http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/208 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:12:45 GMT 2026-04-17T22:12:45Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2625 Improving aquaculture productivity in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya: Addressing pathogens, water quality, and management challenges Mutai, E. Kipyegon; Ngeiywa, M.M.Moses; Liti, D. Aquaculture in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, has grown significantly due to government support, favorable climatic conditions, and an increasing demand for fish as a protein source. However, fish farming in the region faces severe challenges from pathogenic parasites and microbes, which significantly impact fish health and aquaculture productivity. Poor water quality, overcrowded ponds, and agricultural runoff exacerbate the proliferation of pathogens, including protozoan parasites (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), monogeneans (Gyrodactylus species), bacterial pathogens (Aeromonas hydrophila, Edwardsiella tarda), and fungal infections (Saprolegnia species). These pathogens cause diseases that lead to high mortality rates, reduced productivity, and economic losses. This review synthesizes current research on fish pathogens in Uasin Gishu, contextualizing the findings within regional and global frameworks, and identifies critical gaps in disease management. It also proposes strategies to mitigate disease prevalence, improve water quality, and enhance aquaculture sustainability. Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2625 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2621 ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY AND PREVALENCE OF Staphylococcus aureus IN DIABETIC WOUNDS AMONG PATIENTS AT MOI TEACHING AND REFFERAL HOSPITAL, KENYA OGUDA, OWUOR DOMNIC The frequent source of deferred healing processes in wounds is Staphylococcus aureus worldwide. Diabetic wounds in diabetic patients contribute to delayed healing due to antibacterial resistance, which has caused a lot of suffering and a low quality of life for patients. This study investigated the prevalence, possible risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of S. aureus isolated from diabetic wounds of patients attending Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). It involved purposive sampling; patients with diabetic wound infections who were willing to participate in the study were selected. The study included Type 2 Diabetes patients aged 13 years and above, who presented at the MTRH diabetic clinic during the study, and had not used antibiotics for any reason. The study targeted 156 diabetic patients attending MTRH. A questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic data. Wound swabs were aseptically collected and cultured on blood agar, then sub-cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar to isolate S. aureus. It was further identified by catalase and coagulase tests. Determination of antimicrobial susceptibility was by the Agar disk diffusion method. The occurrence of S. aureus in diabetic wounds was significantly (p=0.025) influenced by the sex of patients attending the diabetic clinic at MTRH. However, age (p=0.6503), underlying conditions (p=0.8437), previous hospitalization (p=0.808), previous antibiotic use (p=0.6874), marital status (p=0.118), and the level of education (p=0.192) do not significantly predispose the wounds of diabetic patients attending an outpatient diabetic clinic at MTRH to S. aureus. 31 samples were positive for S. aureus. An instance of intermediate sensitivity 26 (10.48%) was shown by S. aureus isolated in this study, with 72 (29.03%) resistance to antibiotics. However, most of the isolates were vulnerable to the test antibiotics. A higher number of S. aureus isolates were susceptible to Cefoxitin (96.77%) and Clindamycin (80.65%), with lesser susceptibility to Ampicillin (25.81%). A prevalence of 19.87%, Cefoxitin being effective against most of the S. aureus isolates, and a significant relation between sex and occurrence of S. aureus in diabetic wounds were established. Early surveillance and screening to detect any presence of MRSA in diabetic wounds and the susceptibility profile of S. aureus in diabetic wounds of patients attending the diabetic clinic at MTRH is recommended. Re- evaluation of the use of Ampicillin should also be taken into consideration to prevent widespread antibiotic resistance. Female diabetic patients should take more precautions to prevent any traumatic injury, which could lead to diabetic wound infections. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2621 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2586 Enhancing fisheries productivity through improved fish pond management in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya: A comprehensive review Kosgei, J. Patricia; Liti, David M; Chemoiwa, Emily J.; Mutai, Edwin K. Aquaculture is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of global food security and economic development. However, its potential remains underexploited in many developing regions, including Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. This review synthesizes local and global research on the challenges and opportunities for enhancing fisheries productivity in the county through improved pond management practices. By examining production systems, water quality variables, and nutritional management, this review presents practical strategies for sustainable intensification of aquaculture in the region. The findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to unlock the full potential of aquaculture in Uasin Gishu County, positioning it as a viable pathway toward rural development and long-term food security. The recommendations focus on capacity building, resource access, policy support, and integrated farming approaches aimed at improving productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2586 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2585 Influence of Water Quality on Growth Dynamics of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Uasin Gishu Aquaculture Systems Kosgei, J. Patricia; Liti, M. David,; Mutai, K. Edwin; Chemoiwa, J. Emily Aquaculture in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, supports food security and livelihoods but faces challenges from unstable water quality affecting Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth. This study examined the relationship between water quality and fish growth across five farms representing earthen, tank, and raised liner systems from May 2023 to April 2024. Physico-chemical parameters—dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biological oxygen demand (BOD)—were measured at three-hour intervals, while fish growth was monitored monthly. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, and multiple regression to assess water quality effects on growth. Temperature (21–23 °C) was below the optimal 25–30 °C range; pH (8–9) was acceptable; DO occasionally dropped below 3 mg/L; and COD (32–95 mg/L) and BOD (33–103 mg/L) indicated organic loading. Significant differences occurred among farms for temperature, DO, COD, and BOD. Growth parameters derived from the von Bertalanffy Growth Function showed the best performance in raised liner systems, with Cheplaskei Farm A recording the highest growth (L∞ = 36.78 cm; W∞ = 630.02 g). COD and BOD were the strongest predictors of maximum growth rate. The findings emphasize the need for stable water quality management to enhance O. niloticus productivity and ensure sustainable aquaculture in the region. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2585 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2553 CHARACTERIZATION OF SELECTED KENYAN COWPEA CULTIVARS FOR TOLERANCE TO ACIDITY SANG, JANETH Acid soils are normally deficient in available phosphorus and have high levels of soluble aluminium. Crops vary in sensitivity to acidity and associated stresses. Kenyan varieties of cowpea have not been tested for tolerance to acidity and phosphorus deficiency. This study was conducted to assess the response of selected cowpea cultivars to acidity and aluminium stress under laboratory and field conditions. A total of nine cowpea cultivars namely UOE-COWPEA-1, UOE-COWPEA-2, UOE-COWPEA-3, UOE-COWPEA-4, UOE-COWPEA-5, KENKUNDE-1, K-80, M-66 and KVU-27-1, were screened in culture solution containing 0 µM and 185 µM AlCl 3 at a pH of 4.3 and four which showed a greater ability to modify the culture solution pH and a higher relative net root length were further evaluated in the field. pH values of the culture solution were taken daily for a period of six days without adjustment. Root and shoot lengths were measured and recorded after six days. The field experiment were laid out in RCBD, where the two main plots were either limed (4 t/ha) or not limed. The treatments were phosphorus (TSP) (0.06 t/ha), lime, phosphorus plus lime and control (-P, -L) and four cowpea cultivars; UOE-COWPEA-2, KVU 27-1, K-80 and KENKUNDE-1 were grown for a duration of four months. Soil samples were analyzed prior to and after planting. Plant height, total number of leaves per plant, total number of branches per plant, leaf area per plant, plant biomass, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant were assessed using standard procedures. The nine cowpea cultivars screened increase the pH of the culture solution as the days progressed. The increase in the culture solution pH could be due to cowpea cultivars secreting chelating agents that reduce H + thereby increasing the culture solution pH and reducing Al toxicity. UOE-COWPEA-4 cultivar grown at 185 µM Al was the most tolerant with higher relative net root length (75.6%) while UOE-COWPEA-1 cultivar was the most Al sensitve (63.7%). Lime increased the soil pH from 5.23 to 6.37 while both P+L increased soil P to the maximum of 28.93 mg/kg with K-80 cultivar. UOE-COWPEA-2 produced the greatest number of leaves (52) and number of pods per plant (59) while K-80 yielded the highest total seed weight per plant (42g) with KENKUNDE-1 recording the greatest number of seeds per pod (12) all under phosphorus plus lime treatment. UOE-COWPEA- 2, UOE-COWPEA-4, UOE-COWPEA-5, K-80 and KEN-KUNDE-1 cultivars that showed greater promise in modifying the pH, superior growth and yield attributes, could be grown in acidic soils. The cultivars can be tested further to establish their stability in alleviating acidity. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2553 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2539 Investigation of the morphological variation among taxa to determine species diversity within Cyperus dives complex in East Africa: a review Tallam, Jerop; Otieno, Donald Fredrick; Musili, Paul Mutuku The Cyperus dives complex, a group within the Cyperaceae family, exhibits substantial morphological diversity across East Africa, presenting a valuable opportunity for studying species diversity and ecological adaptation. This investigation explored the morphological variation among taxa within this complex to assess species diversity and inform conservation strategies. Through a detailed examination of leaf shape, inflorescence structure, and reproductive features, the study reveals significant variations that delineate species boundaries and highlight adaptive traits. Findings from existing literature affirms the complex interplay between environmental factors and morphological characteristics, illustrating how different taxa are adapted to a range of ecological niches. The results demonstrates that morphological diversity within the Cyperus dives complex is influenced by habitat variability and evolutionary pressures. The study concludes that a comprehensive understanding of morphological variation is essential for accurate species identification and effective conservation management. This investigation contributes to the broader understanding of biodiversity in East Africa and supports the development of targeted conservation strategies to protect the diverse taxa within the Cyperus dives complex. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2539 2025-04-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2536 PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION, ANTIBACTERIAL AND ALLELOPATHIC ACTIVITIES OF Achyranthes aspera AND Tagetes minuta LEAF EXTRACTS JEPTOO, LOYCE Antibiotic resistance remains a significant global health concern to date, putting at risk treatment options. As a result, treatments can be expensive and ineffective. It is therefore necessary to look for new options like using plant extracts with antimicrobial properties. Achyranthes aspera and Tagetes minuta have been traditionally used to treat various diseases in many communities and may possess antibacterial and allelopathic properties. Weeds cause more crop losses than insects, pests and diseases combined however their antimicrobial and allelopathic properties have not received much attention. This research aimed to determine the phytochemical composition, antibacterial and allelopathic activities of Achyranthes aspera and Tagetes minuta. Leaves were identified from the farm fields of University of Eldoret, collected, placed in sample collection bags, then transported to the laboratory. The leaves were washed, shade dried then ground to semi-powdery form. Extraction was conducted using sterile distilled water and ethanol. Extracts were tested against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 51299, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 by disc diffusion method in a Completely Randomized design with three replications. Ciprofloxacin was used as a positive control. Clear zones around the discs were recorded as inhibition zones in millimetres. Maize, millet, rice and sorghum seeds were dressed with extracts to establish their allelopathic activities by placing five surface sterilized seeds in each petri dish. Fifteen millilitres of extracts were used with distilled water set as a positive control. The design of the experiments was Completely Randomized with three replications. ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05. A. aspera and T. minuta extracts showed significant inhibitory effects with inhibition zones of ≥13 mm compared to ≥17 mm from ciprofloxacin. Bio-activity of extracts was highest on S. aureus followed by E. faecalis then P. aeruginosa then E. coli with least effect on K. pneumoniae. Plumule and radicle lengths of the test plants were also significantly affected with percentage reductions of ≥63%. Extracts were more detrimental on Rice followed by Maize then Sorghum with minimal effect on Millet. Millet recorded the highest germination percentage of 89.44% while rice had the lowest percentage at 67.78%, with Maize (87.50%) and sorghum (85.83%). Alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, quinones, saponins, tannins and terpenoids were present in extracts of both plants while Anthraquinones, glycosides and steroids existed only in A. aspera. This study concludes that A. aspera and T. minuta have remarkable antibacterial and allelopathic activities. There is therefore need to balance between controlling these plants which grow as weeds and maintaining them aimed at utilization for the development of newer antimicrobials and/or bio-control agents. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2536 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2534 IMPACT OF PARASITOLOGICAL, CLINICAL AND RENAL-HEPATIC BIOMARKER RESPONSES IN CHILDREN BELOW FIVE-YEAR OLD COINFECTED WITH MALARIA AND HIV IN WESTERN KENYA ARAMBE, MAMBO FIDELIS Malaria and HIV remain major causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five years in sub-Saharan Africa. Their co-infection presents a compounded health challenge, particularly in Western Kenya where Plasmodium falciparum transmission and HIV prevalence are both high. This study aimed to determine the burden of parasitemia and host biomarker responses in children aged below five years co-infected with P. falciparum and HIV. A cross-sectional case-control study involving 138 children aged 6–59 months was conducted at Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital. Parasitological diagnosis was done by microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests, while biochemical assays evaluated renal and hepatic function. Children co-infected with malaria and HIV were generally younger than those with HIV mono-infection, suggesting that mother-to-child acquired HIV predisposes to increased malaria susceptibility and severity in early life. The co-infected group had significantly higher median parasitemia (1,870 parasites/µL; range: 1,806–80,025), indicating intense transmission. Female children were more affected than males, suggesting possible gender-based differences in exposure, careseeking behavior, or immune response. Renal markers serum creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen were significantly elevated in the co-infected group, reflecting early renal impairment likely linked to immune complex deposition and microvascular obstruction. Hepatic markers ALT, AST, GGT, total and direct bilirubin were also markedly raised, indicating hepatocellular injury and cholestasis. Total protein, albumin, and globulins were significantly higher in co-infected children, suggesting polyclonal B-cell activation and hypergammaglobulinemia driven by chronic immune stimulation. Among the biochemical markers, LDH, creatinine, and ALP exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in predicting organ dysfunction, while GGT, bilirubin, and total protein demonstrated high sensitivity but lower specificity. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses showed modest predictive value (AUC 0.43–0.69) for these markers in identifying renal and hepatic dysfunction. The findings suggest that combining hepatic and renal markers could enhance diagnostic accuracy in co-infected children. P. falciparum and HIV co-infection in children under five years significantly disrupts renal and hepatic function, reflecting compounded immune and metabolic stress. Elevated creatinine, bilirubin, and transaminases indicate potential for these markers to serve as adjunct diagnostic and prognostic tools in endemic areas. The study underscores the need to integrate biochemical assessment into pediatric malaria management, especially in HIV-prevalent regions. Routine monitoring of renal and hepatic function is recommended for timely identification of co-infected children at risk of severe outcomes. Further longitudinal and multi-center studies should investigate the mechanistic pathways underlying biomarker alterations and validate context-specific diagnostic thresholds for clinical use. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2534 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2523 CHARACTERIZATION OF CASSAVA (Manihot esculenta Crantz) GERMPLASM IN KENYA NYAMWAMU, CHARLES NYARANG’O Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a crucial income crop and staple food crop, providing substantial carbohydrates for millions globally and supporting small-scale farmers in Kenya. Due to incorrect characterization of the phenotypic and genetic materials available, the gene pool for cassava in Kenya are frequently overestimated or underestimated. Therefore, this study sought to characterize cassava germplasm in Kenya. Specific objectives were to; characterize and delimit cassava germplasm based on their phenotypic traits, investigate the genetic diversity among the cassava germplasm using molecular markers and also to determine the cyanide concentration levels in leaves, peels and pulp among cassava germplasm in Kenya. A total of 131 cassava accessions were collected from 7 major purposefully selected cassava growing Counties in Kenya. Each cassava accession was represented by a single plant. This plant was divided into 3- 10 pieces and planted in single rows. Plants from this main plot were collected and planted in three sites. In each plot, three rows of five plants were planted. Data collection on phenotypic traits was done at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Twenty-one qualitative and four quantitative phenotypic data were collected and subjected to multivariate analysis. At a statistical significance of p≤0.05, the data was subjected to cluster analysis and dendogram construction. From the main plot, apical leaf samples from 40 proportionately sampled accessions were taken for evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure using start-codon-targeted (SCoT) molecular markers. Cluster analysis and dendogram development was done to establish the accessions' genetic variability. A total of 32 samples were processed for cyanide content analysis using picrate paper and spectrophotometric methods. In a field survey, 32 cassava sample accessions were randomly collected from various farms in Migori County for cyanide determination. Phenotypically, a dendrogram generated categorized these accessions into four clusters with Cluster 1, 2, 3 and 4 containing 72.5%, 16.0%, 3.1%, and 8.4% of the genotypes, respectively. Out of the 25 phenotypic traits assessed, 11 principal components accounted for 71.58% of the genetic variation. A total of 119 fragments were amplified, with 89.9% being polymorphic, indicating moderate genetic diversity. The dendrogram grouped the accessions into two clusters at a 0.35 genetic similarity coefficient. Moderate genetic variation among the accessions was revealed by SCoT markers. The study also revealed significant variations in cyanide levels across different cassava parts and accessions. The spectrophotometric method recorded average cyanide levels of 5.89 mg/L, 7.42 mg/L and 8.20 mg/L in leaves, peels and pulps respectively while the picrate paper method showed 3.13 mg/L, 5.44 mg/L, and 7.97 mg/L. The highest cyanide concentration was found in Nyarkadera leaves (26.93 mg/L), Kazanzwara peels (17.82 mg/L) and Nyatanga pulps (26.93 mg/L). The lowest levels were in Nyatanga-002, Nyakanyamkago, and Kasukali leaves (0.40 mg/L), Kasukali peels (1.19 mg/L) and Mzungu pulps (0.40 mg/L). Moderate positive correlations (r=0.547 and r=0.570) between cyanide concentrations in leaves and peels, and a strong positive correlation (r=0.936) in pulps was established. Thus, cassava germplasm in Kenya exhibits moderate diversity, with molecular data revealing clearer differentiation among this germplasm. In addition, the germplasm shows significant cyanide variation necessitating integrated genetic and biochemical breeding approaches. Thus, these results may assist breeders and farmers in optimizing cassava germplasm utilization, ultimately contributing to food security. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2523 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2514 ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF LEAVES AND ROOT EXTRACTS OF KENYAN POPULATIONS OF DODONAEA VISCOSA ON STREPTOZOTOCIN (STZ) INDUCED DIABETIC RATS Langa, Philemon Kibet; Njenga, Elizabeth Wanjiku; Jeruto, Pascaline; Lukhoba, Catherine Diabetes is a metabolic disorder affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. There are three types of diabetes which includes type I diabetes mellitus (T1D), type II diabetes mellitus (T2D) and gestational diabetes. The disease is associated with polyuria, polydipsia, and glycosuria, and many other underlying conditions. It leads to disability, high financial constraints and ultimately death of the patients. This study therefore intends to seek alternative ways of managing diabetes using herbal remedies. Dodonaea viscosa leaves and roots were collected from Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Kwale counties. They were soaked in ethanol and their antidiabetic activity done on male swiss albino rats. Antidiabetic activity was calculated by a glucometer. T-test was used to compare the activity of the roots and leaves. ANOVA was calculated using F-test to find out the activity of various populations. A comparison of activity of Insulin, 200 mg and 400 mg/kg bw extracts was determined using their means. From the results, D. viscosa has a strong antidiabetic activity. T-test revealed that there was no significant difference between their activities of roots and leaves as evidenced from p >0.05. Fstatistic (F = 0.545) indicates that the variances between the populations are not statistically different. The p-value (Sig. = 0.742) further confirms this. Insulin led to the highest decrease in blood sugar, followed by plant extract at 400 mg/kg bw and finally 200 mg/kg bw extracts. More research to isolate pure compounds from this rich plant need to be done. Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2514 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z