of its water in supplying fish ponds constructed along it, supplying water used for irrigation and provision of water for domestic use to the neighboring homestead. Nonetheless, little attention has been accorded to ascertain the quality of its water despite of the stream being located in an urban area with high exposure to pollutants. Pressure on Nkenye wetlands ecosystem that habour Nkenye stream has seen major destruction of riparian leaving just few plant communities such as Commelina banghalensis whose water purification potential is not well known. Based on the above fact a study was conducted to determine water quality of Nkenye stream based on the presence of heavy metals. Samples were collected at designated locations using ecological survey method and taken to Chuka University for evaluation. Macrophyte roots were cleaned and dried then powdered and digested using nitric acid. The sediment samples were dried, ground to pas a 2 mm non-metal sieve, digested samples were diluted and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry model PG990 at Chuka University. The concentration of anions was determined by ion chromatography at Chuka University Chemistry laboratory. The results obtained from the field and laboratory were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The results showed that Nkenye stream is polluted with iron, copper and lead. However, the concentration of iron and copper were within the set standards by the World Health Organization while lead was slightly higher by 0.02 ppm. The results obtained were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The metals contaminants observed in the Nkenye stream water, sediments and root samples may be associated with discharge of wastes from Chuka town particularly wastes from car wash, garages and from farms that surround the stream and the wetland. Considerable amount of lead, copper and iron was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis. This shows that the plant can be utilized in the removal of the above cations in the Nkenye stream. Considerable amount of chemical was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis this shows that the plant can be utilized in removal of chemicals in the stream. Local authorities should provide waste management disposal systems and policies that prohibit direct discharge of untreated effluents into the stream.
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    ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINANTS IN NKENYE STREAM IN MERU SOUTH, KENYA
    (chuka university, 2022) Kithaka, , S.C; Njagi, E.C; Njagi, J
    Access to portable water remains a major global concern due to its dimishing supply and increasing and competiting demand. Water scarcity is aggrevated by the increasing pollution from different sources. Nkenye stream in Meru South is depended upon source of water for domestic, agriculture and agricultural processing, Nonetheless, little attention has been accorded to ascertain the quality of its water despite of the stream being located in an urban area with high exposure to pollutants. Pressure on Nkenye wetlands ecosystem that habour Nkenye stream has seen major destruction of riparian leaving just few plant communities such as Commelina banghalensis whose water purification potential is not well known. A study was conducted to determine water quality of Nkenye stream. Samples were collected at designated locations using ecological survey method and taken to Chuka University for analysis. Macrophyte roots were cleaned and dried then powdered and digested using nitric acid. Sediment samples were dried, ground to pass a 2 mm non-metal sieve.The digested samples were diluted and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry model PG990 at Chuka University. The concentration of anions was determined by ion chromatography at Chuka University Chemistry laboratory. The results obtained from the field and laboratory were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The results showed that Nkenye stream is polluted with iron, copper and lead. However, the concentration of iron and copper were within the allowable concentrations for potable water by the World Health Organization while lead was slightly higher by 0.02 ppm. The results obtained were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The metals contaminants observed in the Nkenye stream water, sediments and root samples may be associated with discharge of wastes from Chuka town particularly wastes from car wash, garages and from farms that surround the stream and the wetland. Considerable amount of lead, copper and iron was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis. This is an indication that Commelina banghalensisfo can be used can be used for the removal of contaminants from water. Local authorities should provide waste management disposal systems and policies that prohibit direct discharge of untreated effluents into the stream.
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    ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MOUNTAIN BONGO IN MOUNT KENYA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY AREAS
    (Chuka university, 2022) Njeru, M.J; Fundi, P
    The study focused on assessing local community knowledge and attitudes towards Mountain Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) in Mt Kenya Forest using a descriptive research design. It was conducted in the community neighboring Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy in March 2020. We used interview schedules to assess respondent’s knowledge on the species habitat requirements, feeding habits, threats and conservation value of the animals within Mount Kenya. Colored photographs of the Mountain Bongo and 12 other selected mammals found in the region were used to assess respondent’s ability to identify the animals and their knowledge on vernacular names of the animals. Interview results from a sample size of 142 informants were analyzed. The results showed that 71.8 % of the respondents could identify the mountain bongo but only 18.3% were aware of its vernacular name. Knowledge on habitat requirements, feeding habits, threats and conservation value differed significantly from what was expected (p<0.05). Based on logistic regression the knowledge could be predicted based on gender and age and whether one had a previous interaction with the animal. We found that 57% supported bongo conservation whereas 40.8% were undecided due to lack of knowledge about the animal. In addition, 27.5% liked mountain bongo because of attracting tourists, 12.0% felt that the antelope was attractive, 8.5% its size, 4.2% source of products such as bush meat, 4.2% aggressiveness and 0.7% its interesting behaviour. Support for conservation was associated with gender, age and knowledge of the animal. The bongo is well known but basic knowledge of the animal’s ecology is limited. A pro-conservation attitude exists in the community, but utilitarian value attached to it and its habitat could be a constant threat to its conservation in the area
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    ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF BOREHOLE WATER IN CHUKA SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2021) Rugendo, Edith M.
    Groundwater from shallow aquifers is an important source of portable water in Chuka Sub-County. However, most shallow boreholes in Chuka Sub-County are undocumented and susceptible to contamination by both geogenic and anthropogenic activities. This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of shallow boreholes water in Chuka Sub-County. Samples were collected from twenty boreholes in Chuka Sub-County during the dry and wet seasons. The temperature, pH and conductivity were determined in situ using a meter. The concentration of cations was determined using ICP-MS. The concentrations of anions were determined using standard APHA analytical methods. Obtained data was analyzed using SAS software version 9.4. The temperatures and conductivities of borehole waters were within the limits set by KEBS and WHO. The pH of water in most boreholes during the wet season was within the limits set by KEBS and WHO. However, borehole water at Karandini (T15) was highly acidic (pH of 3.95) during the wet season. During the dry season, borehole waters were slightly acidic (4.42 - 6.44) except for the borehole at Ndagani market (T11), whose water was alkaline (pH = 8.75). The concentrations of macro cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) were higher during the dry season. The concentrations of the trace and toxic cations differed significantly across sites and seasons but were within the limits set by KEBS and WHO. The concentrations of anions (NO - , SO 2- , Cl and PO 3- ) were within the limits set by KEBS and WHO3 for portable4 water. 4However, the concentration of nitrate in several boreholes during the dry season was within the range that cause chronic health effects including colorectal, ovarian, thyroid, kidney and bladder cancers. Groundwater from most boreholes in Chuka Sub-County is generally safe for domestic uses but require regular monitoring for quality.
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    ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AMONG RICE MILL WORKERS IN CENTRAL KENYA (MWEA)
    (Chuka University, 2021) Njue, Richard Mwaniki
    Rice milling involves removal of the husk and bran layer, a process which causes emission of inorganic dust and synthetic chemicals that have adverse effects on respiratory health, eyes and skin of exposed workers. Further, rice husk is known to have high silica content which may cause pulmonary disease resembling asbestosis and possibly bronchogenic carcinoma. It is estimated that most workers spend a third of their time at work hence the need for positive occupational risk perception through awareness which has a significant impact on safe behaviour at work. This study assessed the level of awareness on occupational safety and health among rice mill workers in central Kenya (Mwea). Four out of the seven large scale mills were selected at random for the purpose of this study. The study population was 400 and the sample size was 196. Cross sectional survey study design was adopted and structured questionnaires were administered. The level of training (21%) and knowledge (24%) of safety and health at workplace was low. The supervisors’ awareness was also low (33%) across the sampled mills. The respondents’ perception of the positive safety climate was (53%) disagree while the managers’ measure of importance of health and safety in the workplace on a scale of 1 to 10 was at an average of 4.5. There was no significant association between safety awareness and age (p=0.919) and the cross tabulation between level of education and safety awareness was p=0.98. None of the selected mills had registered their premises as a workplace or formed safety and health committee. The study concluded that the level of awareness on safety and health was low among the workers and occupiers of the workplaces in the selected rice mills. The government should deal with the abysmal registration of workplaces for improved level of awareness, workers enlightenment of legal rights and reduced workplace hazards, injuries and accidents.
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    ASSESSMENT OF TOMATO FARMING STRATEGIES, DISEASES KNOWLEDGE AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS’ IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY, KENYA
    (Chuka university, 2022) Ogolla, O. F; Onyango, O.B; Muraya, M.M; Mulambula, S
    Diseases are hindrance to tomato production in Kirinyaga, Kenya. However, information on farmer’s disease knowledge to warrant pesticide use, disease predisposing factor such as varietal choice, seed source and irrigation system is scanty. This study assessed the association between tomato varieties grown, farming strategies, farmers’ socio characteristic, disease knowledge, diseases management practices, legal status and sources of pesticides used in tomato farming, knowledge of biological control agents with the agroecological zones in Kirinyaga. A cross sectional survey method was used. Data was collected from 120 tomato farmers using structured questionnaires. A chi square test was used to determine association between different variables using SAS version 9.4. There was no significant (p>0.05) association between source of tomato planting material and agroecological zones. There was significant (p<0.05) association between tomato varieties and the reasons for choice. Irrigation system used in tomato farms was significantly (p<0.05) associated with agroecological zones. Farmers’ knowledge of causative agent of early blight, late blight and septoria leaf spot was significantly (p<0.05) associated with agroecological zones. Farmers able of identifying causative agent of early blight, later blight and septoria spot were 51.7%, 40%and 17%, respectively. Up to 55% of farmers gained knowledge of tomato diseases through farming experience. Observation of the chemical withdrawal period in tomatoes was not significantly (p>0.05) associated with the level of pesticide dose applied. Over 46% farmers use wrong pesticide doses and only 48.33% of farmers use legal pesticides. The knowledge of use of biological control agents among farmers was not significantly (p>0.05)associated with agro ecological zones. Inability of some farmers to identify tomato diseases, use of illegal pesticides and use of improper doses of pesticides are challenges in tomato production in Kirinyaga. Therefore, measures such coordinated education on crop diseases, proper use of pesticide and surveillance to limit access to illegal pesticides should be considered
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    ASSOCIATION OF SECURITY RISK TRAINING PROGRAMMES WITH SAFETY IN UNIVERSITIES, KENYA.
    (Chuka University, 2022) Mutegi, Tetu Mwenda
    This study determined the effect of security risk control programmes on safety in universities in Tharaka-Nithi and Meru. Descriptive survey research design was used targeting staff and students in the Universities. A complete enumeration the 27 top management staff and a sample of 72 students and 71 staff was conducted. Data collection was done using questionnaires pre-tested at Dedan Kimathi University using split half technique obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.769. Data analysis was done using inferential statistics and results were presented incross tabulations, Chi-square, frequency and percentages. The analysis used Statistical Package for Social Sciences. All universities have implemented various programmes aimed at increasing safety in the universities. The results further revealed that there was no significant association of security risk training programmes with safety in universities since 0.496>0.05 and chi-square was 49.936. This study will form a basis of policy formulation on safety and security matters in public universities in Kenya and provide a basis for further research in the field.
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    ASSOCIATION OF SECURITY RISK TRAINING PROGRAMMES WITH SAFETY IN UNIVERSITIES,KENYA.
    (CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2022) Mwenda, Mutegi,T.
    This study determined the effect of security risk control programmes on safety in universities in Tharaka-Nithi and Meru. Descriptive survey research design was used targeting staff and students in the Universities. A complete enumeration the 27 top management staff and a sample of 72 students and 71 staff was conducted. Data collection was done using questionnaires pre-tested at Dedan Kimathi University using split half technique obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.769. Data analysis was done using inferential statistics and results were presented incross tabulations, Chi-square, frequency and percentages. The analysis used Statistical Package for Social Sciences. All universities have implemented various programmes aimed at increasing safety in the universities. The results further revealed that there was no significant association of security risk training programmes with safety in universities since 0.496>0.05 and chi-square was 49.936. This study will form a basis of policy formulation on safety and security matters in public universities in Kenya and provide a basis for further research in the field. Keywords: Security, risk, safety, security training, Control, Universities
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    BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF DOMESTIC BOREHOLES IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2021) Kithaka, Samson Chabari; Ogolla, Fredrick O.; Karimi, Jedida
    Water shortage that is caused by long droughts and higher cost of accessing piped water have forced many households in Kenya to opt for wells and borehole water. Where they are used, boreholes are exposed to contaminationbypathogenic microorganismsfrom nearbytoilets,defecationfromdomesticatedanimalsand surface runoff.Despiteofknown healthconcernsofconsumingcontaminated water manyruralresidentsconsumeborehole water whose portability is not determined and may not meet WHO standards. Thus, this study was conducted in Tharaka Nithi County to determine bacterial safety of selected wells and boreholes in Maara, IgambaNgombe and Tharaka Constituencies between March to September 2019. A total of 108 water samples were collected from 36 boreholes. The samples were analyzed at Chuka University using most probable number methods, Plate count and bacteria species identified using selected biochemical methods. Data (MPN) for different locations of study and boreholes were compared using general linear method in SAS. Significance means were separated using least significant difference post hoc test in SAS version 9.4. Number of bacteria isolated from water samples were also compared using general linear model. Feacal coliform values exceeding WHO recommendation of (0 CFU/ 100 ml was observed in all borehole surveyed. Mean MPN value of 17.5/ 100 ml CFU was observed in Kawangware in tharakasouth.ColiformbacteriaE.coli,Bacillusspp,Klebsiellasppwereisolated inallthewatersampled.However, E. coli followed by Bacillus sppwere higher compared to the rest of isolates.Occurrence of these bacteria in borehole water put the health of depended consumers at risk of infection