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Browsing by Author "Kenya, Eucharia U."

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Amplicon-based assessment of bacterial diversity and community structure in three tropical forest soils in Kenya
(Heliyon, 2022-11) Kenya, Eucharia U.; Kinyanjui, Grace; Kipnyargis, Alex C.; Kinyua, Franklin; Mwangi, Mary; Khamis, Fathiya; Mwirichia, Romano K.
Forest soils provide a multitude of habitats for diverse communities of bacteria. In this study, we selected three tropical forests in Kenya to determine the diversity and community structure of soil bacteria inhabiting these regions. Kakamega and Irangi are rainforests, whereas Gazi Bay harbors mangrove forests. The three natural forests occupy different altitudinal zones and differ in their environmental characteristics. Soil samples were collected from a total of 12 sites and soil physicochemical parameters for each sampling site were analyzed. We used an amplicon-based Illumina high-throughput sequencing approach. Total community DNA was extracted from individual samples using the phenol-chloroform method. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene segment spanning the V4 region was ampliﬁed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Diversity indices, rarefaction curves, hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analyses were performed in R software. A total of 13,410 OTUs were observed at 97% sequence similarity. Bacterial communities were dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria in both rainforest and mangrove sampling sites. Alpha diversity indices and species richness were higher in Kakamega and Irangi rainforests compared to mangroves in Gazi Bay. The composition of bacterial communities within and between the three forests was also signiﬁcantly differentiated (R ¼ 0.559, p ¼ 0.007). Clustering in both PCA and NMDS plots showed that each sampling site had a distinct bacterial community proﬁle. The NMDS analysis also indicated that soil EC, sodium, sulfur, magnesium, boron, and manganese contributed signiﬁcantly to the observed variation in the bacterial community structure. Overall, this study demonstrated the presence of diverse taxa and heterogeneous community structures of soil bacteria inhabiting three tropical forests of Kenya. Our results also indicated that variation in soil chemical parameters was the major driver of the observed bacterial diversity and community structure in these forests.
Analysis of genetic diversity in Eucalyptus grandis (Hill ex Maiden) seed sources using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) molecular markers
(Academic Journals, 2008-07-04) Okun, D.O.; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Oballa, P.O.; Odee, D.W.; Muluvi, G.M.
Eucalyptus grandis is an economically important tree species that is native to the Australian continent and its northern neighbours, where it is grown primarily for its hard wood timber and pulp for paper industries. It is widely grown in tropical countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Angola, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. Five ISSR primers generated 41 scorable polymorphic bands which were used to analyse genetic diversity between and within the seed sources and for construction of neighbour-joining phenogram. Mean Genetic Diversity per each primer loci based on Nei (1987) statistics indicated significant genetic variation between seed sources with 26.4%, (Gst = 0.264) of the total variation attributed to differences between seed sources. The variation between populations could be due to ecological, geographical association and gene flow rates and hence they should be conserved to retain the full breadth of genetic variation of the species. Thus, ISSR-PCR technology is a reliable, rapid (high throughput) and cost effective marker system that can be used to study genetic variation and genetic relationships among E. grandis seed sources.
Biosafety education relevant to genetically engineered crops for academic and non-academic stakeholders in East Africa
(2009-01-15) Sengooba, Theresa; Grumet, Rebecca; Hancock, James; Zawedde, Barbara; Kitandu, Lazaro; Weebadde, Cholani; Karembu, Margaret; Kenya, Eucharia U.
Development and deployment of genetically engineered crops requires effective environmental and food safety assessment capacity. In-country expertise is needed to make locally appropriate decisions. In April 2007, biosafety and biotechnology scientists, regulators, educators, and communicators from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, met to examine the status and needs of biosafety training and educational programs in East Africa. Workshop participants emphasized the importance of developing biosafety capacity within their countries and regionally. Key recommendations included identification of key biosafety curricular components for university students; collaboration among institutions and countries; development of informational materials for non-academic stakeholders and media; and organization of study tours for decision makers. It was emphasized that biosafety knowledge is important for all aspects of environmental health, food safety, and human and animal hygiene. Thus, development of biosafety expertise, policies and procedures can be a stepping stone to facilitate improved biosafety for all aspects of society and the environment.
Characterization of algae oil (oilgae) and its potential as biofuel in Kenya
(2012-05) Abubakar, L.U.; Mutie, A.M.; Kenya, Eucharia U.
A survey of microalgae biodiversity in three Kenyan Rift valley lakes identified high oil yielding species abundantly distributed naturally. The species were cultured in BBM and BG-11 media to obtain pure clones and lipids (oil) extracted by the Bligh and Dyer method. The peak lipid content ranged from 1.5 – 10.5% of algal biomass with Chlorella species showing the highest yields (10.5%), followed by Euglena acus (5.88), Nitzschia (3.68%), Ankistrodesmus falcatus (1.58%) and Scenedesmus acuminatus (1.56 %). The algae oil extracted from Chlorella spp contained significantly higher polyunsaturated long chain fatty acids with docosatetraenoate (C22:4) and octadecatetraenoate (C18:4) to be the major components. On the other hand, algae oil from Euglena spp exhibited higher mono-unsaturated long chain fatty acids with erucate (C22:1) and eicosenoate (18:1) being the major components. This implies that algae oil from Euglena spp has a much higher degree of oxidative stability compared to Chlorella spp and has can be cultivated for biofuel.
Detection of trypanosomes in small ruminants and pigs in western Kenya: important reservoirs in the epidemiology of sleeping sickness?
(2005-07-14) Ng'ayo, Musa O.; Njiru, Zablon K.; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Muluvi, Geoffrey M.; Osir, Ellie O.; Masiga, Daniel K.
Background: Trypanosomosis is a major impediment to livestock farming in sub-Saharan Africa and limits the full potential of agricultural development in the 36 countries where it is endemic. In man, sleeping sickness is fatal if untreated and causes severe morbidity. This study was undertaken in western Kenya, an area that is endemic for both human and livestock trypanosomosis. While trypanosomosis in livestock is present at high levels of endemicity, sleeping sickness occurs at low levels over long periods, interspersed with epidemics, underscoring the complexity of the disease epidemiology. In this study, we sought to investigate the prevalence of trypanosomes in small ruminants and pigs, and the potential of these livestock as reservoirs of potentially human-infective trypanosomes. The study was undertaken in 5 villages, to address two key questions: i) are small ruminants and pigs important in the transmission dynamics of trypanosomosis? and ii), do they harbour potentially human infective trypanosomes? Answers to these questions are important in developing strategies for the control of both livestock and human trypanosomosis. Results: Eighty-six animals, representing 21.3% of the 402 sampled in the 5 villages, were detected as positive by PCR using a panel of primers that identify trypanosomes to the level of the species and sub-species. These were categorised as 23 (5.7%) infections of T. vivax, 22 (5.5%) of T. simiae, 21 (5.2%) of the T. congolense clade and 20 (5.0%) of T. brucei ssp. The sheep was more susceptible to trypanosome infection as compared to goats and pigs. The 20 T. brucei positive samples were evaluated by PCR for the presence of the Serum Resistance Associated (SRA) gene, which has been linked to human infectivity in T. b. rhodesiense. Three samples (one pig, one sheep and one goat) were found to have the SRA gene. These results suggest that sheep, goats and pigs, which are kept alongside cattle, may harbour human-infective trypanosomes.
Differential Induction of Proteins in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Diptera: Cullicidae) Larvae in Response to Heavy Metal Selection
(National Institute of Health, 2010-07-21) Mireji, Paul O.; Keating, Joseph; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Mbogo, Charles; Nyambaka, Hudson; Osir, Ellie; Githure, John; Beier, John
Investigations were conducted to establish the magnitude and pattern of differential expression of proteins due to generational selection of third instar An. gambiae s.s. larvae by cadmium, copper and lead heavy metals, three possible common urban pollutants. A susceptible strain of An. gambiae s.s. third instar larvae was separately placed under selection pressure with cadmium, copper and lead at LC30 and controls through five generations. First, third and fifth generation selection survivors were screened for differentially expressed proteins relative to non-exposed control by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Distribution patterns of the spots were analysed by Chi Square or Fishers exact test and variations in expressions between and within generation by ANOVA. Most differentially expressed spots were acidic and of low molecular weight among all metals and generations. Type of heavy metals and generation were main indicators of variations in differential expressions. Variation between generations was most significant among cadmium-selected populations of which most number of spots were induced in the fifth generation. Most spots were induced in the copper-selected population in the third generation. The induced protein spots may be products from respective genes that respond to heavy metals and counter their toxicity, thus building An. gambiae s.s. tolerance to these pollutants. The differential pattern and magnitude of expressed spots has potential application as molecular markers for assessment of anopheline adaptation status to heavy metals, and provide insight into the extent of environmental pollution.
Distribution of indigenous strains of atoxigenic and toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus in maize and peanuts agro‑ecological zones of Kenya
(Springer (BioMed Central Ltd), 2015-09) Okun, Daniel O.; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Khamis, Fathiya M.; Muluvi, Geoffrey M.; Ngeranwa, Joseph J.; Ombura, Fidelis O.; Yongo, Moses O.
Background Grains of important food and export crops in Africa are susceptible to contamination by toxin-producing moulds. Aflatoxins are mycotoxins associated with liver damage and cancer in humans and animals. These toxic substances are produced by fungi (such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus) in food and feed exposed to poor conditions during crop cultivation, storage or processing of harvest. The presence of aflatoxins in especially maize and peanuts in Kenya is of great concern. Recent developments in the application of atoxigenic strains of these fungi as biological control agents against toxigenic strains could be a solution to the problem. The objective of this study was to isolate, identify and characterize atoxigenic and toxigenic strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus in Kenya, and investigate possible application of atoxigenic strains in control of aflatoxin levels in maize and peanuts. Fungal communities in soils of maize and peanut fields were examined to determine the distributions of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus species and to identify endemic atoxigenic strains. 220 isolates belonging to A. flavus and A. parasiticus were collected randomly from soils of maize and peanuts fields in seven agro-ecological zones and characterized using morphological and physiological examination. Results Aspergillus section Flavi was detected in all the 57 soil samples collected in Kenya. Members of Aspergillus section Flavi L strain was the most common (54 %), followed by S-strains (35 %). Among Aspergillus, A. flavus was the most predominant (63.2 %), followed by A. parasiticus (27.7 %), A. tamari (5.5 %) and A. nomius (2.7 %). The mean CFU of the Aspergillus colonies per gram of soil was highly variable among the districts, ranging from 3.0 × 103 to 1.72 × 106 (p < 0.05). The mean pH across the collection sites also varied according to the respective agroecological zones (pH 5.5–6.8) which is within the optimal pH requirement for the members of section Flavi. There was no significant variation in temperature across the sampling sites (p > 0.05). The results also showed that A. flavus was detected in all the zones examined. Conclusions Each of the regions had atoxigenic strains of potential value which can be employed as biological control agents in the management of aflatoxicoses.
Expression of metallothionein and tubulin in heavy metal-tolerant Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Diptera:Culicidae).
(Elsevier, 2010) Mireji, Paul O.; Keating, Joseph; Hassaali, Ahmed; Impoinvil, Daniel E.; Mbogo, Charles; Muturi, Martha; Nyambaka, Hudson; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Githure, John; Beier, John
Anopheles mosquitoes have been shown to adapt to heavy metals in their natural habitats. In this study we explored the possibility of using Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto as bioreporters for environmental heavy metal pollution through expressions of their metalresponsive metallothionein and alpha-tubulin genes. The study was undertaken with third instar larvae after selection by cadmium, copper, or lead at LC(30) through five successive generations. Expression levels were determined in the 5th generation by semiquantitative RT-PCR on the experimental and control populations. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The highest metallothionein (F(3,11)=4.574, P=0.038) and alpha-tubulin (F(3,11)=12.961, P=0.002) responses were observed in cadmiumtolerant treatments. There was significantly higher expression of metallothionein in cadmium or copper treatments relative to the control (P=0.012), and in cadmium than in lead treatments (P=0.044). Expressions of alpha-tubulin were significantly higher in cadmium than in control treatments (P=0.008). These results demonstrate the capacity of An. gambiae s.s. to develop tolerance to increased levels of heavy metal challenge. The results also confirm the potential of heavy metal-responsive genes in mosquitoes as possible bio-indicators of heavy metal environmental pollution. How the tolerance and expressions relate to An. gambiae s.s. fitness and vectorial capacity in the environment remains to be elucidated.
Genetic diversity of aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) species attacking amaranth and nightshades in different agro-ecological zones of Kenya and Tanzania
(Entomological Society of Southern Africa, 2018-12) Kipnyargis, Alex C.; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Khamis, F. M.; Ekesi, S.; Fiaboe, K.K.M.
Aphids are major pests of African indigenous vegetables. Information on the genetic diversity and the role of host crop and environmental differentiation in their diversity in East Africa is scanty. The knowledge on genetic diversity is a critical component in the development of sound and sustainable integrated pest management strategy, from detection to control. A portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was used to characterise the species of aphids on amaranth and nightshades at different agro-ecological zones of Kenya and Tanzania. Aphid samples were collected in localities growing the vegetables in low, mid and high altitude agro-ecological zones. Total DNA was isolated and amplified using universal barcoding primers targeting the 5’ end of the COI barcode region. Nucleotide sequences of the COI barcode, using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool model, found high homology to four species of aphids: Myzus persicae, Aphis fabae, Aphis craccivora and Macrosiphum euphorbiae. Three subspecies of the A. fabae were also detected. Intraspecific diversity depicted M. euphorbiae having the lowest value, while A. fabae showed the highest diversity. Interspecific diversity between A. fabae and A. craccivora was the lowest while between A. craccivora and M. persicae it was the highest. The phylogenetic tree showed each species clustering together irrespective of the host crop or site where collected. Principal component analysis and haplotype network analyses confirmed these results. Low genetic diversity revealed by COI suggests that the environment or host crop contribute less to the genetic diversity of aphids in both countries
The Glossina proteolytic lectin (Gpl) gene is expressed only in members of Glossina species
(2008) Burugu, M.W.; Mbatia, B.N; Osir, E.O.; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Abubakar, L.U.
Differentiation of bloodstream-form trypanosomes into procyclics in tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) is a crucial step in the establishment of midgut infections. A number of factors have been implicated in the transformation process, including enzymes and lectins or lectin-like molecules. Recently, Glossina proteolytic lectin (Gpl) gene, which encodes a protein with both lectin and trypsin activities has been shown to stimulate transformation of bloodstream-form trypanosomes into procyclics in vitro. Using RT-PCR, we show that the induction of Gpl gene expression by blood meal occurs only in Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, Glossina austeni Newstead, Glossina pallidipes Austen, and not in the Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto, Phlebotomus duboscqi Neveu-Lemaire, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann and Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus). The expression means of Gpl mRNA in G. f. fuscipes following a blood meal were significant (P , 0.05) with low expression in teneral flies and reaching a maximum between 48 and 72 h (P , 0.05), suggesting time-dependent regulation of the transcription. The expression of the Gpl gene was significantly lower (P , 0.05) in G. f. fuscipes fed on blood meal infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei as compared with G. f. fuscipes fed on uninfected blood meal. This suggests some form of interaction of T. b. brucei or the parasite products with Gpl within the tsetse midgut leading to down-regulation of the Gpl gene. Additionally, refractory G. f. fuscipes expressed higher (P , 0.05) transcript abundance than the susceptible G. pallidipes.
The Glossina proteolytic lectin (Gpl) gene is expressed only in members of Glossina species
(2007-12) Burugu, M.W.; Mbatia, B.N; Osir, E.O.; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Abubakar, L.U.
Differentiation of bloodstream-form trypanosomes into procyclics in tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) is a crucial step in the establishment of midgut infections. A number of factors have been implicated in the transformation process, including enzymes and lectins or lectin-like molecules. Recently, Glossina proteolytic lectin (Gpl) gene, which encodes a protein with both lectin and trypsin activities has been shown to stimulate transformation of bloodstream-form trypanosomes into procyclics in vitro. Using RT-PCR, we show that the induction of Gpl gene expression by blood meal occurs only in Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, Glossina austeni Newstead, Glossina pallidipes Austen, and not in the Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto, Phlebotomus duboscqi Neveu-Lemaire, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann and Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus). The expression means of Gpl mRNA in G. f. fuscipes following a blood meal were significant (P < 0.05) with low expression in teneral flies and reaching a maximum between 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05), suggesting time-dependent regulation of the transcription. The expression of the Gpl gene was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in G. f. fuscipes fed on blood meal infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei as compared with G. f. fuscipes fed on uninfected blood meal. This suggests some form of interaction of T. b. brucei or the parasite products with Gpl within the tsetse midgut leading to down-regulation of the Gpl gene. Additionally, refractory G. f. fuscipes expressed higher (P < 0.05) transcript abundance than the susceptible G. pallidipes
Infestation Levels and Molecular Identification Based on Mitochondrial COI Barcode Region of Five Invasive Gelechiidae Pest Species in Kenya
(Oxford University Press, 2018-11) Kinyanjui, G.; Khamis, F. M.; Ombura, F. .L. O.; Kenya, Eucharia U.
Invasive Gelechiidae pest species, namely Tuta absoluta, Phthorimaea operculella, Aproaerema simplixella, Sitotroga cerealella, and Pectinophora gossypiella are among the major constraints hampering agricultural economy in Kenya. Infestation levels were determined on respective host crops sampled from different localities and P. operculella recorded the highest infestation of 68.00 ± 4.92% on stored potato. Aproaerema simplixella and T. absolutaaccounted for 61.33 ± 5.35% and 51.56 ± 5.22% maximal infestation on groundnuts and tomato leaves, respectively. Stored maize was significantly infested by S. cerealella (54.33 ± 5.31%) while no infestation was observed on the freshly harvested grains. Infestation on open bolls by P. gossypiella was relatively low (6.11 ± 3.46%) compared to Anatrachyntis simplex (45.67 ± 7.84%) that emerged as the key pest of cotton. The species were discriminated based on sequence similarities, evolutionary divergences, and phylogenetic analyses. A 658-bp fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was obtained from 302 specimens. Generally, genetic variations were low within and between Gelechiid populations, with an average of 0.02% and all intraspecific divergences were less than 2% except for S. cerealella. The Gelechiids data set generated eight Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), five of which were concordant and three belonging to S. cerealella were singleton. All species were separated into distinct clusters on a maximum likelihood tree. Data on infestation levels will be useful in defining the pest status of these Gelechiids in Kenya. DNA barcoding is also presented as a valuable tool to complement traditional taxonomy for rapid and accurate identification of these species of agronomic interest.
A participatory epidemiological study of major cattle diseases amongst Maasai pastoralists living in wildlife-livestock interfaces in Maasai Mara, Kenya
(Springer, 2018-12) Nthiwa, Daniel; Alonso, Silvia; Odongo, David; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Bett, Bernard
Livestock-wildlife interactions promote the transmission of a wide range of infectious diseases that constraint livestock production. We used a participatory appraisal approach to find out and rank infectious diseases of concern to pastoralists in a zone of intense wildlife-livestock interaction and another zone with limited interactions. Four villages were selected purposively in areas with intensive cattle-wildlife interactions (zone 1), and another two in areas with low to moderate cattle-wildlife interactions (zone 2). Data were collected in focus group discussions (FGDs) using participatory epidemiological methods (PE); each group had 8–13 participants. Results of impact matrix scoring from all sites indicated that malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), anthrax, foot and mouth disease (FMD), contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), east coast fever (ECF) and African animal trypanosomiasis (ATT), in decreasing order, had the highest impact on livestock production. A Kruskal–Wallis test revealed a significant difference in FMD annual prevalence between cattle age groups (p < 0.001) and was the highest in animals > 4 years (median score of 32.5, range, 10–50). FMD had the highest impact on milk production, but based on veterinary costs (treatment costs), it was ranked second to CBPP. The study provides information on disease priorities that occur in the target zones in Mara ecosystem and which the local pastoralists must consider when accessing key ecosystem services such as water and pasture.
Pathogenic Escherichia coli and food handlers in luxury hotels in Nairobi, Kenya
(Elsevier, 2009-05) Onyango, Abel O.; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Ng'ayo, Musa O.; Mbithi, John
Background: The epidemiology and virulence properties of pathogenic Escherichia coli among food handlers in tourist destination hotels in Kenya are largely uncharacterized. Method: This cross-sectional study among consenting 885 food handlers working in nine luxurious tourist hotels in Nairobi, Kenya determined the epidemiology, virulence properties, antibiotics susceptibility profiles and conjugation abilities of pathogenic Escherichia coli. Result: Pathogenic Escherichia coli was detected among 39 (4.4%) subjects, including 1.8% enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) harboring aggR genes, 1.2% enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) expressing both LT and STp toxins, 1.1% enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and 0.2% Shiga-like Escherichia coli (EHEC) both harboring eaeA and stx2 genes respectively. All the pathotypes had increased surface hydrophobicity. Using multivariate analyses, food handlers with loose stools were more likely to be infected with pathogenic Escherichia coli. Majority 53.8% of the pathotypes were resistant to tetracycline with 40.2% being multidrug resistant. About 85.7% pathotypes trans-conjugated with Escherichia coli K12 F NAr LA. Conclusion: The carriage of multi-drug resistant, toxin expressing pathogenic Escherichia coli by this population is of public health concern because exposure to low doses can result in infection. Screening food handlers and implementing public awareness programs is recommended as an intervention to control transmission of enteric pathogens.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among an Urban Population in Kenya
(2012-04) Kaduka, Lydia U.; Kombe, Yeri; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Kuria, Elizabeth; Bore, John K.; Bukania, Zipporah N.; Mwangi, Moses
OBJECTIVE: Developing countries are undergoing an epidemiologic transition accompanied by increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) linked to urbanization and lifestyle modifications. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of CVD risk factors whose extent in Kenya remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and factors associated with its occurrence among an urban population in Kenya. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a household cross-sectional survey comprising 539 adults (aged ≥18 years) living in Nairobi, drawn from 30 clusters across five socioeconomic classes. Measurements included waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerides (TAGs), fasting glucose, and blood pressure. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 34.6% and was higher in women than in men (40.2 vs. 29%; P < 0.001). The most frequently observed features were raised blood pressure, a higher waist circumference, and low HDL cholesterol (men: 96.2, 80.8, and 80%; women: 89.8, 97.2, and 96.3%, respectively), whereas raised fasting glucose and TAGs were observed less frequently (men: 26.9 and 63.3%; women: 26.9 and 30.6%, respectively). The main factors associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome were increasing age, socioeconomic status, and education. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in this urban population, especially among women, but the incidence of individual factors suggests that poor glycemic control is not the major contributor. Longitudinal studies are required to establish true causes of metabolic syndrome in Kenya. The Kenyan government needs to create awareness, develop prevention strategies, and strengthen the health care system to accommodate screening and management of CVDs.
Proceedings from 10th Annual Decolonizing Conference
(2017-04) Kenya, Eucharia U.; Njiruh, Nthakanio P.; Njoki, Wane; Gitonga, Ciriaka; Muturi, Margaret; King’endo, Madrine; Riungu, Nicholas
Humanity continues to seek solutions to global and local challenges as well as advancing knowledge and innovations to enhance wellness. In such endeavors, there is continued misconstruction that interpretation of indigenous knowledge, customs, philosophies, ideologies, solutions and reactions must necessarily be done from an internationally defined arena which has been based on the assumption that internationalism is westernism. In the recent past, there is a growing paradigm shift and ‘detachment’ from this concept. Agitation for recognition of the indigenous concepts, ideas and innovations in enhancing and tackling challenges affecting humanity, whether from developing or developed countries, is like a stone rolling downhill with minimal barriers that must reach its destination. The Annual Decolonizing the Spirit conference examined knowledge production and resistance to colonial and post-colonial domination. This conference brought together scholars, researchers, practitioners, elders, community leaders, community/digital/media activists and artists, and educators to participate in a dialogue on (re)claiming and use of Indigenous pedagogies as tools for response to colonial fragmentations. This three-day conference provided a forum for participants to strengthen and build confidence. It indeed endeavored to address how indigenous knowledge, ideologies, philosophies, mechanisms and customs can be of importance in shaping our destiny and that of the globe.
Proceedings from the first Annual International Conference on Decolonizing Education
(University of Embu, 2020-02) Kenya, Eucharia U.; Njiruh, Nthakanio P.; Gitonga, Ciriaka; Muturi, Margaret; Kinoti, Timothy M.; Njagi, Zachary
Decolonizing formal education involves accepting indigenous and alternative ways of envisioning the world around us. For academics, it would entail accepting indigenous perspectives, ways of knowing and wisdom, and encouraging efforts by staff and students alike to reclaim indigenous knowledge as well as philosophies of teaching and learning that encompass the multiple experiences of a people. In higher education, such shift is important not only for pedagogic reasons, but also as an important part for example in African studies. On a positive note, recent developments have seen a paradigm shift and ‘detachment’ from the concept of pure formal education. Agitation for recognition of the indigenous concepts, ideas and innovations in enhancing and tackling challenges affecting humanity, whether from developing or developed countries, is like a stone rolling downhill with minimal barriers that must reach its destination. To begin a conversation geared towards drawing a roadmap for decolonizing African education, the 1st Annual International Conference on Decolonizing Education sought to examine knowledge production and resistance to colonial and post-colonial domination. Together, scholars, researchers, practitioners, elders, community leaders, community/digital/ media activists and artists, and educators engaged in a dialogue on (re)claiming and use of indigenous pedagogies as tools for response to colonial fragmentations. The three-day event prevailed upon participants to strengthen and build more confidence in indigenous knowledge, ideologies, philosophies, mechanisms and customs for continued eradication of colonial mindsets. It indeed endeavored to address human, political orientation, the triggers and factors that sustain the belief that indigenous knowledge, customs and beliefs are of less importance in shaping our destiny and that of the globe.
Role of Latent Local Technologies and Innovations to Catapult Development in Kenya
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2018) Kenya, Eucharia U.; Njiruh, Nthakanio P.
The domination of “colonization shadow” may have reduced the manifestation of young indigenous technologies and innovations that with minimal value addition could help local communities overcome many challenges. Rediscovery of these technologies can bring about wealth and well-being to the local people who are also the inventors. Some of these technologies have either been suppressed or picked up by colonizers to the disadvantage of local inventors. This chapter discusses the useful, locally found technological resources that have not helped local communities but sometimes fetch millions of dollars elsewhere. This knowledge is expected to bring about rediscovery and decolonization so as to use the technologies to improve local lives. In this aspect decolonization is necessary in many sectors of the economy such as medicine which failed to take off from herbal- to industrial-based pharmaceutics. For instance, Kenya is the home of over 1100 species, many have medicinal value. While such herds are condemned at “home” as illegal herbal concoctions, they are glorified in other countries as medicine and food supplements. Today, many Kenyans import such medicine and food supplements at unaffordable prices as disease continues to bite. The conclusion is that there are a number of unexploited indigenous technologies and wealth that have remained dormant due to colonized minds and with little decolonization they can earn wealth that can increase wellness and improve livelihoods for the growing population in Kenya.
Seroprevalence of foot-and-mouth disease virus in cattle herds raised in Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya
(Elsevier, 2020-03) Nthiwa, Daniel; Bett, Bernard; Odongo, David; Kenya, Eucharia U.; Wainaina, Martin; Grazioli, Santina; Foglia, Efrem; Brocchi, Emiliana; Alonso, Silvia
A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) seroprevalence and identify risk factors of exposure among cattle herds raised in three zones with diﬀerent types of land use and progressively distant from the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) boundary. We selected ﬁve villages purposively; two in zone 1 (area < 20 km from the MMNR), another two in zone 2 (area between 20−40 km away from the MMNR) and one in zone 3 (area > 40 km away from the MMNR). A total of 1170 cattle sera were collected from 390 herds in all the zones and tested for antibodies against the non-structural proteins (NSPs) of FMD virus (FMDV) using two 3ABC-based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ELISA kits. All sera samples were also screened for serotype-speciﬁc antibodies using Solid Phase Competitive ELISA (SPCE) kits (IZSLER, Italy). We targeted FMDV serotypes A, O, South African Territory [SAT] 1 and SAT 2, known to be endemic in East Africa including Kenya. Data on putative risk factors for FMD seropositivity in cattle were collected using a questionnaire. The overall apparent animal-level FMD seroprevalence based on the parallel comparison of the two anti-NSPs ELISA kits was 83.8 % (95 % CI; 81.8–85.9), and diﬀered signiﬁcantly across zones. Zone 1 had a higher seroprevalence than zones 2 and 3 ( χ = 116.1, df = 2, p < 0.001). In decreasing order, the overall seroprevalences of FMDV serotypes A, SAT 2, O and SAT 1 were 26.3 % (95 % CI; 23.5–29.2), 21.4 % (95 % CI; 18.8–24.0), 21.2 % (95 % CI; 18.7–23.9) and 13.1 % (95 % CI; 11.1–15.3), respectively. The distribution of these serotypes diﬀered signiﬁcantly between zones (p < 0.05) except for SAT 2 serotype ( χ 2 = 0.90, df = 2, p = 0.639). Both serotypes A and O were more prevalent in zones 1 and 2 than zone 3 while serotype SAT 1, was higher in zone 3 compared to other zones. The results of multivariable analyses identiﬁed animal sex (i.e., female), raising of cattle in zones 1 and 2 (areas < 40 km away from the MMNR); mixing of cattle from multiple herds at watering points, and pastoral husbandry practices, as signiﬁcant predictors of animal-level FMD seropositivity. This study established that FMD seroprevalence declined with distance from the MMNR.
Staff Profile - Prof. Eucharia Kenya
(University of Embu, 2015-07) Kenya, Eucharia U.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning Administration & Finance

Browsing by Author "Kenya, Eucharia U."

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