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Nutrients and Anti-Nutrients Levels, and Nutrients Bioaccessibility in Cooked Manihot Esculenta Crantz Varieties Grown in Kilifi and Busia Counties, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Ogombe, Charles Ojiambo
Manihot esculenta Crantz (cassava) is a staple crop, with different sweet and bitter varieties
grown in developing nations. Bitter cassava varieties are primarily used for industrial purposes
like making flour, starch, bioethanol, and adhesives after being processed to remove toxic
cyanide. Sweet cassava is used for direct food consumption, where it is boiled, fried, or baked,
and it can also be processed into various food products like flour and snacks. The study areas in
Kenya, Kilifi County, grow Kibandameno and Tajirika varieties while MM96/2480 and Migyera
are cultivated in Busia County. The crop’s roots and leaves are a source of protein, thiamine,
riboflavin, ascorbic acid, niacin, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, oxalate and phytate. Nutritional
data has shown that Kilifi and Busia Counties have high prevalence of under nutrition, amidst
relying on otherwise nutritious cassava-based diets. For consumption, the general cooking
methods involves roots being boiled or deep-fried, while leaves are pounded then boiled. In view
of malnutrition statistics in communities that otherwise consume cassava, it is unclear whether
the underlying factor would be attributed to impact that cooking has on nutritional levels of both
leaves and roots of cassava, or nutrient bioaccessibility. This was envisaged as a study gap. The
concentrations of specific anti-nutrient and nutrients in cassava leaves and roots with age of the
plant, impact that boiling and deep-frying tubers and boiling leaves of cassava has on nutritional
and anti-nutrient levels, and finally the bioaccessibility of nutrients were determined. Static
gastrointestinal digestion was performed after and prior to determination of protein (by kjeldahl),
vitamins and anti-nutrients (by HPLC) and minerals (by AAS and AES). Nutrient levels (mg/100
g) in raw roots ranged from 17.00 - 114.00 (protein), 1.93 - 12.74 (vitamin C), and from 32.08 -
162.98 (Ca). Levels of anti-nutrients (mg/100 g) ranged from 390.37 - 561.28 (phytate), and
from 4.72 - 613.46 (oxalate). Cooking resulted in a reduction of the levels ranging from 12% (K)
to 98% (vitamin B1) in all nutrients and anti-nutrients studied, with boiling roots recording
higher losses than deep-frying (P<0.001). The bioaccessibility of vitamins and minerals was
lower in raw roots (15 - 72%), but significantly higher (P<0.001) in cooked roots, with deep
fried roots showing bioaccessibility between (20 – 79%) and boiled roots between (27 – 84%). A
trend similar to the one observed in roots was observed in cooked cassava leaves with
bioaccessibility ranges of vitamins in raw leaves (8 – 69%) being significantly lower (P<0.001)
than in boiled leaves (11 – 81%). The study concludes that levels of ascorbic acid, thiamin,
riboflavin, niacin, protein, calcium, zinc, iron and potassium, phytate and oxalate in Manihot
esculenta Crantz varieties depend on the variety, part of the plant (roots or leaves), and
harvesting age. Cooking significantly reduces levels of these nutrients and anti-nutrients with a
higher reduction on boiling than deep-frying. The bioaccessibility of nutrients however
significantly increased with cooking but the levels were lower than the recommended dietary
allowance (RDA) for all the nutrients determined. The study recommends that cooking lowers
anti-nutrients and increases nutrient bioaccessibility. Cassava roots should not be left in the farm
for a longer period after maturity when nutrient levels are high and cooking by deep frying to
retain high levels of the water-soluble nutrients
Ethnobotanical Survey, Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Analyses of Selected Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Kieni, Kiambu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-07) Maina, Adelaide Wambui
Therapeutic plants usage has become prevalent in the prevention and treatment of human ailments. Nevertheless, scientific data to validate the effectiveness of some plant species is limited. This study sought to identify and provide a record of therapeutic plants used in Kieni, Kiambu County, and subsequently, investigate their phytochemical and antimicrobial properties. To this end, questionnaires were administered using snow ball technique to identify the plant species used as remedy for human ailments. Five medicinal plants were selected for phytochemical and antimicrobial testing. Methanol was used as the extracting agent. Phytochemical testing was carried out using standard procedures while antimicrobial assay was done using disc diffusion method. A comprehensive list of twenty-eight medicinal plants distribute across 25 plant families were identified as remedy for common diseases for instance, malaria, skin infections, respiratory diseases and stomach problems. The study identified that the knowledge of therapeutic species was mainly obtained from immediate family members, specifically parents and grandparents (63%). The leaves (27%) were identified to be the most utilized plant part while the seeds (2%) were the least used. Qualitative analysis of methanol plant extracts of Cordia africana, Croton macrostachyus, Elaeodendron buchananii, Coleus barbatus and Senna didymobotrya showed that flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins were the most common phytochemicals found in all the extracts. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, employing the disc diffusion method demonstrated Elaeodendron buchananii as the most effective against the tested micro-organisms while the least effective plants were Croton macrostachyus and Cordia africana. The methanol plant extracts showed limited effectiveness against Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. Nonetheless, it was observed that S. typhi displayed susceptibility to the leaves extracts of E. buchananii, exhibiting an average zone of inhibition measuring 12.000 mm. However, the tested plant species showed no potential to restrict the growth of Candida albicans. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) using Broth dilution method was determined for plants that showed a region of inhibition of ≥ 9.00 mm. The most susceptible microorganisms were Streptococcus aureus with average zones of inhibition of 9.52 mm followed by Streptococcus pyogenes 9.14 mm and Bacillus subtilis 7.96 mm. The results of this study indicate that the community was able to identify medicinal plants, and that the identified plants have antimicrobial properties against the tested microbes. This study recommends further research on medicinal plants identified with the aim of discovering novel drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections.
Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices among Adolescent Girls with Disabilities in Selected Primary Schools in Wajir County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Jama, Abdiwahit Ahmed
The beginning of menstruation is a significant occurrence to adolescent girls worldwide. Despite global sensitization on the importance of good Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), unhygienic practices and absence of an enabling environment persist. This can have adverse negative effects on adolescents, which are more profound for girls with disability due to their co-morbidities. The study aimed to assess MHM practices among adolescent girls with disabilities in selected primary schools in Wajir County. Specifically, it determined and investigated the influence of socio-demographic factors, attitudes, knowledge and institutional resources on MHM practices. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting all adolescent girls with disabilities from three purposively selected schools using census sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine associations between variables. Statistically significant variables were further analyzed using logistic regression to identify predictors of MHM practice. The required logistical and ethical considerations were adhered to. Results revealed that only 11.9% of respondents practiced good MHM. The socio-demographic characteristics significantly associated with MHMP were severity of disability (p*=0.016), caregiver (p*=0.001), Number of family members (p*=0.029) and Occupation of bread winner (p*=0.001). Nature of attitude (p*=0.029) and level of knowledge (p*=0.037) were also significantly associated with MHMP. In terms of institutional resources, provision of menstrual materials (p*=0.004) and availability of water in school (p*=0.005) showed significant associations. Logistic regression results identified severity of disability (AOR=8.000, p=0.001), caregiver (AOR=4.000, p=0.015), and number of family members (AOR=0.429, p=0.025) as key predictors of MHM. Attitudinal predictors included discomfort in class (AOR=2.428, p=0.002), menstruation-related shame and shock (AOR=5.247, p=0.001), and nature of attitude (AOR=0.160, p=0.016). Knowledge-related predictors included understanding menstruation as a normal experience for girls (AOR=7.417, p=0.001), menstruation as an indicator of reproductive maturity (AOR=6.800, p=0.045), and level of knowledge (AOR=4.206, p=0.028). Among institutional factors, only availability of water in school (AOR=0.085, p=0.021) was a significant predictor. The study concludes that MHM practices are very low among girls with disabilities, influenced by personal, social, and institutional factors. It recommends that stakeholders provide free sanitary products and build sufficient school washrooms to ensure privacy. Community education should address menstruation-related myths and stigma to improve attitudes. MHM education should be scaled up among girls with disabilities, while government and NGOs in the WASH sector should prioritize sustainable water access and support services.”
Teacher’s Influence on Students’ Choice of Science Subjects in Selected Public Day Secondary Schools in Murang’a County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Gatuiku, Zipporah Wahu
The teacher factor is critical in influencing students to choose the Science disciplines. Despite teachers constantly encouraging the students to choose Science disciplines, students choosing these subjects are few in secondary schools. The study examined how teacher’s factors influence students in choice of Science subjects in Murang’a County, Kenya. It was guided by four objectives, namely, to determine the: influence of teacher motivation on students’ choice of Science subjects; influence of teacher pedagogy on students’ choice of Science subjects; influence of teacher test evaluation feedback on students’ choice of Science subjects; and influence of teacher mentorship about Science on students’ choice of Science subjects in Murang’a County, Kenya. The study was premised on reinforcement theory of motivation. Descriptive research design was used for the study. The target population was 3400 comprising of 34 Science Head of Departments, 136 Science teachers and 3230 students in Murang’a County. Simple random sampling was used to choose 27 schools as a unit of sampling. From the selected schools, random sampling was employed to draw 65 teachers and 119 students. One HOD was selected through purposive sampling in each of the 27 selected schools. This yielded to a sample size of 211 respondents in the study. Questionnaires for students and science teachers, and interview guide for Science HODs were used as instruments to collect data. Piloting was conducted to determine the comprehensiveness of the instruments. Validity of the instruments was determined through expert judgment. Reliability of instruments was done using split-half technique. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such frequency and percentage with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was then presented in bar graphs, pie chart and tables. Qualitative data was put into similar themes and presented through narration and verbatim quotations. The research revealed that teacher interactions, praises and rewards encouraged students to pursue science subjects. Hence, they choose the science subjects which was supported by 64.3% of the teachers. Utilization of theory and practical lessons was found to motivate the learners to select the science subject and this was supported by 57.1 % of the teachers. Test evaluation feedback was found to influence learner’s choice of science subjects and this was supported by 66.4% of the students. Test results helped the students to know their strengths and weaknesses which greatly influenced student’s choice of science subject. Teacher mentorship to students was found to influence student’s choice of science subject. The study concluded that, recognition of students’ efforts through rewards, use of theory and practical enabled students to have a better understanding of subject content, frequent administration of tests was found to improve students’ knowledge and confidence in the subject. Teacher mentorship in terms of involving students in career talks, Kenya Science and Engineering Fair and even science mentorship programs all made students to have an interest towards choosing the science subject. The study recommended that the schools should organize regular science talks for the students, the KICD should ensure that the Competency Based Education (CBE) curriculum is well versed on pedagogical content delivery and the school stakeholders should encourage learners to participate in Kenya Science and Engineering Fair to enlighten them. This study may be significant to science teachers in guiding students when selecting science subjects.
Dynamics in Hydro-Diplomacy in the Nile Equatorial Lakes; 1929-2023
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Okinda,Albert Ochieng
This study examined dynamics in hydro-diplomacy in the Nile Equatorial Lakes region. Hydro-diplomacy has been a central feature in international relations in the Nile Basin for nearly a century. The basin has been a dynamic arena for evolving hydro-diplomatic dynamics. The study explored hydro-diplomacy dynamics in the Nile Equatorial Lakes between 1929 and 2023. It analysed the key events, treaties, and negotiations that have shaped hydro-diplomacy in the region over nearly a century. The study analysed the historical factors that have shaped hydro-diplomacy efforts in the basin, the dynamics of hydro-diplomacy in the basin and particularly under the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program among the member states and concluded by evaluating River Basin Organisations effectiveness in promoting hydro-diplomacy for sustainable-shared waters management. The study employed collective action theory to analyse hydro-diplomacy in the region by examining how multiple states with competing national interests manage and negotiate the shared use of the Nile’s water resources. The study utilised both primary and secondary data. The primary data was obtained using a key-informant interview guide and a focus group discussion guide, while secondary data was obtained by reviewing relevant journals, books, and reports. The study established that there exists a conflict in the Nile basin driven by historical water rights agreements, climate change, increasing population, unilateral actions, hydro-politics, and a lack of basin-wide institution. Various legal and institutional frameworks, like the Nile Basin Initiative, have been instituted to address these challenges at the regional and international levels. In 1999, the Nile Basin Initiative was instituted as a transitional organisation to promote basin-wide cooperation for the sustainable and equitable development of the Nile River resources. The Nile Equatorial Lake Subsidiary Action Programme, one of the Nile Basin Initiative subsidiary action programs, has been instrumental in promoting hydro-diplomacy through Water Resources Management and Development and Power Development and Trade Sub-Programs. In its pursuit of these, the subsidiary institution has faced challenges ranging from a lack of political will, hydro-hegemon politics, and limited funds. The study also established that River Basin Organisations are effective mechanisms for managing shared water resources, providing platforms for information sharing and exchange, joint development priorities and conflict prevention. While challenges persist, they are instrumental in promoting cooperation and sustainable development. This study was important because it enriches the body of knowledge on the management of transboundary resources by providing a more nuanced understanding of the complex issues surrounding the management of shared water resources.