Abstract: Stream fauna communities were studied in the Baharini Springbrook and the Njoro River, which flow into Lake Nakuru. The streams have significantly different flow regimes. Consequently, discharge-related factors influence their faunal composition and abundance. The Baharini Springbrook is perennial, slow-flowing with low steady discharge, a higher conductivity and a low conductivity gradient along its course. The Njoro River is intermittent, fast-flowing with a higher and variable discharge, lower conductivity and a steeper conductivity gradient. Due to its permanent and steady surface stream flow, the Baharini Springbrook has a higher number of invertebrate species and higher abundances than the Njoro River. However, in spite of the intermittent nature of the Njoro River, during periods of relatively steady discharge the composition of its fauna is similar to that of the Baharini Springbrook. Similarity in the substratum characteristics of the two streams and their close proximity is a possible explanation for the close relationship in their faunal composition. At the onset of flow after a drought, rapid colonisation of the lowland intermittent stretch of the Njoro River occurred probably by drift from upstream perennial sections and/or from the hyporheos. Initial small spates at the onset of surface flow seem not to affect the invertebrate abundance, but later bigger spates during and after much heavier rains reduced the faunal abundance significantly. The recovery of faunal abundance to pre-flood levels in the Njoro River was completed in 27 days. Taxon richness was, however, less affected by the spates.

Abstract: The pecten oculi is a highly vascularized and pigmented organ that overlies the optic disc and projects into the vitreous body in the avian eye. First reported over 300 years ago, its function(s) remains a puzzle to ornithologists, ophthalmologists and anatomists. Morphometric study of this unique organ was undertaken in birds exhibiting apparently different visual acuities, namely two species of diurnal birds (the ground-dwelling domestic fowl Gallus gallus var. domesticus and a highly active predator bird, the black kite (Milvus migrans) and a nocturnal bird (the spotted-eagle owl Bubo bubo africanus). The volume of the owl's eye was 4.8 and 2.2 times larger than that of the fowl and the kite, respectively. However, the pecten of the fowl consisted of more pleats (16–18) compared to the kite (12–13) and the owl (5–6). The volume of the pecten of the kite was 1.4 and 2.7 times larger than that of the fowl and the owl, respectively (P < 0.05). Similarly, the surface area of the pecten of the kite was 2.6 and 4 times larger than that of the fowl and owl, respectively (P < 0.05). The volume density of blood vessels (lumen and wall) in the pecten of the kite, fowl and owl comprised 67.7%, 66.9% and 62.6%, respectively, the pigmented tissue constituting the rest. Both the volume density and the volume of the blood in the pecten were higher in the diurnal birds (kite, fowl) than the owl (P < 0.05). The surface area of the capillary luminal surface was 1.7 and 5.3 times higher in the kite than in the fowl and the owl, respectively (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the functional morphology of the pecten correlates with the life-style of the bird and with functional need, and lends further support to the nutritive role of the pecten.

Abstract: The improved Dutch tube diffusion test was used to study the occurrence of inhibitory substances in raw bulk milk samples within the Nakuru District in Kenya. Initially the detection limits of the method were verified using milk standards spiked with selected antibiotics. Addition ofpenicillinase to inhibitor-positive samples was used for preliminary identification of penicillin G-type antibiotics and residue levels were estimated against a standard curve constructed by means of a B. stearothermophilus disc assay. The two-tube test was used to screen 1109 field samples of which 229 (21%) were suspect positive. The identification procedure confirmed 165 samples (14.9%) to contain penicillin G-type residues of which 118 contained levels exceeding the established EU MRL for penicillin G (4 μg/kg). This study indicates that antibiotic residues are prevalent in milk within the Nakuru district of Kenya. It suggests that the improved tube diffusion test in combination with a multiplate system could be useful for qualitative and quantitative identification of antimicrobial drug residues in milk. Le test de diffusion en tube est utilise pour etudier l'occurence de substances inhibitrices dans des echantillons de lait cru du district de Nakuru au Kenia. Sur 1109 echantillons testes, 229 (21%) sont suspectes positifs. La procedure d'identification confirme que 165 (14,9%) d'entre eux contiennent des residus de penicilline de type G dont 118 presentent des teneurs superieures au taux residuel maximum de 4μg/kg autorise par l'Union Europeenne.

Abstract: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) yields in Western Kenya are low and this has been attributed to low soil fertility. Field trials were conducted in farmers fields in Ukwala Division of Siaya District in Kenya during the long rains of 1998 and 1999 to determine the potential for improving bean yields through Rhizobium inoculation, and fertilizer N and P applications. The three factors: Rhizobium inoculation at two levels and fertilizers-N and P each at three levels were factorially combined to give 18 treatments. The treatments were laid out in a randomised complete block design with a split-plot structure and three replications. A popular local bean variety Okuodo was used as the test crop. During the 1998 long rains season, P significantly (P=O.05) increased the stand count after emergence, pod number per plant and the bean grain yields. Seed number per plant alone was significantly increased by fertilizer-N application. Significant interaction effects (P=O.05) were observed for NXP on the stand count after emergence and for Rhizobium inoculation XP on stand count after emergence, stand count at harvest and the bean grain yields. Rhizobium inoculation alone did not significantly affect any of the measured variables in both seasons. In 1999, only the bean grain yields were determined and were significantly (P=O.05) increased only by fertilizer P applications. The Journal of Food Technology in Africa Volume 6 No.4, 2001, pp. 121-125

Abstract: The dynamics of leaf litter transport and retention in two contrasting reaches in the Njoro River, Kenya, is reported, analysed and discussed. The study focussed on two aspects: experimental leaf litter transport and retention in the Maryjoy and Turkana reaches which differ in structural heterogeneity and natural leaf litter transport in the two reaches. Leaves of Dombeya goetzenii, Syzygium cordatum and Grewia forbesii were dyed differently with ‘Herbol®’ dyes and used to elucidate the dynamics of leaf transport and retention. Experimentally, about 40% of each of the three leaf species released into the water column travelled beyond the experimental 50-m mark in the Maryjoy reach (devoid of major retention structures) and about 95% of the leaves were retained within the Turkana reach (with major retention structures) and never reached the 50-m mark. Based on the calculated average leaf travel distance (1/k), the leaves of D. goetzenii could have drifted 10–113 m in the Turkana reach and between 60 and 127 m in the Maryjoy reach. The transport trends of the three leaf species were reach- but not leaf species-specific. The efficiency of trapping the drifting leaves differed from one retention structure to another in both reaches. Rock outcrops and debris dams were the main descriptors of the stream heterogeneity in the Turkana reach and retained about 55% and 20% of the experimental leaves, respectively. The leaves of S. cordatum dominated the leaf litter transported naturally within the two reaches, contributing 214.4±18.7 g d−1 to 274.1±36.8 g d−1 (± standard error) of the leaf litter biomass in the Turkana reach. It was estimated that 640.9 kg of leaf litter are exported to Lake Nakuru by the Njoro River annually.

Abstract: Ethnopolitical conflict and violence erupted in the Rift Valley province of Kenya in the early 1990s following the re‐introduction of a multiparty political system in the country after over 20 years of one‐party rule. The conflict and violence have had far‐reaching implications for the Kenyan body politic. This article provides a historical and theoretical interpretation of the conflict and violence in order to demonstrate the nexus between violence, ethnicity and governance. The political elite in Kenya manipulated ethnicity to gain political mileage in their competition over national resources. This contest was a significant source of friction, tension and violence in the country. The article concludes that given the ethnic diversities in Kenya, democracy and indeed multiparty politics offer better opportunities for peace, harmony and development.

Abstract: Perinatal health is a good indicator of both maternal health status and the level of socioeconomic status attained in any community. This article presents part of the findings of a research project conducted in 1997 by the author to look at the determinants of maternal and perinatal health in Kisumu district of Kenya. Data were collected from four health facilities within the district which were selected through purposive sampling to act as sentinel centres. In total, 1,455 obstetric cases were enumerated and those with perinatal complications were isolated. Perinatal health status was measured by the frequency of low birth weights, neonatal deaths, still‐births, and early neonatal morbidity. Cross‐tabulations and multivariate analysis have been used to identify the major risk factors of the perinatal health problems identified in the study area. Among other things, the study reveals that the risk of most perinatal complications is significantly increased by maternal and environmental factors. These include poor pregnancy care, malaria and anaemia during pregnancy, poor socioeconomic conditions of the mother and poor sanitary conditions in the household. Any policy measure aimed at promoting perinatal health should seek to address all these factors.

Abstract: Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of Afroptilum sudafricanum (Lestage), a baetid from the Naro Moru River, Kenya, are analyzed and discussed. The seasonal distribution patterns of density and biomass were dissimilar, mosaic-like and stochastic. The distribution of A. sudafricanum density was patchy, especially during wet season 1 (June–July) and the dry season (August–October). The distribution of biomass showed more concentration patches during wet season II (November–January) and the dry season than in the wet season I. The density/biomass (D/B) ratio, as a measure of recruitment and also an important descriptor of the distribution of the biomass and density concentration patches, indicated that much of the recruitment occurred during wet season I (D/B = 78.2), in contrast with wet season II (D/B = 37.1) and the dry season (D/B = 61.7). The seasonal size-spectrum of the individuals inferred from the D/B ratios, starting from the smallest to the largest sizes was as follows: wet season I 2.0 but not k<0) and 45.5% weak aggregation (1.0 < k< 2.0). One hundred percent of all biomass samples showed quasi-random patterns (k<0). It was evident that weak density aggregations and quasi-random patterns of biomass were integral features of the Afroptilum sudafricanum population in the Naro Moru River. Further research on the population dispersion could reveal the underlying causes of this contrasting scenario between density and biomass.

Abstract: The reaction of 1 mol equivalent of MoCl2(NO)T* p [T* p = tris(3,5 dimethylpyrazolyl)borate] with one mole equivalent of the zinc Schiff base complexes obtained from the condensation of 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde and a series of α, ω diamines [NH2(CH2) n NH2, n = 2–4] is described, together with the i.r.; u.v.–vis. and 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopic properties of these products. Cyclic voltammetric data in CH2Cl2 reveal that the binuclear complex products undergo reversible one-electron reductions associated with the MoCl(NO)T* p centre. No zinc-based redox processes in the new complexes could be detected on the cyclic voltammetry timescale. The behaviour of the MoCl(NO)T* p centre in DMSO indicates that the complexes undergo irreversible reductions at anodically shifted potentials (in comparison with the reduction of binuclear complexes in CH2Cl2), indicating that reductions of the binuclear complexes are solvent dependent.

Abstract: A model based on the St. Venant equations of flow with incorporation of terms to account for the momentum transfer phenomenon, was developed to route unsteady flow in compound channels. For the main channel, the full dynamic equations were used while in the floodplains, a diffusive model was used. Both included mass and momentum transfer terms. The resulting equations called CCDG 1-D model were solved by the characteristic-dissipative-Galerkin (CDG) finite element method. Results from the CCDG 1-D model were compared to observed experimental data. The unsteady results also showed that the CCDG 1-D model showed improvement on discharge prediction when the apparent shear was included in the model. Journal of Civil Engineering, JKUAT (2001) Vol 6, 45-54

Abstract: The sensitivity of the improved two-tube test for detection of antimicrobial residues in Kenyan milk was investigated by comparison with the commercial Delvo test SP. Suspect positive milk samples (n =244) from five milk collection centers, were analyzed with the improved two-tube and the commercial Delvo SP test as per manufacturer, weekly over a ten-week period. The 't' test statistic was utilised based on the hypothesis: H0: Ud = 0 (U2 - U1 = Ud) and Ha: Ud > 0 (one-sided test) to analyse the results. The t calculated was compared to the tabulated t value at p = 0.05 for ten degrees of freedom. The results suggest that the improved two-tube test has some improved effect on the sensitivity for antimicrobials residues in comparison to the commercial Delvo test. Utilizing the improved two-tube test could lead to an improvement in sensitivity for antimicrobial residues. The Journal of Food Technology in Africa Volume 6 Number 1 (January-March 2001), pp. 5-7 KEY WORDS: milk, antimicrobial residues, Bacillus stearothermophilus var. calidolactis. Maximum residual limits (MRLs), Improved two-tube test.

Abstract: The occurrence of injuries in sports and the negligence of the injured players have caused an early exit of talented players in most third world countries. It is therefore necessary to document statistics on injuries in these countries. We prospectively observed and documented injuries to female and male players in handball, hockey, volleyball and soccer in Kenya involving 20 % of all the league matches played in a period of 3 months. Only the injuries that led to substitution of a player or temporary stoppage of the game were recorded in relation to the ecology, nature, mechanism, etiology, and part of the field. There were more injuries in soccer (51.30 %), compared to hockey (23.78 %), handball (14.94 %) and volleyball (10.30 % ). The male players received 72.08 % of all the injuries; soccer players being the most affected (66.34 %). Contusions (62.34 % ) and sprains (14.94 %) were the most noted nature of injuries and occurred more to the lower limbs (74.59 %). The frequently observed etiology was another player (49.35 % ). Most players were injured while tackling or being tackled (31.17 % ), falling (14.94 % ) and this occurred more in the offensive part of the field (53.25 % ). Only 21.43 % of the injuries warranted a substitution of a player. The injuries recorded are typical in these sports, hence more studies of this nature of longer duration and involving a larger sample are recommended in order to corroborate these results. Language: en

Abstract: This paper presents evidence on the effects of two different sorts of policy shocks on observed income diversification patterns in rural Africa. In Cote d'Ivoire, households with poor endowments were less able to respond to attractive emerging on-farm and non-farm opportunities. Due to entry barriers to superior livelihood strategies, the benefits of exchange rate reform accrued disproportionately to households that were richer prior to devaluation. By contrast, food-for-work transfers to households in Kenya significantly reduced liquidity constraints, enabling project participants to pursue more lucrative livelihood strategies in non-farm activities and higher-return agricultural production patterns. Jointly, these two shocks underscore the importance of liquidity, market access and skill constraints to skilled non-farm income sources to dynamic poverty traps in rural Africa.

Abstract: Infiltration rate (IR) is the volume flux of water flowing into the profile per unit of soil surface area (Parr and Bertrand, 1960) when the soil is subjected to a shallow depth of ponding at the surface (Ghildyal and Tripathi, 1987) or when the water supply is not limiting (SSSA, 1975). IR is generally expressed in cm/h (Schwab et al, 1981). The term infiltration capacity is frequently used in hydrology to refer to IR (Ghildyal and Tripathi, 1987). It is generally observed that under continued ponding, 1R is high at the beginning, decreases rapidly and then more slowly until it approaches a constant rate asymptotically. Infiltration rate affects many aspects of hydrology and agriculture including runoff and water content of the soil, and is related to evapotranspiration (Marshall and Holmes, 1988).

Abstract: unavailable at this time... Mathematics Subject Classification (1991): 53B40 Keywords: projective motion, Finsler space, Finsler spaces and generalizations, Lie-derivative, contra field, Concurrent field, curvature collineation, tensor, study Quaestiones Mathematicae 24(2) 2001, 175-181

Abstract: The effect of incorporating fermented cassava flour into wheat bread quality was investigated. Peeled cassava roots were chopped, fermented in water and dried for seven days before ground into flour, a process that reduced the cyanide content of cassava from 46mg/Kg to 3.6mg/Kg. Wholemeal wheat flour was prepared from different groups of wheat procured from National Plant Breeding Research Station, Njoro. For preparation of composite flours, wheat flour and fermented cassava flour were mixed in the ratios from 100% wheat flour to 100% cassava flour. Protein content, dough properties, gluten content, loaf volume and organoleptic judgement (crust color, internal color, crumb color, taste and aroma, texture, structure and general acceptability) of baked breads were evaluated. Protein content decreased with increase in the level of cassava substitution, except for the 10% cassava composite flour. Up to 20% cassava flour level of substitution had adequate amount of protein required to produce loaves of acceptable volume and texture. Water absorption, peak time, stability and tolerance index increased with increase in the cassava flour level. These increases were not significant up to 50% level of substitution. The decreases in gluten content and loaf volume were not significant at 10% and 20% cassava flour level of substitution respectively. Organoleptic judgement showed a decrease in the quality of breads, though the decrease was not significant at 20% level.

Abstract: The medicinal plant parts used by local communities in East Africa to treat anaemia were analysed both for total iron content in the plant parts and extractable iron content in their decoctions. As a basis for comparison, six edible leafy vegetables known to be good dietary iron sources were also analysed for the iron content. The iron contents were determined using Atomic Absorption .Spectrophotometry in mg/100 g dry weight of the material analysed. The amounts of iron in the prepared decoctions and total iron contents in the plant parts were compared with the total amount of iron found in the dietary edible leafy vegetables. Of all the plant parts used for anaemia treatment, the iron content in the rootbarks of Adenia gummifera and Bridelia cathartica, and their respective decoctions compared well with those found in the vegetables. Comparison of the respective iron contents in the stembarks and leaves of the plants with the edible leafy vegetables was in favour of the latter.

Abstract: The basic premise of this paper is that the supply of milk and milk products from the Guildford Dairy Institute (GDI) at Egerton University (EU) in Kenya decreased drastically over the recent past as a result of a nearly six-fold increase in the human population in the area. A drop of 40 % of milk production from the university farms also added more impetus to the study. These developments resulted in a significant shortfall of milk to the GDI factory for processing and for sale to the university and surrounding communities. The results of the study carried out at some randomly selected neighbouring farms as possible source of additional milk to GDI factory showed 3.8 ± 0.5 % BF, 12.6 ± 0.8 % TS, 0.16 ± 0.02 LA, 1.029 ± 0.003 Sp Gr; - 0.55 ± 0.02 Fr Pt; 0.03 ± 0.004 Fg Pb and 0.04 ± 0.003 ppm Hg and sensory results indicated 'Liked Moderately' for all samples, which were within the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) guidelines. Milk was available but the logistics to collect and pay for the milk need to be put in place. The Journal of Food Technology in Africa Volume 6 Number 2 (April-June 2001), pp. 41-43

Abstract: A 6.1m rotor diameter Kijito wind pump was tested for the relationship of water discharge and wind speed in a micro-irrigation setup on Rusinga Island along the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya. Wind speed measurements were recorded using an installed 10m-cup anemometer placed approximately two rotor diameters away from the wind pump. Discharge record measurements were made using an Arad water meter positioned immediately after the wind-pump air chamber. The objective was to establish a field relationship of the wind-pump discharge and the wind speed. The results indicate the performance of the wind-pump at site to be within the cut-in speed and mostly below the rated wind speed. The cubic model (Q = KV3) was not appropriate as the constant depended on arbitrary fitting or choice. A linear model was instead found to be a suitable relation between wind-speed and discharge for synchronous recording intervals greater than 3 hours. Journal of Civil Engineering, JKUAT (2001) Vol 6, 27-44

Abstract: Resource-poor farmers in many areas all over the world often adopt farming strategies based on spreading risks, such as through interspecific and/or intraspecific diversity. Sometimes 2 or more crop species are grown in the same field at the same time (interspecific diversity) and/or 2 or more cultivars of the same species may be grown simultaneously in the same field (intraspecific diversity). Another level of intraspecific diversity is sometimes attained by growing genetically heterogeneous cultivars of the same crop (Allard, 1999).

Abstract: This study established for the first time a Kenyan standardization of the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), a nonverbal instrument widely used to assess academic aptitude in young children. The sample of 1370 children between the ages of six and ten years was gathered in the primary schools of the Municipality of Nakuru, a region representative of the overall population of Kenya. Percentile scores for boys and girls by age group were generated. Demographic and academic information on participants was gathered using a teacher questionnaire. Test-retest reliability for the instrument was established by re-administering the Raven's to a randomly selected subsample of 50 children at a two week interval. Internal consistency reliability was generated using Cronbach's alpha. Using the current data, the RCPM appears to be a reliable and valid instrument for use in screening Kenyan children.