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Evaluation of Work-Related Health and Safety Risks Associated with Hairdressers in Nairobi County, Kenya City
(International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Safety, 2024-04) Koskei, Winnie Chebet; Warutere, Peterson N.; Awuonda, Bernard
Hairdressers are exposed to awkward posture, prolonged standing, long working hours and chemical hazards capable of causing adverse health effects. The present study aimed to evaluate hairdressers' safety and health risks. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectionaland analytical design. Systematic random sampling was used to select salons and hairdressers. Closed and open-ended questionnaires were distributed to 286 hairdressers who consented to participate in the study. An observation checklist, WISHA caution checklist, thermometer, light meter and noise level meter wereused to collect data in the sampled salon. Data were analyzed descriptively and with regression analysis. It was found that the average space for salons was 8.79m2, and 68.5% of hairdressers work for long hours (11-12 hours). It was established that 5.48% of salons have an adequate amount of light and that 8.22% of salons have high temperatures. Aprons were the most used personal protective equipmentby hairdressers. Manual handling of salon equipment and awkward posture cause musculoskeletal disorders among hairdressers. Their odd ratios impacting the health and safety of hairdressers were 2.706 and 2.728,respectively. The study reveals that hairdressing salon designs, space, lighting,and temperatures affect the health and safety of hairdressers. The hours off work and minimal or no breaks also have negative impacts on the health and safety of hairdressers
Molecular detection and antibiotic resistance of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from street food and water in mukuru slums, Nairobi County
(PLoS, 2026-01-28) Mundalo, Sheillah; Ntabo, Regina; Kering, Kelvin; Too, Rael; Kariuki, Kevin; Imoli, Diana; Silantoi, Brian; Kiptanui, Evans; Kavai, Susan; Kariuki, Samuel; Mbae, Cecilia
Globally, diarrheal diseases account for 550 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually. In Kenya, Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections from contaminated food and water pose a serious health concern, especially in settings with poor sanitation and hygiene practices This study examined the genetic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profiles of diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) recovered from street foods and water from Mukuru informal settlements, Nairobi. Between September and December 2023, 384 (each 77) samples of street foods (Mandazi, githeri, French fries), wastewater, and drinking water were collected and E. coli isolation performed through microbiological culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Conventional Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to screen for six DEC and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) resistance genes. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson’s chi-square test) were used to assess associations between sample types, E. colipositivity, pathotypes, and antibiotic resistance. E. coli was isolated in 16% (62/384) of the samples, with 77.4% (48/62) of the isolated E. coli being DEC. Majority (64.6%, 31/48) of DEC isolates were recovered from wastewater followed by drinking water (22.9%, 11/48), githeri (8.3%, 4/48), mandazi (4.2, 2/48), and none from french fries. The most common pathotypes were; ETEC 69% (33/48), STEC 52.1% (25/48), EIEC 50% (24/48)), EPEC 10% (5/48), and EAEC 6% (3/48) Of the 48 DEC isolates, 30 were hybrid isolates Overall, the E. coli isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline (77.4%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (71.0%), ampicillin (59.7%) and least resistant to kanamycin (16.1%); chloramphenicol (8.1%) and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (4.8%). A huge proportion (72.6%, 45/62) of the isolated E. coli were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Of the 45 MDR isolates, 60% (27) were from wastewater, 28.9% (13) from drinking water, 4.4% (2) from githeri, 4.4% (2) from mandazi and 2.2% (1) french fries 2.2%. ESBL genes bla-TEM and bla were detected in 12.9% and 3.2% of the E. coli isolates. isolates. The high prevalence of MDR in the E.coli isolates recovered from environmental compartments and food is a huge public health risk to the population in these settings. The detection of E. coli indicates fecal contamination underscoring the need to improve water, and sanitation infrastructure in urban slums.
Employee Training Needs Analysis and Performance of the Department of Public Works, Transport, and Infrastructure in Taita Taveta County, Kenya
(ijcsacademia, 2026-01-31) Mbela, Kinguwo Benard; Wainaina, Lawrence
Taita Taveta is in Kenya’s Coastal area and has four sub-counties: Mwatate, Taveta, Voi and Wundanyi. The district borders Kwale, Makueni and the Republic of Tanzania. It is home to the Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, the Lumo Community Nature Reserve, and many ranches. Good roads in the region are therefore essential for tourism, trade with neighboring countries, and connecting Nairobi and the Mombasa region. The research was meant to evaluate training and efficacy of employees in the public works, transportation, and infrastructure sector of Taita Taveta County. The researcher investigated how training employees affect the performance of public works, transportation, and infrastructure in Taita Taveta County Government, specifically Training needs analysis. The study was guided by Instructional Systems Design (ISD). It also took interest on Human Performance Technology (HPT). Using a descriptive research design with a target population of fifty-five, selected through a simple random sampling method. Primary data was gathered using a questionnaire, which was validated through a pilot study. The reliability of the questionnaires was established, ensuring a thorough approach to validity. A correlation test and regression analysis were run and presented results in a statistical format, supported by graphics and diagrams. The unit of observation was individuals selected using a simple random sampling method. The researcher found that training needs had immense positive influence on employee performance in department of public works. They also determined that a strong correlation existed between training design and the performance of employees in this department. It was noted that implementing training policies caused significant positive changes in performance of employees in the public works department in Taita Taveta County. Recommendations arose from these findings. First, there was a need to encourage the implementation of suitable policies during employee training. Secondly, it was crucial to emphasize the importance of addressing the underlying training needs of employees
Effective Utilization of Coconut Palms for Sustainable Income Generation among Entrepreneurs in Kilifi District: A Case of SMEs in Kaloleni Division
(Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Book Publishing, 2025-11) Kitili, Boniface Mutia; Ogutu,Mark; Kavinda, Lucy; Gongera,George
Despite the abundance of coconut palms in Kenya’s Coast Province and the crop’s importance as Kilifi District’s main cash earner, it remains a highly underutilized resource. Most residents view coconut palms merely as sources of fruit, palm wine, firewood, and roofing materials, leading to minimal value addition or industrial exploitation. Hence, this study examined the effective utilization of coconut palms for sustainable income generation among entrepreneurs in Kilifi District focusing on SMEs in Kaloleni Division. This study adopted a descriptive research design using survey methods such as observation, structured interviews, and focused group discussions to collect data. The findings reveal that many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have not realized the full potential of coconut palms in producing a variety of value-added products that could significantly enhance income levels and improve living standards. The study therefore sought to determine how coconut palms can be effectively utilized for sustainable income generation by identifying existing constraints, potential business opportunities, and the support services required to stimulate enterprise development in the sector. The study concludes that low product prices, limited access to reliable markets, lack of capital, and inadequate awareness of regulations governing palm wine production are the major barriers affecting utilization of coconut palms. The study recommends the establishment of village-based cottage industries to promote local value addition and employment. The government and development organizations should collaborate to build the capacity of selected service providers who will, in turn, train other entrepreneurs at lower costs. Formation of cooperatives and farmer associations should be encouraged to strengthen bargaining power, promote marketing, and facilitate access to financial and technical support. Local investors should be identified and assisted in adopting technologies for producing non-traditional coconut products such as coconut oil, fibre-based crafts, and cosmetics. Enterprise development organizations should lead efforts to implement these interventions, ensuring that coconut palms are fully exploited as a sustainable source of income and rural economic growth.
Evaluation of the Relationship between Perceived Social Support and the Prevalence of Postpartum Depression (PPD) among Young Mothers at Thika Level Five Hospital, Kiambu County, Kenya
(EANSO, 2026-01) Mwongera, Megan Kanja; Musili, Phelista Marura
A considerable percentage of women experience postpartum depression (PPD), commonly known as the "baby blues," which is characterised by mood swings, episodes of crying, heightened anxiety, and disruptions in sleep patterns. PPD is a more severe condition that lasts longer after a mother has delivered compared to normal ‘baby blues’, which is less severe and lasts for a short time after delivery. Based on these revelations, this study sought to examine the relationship between PPD and Perceived Psychosocial Support from significant others, family members and friends among young women aged between 20 and 30 years at Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study utilised a correlational research design and the Social Cognitive theory. The target population was 400 mothers at the hospital, from which a sample of 120 young mothers was chosen using purposive sampling. Data collection was done by use of a questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted in Ruiru Level Four hospital in Kiambu County. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between perceived psychosocial support and PPD. The study found that all three forms of perceived social support were significantly and negatively associated with PPD among young mothers. The study concludes that perceived social support plays a crucial protective role against PPD among young mothers. The findings of this study have far-reaching implications for mothers, their social circles, and mental health practitioners, providing important insights into the genuine experiences of mothers who have recently given birth. As a result, this information offers pertinent individuals with an enhanced comprehension of how to efficiently attend to and assist mothers who are demonstrating indications of PPD.