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Effect of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia ILLUCENS) Larvae Meal on the Laying Performance of Improved Kenyan Indigenous Chicken
(Kenyatta University, 2024-03) Nyingi, Damaris Wacu
Kenya’s poultry production is constrained by high production costs occasioned by the high
price of protein ingredients such as fishmeal and soybean meal, hence the need to seek
alternative sources of proteins in poultry feed. This study evaluated the live weight
changes, feed conversion efficiency, and egg production and their quality in the Improved
Kenyan Indigenous Chicken raised on the BSFLM as protein sources. Five dietary
treatments were formulated with BSFL meal replacing both FM and SBM at different
inclusion levels: 0% BSFLM, 25% BSFLM, 50% BSFLM, 75% BSFLM and 100%
BSFLM. These diets met the nutritional requirements of a layer chicken. Fifty-five laying
indigenous hens aged 31 weeks at the peak of production were obtained from the KALRO
Naivasha poultry unit, where they had undergone genetic improvement. The chickens were
divided into five groups, each with 11 birds, and allocated the five trial diets in a completely
randomized experimental design. The chickens were individually placed in layer battery
cages from where they were fed 200 g/bird/day of the experimental diets. The amount of
feed taken by the birds, production of eggs, weight of the eggs, and live body weight were
recorded weekly for 22 weeks. Egg characteristics were also determined. The finding of
the study showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in average daily feed intake among the
diets but changes in feed consumption were not consistent with increasing BSFL inclusion
in the diet. Production of eggs was also affected by dietary BSF larvae inclusion, with diet
D4 (100% BSFLM) having the highest laying percentage (84.2%) while the control diet
had the lowest laying percentage (54.0%). Egg weight ranged from 57g in the control to
63 g in the D3 (75% BSFLM) layers. The highest egg yolk colour intensity (15) was for
D4 (100% BSFLM) layers and the lowest was for control layers. The weight gain among
the birds on diets containing BSF larvae was not significantly different. BSFL inclusion
levels D3 (75% BSFLM) and D4 (100%BSFL) had the best return on investment. The
results of this present study therefore demonstrate the potential usage of BSF larvae in
improved indigenous chicken layer diets.
Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services Among Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Machakos County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Njage, Ruth Kanini
Cervical cancer (CC) represents a significant health challenge globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where it ranks third in incidence and mortality. In Kenya, CC constitutes 20% of female cancer cases and accounts for 15% of cancer-related deaths annually. Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHIV) face a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, which adversely impacts their quality of life. Consequently, early screening for cervical cancer among WLWHIV is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among WLWHIV in Machakos County, Kenya. It focused on several specific objectives: identifying socio-demographic factors, assessing knowledge and attitudes toward screening, and analyzing health system factors that influence screening utilization. The study involved 422 HIV-positive women aged 18 to 49 years attending the Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) at Machakos County hospitals. Researchers employed a systematic random sampling method, and data were analyzed using the R statistical program, particularly logistic regression to explore variable relationships. Out of 422 participants, 410 women (97%) completed the questionnaire, with an average age of 31.7 years. Screening uptake was notable, with 249 women (61%) having been screened for cervical cancer according to Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines, while 161 women (39%) had not. Bivariate analysis revealed that age (OR=2.758, P=<0.001) and religion (OR=5.953, P=0.050) were socio-demographic factors linked to screening utilization. Additionally, knowledge and attitudes played a crucial role; women with adequate knowledge of cervical cancer screening had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR=10.210, P=<0.001), as did those who believed in the importance of early screening, even in the absence of symptoms (OR=19.317, P=<0.001). Health system factors also emerged as significant. For instance, WLWHIV motivated by health workers showed a higher likelihood of utilizing screening services (OR=19.317, P=<0.01), as did those who received health education about cervical cancer screening (OR=1.636, P=<0.039). In multivariable analysis, two factors retained a significant association with screening: having adequate knowledge about cervical cancer and its risks, along with the availability of screening services (AOR=3.67, P=<0.001), and the belief in the necessity of screening regardless of symptom presence (AOR=5.460, P=<0.001).In conclusion, the findings highlight that a notable 39% of WLWHIV in Machakos County are not compliant with MOH guidelines for cervical cancer screening. Key factors influencing screening utilization include adequate knowledge of the disease, perceived risks, and belief in the need for screening. To enhance screening rates among WLWHIV, it is essential for the Ministry of Health in Machakos County to implement targeted strategies that promote awareness and education about cervical cancer. Strengthening public health programs focused on WLWHIV can significantly improve knowledge and encourage adherence to recommended screening practices, thereby enhancing early detection and treatment outcomes.
Experiences of Professional Autonomy among Nurses in a Critical Care Unit in Nyeri County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2023-11) Karuga, Njoroge
Practicing autonomy provides an avenue for nurses to showcase their knowledge and incorporate it in their practice. The resultant effect is the improvement in the quality of care delivered to patients including reduced mortality in a resource limited institution. However, little is known about the critical care nurses' perceptions of their professional autonomy in rural areas. The objective of the study was to explore the perceptions, facilitators and barriers of professional autonomy among critical care nurses in a rural hospital, Kenya. The hermeneutic phenomenological study design was used in this study. Data were collected in a critical care unit using a semi-structured interview guide. A sample of 10 participants were recruited. The study was conducted in Nyeri County Referral Hospital. Themes from the study on the nurses' experiences of professional autonomy are based on the perceptions of autonomy; facilitators of autonomy; and barriers to autonomy. Facilitators and barriers to professional autonomy are dependent on the context under study. Facilitators of autonomy such as collaboration, support from administration acted as promotional factors for professional autonomy among critical care Nurses. Autonomy as a key ingredient in upholding one's professional status was not acknowledged. Perceptions, facilitators and barriers to professional autonomy forms the background of the current professional status. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the experience of professional autonomy among critical care nurses in context-based institutions. Nurses therefore exercise autonomy effectively when it aligns with the needs of patient care and when it is supported by a conducive environment.
Influence of Sports Events Hosting on Tourism Development in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-06) Chepkemei, Charity
In the 21st century, tourism destinations, including Kenya, use sports events hosting
to enhance their tourism sectors. Hosting sports events helps Kenya revitalize its
tourism industry, communicate revitalization plans, and align with Vision 2030 goals
for long-term tourism development. However, the empirical study on the viability of
hosting sports events as a tourism product in Kenya has been overlooked. Thus, the
current study examined sports events hosting influence on tourism development in
Uasin Gishu County-Kenya. Three specific objectives guided the study: (i) to
determine the influence of the local community involvement in sports events hosting
on tourism development in Uasin Gishu County, (ii) to assess the influence of sports
events hosting as a branding identity tool on tourism development in Uasin Gishu
County, and (iii) to identify the influence of sports events' hosting challenges on
tourism development in Uasin Gishu County. Social exchange theory was adopted in
this study. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. The study’s target
population was local community members living in Eldoret and its metropolitan areas,
and key informants were drawn from hotels, event-organizers, and sports and tourism
county officials. A simple random sampling approach was used to sample the locals
and sports tourists, while a purposive sampling technique was utilized to select key
informants. The sample size of the study was 552 respondents, consisting of 384 locals,
152 sports tourists, six (6) event managers, eight (8) hotel managers, and two (2)
tourism county officials from Uasin Gishu County. Questionnaires and interview
schedules were used for the collection of data. The quantitative data was analyzed
using descriptive statistics of percentages, means and standard deviations statistics of
correlation and regression analyses. Qualitative data followed a text/content analysis,
after which the responses were grouped as theses and integrated into the discussion of
quantitative findings. The findings revealed that local community involvement
(r=0.723, p=0.000), sports events hosting as a branding identity (r=0.534, p=0.000),
and sports events hosting challenges (r=0.480, p=0.000) exhibited a positive and
statistically significant relationship with tourism development in Uasin Gishu County.
Further, although the three variables positively influenced tourism development, local
community involvement was the most adamant predictor (R²=52.2%), and all three
dimensions of sports events hosting caused a 57.2% variation in tourism development
in Uasin Gishu County. The study concludes that hosting sports events influenced
tourism development in Uasin Gishu County. The study recommends using a macro approach to involve locals and a thorough global benchmark on the best’s sports events and hosting practices. Further, the study recommends a multi-agency approach to
curbing corruption, doping, mismanagement, and inadequate training facilities and
financial resources in sports events hosted in Kenya. There is a need to nurture sports
events to be hosted as a tourist product, recognized, and marketed to diversify Kenyan
tourism products’ portfolio and increase the competitiveness of Uasin Gishu County
as a preferred sports tourism destination
Dynamics of Kidnapping and Its Implications on Human Security in Adamawa State, Nigeria
(Kenyatta University, 2024-06) Girei, Musa Umar
Kidnapping has raised serious implications to human security in Adamawa State. This is because the crime has become a multi-million Naira industry in the State and therefore a lucrative business. This study examined the dynamics of kidnapping and its implications on human security in Adamawa State specifically Girei Local Government. The study investigated the prevalence of kidnapping by type, examined the factors encouraging kidnapping, determined the implications of kidnapping on human security and identified the challenges associated with mitigating kidnapping in Adamawa State. The research adopted three theories: the Rational Choice Theory (RCT) to explain why an individual chooses to engage in kidnapping; the Routine Activity Theory (RAT) which explains how individuals were kidnapped and lastly the Situational Crime Prevention theory (SCP) which explains how to mitigate kidnapping and achieve human security. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The research was carried out in Girei Local Government Area which is said to be the worst hit in kidnapping incidences in the state. The study sampled 20% of the target population of 769 persons. Both Purposive sampling and snow ball sampling were used to draw 154 respondents from the target population. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as instruments for data collection. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive analysis guided by the themes and pattern generated. The findings were discussed according to the objectives of the study. The response rate was 94.8%. The study discovered that political kidnapping, kidnapping for revenge, kidnapping for ritual and kidnapping for ransom were the most prevalent types in Adamawa State. Some of the factors found to encourage kidnapping include: unemployment, greediness, availability of illegal firearms in the society, desire to get rich quickly and corruption in the government. The effects of kidnapping include economic, political, social and psychological effects both to the victims and the society at large. Some of the recommendations from the study include provision of adequate security, establishment of poverty alleviation programmes and provision of employment opportunities to the youths.