Department of applied Environmental & Social Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND EPHEMEROPTERA, PLECOPTERA AND TRICHOPTERA (EPT) RICHNESS INDEX ALONG RIVER KIMININI, TRANS-NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA

2025-04-02T06:46:26Z

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND EPHEMEROPTERA, PLECOPTERA AND TRICHOPTERA (EPT) RICHNESS INDEX ALONG RIVER KIMININI, TRANS-NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA BARASA, CHARITY NAFUNA Water plays a major role to human beings and their environs. These various uses range from domestic and industrial use, irrigation, recreational activities, transport, energy production and a habitat. Human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, destruction of riparian zones, poor waste disposal and animal watering have become rampant and adversely impact the river water quality. The study assessed the physical chemical parameters and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) index richness along River Kiminini. Ten sampling stations were selected to reflect the different human activities that occur along the river. Using a multi parameter meter (YSI hydro lab model 650 MDS), physical and chemical water quality parameters were measured in situ and nutrients determined calorimetrically using standard analytical methods. Macro invertebrates were collected by kicking and dipping method and then sorted and preserved with 70% ethanol in the field for taxonomic resolution and richness counts in the laboratory, then, they were organized to order level using taxonomy key. The community attributes and physico-chemical parameters relationship were determined using Pearson correlation. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) described macro invertebrate community assemblage and the physico-chemical parameters relationships. Mean variations in physico-chemical parameters were tested using ANOVA and post hoc Duncan’s Multiple Test compared means among stations and sampling period. The analysis was done in R programming software version 4.4.0. The temperature ranged from 17.20±1.92℃ to 22.27±0.55℃, total solids dissolved, ranged from 90±10.00 mg/L to 100 ± 8.16 mg/L, electric conductivity ranged from 116.67 ± 22.90 µs/cm to 143.33 ± 28.13 µs/cm, pH ranged from 7.65± 0.08 to 8.2 ±0.14, nitrates ranged from 8.29± 2.02 mg/L to 14.40 ±2.04 mg/L and phosphates ranged from 0.69±0.17mg/L to 1.32 ± 0.56 mg/L. A total of 42 macro invertebrate genera were encountered with EPT dominating the upstream stations, Ephemeroptera taxa dominated followed by Diptera which increased downstream. Most physicochemical parameters determined the structure of macro invertebrates in the stream. The results indicated a decrease in EPT richness as nutrients levels increased downstream. The variation of EPT among station was influenced by the water quality in River Kiminini. The study recommends control of riparian land use and buffer zones to improve habitat quality of the stream and also continuous monitoring using EPT to assess the water quality.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AS SOCIO-INCENTIVE TOOL IN THE CONSERVATION OF FOREST: INSIGHTS FROM UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

2023-10-12T08:07:00Z

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AS SOCIO-INCENTIVE TOOL IN THE CONSERVATION OF FOREST: INSIGHTS FROM UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA Kiptum, Andrew Rutto Community participation is an emerging socio-incentive tool needed to be inculcated in resource management; however, the influencing effect for households to participate is understudied. Therefore, this study sought to determine possible influencing level of participation in forests resources management, and to examine determinants that either support or constraints participation. Structured questionnaire was administered to 234 rural households in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, while multi-stage and systematic random sampling was employed as sampling procedure. Expressed WTP values from hypothetical market scenarios on either presence or inexistence of participation were used to determine its influence, while determinants of public participation were analysed using OLS regression model. Additionally, Logit model was used to analyse the probability of influence of each selected variable in this study. Results showed that participation is an incentive that could contribute to about 60% of WTP value for the management of forests. Again, OLS regression results revealed that variable of education level (t = 1.052, p< 0.1) and households income (t = 0.2.694, p< 0.05) supports participation, and variable of family size (t = – 0.121, p< 0.01) impedes participation, while their probability to influence was at 55.7%, 57.0% and 49.3%, respectively. These findings point the need to contextualise education level, income and family size of the population when formulating participation policies and programs by the forests conservation authorities. However, significance of random factor (t = 27.094, p< 0.001), with its probability to influence at 73.0%, explains existence of unobserved variables that influences participation suggest the need for further investigation on variables beyond the scope of this study. The implication of this finding informs resource managers to identify and adopt an implementation mechanism that considers critical demographic factors that enhances forests conservation to sustain forests stock flow of consumable products to the communities.

Dam Sites Identification using Multi-Criteria Analysis and Spatial Weighted Overlay. The Case of Kapseret Sub-County, Kenya

2023-09-27T09:18:57Z

Dam Sites Identification using Multi-Criteria Analysis and Spatial Weighted Overlay. The Case of Kapseret Sub-County, Kenya Biwott, Gladys Chelagat; et al. Water shortage is a common phenomenon in many parts of Kenya in the dry season, including the Kapseret Sub-County. However, water harvesting has seldom been practised, despite its high potential to alleviate water shortages in the dry season. This is largely influenced by a lack of access to dams and pans. The objective of this study was to identify potential dam sites for water harvesting in Kapseret Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Multiple criteria analysis and weighted overlay were performed on ArcGIS to map suitable sites for the location of dams. The multiple criteria considered in site suitability analysis were land use and land cover (LULC), slope, and proximity to streams, institutions, roads, and airports. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of 30 m resolution was downloaded from the USGS website and used to process stream network, slope, and contours. Landsat 8 satellite imagery taken on January 2022 were downloaded from the USGS website and used to generate LULC data. It was established that the Kapseret basin has moderate to highly suitable zones for dam siting, covering 74.66% of the area with only 25.34% of the land being unsuitable. Further analysis using contours identified four potential dam sites with a combined capacity of 3,436,500 m3. The study concluded that the potential for water harvesting is high in the area as significant portions of the land are generally suitable for dam siting. It was recommended that action be taken by the county and other stakeholders to develop dams in suitable zones so as to increase access to water, particularly in the dry season when there are shortages.

Making Kenyan Urban Transportation System Smart: The Case of Eldoret Municipality

2023-09-27T07:51:10Z

Making Kenyan Urban Transportation System Smart: The Case of Eldoret Municipality Cheboi, J. K.; et al. Transportation systems are the fundamental to the economic prosperity of any nation. Nonetheless, transportation itself more so the use of automobiles has unintended negative environmental impacts that threaten the very existence of humanity through production of green house gases leading to climate change. Other negative impacts of transportation include compromise of human safety through traffic accidents causing injury and even deaths. This study sought to establish urban mobility patterns within Eldoret Municipality as a means to establish a green transportation planning. Traffic modal split was measured at different Gordon points on the major routes traversing through Eldoret Municipality. Findings illustrates that transportation in Eldoret municipality is unsustainable. There is heavy use of automobiles as compared to greener options such as cycling and walking. The study concludes that in order to achieve green urban transportation system there is need for an integrated approach in the implementation of transportation policy. Provision of feasible and convenient alternatives to car use, provision of high-quality public transportation systems as well as secure and opportune walking and cycling facilities have been recommended as opportunities for making urban transport green in Eldoret Municipality.

Making Kenyan Urban Transportation System Smart: The Case of Eldoret Municipality

2023-09-20T09:09:52Z

Self-Image and Green Buying Intentions among University Students: The Role of Environmental Concern and Social Influence

2023-06-13T08:49:28Z

Self-Image and Green Buying Intentions among University Students: The Role of Environmental Concern and Social Influence Simiyu, Gabriel; Kariuki, Valentine The current study presents a research model that elucidates the mechanism through which self-image influences green buying intentions among university students. Little is known about these mechanisms as well as the circumstances under which any such effects are strengthened or weakened. This study attempted to fill this void by investigating how environmental concern serves as an explanatory mechanism for the relationship between self- image and green buying intention, with social influence moder- ating this relationship. Based on survey data from 384 university students, environmental concern mediated the impact of self- image on green buying intention, and social influence had a conditional effect on self-image, environmental concern, and green buying intention. The findings also indicate that social influence moderated the indirect effect of self-image on green buying intention through environmental concern, with the indir- ect effect being stronger when social influence was low versus when it was high. These results add to the body of knowledge and provide new insights into theory and practice. The practical implications and future research directions are also discussed.

Landslide Occurrences in Kittony Area, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

2023-02-03T08:45:28Z

Landslide Occurrences in Kittony Area, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya Aseta, Ayieko, J.; Ochieng, Richard Landslides and other forms of ground failure affect communities all across the nation. Despite advances in science and technology, these events continue to result in human suffering, billions of dollars in property losses, and environmental degradation. As the population increases and the society becomes ever more complex, the economic and societal costs of landslides and other mass wasting processes will continue to rise. The objective of the study was to establish the types of landslides prevalent in Kittony area, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The study population comprised of 2000 residents of Kittony Area in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Five members of the local administration, and a County Geologist. The sample size consisted of the following respondents: two hundred and forty six residents of Kittony area, the local chief of Kittony area and a County Geologist. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design and utilized a qualitative research methodology. The systems theory was used to underpin the study and a conceptual framework showing the interrelationship between the dependent and independent variables was used to guide and conceptualize the study. The findings of the study included the types of landslides that exist in the area.

IMPACTS OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON URBAN POOR: A CASE OF ELDORET MUNICIPALITY, KENYA

2022-03-01T10:04:16Z

IMPACTS OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON URBAN POOR: A CASE OF ELDORET MUNICIPALITY, KENYA BETT, FELIX KIPKEMEI Poverty for many years has been associated with rural areas with little focus on urban poverty. A study to assess inequality in Kenya, estimated percentage of urban poverty in Eldoret municipality at 35.5% with a population of 79.9% living in core urban and 20.1% in peri-urban regions. World Bank estimated the pace of poverty reduction in Kenya at 1% per year. Kenya has a goal through vision 2030 to reduce poverty to lower levels. Eliminating poverty will require a higher rate of poverty reduction and increased focus on poverty reduction strategies rather than focusing on poverty rates based on percentages. This study was aimed at establishing impacts of national Government Poverty Reduction Strategies on Urban Poor in Eldoret municipality. The objectives were; to highlight the national government poverty reduction strategies in Eldoret municipality, to analyze the impacts of Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) and National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in reducing urban poverty, to state the challenges faced in implementing these strategies and to develop a pro-poor urban poverty reduction strategy model. The department for international development (DFID’s) Sustainable Livelihoods Approach Theory was used to guide the study. A conceptual framework was designed to guide this study. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 273 respondents was arrived at using Fischer’s formula (1999). The study used cluster sampling for household heads, snowball sampling for OPCT and purposive sampling for key informants. Primary tools for data collection included structured questionnaires and Key informants’ interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23 for descriptive statistics and results presented using frequency tables and figures. The study findings showed that CDF has promoted education of all learners in primary, secondary, tertiary institutions and higher learning at (98%) though it was not a common livelihood strategy. OPCT has reduced poverty at (84.5%) through promotion of sustainable income. NHIF provided health insurance for most respondents and their dependence and improved their health at (69.0%). The major challenge faced in implementation of these strategies is that, funds allocated were not enough (45.0%). Microfinancing, seminars for education on poverty reduction and setting up dispensaries in every estate was a popular pro-poor poverty reduction strategy. The study formulated a pro- poor poverty reduction strategy model to aid in poverty reduction. Generally, Poverty reduction strategies has reduced urban poverty in Eldoret municipality. The study recommends evaluating the peoples’ willingness to enrol in NHIF compared to other health care insurances and the need assessment to have CDF and OPCT get enhanced mandates on Poverty reduction in Uasin Gishu County.

ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP APPROACH IN WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SERVICES TO HOUSEHOLDS IN BUSIA MUNICIPALITY, KENYA

2021-11-24T07:45:39Z

ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP APPROACH IN WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SERVICES TO HOUSEHOLDS IN BUSIA MUNICIPALITY, KENYA NAKHUNGU, PAUL KOMBO Access to safe drinking water remains a challenge for most developing countries including Kenya, which is seen as a water-scarce Country. To enhance its provision, many initiatives have been put in place by the Government of Kenya; the most celebrated being the enactment of the Water Act of 2002, which opened the door for private sector to partner with government to revitalize water service delivery. Despite the introduction of public-private partnership approach in provision of water supply and sanitation services, the problem of accessibility still persist. The purpose of this study was to assess the public-private partnership (PPP) approach in provision of water and sanitation services to household consumers. Specifically, the study looked at water consumption; coverage expansion through public-private partnership approach; contribution of PPP approach in improving quality service delivery; relationship between water sources and household water related health problems and finally challenges facing PPP approach in provision of water supply and sanitation services. The study employed household survey methodology, using questionnaires and interviews to gather the relevant information. Stratified sampling techniques, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select sample size. Data collected was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively using descriptive statistics. The study found that PPP approach has contributed to improved accessibility to water supply services since the majority (84.4%) of households could access water within a distance less than one kilometre. The study also found that water related health problems in the Municipality are not correlated to water source, thus there must be other factors that contribute to water related health problem in the Municipality. However, the provision of sanitation service is still poor due to the fact that it was still in the hands of local authority. Therefore, the study recommends that sanitation especially garbage collection should be handed over to private firms to provide the services to residents. The study further recommends harmonisation of policies in both private and public sector so as to have comprehensive policy framework that serves the interest of all stakeholders.

UTILIZATION AND CONSERVATION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KEIYO SOUTH, ELGEYO-MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA

2021-11-23T09:38:28Z

UTILIZATION AND CONSERVATION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KEIYO SOUTH, ELGEYO-MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA Kurui, Monica Cheptanui Medicinal plants are an important source of healthcare and livelihood for many people in developing countries, particularly in Africa where 80 percent of the population still relies on them for primary health care. Despite this, literature reached indicated that medicinal plants globally are under threat from over utilization and loss of habitats. This is a concern as the demand for plant based medicine for human health is being sought globally due to the belief that they have less harmful effects on human health. This study investigated the utilization and conservation of traditional medicinal plants, threats and the measures to conserve them in Keiyo South Sub-County in Kenya. The study was guided by Garret Hardin’s Tragedy of the Commons theory. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule, observations and photography. Secondary data was collected from books, journals and theses. A total of 171 respondents comprising 120 household heads, 33 traditional herbalists, 15 herb vendors, and 3 Kenya Forest Service staff were interviewed. Data was coded and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The results showed that medicinal plants were widely used by the Keiyo people for prevention and treatment of ailments like cold and chest pain in the highlands; malaria in the lowlands; and reproductive health and abdominal problems in all the zones. Medicinal plants obtained from Kerio valley and the escarpment included Albizia anthelmintica for de-worming and cleaning the digestive system, Acacia seyal (red acacia) and Maertia subcordita for abdominal pain, Zanthoxylum gilletii (large-leaved knob wood) and Withania somnifera (poison gooseberry)for throat infections; and Ficus thonigii (Black-cloth fig) for malaria. Traditional conservation measures adopted included restricted gathering by mature people and herbalists guided by social controls and taboos. Threats identified by the respondents were increased farming (81%), increased human settlements (76%) leading to habitat destruction and lack of knowledge on use of medicinal plants (45%). Measures adopted by the respondents to conserve medicinal plants include planting (63.7%) and protecting medicinal plants growing in farms and protecting existing sacred sites (32.7%). The study concluded that knowledge and use of traditional medicinal plants for primary health care by the Keiyo people is widespread. The study recommends that the community and government should protect traditional sacred sites and establish a research institute in the County. Areas for further study include documentation of other medicinal plants at county level and chemical analysis of the medicinal plants.