Laikipia University Journals
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Item Antimicrobial Activity of Kenyan Laikipia County Leonotis mollissima Plant Extract(Laikipia University, 2022) Kinuthia, Wanjiru Esther.The use of herbal medicine is expanding rapidly across the world due to the high bills involved in the importation of modern medicinal drugs. About 80 percent of the African population use traditional medicine from plants to treat common infectious diseases caused by microorganisms. The main objective of this research was to determine the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts and isolated compounds of Laikipia University Leonotis mollissima (Lion’s ear) from the Lamiaceae family. The plant was studied in this research due to its wide use by local communities of Kenya for medicinal remedies. Its decoction is used by the Marakwets of Kenya to treat microbial diseases. The plant was sampled from Laikipia University Kenya, identified, air dried and voucher specimen kept for reference in the Biological Department of Egerton University in Kenya. Crude extracts from dry powder of the leaves were successively extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol for seventy-two hours. With repeated column chromatography, Leonotis mollissima dichloromethane leaves (79.69 g) crude extract yielded compounds 1 (Sederin), 2 (20-hydroxylucidenicacid D2) and 3 (labdane). Identification of pure compounds was achieved by 1H and 13C NMR (500 MHz) spectroscopy. Chemical shifts (δ) were expressed in ppm relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) as internal standard and coupling (J) in Hz. On screening for antimicrobial activity, all crude extracts showed an MIC (Minimum Inhibition Concentration) of < 0.1 mg/mL to > 0.5 mg/mL on all test microorganism (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Candidas albican. Compounds 1 and 3 had an MIC of > 0.16 mg/mL on all test microorganisms while 2 compound had an MIC of 0.10 mg/mL. The IC50 (Inhibition Concentration that reduces the effect of microorganisms by 50%) for all crude extracts and isolated compounds was less than that of Amoxil® and Doxycycline® antibiotics on all test micro-organisms on calculation with Graphpad Prism 8 free download computer program at different concentrations. This is a confirmation that Leonotis mollissima contains compounds that can be isolated and used as drugs to treat various diseases including microbial infectious diseases. Keywords: Kenya, Laikipia County, leonotis mollissima, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC)Item Genetic Diversity and Geographic Distribution of Maize Streak Virus in Kenya(Laikipia University, 2022) Pande, Daniel.Maize streak virus (MSV) is one of the most important pathogens responsible for poor maize yields in Africa. For over the past 50 years, the MSV-A1 genotype has continually been moving back and forth between southern and eastern Africa and from East to West Africa. Despite Kenya being a maize producing country, very little is known of its MSV genetic diversity and geographical distribution of the circulating variants. In this study, a sampling survey was undertaken in the farmers’ fields to collect MSV prevalence and symptom severity, where a total of 178 complete MSV genomes were sequenced from both grass and maize. Both phylogenetic and phylogenetic tools were used to illustrate the genetic diversity and geographical distribution. The results showed that the MSVA lineages had a distinct but overlapping geographical distributions in the country and noticeable relationship between the MSV symptom severity and the percentage infectivity. Keywords: Genetic distribution, geographical distribution, Kenya, Maize streak virus, MastrevirusItem The Cotton Industry in Kenya: Problems, Prospects, and Revival Strategies(Laikipia University, 2022) Rutto, Lelei Kiprono David.,; Auma, Elmada Odeny.,; Ngode, Lucas.Cotton is presently grown in twenty-two counties in Kenya spread across Central, Coast, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Western regions. Cotton production has been well below potential in recent years due to various constraints, including the non-availability of quality seeds and inappropriate production technologies, especially for smallholder farming, lack of access to credit, high cost of farm inputs, among other constraints. For the cotton industry to be revived, various strategies have to be put in place, including establishing efficient rural finance and credit supply system for smallholders and rural primary agro-processors; ensuring policies, institutional and legal frameworks are investor-friendly; facilitating long term investments in farm improvement technologies; and improving governance of co-operative sector by empowering farmers and farmer groups. This study is based on the principle that policy, institutional and economic content is the base upon which some of the problems in the cotton industry could be addressed in order to arrive at prospects essential in de-limiting the challenges. This will impact cotton industry revival and translate into increased incomes, thereby enhancing food security in cotton-growing areas. Primary data was obtained through field survey using questionnaires and interviews by stratified random sampling method in cotton-growing zones. Secondary data from various sources (KALRO, CODA, & MOA reports) was looked at, compared, and analysed using descriptive and qualitative methods to come up with prospects and strategies for solving production and marketing problems. The qualitative data analysed showed that the cotton industry face problems such as: lack of access to quality seeds; high cost of inputs; competition with other farm enterprises over scarce resources; and collapse of irrigation schemes and ginneries. The prospects suggested include acquisition of new seed varieties, increased employment in cotton industry, and improved economy as well as reduced poverty. The revival strategies included: maximization of African Growth Opportunity Act initiative by United States government that was extended from 2015 to 2025 to make local farmers benefit more; implementing the cotton bill and enforce cotton regulations; expanding cotton acreage/yield; and empowering cotton associations such as KCGA/HAWESA. It was concluded that there was need to address outlaid problems; avail resources for acquisition of quality seed, purchase of farm inputs and rehabilitation of collapsed irrigation schemes and ginneries; and invest in the cotton industry by the government, private sector, and the international community for cotton industry revival. Keywords: Cotton, problems, prospects, revival strategiesItem Identification of Plant Species along the Riparian Corridor of the Iguameti Stream in Laikipia County Kenya(Laikipia University, 2022) Obwanga, Ojowi Benson.,; Outa, Omondi James.,; Ngure, Veronica.Abstract This study presents the first characterization of riparian vegetation on Iguameti Stream as well as a description of anthropogenic activities within the riparian corridor. Study points fell within the upper reaches of the stream within Laikipia University and lower reaches with a high density of human settlements and farming activities. Sample plots (30m×10m) in the upper and lower reaches of the stream were selected in the phytocoenoses of the study area in such a way that each sample plot was visually homogenous and that all floristic variation in the area was sampled. Based on physiognomical classification, three types of vegetation formations were identified: afromontane forest, woodland and swamp vegetation. Human activities include: introduction of exotic species; timber harvesting; damming; stream channelization; livestock grazing; and land tillage. The upper reaches exhibited minimal disturbance, a detailed vertical stratification with ample canopy, understory, shrub, herb layer, and ground cover dominated by indigenous vegetation. Trichocladus ellipticus, Allophylus sp., Teclea sp, Dombeya goetzinii, Ficus natalensis, Rhus natalensis, Pavonia urens and Cyathula cylindrical were dominant, while in the lower reaches, Pittosporum viridiflorum, Cupressus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Crotalaria agatiflora, Rhus natalensis, Hibiscus fuscus, Hypoestis verticillaris and Rubus sp. were dominant. Species loss was reported in the lower reaches where the buffer strips ˂5m on the left and right banks compared to ˃20m in the upper reaches. Steam damming has caused replacement of riparian vegetation with wetland plants like Crassula schimperi, Hydrocotyl sp., Oenanthe palustris, Sphaeranthus steetzi, Rorippa sp., Polygonum pulchrum, Typha sp. and sedges mainly Cyperus spp. and Fimbristylis sp. Canopy cover decreased from >90% in the upper reaches to < 60% in the lower reaches. Riparian vegetation loss in the upper reaches may cause habitat loss for Colobus guereza kikuyuensis and Aonyx capensis. Urgent strategic multi-disciplinary management of the riparian zone is needed to limit biodiversity loss. Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, climate change, Laikipia County, riparian vegetation, species lossItem Relationship between Household Size and Access to Improved Water Sources and Basic Sanitation in Bomet Municipality, Kenya(Laikipia University, 2013) Koskei E.C.,; Ondimu K. N.,; Obwoyere G. O.Improved water sources, sanitation facilities and good hygiene are fundamental to health, survival, growth and development. The principal sources of water in Bomet municipality as well as sanitation are unimproved. As a result, diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid cases are still reported in the area. This study was conducted to determine if there is a relationship between household size and household access to improved water sources and basic sanitation in Bomet municipality. Multi-stage random sampling method was used to obtain the sample. 151 households were selected for the study. The questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. Analysis of data was done using the SPSS. Data on household size and household level of access to basic sanitation and water were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Correlations at 5% level of significance were used to assess the relationship between household size and household access to improved water sources and basic sanitation. Results from the study indicated that there was a negative relationship between household size and household access to improved water sources as indicated by the correlation coefficient of -0.532 and that there was no relationship between household size and household access to basic sanitation as indicated by the correlation coefficient of - 0.072. The amount of water used per person per day significantly decreases as the household size increases. Shifting from larger to smaller households can bring a reduction in household water use. There is need for a study to establish what impacts on household access to basic sanitation in Bomet municipality. Keywords: household size, improved water sources, basic sanitationItem Identification, Characterization and Distribution of Aspergillus and Fusarium Species Isolated from Maize Kernels from Western Part of Kenya.(Laikipia University, 2013) Nyukuri, N. J.,; Wagara, I. N.,; Matasyoh, J. C.Moulds destroy more than 30% of crop yields and produce potentially poisonous mycotoxins. The most prevalent on foods are Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Mucor. Kenya has experienced dramatic outbreaks of mycotoxin poisoning resulting in loss of lives. The aim of the study was, to isolate and characterize moulds associated with maize from Lake Victoria Basin (LVB). Thirty samples of unaffected maize and mouldy maize were collected from Trans-nzoia, Kakamega and Kuria districts to determine the mould’s distribution. These areas are in mid altitude agroecological zones with warm and humid conditions which favors development of moulds and mycotoxins. Aspergillus and Fusarium were isolated and identified from these areas. Among the genus Aspergillus, twelve mycotoxigenic species and two atoxigenic species were identified and among the genus Fusarium, fourteen mycotoxigenic species were identified. In all the three districts, the most frequent Aspergillus and Fusarium species on maize were A. flavus at 23.1% and F. proliferatum at 20.3% frequency. The quantity of the moulds from mouldy and good maize was compared using T- test for each of the district but they were not significantly different. Key words: Mycotoxins, moulds, maize, Aspergillus and FusariumItem Evaluation of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies among Smallholder Farmers in Bungoma County, Kenya(Laikipia University, 2013) Ngigi, Margaret.,; Mshenga, Patience.,; Oloo, George Idi.Climate change exacerbates the already daunting challenge facing the agricultural sector, and this is particularly the case in developing countries. Innovations in agriculture have always been important and will even be more vital in the context of climate change as it allows farmers to adapt efficiently to the changing climate. There are roughly 800 million food insecure people in the world today, each having this status because food is unavailable, unaffordable or they are too unhealthy to make use of it or some combination of the three. Assessing the potential effect of climate change on food production requires understanding the underlying determinants of climate change adaptation strategies in Bungoma County and how they have affected smallholder farming. The objectives of the study were to identify and evaluate indigenous and emerging climate change strategies currently in use by smallholder farmers in the study area. Quality extension services, credit facilities and access to information are usually vital in facilitating adoption of better and affordable climate change coping strategies which enhances small holder’s food production. The study identified various indigenous and emerging adaptation strategies and evaluated socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the choice of these strategies. The theory of utility, stated and revealed preference were used in the study. Purposive, multistage and systematic random sampling methods were used to select a sample of 150 smallholder farmers. Structured questionnaires and Participatory Rural Appraisal approach were the techniques used to collect data. The method of data analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. Mulching and soil fertility management were the most common coping and emerging strategies respectively. Unpredictable rainfall pattern and high temperatures were found to have adversely affected food production and rural livelihoods. Adaptations outside of agriculture were also important for livelihood diversification and increasing resilience to climate variability in study area. Government, research institutions and stakeholder need to provide climate change information to farmers through training. Soil fertility and water management were crucial in ensuring farmers adapted to climate change. Investments in infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems, extension services, credit schemes, and climate information systems would help create the enabling conditions for adaptation to climate change. Key words: Climate change, adaptation, adaptation strategies, food security and smallholderItem Use of Microbiotest Assay and Membrane Filtration Plate Culture Methods in Screening of Microbiological Well Water Quality, Uasin Gishu County- Kenya(Laikipia University, 2013) Mbeke Alexander .,; Odipo, O.,; Misire, C...(et .al)Residents of many urban centers including Eldoret are increasingly dependent on groundwater for drinking purposes. This study examined the microbiological suitability of well water available for drinking purposes among residents within Eldoret town. Fifteen sampling stations were established in three residential estates and sampling was done during the wet and dry seasons of the year. The samples were analyzed for the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), using the ATP Microbiotest ® method and confirmed with membrane filtration plate culture method. Results showed that there was a significant difference in the number of bacterial colonies in the sampled sites using the two analytical methods (χ2=0.867, p=<0.001, χ2=3.200, p<0.001) in both the dry and wet seasons respectively. This paper reports high levels of bacterial count during the wet season than in dry season and no significant correlation between relative light units(RLU), Escherichia coliform (E. coli) and distance of the pit latrine from the wells in all three sampled residential estates (p>0.05). The ATP Microbiotest ® method produced relative light unit (RLU) values which correlated positively with colony forming units from plate culture method (r=0.64, p=<0.001). The study also showed that wells in the high density residential areas had the greatest number of bacterial contaminants expressed as ATP than the wells in the low density residential areas. Thus the ATP Microbiotest ® method should adequately be applied in the household rapid screening of microbial well water contaminants. Key words: Microbiotest, RLU, ATP, E. coli, cultureItem Phase Transition in High Temperature Superconductivity(Laikipia University, 2013) Kandie, D. K.,; Khanna, M. K...(et .al)The onset of superconductivity is accompanied by abrupt changes in various thermodynamic properties, which is the hallmark of a phase transition. At the superconducting transition, it suffers a discontinuous jump and, therefore, ceases to be linear resulting in change of volume, specific heat and entropy at the critical temperatureTC . Phase transitions are of first order when the latent heat L 0 , and are of the second-order phase transition when there is a specific heat jump at the transition temperature TC . In this study the variation of specific heat capacity with temperature for high temperature superconductors changes discontinuously but does not become infinite at TC showing a finite specific heat jump at the transition temperature and hence the phase transition is of second order. Keywords: Phase Transition, Superconductivity, Critical TemperatureItem Effect of Antiretroviral Drugs on Cd4 Cells and Viral Load in HIV Patients Attending Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya(Laikipia University, 2013) Mugwe N Jane.,; Gicheru M Michael.,; Ng’ang’a Zipporah.CD4 count and viral load are part of laboratory data, which give guidelines on commencement and subsequent monitoring of chemotherapy. Among the primary goals of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) are optimal and durable suppression of viral load and the preservation and /or restoration of immunologic function. The objective of the current study was to assess the virological and immunological responses of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -infected individuals with administration of ART and establish the relationship between CD4 count and viral load in the study population, assessing the effect of chemotherapy. The study was conducted on 80 individuals who attended the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centre in the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital, Nakuru, and who consented to the study. Parallel testing for HIV was performed using Determine and Uni-Gold HIV ½ test kits, and discordant results were confirmed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). CD3, CD4 and CD8 counts were determined using Beckton Dickson (BD) FACScount while viral loads measured using Exavir load kit prior to commencement of ART regimens. Virologic and immunologic responses were determined by measuring CD4 counts and viral load at two weeks following commencement of chemotherapy and monthly for three months thereafter. Viral loads and CD4 counts for the study population were found to be highly inversely correlated (r=0.948, p<0.001). Key words: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Viral loads, CD4 counts, antiretroviral therapy