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False codling moth (FCM) Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is currently the main pest of phytosanitary concern in international trade, causing rejection and decline of horticultural produce from Kenya exported to the European Union (EU). Overreliance on synthetic insecticides to control this pest is ineffective and unsustainable in the long run, whereas continuous use of pesticides results in high levels of residues in the produce. To gather farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices used by smallholder farmers to manage this pest, a field survey was carried out in 10 Capsicum sp. (Solanales: Solanaceae)-producing counties in Kenya. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions involving 108 individual farmers, 20 key informants, and 10 focus group discussions. The majority of the respondents (83.33%) were aware of the FCM infesting Capsicum sp. About three quarters of the farmers (76.85%) reported yield losses and unmarketable quality of FCM-infested Capsicum sp. Most farmers interviewed (99.07%) used insecticides as a management tool. In contrast, only 39.81% of the farmers applied integrated pest management strategies including use of biological control agents and intercropping with repellent plants to control this pest. The results show that FCM is perceived as a significant threat to the horticultural industry of Kenya. Training needs for smallholder farmers and key informants to avoid overreliance on synthetic chemical pesticides and to maintain export goals to the EU where identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent droughts and long-term changes to climate, social structures, and the economy in the world's arid and semi-arid lands have impacted pastoralists' livelihood activities over time, resulting in different livelihood pathways. Some pastoralists continue to follow more traditional strategies of herd accumulation, while others frequently engage in livestock markets and value addition activities, and others still are dropping out of pastoralism. Using data collected over 6 years from 924 households in northern Kenya and applying a generalized structural dynamic multinomial logit model, this study quantitatively determined the dynamic transitions between livelihood categories conditional on drought incidences. From the results, there were considerable and frequent transitions between livelihood pathways within the panel period (2009–2015). Notably, many households that started in the low-cash income, larger herd size category denoted as hanging in, were transitioning to lower cash income with small herds (dropping out). At the same time, there was a great deal of back and forth between the category with low-cash income and small herd size (dropping out) and the category with higher cash income and small herd size (moving out), indicating that moving out was the only way out of poverty. Also, an increase in vegetation index from a drought season where the index was at a 10% level to a good season where the level was 90% decreased the likelihood of households dropping out from a predicted probability of 37.9 to 28.7% and increased the likelihood of moving up and moving out from 22.2 to 25.0% and 22.6 to 34.3%, respectively, unconditionally. The study findings imply that any livelihood interventions aimed at reducing the impact of drought and alleviating poverty among pastoral households should support the transition to market-oriented, relatively successful pathways and also protect households from falling back into the ranks of poverty by dropping out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staphylococcus aureus cause diseases both in humans and animals. These diseases range from mild to fatal infections thus necessitating development of a specific molecular method for detection of pathogenic S. aureus. Objectives: To identify and analyze genetic profile of pathogenic S. aureus using bacteriophage based genetic biomarkers. Methods: Using culture and biochemical methods, 148 S. aureus (87 %) were isolated from 170 raw milk samples taken from 10 dairy farms in Marsabit and Isiolo counties in Northern Kenya between June 2016 and February 2017. The samples were collected directly from dairy lactating cows previously diagnosed with S. aureus in a follow‐up study. The isolates were analyzed by PCR and sequencing of beta hemolysin (hlb) gene. The genetic relationship between five Kenyan S. aureus isolates and five isolates previously identified was inferred. Results: From the 96 isolates screened for hlb gene, 75 (78.1%) tested positive. Some of the positive isolates yielded a band size of 975 bp, while others 1100 bp. Through Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search analysis, the two different band sizes (975 bp and 1100 bp) were both confirmed to be hlb gene from S. aureus isolates indicating that the difference in band size may have been due to deletions that were detected in the 975 bp hlb gene. Some S. aureus isolates from Kenya appeared to be closely related to isolates from other parts of the world, while some showed a distant relationship. Conclusions: Phage‐derived hlb gene is a suitable molecular marker for detection of pathogenic S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To identify by type and sensitivity to drugs the bacteria found in ears of school-going children with chronic otitis media in Garissa district. Methods: Study design: This was a descriptive prevalence study of CSOM bacterial flora in eligible ears conducted among a cohort of children attending public and private primary as well as Islamic religious schools, screened for chronic ear discharge in Garissa district, Kenya. Procedure and bacteriological techniques: We used sterile swab-sticks to collect a specimen of the discharge from eligible ears of consenting pupils at the induction stage of the zinc supplementation trial for treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media conducted between January and July 2010. All pupils below 18 years present on day of visit were eligible. Both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were done to identify clinically and epidemiologically important bacteria. Sensitivity tests were based on disc diffusion methods. Results are presented as frequencies and proportions. Results: Of the pupils seen, 61% were still in pre- or lower primary school. Majority were aged 13 and 14 years. Of the 261 ear swab samples processed, 336 isolates – either in mixed or pure flora – were identified, being almost exclusively aerobes. Proteus spp., Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas spp. were isolated in 32.7%, 28.6%, 12.8% and 11.3% respectively. Proteus was susceptible to majority of the antibiotics tested for, while Enterococcus was poorly susceptible. Conclusions: Aerobic bacteria were most prevalent in this study. Several of the bacteria identified are known to require iron for their growth. This may be important for CSOM treatment if biofilm formation is involved in pathogenesis. Majority of the isolates were susceptible to basic antibiotics compared to Enterococcus bacteria. This portends an important consideration for clinical management and therapeutic decision-making. Additionally, given the prevalence of Enterococcus bacteria, which is an indicator of faecal contamination of the environment, there is need to consider relevant public health components in managing childhood CSOM besides the clinical ones alone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in western Kenya is severely affected by insect pests, resulting in poor yields in spite of the growing demand for the commodity. One of the key constraints to establishing effective pest management approaches for smallholder farmers is the lack of adequate information about farmers'' knowledge, perceptions and practices in pest management. This study was therefore conducted to (1) evaluate farmers'' knowledge and perceptions of cotton pests; (2) examine farmers'' current practices in managing cotton pests; (3) identify pest management challenges and intervention opportunities in order to develop efficient integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. A total of 250 cotton farmers were interviewed in the five main cotton-growing districts of western Kenya, and data collected using semi-structured questionnaire interviews and focused group discussions. Results showed that farmers were aware of insect pests and considered them the main constraint to cotton production in the region, causing significant yield losses. Majority of the farmers were however only able to identify pests descriptively while a few mentioned them by their local names. Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and cotton stainers (Dysdercus spp., Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae), mentioned by local names as ‘Nyanginja’ and ‘Oero yuore’ respectively, were considered the most important pests in the region. Pest management where practiced relied mainly on pesticides, although majority of the farmers did not effectively apply them due to high costs and shortage of appropriate pesticides, lack of application equipment and limited knowledge of all pest management approaches, including IPM and pests'' natural enemies. Moreover, farmers generally did not receive any extension services on pest management. These results indicate a need to develop an IPM approach based on farmers'' practice of mixed cropping through a multidisciplinary approach which also addresses the weak extension systems and creates a learning platform to enhance farmers'' knowledge acquisition and sharing on pests of cotton and their management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

School choice systems designed to help disadvantaged groups might be hindered by information asymmetries. Kenyan elite secondary schools admit students from the entire country based on a national test score, district quotas, and stated school choices. We find even the highest ability students make school choice errors. Girls, students with lower test scores, and students from public and low quality schools are more likely to make such errors. Net of observable demographic characteristics, these errors are associated with a decrease in the probability that a student is admitted to an elite secondary school, relegating them to schools of lower quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mwingi District lies within the Kenyan Arid and Semiarid lands (ASALs) in Eastern Province. Although some ethnobotanical surveys have been undertaken in some arid and semiarid areas of Kenya, limited studies have documented priority medicinal plants as well as local people's awareness of conservation needs of these plants. This study sought to establish the priority traditional medicinal plants used for human, livestock healthcare, and those used for protecting stored grains against pest infestation in Mwingi district. Further, the status of knowledge among the local people on the threat and conservation status of important medicinal species was documented. This study identified 18 species which were regarded as priority traditional medicinal plants for human health. In terms of priority, 8 were classified as moderate, 6 high, while 4 were ranked highest priority species. These four species are Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boiv. (Mimosacaeae), Aloe secundiflora (Engl. (Aloaceae), Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. (Euphorbiaceae) and Salvadora persica L. (Salvadoraceae). In regard to medicinal plants used for ethnoveterinary purposes, eleven species were identified while seven species were reported as being important for obtaining natural products or concoctions used for stored grain preservation especially against weevils. The data obtained revealed that there were new records of priority medicinal plants which had not been documented as priority species in the past. Results on conservation status of these plants showed that more than 80% of the respondents were unaware that wild medicinal plants were declining, and, consequently, few of them have any domesticated species. Some of the species that have been conserved on farm or deliberately allowed to persist when wild habitats are converted into agricultural lands include: Croton megalocarpus Hutch., Aloe secundiflora, Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Warburgia ugandensis Sprague, Ricinus communis L. and Terminalia brownie Fresen. A small proportion of the respondents however, were aware of the threats facing medicnal plants. Some of the plants reported as declining include, Solanum renschii Vatke (Solanaceae), Populus ilicifolia (Engl.) Rouleau (Salicaceae), Strychnos henningsii Gilg (Loganiaceae) and Rumex usambarensis (Dammer) Dammer (Polygonaceae). Considering the low level of understanding of conservation concerns for these species, there is need therefore, to build capacity among the local communities in this area particularly in regard to sustainable use of natural resources, conservation methods as well as domestication processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feeding value of five browse foliages ( Acacia brevispica, Acacia mellifera, Berchemia discolor, Zizyphus mucronata and Maerua angolensis) grown in semiarid area of Kenya were evaluated. Their chemical composition including polyphenolics and in vitro gas production characteristics were determined. The biological activity of the polyphenolics was assessed as the increases in gas production profiles and in vitro true dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility after in vitro incubation with or without addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a tannin binding reagent. The intake and palatability ranking of the browse foliages by goats and sheep were also investigated. The browse foliages had variable crude protein content (149.5–248.6 g/kg DM) and variable content of neutral detergent fiber (205.1–424.0 g/kg DM). The content of total extractable tannins was generally low (2.4–34.8 g/kg DM). At 24 h of incubation, Z. mucronata produced the highest gas volume, while after 48 h of incubation, B. discolor produced the highest gas volume. M. angolensis had the least gas production potential within the browse foliages. Addition of PEG increased gas production except in A. mellifera and M. angolensis. However, PEG addition did not have any significant effect on in vitro true DM and OM digestibility except in B. discolor, which decreased. The rank order of preference (highest to least) for goats was A. brevispica, Z. mucronata, B. discolor, A. mellifera and M. angolensis while the rank order of preference for sheep was A. brevispica, B. discolor, A. mellifera, Z. mucronata and M. angolensis. The goats had higher intakes of all the browse foliages than sheep. The result of this study highlights the higher feeding value of the browse species as supplemental feed with low quality basal diet with both of animal species except M. angolensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential nutritional value of six species of browse forage from Kenya harvested during the dry season were evaluated by chemical composition, in sacco dry matter (DM) degradation and in vitro gas production technique. The effect of tannins on the rumen fermentation of the forage was evaluated using polyethylene glycol (PEG) in an in vitro study. The chemical composition of the species of browse forage differed significantly ( P < 0.05). The content of organic matter ranged from 846.7 to 946.5 g/kg DM. The forage had a high crude protein content (155.5–280.9 g/kg DM) and variable content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 236.2–682.8 g/kg DM). The content of total extractable tannins was generally low (0.6–38.5 g/kg DM). At 24 h of incubation, the in sacco DM disappearance ranged from 31.2% to 84.2%. The effective DM degradability also ranged from 29.7 to 73.5%. The gas production after 96 h incubation ranged from 17.5 to 44.2 mL/200 mg DM. Use of PEG indicated that tannins had an inhibitory effect on rumen microbial fermentation and this is dependant upon the amount and activity of the tannins present. The estimated in vitro organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy also increased numerically with the PEG addition. The result of this study indicates that such species of browse forage have the potential to be used as feed supplements for ruminants, especially during the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the decomposition of syzygium cordatum leaves in a rift valley stream ecosystem in Kenya. Continuous decomposition of the leaf accumulations in the overflown zone of a stream hydrosystem; Role of leaves as energy sources in low-order systems; Impact of the density of shredders on the decomposition process of leaves; Decomposition of the leaves by placing the leaves in the overflown zone.

Simple Summary: Fish farming in sub-Saharan Africa remains a source of livelihood for many househlods, but increased productivity is severely constrained by the high cost of fish feeds through the use fishmeal (FM) which is usually not easily available and when available is expensive. Therefore, this study evaluated the suitability of black soldier fly larvae meal (BM) as an alternative protein to FM. Four diet types were tested: control (100% FM; 0% BM), BM33 (67% FM; 33% BM), BM67 (33% FM; 67% BM) and BM100 (0% FM; 100% BM). The experiment was conducted for 20 weeks. The average daily feed intake and body weight gain of the fish were affected by the treatment diet. However, the survival rate and feed conversion ratio were not affected by the diet. The fish fed on diet BM33 had a 14.4% increase in weight gain compared to that of the control diet. Return on investment and the cost–benefit ratio were similar for various diets, suggesting that BM can be a suitable and cost-equivalent dietary protein substitute of FM in aquafeed for growing tilapia fish in earthen ponds for the market. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) make up over 80% of aquaculture production. However, the local aquaculture farmers are restricted by the unavailability and expensive cost of formulated rations. To reduce reliance on the scarce and expensive fishmeal used in fish feeds, alternative insect protein has been successfully utilized in many aquafeeds. However, data on the influence of insect-based feed on the growth and economic benefit of feeding tilapia with the emerging insect-based diet are scanty. This study investigated the effect of partially and completely substituting fishmeal with black soldier fly larval meal (BM) on growth and economic parameters of tilapia. The O. niloticus was fed a standard commercial diet as a control (100% FM; 0% BM), BM33 (67% FM; 33% BM), BM67 (33% FM; 67% BM) and BM100 (0% FM; 100% BM) for 20 weeks in randomly assigned cages mounted in an 800 m2 earthen pond. Results from this study showed that diet type significantly (p < 0.05) affected the feed intake of the fish as well as weight gain. The feed conversion ratio and survival rate of O. niloticus did not vary across the different diets. Fish fed Diet1 had a 15% increase in weight when compared to fish fed the control diet. Return on investment and the cost–benefit ratio was similar across the diets, suggesting that BM is a suitable and cost-equivalent dietary supplement of FM up to 100% in aquafeed for growing tilapia fish in earthen ponds for the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pig keeping is an important source of income but the high cost of fishmeal (FM), which is the main protein source in animal feeds, has hindered the sector from realizing its full potential. As an alternative, we investigated the suitability of a meal derived from black soldier fly larvae (BSFLM) as a protein source. Pigs were fed different diet types: Control (no BSFLM: 0% (T0)), 25% (T25), 50% (T50), 75% (T75) and 100% (T100) replacement of FM by BSFLM. Average daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected by the replacement of FM by BSFLM. Red or white blood cell parameters did not differ among diets, except for neutrophil counts, which were higher at T75 and T100 compared to T0. At T25, T75 and T100, pigs had lower platelet counts compared to pigs fed T0 and T50. Dietary BSFLM inclusion did not influence blood cholesterol levels. The cost–benefit ratio and return on investment were similar across diets. Our study shows that BSFLM is a suitable and cost-effective alternative to FM in pig feeds. Pig production is one of the fastest growing livestock sectors. Development of this sector is hampered by rapidly increasing costs of fishmeal (FM), which is a common protein source in animal feeds. Here, we explored the potential of substituting FM with black soldier fly larval meal (BSFLM) on growth and blood parameters of pigs as well as economic aspects. At weaning, 40 hybrid pigs, i.e., crossbreeds of purebred Large White and Landrace were randomly assigned to five iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic dietary treatments: Control (0% BSFLM and 100% FM (T0)), and FM replaced at 25% (T25), 50% (T50), 75% (T75) and 100% (T100) with BSFLM. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated for the whole trial. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters, the cost–benefit ratio (CBR) and return on investment (RoI) were evaluated. No significant effect of diet type was observed on feed intake and daily weight gain. Red or white blood cell indices did not differ among diets. Pigs fed T25, T75 and T100, had lower platelet counts compared to T0 and T50. Dietary inclusion of BSFLM did not affect blood total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein. CBR and RoI were similar for the various diets. In conclusion, BSFLM is a suitable and cost-effective alternative to fishmeal in feed for growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The distribution of congenital neck masses varies between countries and is important in diagnosis and treatment modalities. Data from Africa is scarce, and altogether absent from Kenya. Objective: To describe the pattern of congenital masses in a Kenyan paediatric population. Set up: Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi Kenya. Study design: Prospective descriptive cross-sectional. Methodology: Children aged 15 years and below with neck masses who presented to various surgical clinics and wards at the Kenyatta National Hospital between December 2006 and April 2007 were included in the study. They were examined for age, gender, type and location of the neck mass. Mode of investigation and final diagnosis were recorded. Data was analyzed by using statistical package for social sciences. Descriptive statistics were applied to determine means, frequencies and modes. Ninety-five percent confidence interval was used and p value of 0.05 taken as significant. Data are presented in form of tables. Results: Two hundred and thirty-five children (129 male) with neck masses were examined. Fifty-one (22%) of these masses were congenital. Thyroglossal duct cysts were the most common (29%) followed by cystic hygromas (21%) and branchial cleft cysts (20%). Fifty-one percent of the masses were present at birth. The midline was the most common location (31.4%) followed by anterior border of sternocleidomastoid (27.5%) and submandibular region (19.6%). Ultrasound was the commonest diagnostic investigation. Conclusion: Congenital defects constitute an important differential diagnosis for paediatric neck masses in Kenya. Thyroglossal duct cysts, cystic hygromas and branchial cleft cysts are the most prevalent occurring most commonly in the midline and anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle. An understanding of the distribution of these masses improves diagnosis, preoperative decision making and their overall management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Africa, livestock production currently accounts for about 30% of the gross value of agricultural production. However, production is struggling to keep up with the demands of expanding human populations, the rise in urbanization and the associated shifts in diet habits. High costs of feed prevent the livestock sector from thriving and to meet the rising demand. Insects have been identified as potential alternatives to the conventionally used protein sources in livestock feed due to their rich nutrients content and the fact that they can be reared on organic side streams. Substrates derived from organic by-products are suitable for industrial large-scale production of insect meal. Thus, a holistic comparison of the nutritive value of Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) reared on three different organic substrates, i.e. chicken manure (CM), brewers' spent grain (SG) and kitchen waste (KW), was conducted. BSFL samples reared on every substrate were collected for chemical analysis after the feeding process. Five-hundred (500) neonatal BSFL were placed in 23 × 15 cm metallic trays on the respective substrates for a period of 3-4 weeks at 28 ± 2 °C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity. The larvae were harvested when the prepupal stage was reached using a 5 mm mesh size sieve. A sample of 200 grams prepupae was taken from each replicate and pooled for every substrate and then frozen at -20 °C for chemical analysis. Samples of BSFL and substrates were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extracts (EE), ash, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), amino acids (AA), fatty acids (FA), vitamins, flavonoids, minerals and aflatoxins. The data were then subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using general linear model procedure. BSFL differed in terms of nutrient composition depending on the organic substrates they were reared on. CP, EE, minerals, amino acids, ADF and NDF but not vitamins were affected by the different rearing substrates. BSFL fed on different substrates exhibited different accumulation patterns of minerals, with CM resulting in the largest turnover of minerals. Low concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium and lead) were detected in the BSFL, but no traces of aflatoxins were found. In conclusion, it is possible to take advantage of the readily available organic waste streams in Kenya to produce nutrient-rich BSFL-derived feed.