RP-Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development

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Determination of Menopausal Influence on Work Productivity among Health Workers in Public Hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya
(JOCAMR, 2024-08) Warutere, Peterson Njogu
Aims: Menopause is a normal process in women marked by a reduction in estrogen and progesterone levels and eventual cessation of menstruation. Despite many studies on menopause, influence of menopause on work productivity and performance are poorly documented. The study sought to established the influence of menopause on work productivity among health workers. In this study, menopausal women refer to those in either of the four stages associated with menopause. Study Design: The study adopted case-control study design. Methodology: A total of 478 women working in public hospitals in the study area and aged between 40-60 years were selected for study where 239 were the case study group with menopause related symptoms and the control group was 239 women who were in same age but had no menopause related symptoms. In total, those aged 40-45 were 139, while those aged 45-50 and 50-55 were each 124 in number and those aged 55-60 were 91 in number The study used mixed-methods approach; Simple random sampling was used to select study respondents while purposive sampling was employed in selecting 20 key informants. A semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the study respondents while an interview guide was used to interview key informants. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze quantitative data. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, chi-square and regression analysis were used to analyze the quantitative data collected while thematic analysis of qualitative data using NVIVO software. Results: The findings show that menopause was associated with work absenteeism (χ2=21.549, p=0.001) and productivity impairment (χ2=76.979, p=0.001). Regression analysis showed that nervousness (p=0.005, df=1, OR=7.909), lack of concentration (p=.032, df=1, OR=4.608), breathing difficulties (p=0.010, df=1, OR=6.587) and anorexia (p=0.09, df=1, OR=6.880) increased work productivity impairment. Conclusion: Menopause impairs work productivity and increases work absenteeism. There is need for work places to adopt measures for supporting menopausal women to improve work productivity and to mitigate its adverse effects particularly, recognizing menopause as a workplace issue. This requires organizations to develop and institutionalize appropriate policies and staff support programs to support women during menopause transition and improve their work productivity.
Flower Growing Firms’ Contribution to Community Water Use Management in Naivasha Sub County, Kenya
(Environmental Challenges, 2021) Maureen Kaleha Amayi
Water is a life necessity and is central to various social, economic and environmental aspects such as sanitation, health, economic growth, species protection, food etc. Companies require water for their production activities and can only thrive where the social, environmental and economic dimensions are well facilitated. Healthy and vibrant communities and environments cannot exist if water management is neglected. In a period of growing environmental concerns, collaborating and working collectively among entities in public sector, private sector and community based organizations to solve environmental problems seems more viable than ever. Naivasha area portrays an interesting case consisting of different formal and informal institutions as it has a long history of formal regulations as well as of self-organized water user groups all aimed at addressing sustainability in the use of water resources. With the observed lax on the authorities end in regulating the utilization of water resources among the diverse users, this study attempted to draw out the role played by flower growing firms in conjunction with the resident communities by examining how their activities affect the water resources available and the counter measures put in place to ensure availability of the resource for both mentioned stakeholders. The study was conducted among four wards in Naivasha Sub-County with the target population and subsequent sample size encompassing both flower growing firms and the residents inhabiting the selected areas. Majority of the residents interviewed confirmed having access to piped water. It was noted that the flower farms relied more on Lake Naivasha and ground water sources in the form of boreholes for their water requirements and made use of constructed wetlands for wastewater disposal and treatment to a larger extent. Waste water disposal systems were however not well developed among the resident communities with unrestricted disposal noted, leading to contamination of the surroundings. Whilst the local authorities confirmed efforts made by the flower growing firms in waste water disposal were efficient, their contribution to local water management efforts was noted to be low with their initiatives barely recognized by the surrounding communities. The study recommended use of low cost techniques among the resident communities in waste water disposal and uptake of well-designed corporate social responsibility codes and standards by the flower growing firms to manage water abstraction while assisting the surrounding communities in their water use management efforts.
Preparedness and Response to Flooding Risks by Kenya Wildlife Service in Hells Gate National Park, Nakuru County, Kenya
(EANSO, 2024-10) Ithara, Mary Anne Muthoni; Ming’ate, Felix Lamech Mogambi
Floods are short-lived events that occur abruptly with little to no warning and are among the most dangerous disasters relating to weather due to the hazardous conditions caused for people, the destruction of property and the loss of life as well. Thus, minimizing flooding impacts timely and passing accurate information is critical in flood preparedness and response. Previous studies have focused on the probability of floods occurring and their magnitude, therefore leaving a knowledge gap on preparedness and response to flooding risks in national parks by government agencies in Kenya. Hell’s Gate National Park experiences significant flash flooding; therefore, it provided a good venue to study the levels of preparation and response mechanisms available in Kenyan national parks. The objectives of the study were to understand the level of preparedness and mechanisms to respond to flooding events by Kenya Wildlife Service in Hells Gate National Park. The study was guided by a descriptive research design which involved collecting quantitative and qualitative data from 118 park users and other key informants. The study found that the Kenya Wildlife Service plays a crucial role in flood preparedness and response, but there is room for improvement in early warning systems, hazard map distribution, and user education because only 36.6% of the respondents were aware of escape routes to be used during floods. In terms of recommendations, the study found that it is crucial to enhance the existing flood preparedness and response mechanisms within the park including investing in advanced technology for early warning systems, conducting regular drills, and fostering community engagement and partnerships, continuous improvement of flood preparedness and response plans, along with a robust communication strategy.
Use of Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (Pelis) in the Rehabilitation of Nyamweru Forest Reserve, Kiambu County, Kenya
(IJRRS, 2023-12) Kamau James Karanja, Gikonyo Salome Wairimu ,Ming’ate Felix L. M.
PELIS is a program globally known as the Taungya system, which involves the allocation of parcels of land to forest-adjacent communities to grow tree seedlings as well as carry out cultivation of crops during the early stages of tree seedlings growth until they form canopies, with the aim of increasing forest cover. The program has been successful in some countries, but it has failed in other countries, especially developing countries. This study investigated the impeding factors to the realization of the PELIS program, using a case study of the Nyamweru forest reserve in Kiambu County, Lari sub-county, Kenya. Descriptive research design was employed, with a sample size of 40 respondents. About 80% of the results showed an apparent weakness of the institutions mandated in the governance of the forest to effectively manage PELIS program. The study concluded that all the challenges experienced under the PELIS program can be linked to poor forest governance practices. The study recommended, that an integrated watershed resource management, adoption of a bottom-up approach in order to achieve participatory forest management in all aspects of the PELIS program, and development of a platform for awareness creation, such training and use of current technologies, to strengthen and enhance social capital in PELIS program Management in order to, rejuvenate and achieve the constitutional recommended 10% of forest cover in Kenya.
Use of Community Cultural Practices and Beliefs in the Conservation of Lake Baringo Ecosystem in Kenya
(science publishing, 2018-07) Ming’ate Mogambi Lamech Felix , Karigu Mary
Cultural practices and beliefs are closely linked to biodiversity conservation. The paper presents an analysis of information collected from three indigenous communities (Ichamus/Njemps, Pokots and Tugen) living in Lake Baringo ecosystem, Kenya. We argue that community cultural practices and beliefs have an impact in the conservation of ecosystems such as that of Lake Baringo. Descriptive survey method where semi-structured questionnaires were administered to household heads was used to collect data. Qualitative, participant observation and recording of key informants were also used in data collection. The data collected was guided by the Ecosystem Services (ES) framework. Analysis was done using a combination of descriptive and content analysis. The analysis shows that cultural practices and beliefs have some positive and negative impacts in the conservation of an ecosystem. It is recommended that cultural practices and beliefs may be useful in the conservation of an ecosystem but care must be taken to ensure that those culture practices that are not compatible with ecosystem management are eliminated.
The Social Cultural Factors Influencing the Level of Adoption of Biogas as an Alternative Energy Source in Gakawa Location, Nyeri County, Kenya2023
(JMGE, 2023-04) Felix Lamech Mogambi Ming’ate, Samuel Ndungu Ikonya
Objective: This study examined the socio-cultural factors influencing the adoption of biogas as an alternative energy source among the small scale farmers in Gakawa location, Nyeri County. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive research design in order to emphasize the measurement and analysis of relationships between study variables, and to systematically describe the Social cultural factors influencing the Level of adoption of biogas as an alternative energy source in Gakawa Location, Nyeri County, Kenya. Multi stage sampling was used to sample 351 households not involved in the Biogas Technology Project (BGTP) and 71 households involved in the BGTP. Primary data was collected through a questionnaire consisting of both open ended and close ended questions. Also key informants such as the agricultural extension officers, heads of local cooperative dairy society and NGOs coordinators were interviewed to augment the results of the household respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and results presented in frequency tables, while qualitative data was analysed by categorizing similar themes from the respondents and using them to augment the quantitative data. Results: This study has shown that socio-cultural factors can influence the uptake of biogas as an alternative energy source. For instance, households with higher levels of education were found to easily adopt biogas technology. Elderly people were more established and had fixed residence compared to younger people and thus were able to invest in expensive and permanent non-transferable projects like biogas technology. Female headed households tend to adopt the biogas technology as compared to their male counterparts. Finally, the results indicate that substitution of traditional sources of cooking, to more efficient household energy for the households, particularly in developing countries has not been adequately achieved. Conclusion: It is concluded that for the uptake of the biogas technology to be effective, social cultural factors of communities must be taken into account. Also there is need for more studies in developing countries that will generate more policies to help households to embrace more efficient technology.
The Role of Forest Resource and Resource Users’ Boundaries in Improving the Livelihoods of Communities Adjacent to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Kenya
(science publishing, 2022-03) Ming’ate Felix Lamech Mogambi, Lonzi Zipporah
The role of forest resource and resource users’ boundaries in improving the livelihood of forest adjacent communities has been of great concern in current literature. Studies have shown that there is likelihood that forest adjacent communities can draw significant benefits from the forest resource use and users’ boundaries. But is not clear the extent to which this can happen. Thus this study focuses on examining the role of forest resource and resource users’ boundaries in improving the livelihood of forest adjacent communities in Kenya using the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve as a case study. To fill this gap the study used a sample size of 220 households, including 100 households participating in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest management arrangement, 90 non-participating households in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest management arrangement and 30 key informants. It then used both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data collection involved administering semi-structured questionnaires to the participating and non-participating forest management households and key informants, while the secondary data involved a review of relevant and reliable materials on forest resource management, browsing from both internet sources as well as from books, daily newspapers, and published articles. Data analysis was done through coding responses from the different interview categories namely the participating and non-participating households and key informants and grouping them into similar themes in order to answer the study objectives. It is concluded in the study that successful governance of Common Pool Resources requires well established forest resource use and users’ boundaries, and that well established boundaries for resource use and resource users’ can improve community livelihood. It is recommended that, governments should develop forest resource use and users’ boundaries to enhance forest conservation and improved livelihoods of forest dependent households
Spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover change around Volcanoes National Park and their implications for biodiversity conservation
(taylor &francis, 2024-07) Nyiratuza Madeleine, Aristide Maniriho,Mireri Caleb & Ming’ate Felix L. M.
This study comprehensively analyses spatiotemporal land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics within a 10-km buffer zone surrounding Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda, from 2000 to 2019, integrating biophysical and socio-economic drivers. It aims to quantify LULC change extent, rate, and type around VNP and inside the park; identify socio-economic, demographic, and policy drivers of LULC change; and evaluate the impact of LULC changes on VNP’s biodiversity via habitat fragmentation, connectivity, and species diversity. Employing remote sensing, spatial modelling, and field data, we reveal profound transformations within the park’s periphery. Forests and woodlots have significantly declined, replaced by agriculture, grasslands, and built-up areas, particularly in the 5.1–10 km belt (92.29% forest loss). While reforestation efforts exist, they are outpaced by deforestation, creating a stark deforestation-to-reforestation ratio of 12:1 in the 5.1 10 km belt and 6:1 in the 0–5 km belt. This alarming trend threatens VNP’s biodiversity as resource dependent communities continue to extract firewood, construction materials, and beanpoles from the park. To mitigate these impacts, we propose integrated strategies encompassing strengthened law enforcement, sustainable land management practices, community-based conservation initiatives, and alternative livelihood development.
Formation of Participatory Forest Management Boundaries for Governance of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, in Kenya
(AJEE, 2022-01) Ming’ate Felix Lamech Mogambi and Lonzi Zipporah
Many natural resource management studies have researched on participatory forest management of forests. But current literature indicates that studies on the formation of participatory forest management boundaries for governance of forests are scanty. Thus this paper uses Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve as a case study to examine the extent to which its forest resource and resource users’ boundaries are developed by utilizing a qualitative approach for data collection. The researchers purposively sampled 100 respondents from communities involved in participatory forest management and 90 non-participating communities in the participatory forest management arrangement. Also 30 key informants from heads of government agencies such as Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, National Museum of Kenya, Non-Governmental Organizations such as Nature Kenya, Community Based Organizations and leaders from the business community working in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Management were utilized in the study. The analysis of qualitative data from written notes and audio recordings was coded into similar themes and used to answer the study objective. The results show that both participating and non-participating communities in the participatory forest arrangement are aware of the forest resource and resource users’ boundaries. It is concluded that boundaries are essential in governance of forest resource and users’ boundaries. It is recommended that policy makers need to clearly define boundaries for...
Establishing Forest Resources and Resource Users’ Boundaries: Policy Briefs Based on Kenyan Case Studies
(science publishing group, 2022-09-29) Ming’ate Felix Lamech Mogambi , Musingo Tito Edward Mbuvi , Nahama Eric Tetea
This policy briefs informs the decision makers on how to establish clear forest and community management units for access and management of forest resources for enhanced community livelihoods and improved forest management. It presents key findings on guidelines for forming partnerships and for establishment of forest resource and resource users’ boundaries. The key to making informed decisions regarding forest governance requires understanding the resource use and users’ boundaries that would increase forest resources and community livelihoods. The formulation of this policy briefs is based on the resource use and resource users’ boundaries for implementing participatory forest management in Keraite; Nyamweru, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Kakamega, Loita, and upper Imenti which have been in place for over two decades, even though forest governance still remains a challenge. All the respondents for writing the policy briefs were purposefully sampled from each category of interviewees namely: leaders from different user groups, key informants from different government organizations and NGOs. To collect data semi-structured interviews were used to all the respondents. A total of 47 respondents purposefully selected were involved in the interviews. Drawing from these forests as case studies, this policy briefs proposes the embraced policies by communities in the establishment of forest resource use and users’ boundaries. The study comes into conclusion that forest resources and resource users’ boundaries are needed for effective community forest management through highlighting the policy briefs based on six key areas: gathering relevant information, tools that can facilitate formation of partnerships, engaging different stakeholders, facilitating local communities to organize, preparing for negotiations and how the households and the individuals negotiating establish agreements
Effectiveness of Government Policies in Governing Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve in Kenya
(IJAES, 2022-04-18) Lonzi Zipporah , Ming’ate Felix Lamech Mogambi , Kurauka Joseph K.
The forests resources form part of the most precious natural resources as they balance the survival of the world's ecosystem. However, it is unclear how effective forest governance policies can manage participatory forest management arrangements in the current literature. Thus, the study sought to examine the effectiveness of the Kenyan government policies in governing the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Resources. The researchers purposively sampled 100 respondents from communities involved in the participatory forest management arrangement and 90 non participating communities in the forest participatory management arrangement. Also, 30 key informants from heads of government agencies, namely: the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, National Museum of Kenya, Non-Governmental Organizations such as Nature Kenya, Community Based Organizations, and Leaders from the business community working the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Management, were interviewed. The analysis of the collected qualitative data from written notes and audio recordings was coded into similar themes and used to answer the study objectives. The results show that the government policies regulating the Arabuko-Sokoke forest resources are important. Therefore, it is recommended that there is a need for effective forest governance policies for sustainable forest management.
Drivers, Institutional Arrangements and the Impact of Resource-based Conflicts on Communities’ Livelihood in the Tana Delta, Kenya
(IJSR, 2018-10) Said Abdulahi Omar , Ming’ate Felix Lamech Mogambi , Okeyo Benards
Drivers, institutional arrangements and their impacts of resource-based conflicts on communities’ livelihood is major concern in the current literature. The purpose of this paper is to: (i). find out the drivers of resource-based conflicts in the Tana Delta (ii). examine the organisational arrangement and the extent to which they influence resource based conflicts in the Tana Delta and (iii). examine the effects of resource-based conflicts on the communities’ livelihood strategies in Tana Delta. Descriptive survey method where semi-structured questionnares were administered was used to collect data. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with key informants. Data collection was guided by the needs and conflict theories. Anaysis was done using a combination of discriptive and content analysis. A number of drivers to resource based conflicts were found in Tana delta namely: scarcity of resources, political incitement, competition for resources,climate change,ethnic rivalry, human wildlife conflicts; institutional arrangements and gender related conflicts. Theresults also shows that there are well organized institutional arrangements for resource use conflict management. It was finally found that resource-based conflicts has impacts on the communities’ livelihood strategies. It is recommended that community conflict resources based drivers, institutional arrangements and resource-based conflicts are key in decreasing or increasing communities’ livelihood
Community Forest Associations Boundaries and Sustainable Forest Management in Loita Forest, Narok County, Kenya
(AJGR, 2023-10-20) Kiramba Lestan Kimiri, Felix L. M. Ming’ate and Eric M. Kioko
The Kenya Forest Act of 2005, subsequently revised in 2016, introduced the Kenya Forest Service and its mandate to engage in Participatory Forest Management (PFM) agreements with local communities adjoining state forests. This framework necessitated the establishment of Community Forest Associations (CFAs) nationwide, including the Loita Community Forest Association. However, a prevailing concern surrounding CFAs is the delineation and redefinition of boundaries, an issue that has gained prominence due to Kenya's decentralized forest governance system and the ambiguity surrounding the management of locally-held common resources. This study centers on investigating the process of establishing boundaries for the CFAs both in forest resources and the users within Loita Forest in Narok County, Kenya. Notably, Loita forest operates under a Traditional Participatory Forest arrangement, controlled by community elders, led by the revered Oloibon, who steers the resource utilization decisions. The vast expanse of Loita forest encompasses both lush woodlands and savanna landscapes. Employing purposive sampling, the study engaged 52 respondents from nine distinct Loita sub-locations. Key informants were interviewed individually, complemented with focus group discussions conducted with the use of semi-structured questions. Participant observation further enriched data collection, consolidating insights from key informants and group discussions. Collected data was meticulously tape-recorded and subjected to summative content analysis. The inquiry delved into the practicality of existing traditional resource-use boundaries, the adequacy of governmental regulations, policies, and institutions in elevating forest governance within Kenya, and the extent to which individual indigenous rights have been upheld in managing and using communal forest resources. Key findings of this study show that the Loita Maasai still values their traditional norms and have great respect for cultural institutions. Major decisions concerning the management of Loita forest are made by the council of elders led by the Chief Laibon. The study also found that there exists no CFA in Loita forest and that the presence of government institutions in the forest is minimal. This study's outcomes contribute to a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between indigenous wisdom, modern frameworks, and sustainable forest management. It underscores the indispensable role of tradition in shaping boundaries, governance, and ecological equilibrium within Loita forest and offers practical directives for future forest management endeavors.
Dynamics Shaping Rural Transformation in Rapidly Urbanising Rural Areas in Central Kenya
(PPP, 2024) Muriithi, Joseph K.
It has been observed that Africa is one of the fastest-urbanising continents. Over the last two decades, many rural areas in Central Kenya have witnessed considerable shifts towards urbanisation, which has affected many rural areas. This study explores the impacts of rapid urbanisation in rural Chaka town and its environs in Central Kenya, thus triggering the transformation of the entire landscape. The aim is to highlight the drivers shaping the transition to urbanisation in the case study town area. Using a qualitative research approach that used rapid rural appraisal techniques like transect walks and key informant interviews to collect data, the study reveals a trend towards increased land sub-division and real estate development in the Chaka area, which poses a challenge to traditional agricultural practices and an increase in non-farm activities, which indicates diversification of livelihood strategies by the residents as agricultural practices continue to face challenges, thus causing frustrations with farm-based activities and a decline in productivity. These findings reveal that the changing socioeconomic and environmental landscape in Chaka aligns to some extent with regional and national trends in the complex interactions between urban and rural areas. These findings imply that there is a need for policy interventions focusing on sustainable and balanced agricultural and urban development, the need for integrated land use planning, and skill development for liveable urban living in emerging urban and transformed rural areas.
Transitioning Circular Economy from Policy to Practice in Kenya
(Frontiers, 2023) Muriithi, Joseph K.; Ngare, Innocent O.
Policies are imperative in assessing how certain proposed actions or practices can be implemented. In the context of the circular economy, public policies have been influential in determining the way practices are adopted and implemented. In specific contexts, policies can be used to assess a country’s preparedness to transition to the circular economy by examining how those that are formulated support the transition. This study examines Kenya’s circular economy policy landscape by looking at the strides made by the country to embrace the concept and principles of the circular economy and focusing on the policies formulated so far. Using the thematic analysis approach, the study examines relevant circular economy laws, policies, and regulations to capture the initiatives the country has taken to embrace circular economy principles. The study’s overall finding points to environmental sustainability, resource e ciency, sustainable economic development, and stakeholder engagement as the four primary policy areas shaping Kenya’s transition to a circular economy. However, there persist certain obstacles to the eective implementation of circular economy principles. These challenges encompass the prevailing dominance of the government in the circular economy sector, which ought to be a collaborative endeavor involving both the private and public sectors. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of financing mechanisms to support circular economy initiatives, inadequate infrastructure to eectively implement circular economy practices, and a lack of capacity to propel progress in both the public and private sectors. Given that many of these challenges revolve around the financial aspect, the study recommends that the Kenyan government considers providing financial incentives to foster dynamism in harnessing the environmental and economic potential oered by the emerging circular econom
Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Agroforestry Tree and Shrub Species Diversity on Small-Scale Farms in Kisumu County, Kenya
(EANSO, 2023) Ofulla, Melvin; Kung'u, James Biu; Mburu, Benson Kamau
Kenya is one of the developing countries experiencing rise in demand for arable land and tree products. This has led to the scarcity of available land for productive agriculture. To improve this situation, agroforestry technologies have been assimilated in many regions in Kenya. However, at the local level in Kisumu County, agroforestry technologies are yet to be adopted effectively for agrobiodiversity improvement. This study therefore sought to determine the socio-economic factors influencing the diversity of tree and shrub species of agroforestry on the small-scale farms in Kisumu West Sub-county. Descriptive research was undertaken and respondents were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Use of questionnaire instruments together with Key Informant Interviews were employed to 404 household heads and forest officers respectively in Kisumu West Sub-county. Inventory data of tree species was conducted on each of the sampled farm plots and together with the questionnaire data; Microsoft Excel and SPSS software were used for exploratory statistics, tree diversity measurement, chi-square and regression analysis tests. Diversity of agroforestry tree species was analysed using Shannon-Wiener Index. The results showed that the most abundant tree species were Eucalyptus spp and Grevillea robusta. The overall ShannonWiener Index was 1.9311 which was regarded as very low. In the study, there was a significant positive relationship between gender, level of education completed by household head, household size and the species diversity. In addition, there was a significant positive relationship between farm size and species diversity. The study recommends that information on socio-cultural factors such as education and gender, in addition to economic factors such as the farm size, that influence diversity should be a priority to the development partners and even to the local communities
Environmental Health and Safety Practices in Petrol Stations in Nairobi County, Kenya
(EANSO, 2023) Makiti, Andrew Sila; Ming’ate, Felix
Globally, the effects of human activity on the physical environment have become more pronounced, especially in metropolitan areas, as a result of population growth and the expansion of businesses like petrol stations. In Nairobi, petrol stations are being built close to one another in populated locations and some cases, adjacent to residential areas, which is against the law and the recommended health and safety guidelines. The paper sought to assess the environmental health and safety practices in petrol stations in Nairobi County. Primary data was collected from questionnaires and key informant interviews based on purposive sampling, whereas secondary data was obtained from reports. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis of data was done. SPSS and Excel were used to code and analyse quantitative data. Relative frequencies were determined through descriptive statistics of data. Utilising percentages and frequency, data was compared and corroborated. Fisher’s exact test and the chi test were used in inferential statistics to determine relationships between connected variables. The results indicate that the majority of employees undergo training regardless of their position within the organisation and have knowledge of safety awareness measures. Although the majority (90%) of the petrol stations provided employees with full protective gear, several station facilities provided their employees with footwear alone, exposing employees to the risk of injury. In addition, the majority of the petrol stations had a minimum of at least a fire extinguisher in readiness to handle fire emergencies. Some employees are not aware of the OSHA policies, fire extinguisher use, safety measures, safety standards and what to do in case of emergencies. This study recommends that EPRA should increase the inspections and ensure that petrol stations adhere to the recommended level of health and safety standards.
Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Conservation of Cherang'any Forest in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya.
(AJEST, 2023) Solomon, Mang’ira K.; James, Koske K.; Richard, Kerich K.
Globally, forests make up an approximately 30% of the world's total land area with an estimated 11% being traditionally managed production landscapes. Presently, Kenya forest cover is about 7.5% which is significantly smaller than the desired minimum of 10.0% land areas. Forest ecosystems face significant challenge from a combination of human – ecological factors arising from the confluence between the andropological and environmental factors. Due to the depletion in the forest cover in Kenya, the study examined the various socio-economic factors influencing the conservation of Cherang’any forest, Elgeiyo-Marakwet County, Kenya. The study targeted 343 individuals from 343 households from which 300 individuals were randomly sampled from the boundaries of the forest zone and purposively sampled 43 key informants. The study instruments comprised of observations, interviews and questionnaires. The qualitative data obtained from the study was analyzed thematically and used to develop a questionnaire from which quantitative data was drawn. Based on a Cronbach’s coefficient value ≥ 0.70, the questionnaire was considered reliable. The findings indicated that socio-political factors that are largely related to the historical colonial legacy of protectionist environmental policies have largely influenced the current conservation policy and this has led to communal conflict and ethnic identification with conservation. The study recommends that the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016 of Kenya, should help the Sengwer community in the establishment of Community Forest Associations. The research recommended a further inquiry into the influence of socio-economic variables on the low sense of forest ownership and management among local communities in Kenya.
Examining the Effectiveness of the Wash Programme on Public Health in Public Schools in Kisumu East Sub-County, Kenya
(Asian Journal of Geographical Research, 2022) Omwamia, Duncan O; Kuraukaa, Joseph K; Ochola, Samuel O
As a result of poor hygiene in schools, public health and the status of public schools are adversely affected. There have been limited programs addressing sanitation issues in KisumuEast schools. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the WASH program and teachers' contributions to improving the quality of latrines in Kisumu East and investigating the environmental factors that have had an impact on the qualityof latrines. A total of 20 schools participated in the study interviews, of which 16 schools were involved in the WASH program, and 4 were not involved in the WASH program, with a target population of 384 students and 40 teachers. A descriptive research design was used to guide the investigation. The data was processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25.0 software package, and data was presented in the form of means and variance. Tables were also used to display the data. Students and teachers in non-WASH schools agreed that the latrines were filthy. For instance, 62.5 percent of teachers and 62.3 percent of students from schools implementing the WASH program reported that latrines were dirty. Still, only 37.7 percent of teachers and 37.5 percent of students reported that they were very dirty. The study found an association between teachers' contributions and cleanliness, with a correlation coefficient (r) of -3.18 and a significance level of (p0.05). There was also a correlation between the implementation of WASH and the number of cases of diarrheal disease among students, with a significance value of 0.001*. It was concluded that the WASH program had a significant impact on the state of public health in public schools.Therefore, the study recommendsthat more effort shouldbe put into addressing the challenges facing toilet cleanliness and hygiene practices
Defining Green Economy Aspects for Eco-Friendly Industrial Approaches; Their Linkages across the Sustainable Innovation Paradigm
(Academic Journals, 2022) Ngare, Innocent; Otieno, Dorcas; Omwami, Duncan; Ogutu, Emma; Opiyo, Lamech; Gikonyo, Salome; Otieno, Edwin
Green economy is a sustainable concept that has set the pace for industrial innovations across the globe. This is reflected in manufacturing, processing, and production industrial processes. There is a paradigm shift in the definition and understanding of green economy (GE) linkages to industrial symbiosis (IS), industrial ecology (IE) and clean development mechanism (CDM). We hypothesize in this study by responding to the question, "How is green economy defined in the model of eco-friendly industrial processes and their links to circularity? “We use systematic review design with the reporting system reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) and the Publish or Perish review tool for qualitative analytical synthesis. A total of (N = 1264) review articles were screened, and from the total, only (n = 56) articles were qualitatively synthesized. Based on previous research, we believe there are significant linkages and paradigms along the industrial symbiosis and circularity aspects. We conclude by recommending that research should explicitly inculcate incompatibilities of the green economy nexus on industrialization, the development of industrial policies that foster circularity and the combination of multiple solutions that inculcate sustainable innovations in industrial circularity

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