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Influence of operational resources on service delivery among kenya police officers in Mombasa county, Kenya
No full textBackground literature showed that, there were 2,919 crimes reported within Mombasa County in 2015. In 2016, the number of reported crimes increased to 3097 indicating a decline in service delivery. However, in 2017, the crimes recorded dropped by 479 cases to stand at 2,618 translating to a great improvement in service delivery. As a result, the researcher analyzed the interaction between operational resources and service delivery among Kenya police officers in Mombasa County, Kenya. It investigated the influence of Integrated Command Centre on service delivery of Kenya police officers in Mombasa County, assessed the influence of police equipment on service delivery of Kenya police officers in Mombasa County and verified the influence of police housing on service delivery of Kenya police officers in Mombasa County. It assumed that operation resources have influence on service delivery of Kenya police officers in Mombasa County thus, aimed at establishing this influence. Resource based and attribution theories were used. The scope was limited to police officers working in Mombasa County. Mixed research method (quantitative dominant) was applied with a target population of 1040 police officers of diverse ranks working in Mombasa County. The research adopted census sampling for the officer at the rank of commissioner of police, senior superintendent of police and superintendent of police while, stratified sampling technique was used for the rest of the ranks using 10% of the target population. The size of the sample for the study was 118 respondents. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used when collecting data while the analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0, multiple regression and excel stat to bring out the findings in terms of frequencies mean and standard deviation. From the findings it was clear that, an improved integrated command center lead to reduced crime rate which is an indicator of improved level of service delivery. The study also found out that provision of police equipment significantly improved service delivery among police officers in Mombasa County. However, it was established that, the police housing influenced service delivery of the police though not significantly. The recommendations were that, at least one integrated command center should be put up in each major town. This would help amplify crime reduction as the cameras among other capabilities discussed, would act as a major deterrence to offenders. In addition to that, the researcher recommended that, serviceable and adequate police equipment should be availed to all police stations to facilitate officers’ movement and efficiency to deter and detect crimes hence reducing the rate. The study further recommended an improvement in police housing to allow for comfort when working. Lastly, further studies were recommended on the influence of operational resources on service delivery of other public security sectors like the Kenya wildlife service, Kenya forest service and Kenya Prisons. This study urged the police management to consider the recommendations of this study during decision making on the operational resources. This will influence how effective, efficient and sustainable service delivery shall be among police officers in the county of Mombasa, Kenya
Accreditation
No full textMount Kenya University has now joined institutions offering public health programmes as the government moves to address a severe shortage of the medical professionals.
Public Health Officer and Technicians Council (PHOTC) registrar Dr Kepha Ombacho, speaking at the University during the award of the certificate, said the council is working on a standard curriculum for all institutions of higher learning.
“We started this journey with MKU in 2010 and we are happy to report that they have adhered to all the set conditions to be accredited, the first institution in the country to achieve this fete among both public and private universities,” said Dr Ombacho
Seven membered chelate Pt(ii) complexes with 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline ligands: studies of substitution kinetics by sulfur donor nucleophiles, interactions with CT-DNA, BSA and in vitro cytotoxicity activities†
No full textDichloro platinum(II) complexes coordinated with 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline ligands which form seven-membered chelates namely, bpqPtCl2, dmbpqPtCl2 and bbqPtCl2 (where bpq, dmbpq and bbq are 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline, 6,7-dimethyl-2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline and 2,3-bis(2′pyriyl)benzo[g]quinoxaline, respectively) were synthesized, characterised and their respective hydrated product complexes namely, bpqPt(OH2)22+, dmbpqPt(OH2)22+ and bbqPt(OH2)22+ were prepared by chloride metathesis. The substitution kinetics of the aquated cations by thiourea nucleophiles indicated that the two aqua ligands are substituted simultaneously according to the rate law: kobs = k2[Nu]. This is followed by a forced dechelation of the ligands from the Pt (II) to form Pt(Nu)42+ species. The dechelation step is considerably slow to be monitored reliably. The rate of substitution is marginally enhanced by introducing two methyl groups and by extending the π-conjugation on the bpq core ligand. The reactivity order increased as bpqPt(OH2)22+ < dmbpqPt(OH2)22+ < bbqPt(OH2)22+. Reactivity trends were well supported by theoretical computed DFT electronic descriptors. The interactions of the Pt(II) complexes with CT-DNA and BSA were also examined spectroscopically in tris buffers at pH 7.2. Spectroscopic and viscosity measurements suggested strong associative interactions between the Pt(II) complexes and CT-DNA, most likely through groove binding. In silico theoretical binding studies showed energetically stable poses through associative non-covalent interactions. In vitro MTT cytotoxicity IC50 values of the Pt(II) complexes on human liver carcinoma cells (HepG2) cancer cell lines revealed bbqPtCl2 as the least active. The fluorescence staining assays revealed the morphological changes suggested early apoptotic induction as well as non-specific necrosis
Health Effects of Occupational Lead Exposures among Informal Automobile Repair Artisans: A Case Study of Nakuru Town, Kenya Health Effects of Occupational Lead Exposures among Informal Automobile Repair Artisans: A Case Study of Nakuru Town, Kenya
Get PDFChronic, high-level lead exposure is known to be a risk factor for kidney and liver diseases.
The health effect of low-level occupational exposure to lead is less well known, particularly
among informal automobile repair artisans, a population that is at risk of occupational lead
exposures due to their predisposing occupational tasks. The study assessed blood lead levels
and associated health risks on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum Alanine
Aminotransferase (ALT) activity among the study participants. A descriptive comparative study
was conducted and the participants included ( n = 3 0 ) occupationally exposed artisans and
( n = 3 0 ) non-exposed college students. Blood lead levels were analyzed using Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometry according to the NIOSH 8003 method. Serum ALT activity
and eGFR measurements were conducted using Reflotron automated biochemical analyzer.
The eGFR was determined based on Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study (MDRD)
equation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, ANOVA, and t-
test. The mean blood lead (BPb) level of the artisans (25.36μg/dl±2.62SE) was significantly
higher than that of the control participants (14.17μg/dl±1.74SE), (t (29) =3.65, p=0.001) and
exceeded the 20μg/dl WHO biological exposure index (BEI) of concern for adults, (p=0.049).The
artisans had a significantly decreased eGFR (128.37 mL/min/1.73m2 ± 4.37SE) compared to the
control participants (152.93 mL/min/1.73m2 ± 3.91SE), (t (29) = -4.49, p =0.000). Moreover, the
artisans had a lower mean serum ALT activity of (18.50 IU/L±1.63SE) compared to the control
participants (21.34 IU/L± 2.85SE). However, the difference was insignificant, (t (29) = 0.86, p = 0.40).
The study concluded that the artisans were occupationally exposed to lead and risked chronic
pathological effects on the kidney and liver functions. The key recommendation therefore is to
institute public health intervention measures to curb such occupational health risk among the
artisans
Thika Level 5 hospital plans to build cancer care centre
No full textA cancer centre with a diagnostic wing will be set up at Thika Level 5 Hospital by the end of the year, superintendent Dr Patrick Nyaga has said. Many people in Thika are suffering from cancers, some don't know it and some go for screening when it's too late. Nyaga said on Monday cancer cases are increasing in Thika, as they are in Kenya and worldwide. But many lives can be saved with early screening and treatment.
Lack of a local cancer centre is part of the problem, he said, adding that many patients are referred to Nairobi and then to India for treatment.
He spoke at a ceremony when Mt Kenya University handed over a Sh5 million ablution block to the hospital
To raise funds for the cancer centre, the hospital has organised a 21km marathon on August 11. The aim is to raise Sh 15-20 million for the project.
“This cannot continue. We are asking people to live a healthy lifestyle, exercise, eat right and help others by contributing the little they have to set up the Thika Cancer Care Centre,” Nyaga said.
The marathon will include a 5km family walk, a 10km fitness run and the 21km competition.
Large camps will be set up at Thika stadium and Thika Level 5 Hospital to screen people for cancer and raise awareness. The dates have not yet been set.
“The centre will be for anybody walking in off the street. People will get screened and referred to care centres. In the future we will have our own centre," Nyaga said. Dr Josephat Njuguna, principal of Health Science at MKU said the university will partner with the hospital to raise awareness of cancer. He said MKU will on set up a Sh5 million cold room at General Kago Funeral Home, which the university constructed for Sh300 million.
According to WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer, at least 47,887 Kenyans people get the disease annually, 32,987 die from it yearly. Six years ago there were 41,000 reported cases and 28,000 deaths in Kenya
The state of cancer in Meru, Kenya: a retrospective study
No full textBackground: It is projected that by 2030, 70% of all cancer related deaths will occur in low-middle income countries. However, data on the state of cancer in most African countries is scanty. Cancer estimates for Kenya are based on the Nairobi and Eldoret cancer registries, leaving most parts of the country unrepresented. Lacking national coverage, these data do not accurately reflect Kenya’s cancer burden. The paucity of reliable data impedes formulation of effective cancer control strategies and cancer research prioritization. Here, we report the findings of a retrospective study of the cancer state in Meru County, Kenya.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of patient files at Meru hospice was carried out. 2349 cancer cases seen at the Meru hospice between 2003 and 2018 were analyzed. Data abstracted from the records included patient age, gender and cancer type. The abstracted data was analyzed by descriptive statistics.
Results: Our results indicate that cancer is almost evenly distributed across genders, with men accounting for 49% and women 51%. Stomach cancer rates are strikingly elevated and equal to those in countries with the highest stomach cancer rates globally – making it the commonest cancer in this region (14%). Among men, the most common cancers affect the prostate (18%), stomach (17%), esophagus (14%), head & neck (12%), liver (8%) and colorectum (5%). Among women, the commonest are cancers of the breast (22%), cervix (20%), stomach (11%), esophagus (8%), head & neck (6%) and liver (5%). Breast cancer occurs at a notably early age, with 20% of those affected aged below 40. Lung cancer rates are notably low in this region (1.3%) relative to world estimates.
Conclusion: Cancer distribution in Meru is nearly even between sexes. Our analysis suggests that the Meru region is a stomach cancer hotspot and that it also experiences elevated esophageal cancer levels
Central Retinal Artery hemodynamic flow amongst diabetic patients attending the Mulago Hospital diabetic clinic
Get PDFThe prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rapidly increasing worldwide, with low-and-middle income countries bearing the heaviest burden. In these countries, majority of newly diagnosed DM is incidental, with many new patients unaware of their prior glycaemic status; which increases the likelihood that they may present with DM-related complications, like diabetic retinopathy (DR). The mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic retinopathy are still not fully understood, although elevated glucose levels are thought to be responsible for alterations in retinal vessel architecture, leading to perfusion abnormalities.
The current study sought to determine the relationship between hemodynamic flow in the central retinal artery and long-term glycaemic control as measured by serum haemoglobin A1c.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study involving 140 diabetic patients attending an outpatients DM clinic at Mulago National Referral hospital. Color Doppler imaging (CDI) of the orbit was used to determine hemodynamic flow parameters (end-diastolic velocity (EDV), peak-systolic velocity (PSV), resistivity index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI)) in the central retinal artery. The hemodynamic flow parameters in these patients where compared to the levels of haemoglobin A1c, which was used as measure of long-term glycaemic control.
Results
Generally, the mean central retinal artery hemodynamic flow parameters --peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistivity index-- did not differ significantly among diabetic patients with either normal (8%) glucose levels upon HbA1c measurement. However, the mean pulsatility index of the right retinal artery differed significantly among diabetics with varying degrees of glycaemic control (P < 0.05). Additionally, the duration which an individual has been diabetic was negatively correlated to the EDV in both the right (r = -0.201, n = 140, p = 0.017), and the left orbit (r = -0.181, n = 140, p = 0.033).
Conclusion
Our findings of no significant correlation between hemodynamic flow in the central retinal artery and HbA1c may indicate that the effects of glucose on ocular hemodynamic flow in DM are possibly short-lived and not long-term
Transforming Africa: The Information and Communication Technology Revolution
No full textThe Internet and mobile phones are transforming the commercial landscape
in Africa. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is now
positioned to promote innovation, job creation and boost the export potential of
African companies. In recent years, a greater number of the 54 African countries
have been embracing technology as the driver. Africa is a continent in a digital
e-transition. The rise of the middle-class is fueling consumer growth and according to
a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, the Internet will generate African economic
growth and social transformation particularly in the following six sectors: Financial
services; Education; Health; Retail; Agriculture; and Government. In the Financial
sector, McKinsey pointed out that M-Pesa’s mobile money solutions have brought
millions of Kenyans into the financial grid for the first time. In the area of Health
care, remote diagnostics are expanding medical services to rural areas that have few
healthcare professionals. In Education, students are beginning to learn with new
digital education tools, and e-government initiatives are connecting citizens with
government services. Technology-related productivity gains in these, other sectors
could reach 318 billion by 2025, and large African populations stand
to benefit as a result. This presentation will discuss the progress and future of ICT in
Africa and discuss how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from different
business sectors can make use of ICT opportunities
Determinants of computer technology utilization in Nursing practice among nurse - midwives in Kwale County, Kenya
Get PDFGlobally all nurses are expected to be abreast with information, communication and
technology (ICT) for their empowerment when it comes to making the right
interventions in the provision of nursing care to patients or clients (Newbold, et al
2015). The purpose of the study was to investigate the determinants of computer
utilization among nurse-midwives in Kwale County. Method: was institution based
cross-sectional design which was done in Kwale County and the targeted population
were the nurse-midwives in Kwale County with a sample size of 141 Results: revealed
that on the social demographic characteristics Ages of respondents significantly
influenced utilization of computer technology (χ2 (1, N=141) =7.453, p=0.006).
Qualification significantly influenced utilization of computer technology (χ2 (1, N=141)
=5.083, p=0.024). Nursing job significantly influence utilization of computer
technology (χ2
(1, N=141) =4.499, p=0.034). Number of years worked as a nurse
significantly affected utilization of computer technology (χ2
(1, N=141) =9.131,
p=0.003). Previous computer training significantly affected utilization of computer
technology (χ
2
(1, N=141) =23561, p=<0.001).Concerning nurse- midwife related
factors, showed that self-rated computer knowledge significantly affected utilization of
computer technology (χ2
(1, N=141) =26.338, p=<0.001). Attitude significantly
influenced utilization of computer technology (χ2
(1, N=141) =4.098, p=0.043).
Concerning institutional related factors revealed that availability of policies, guidelines,
regulations did not influence utilization of computer technology (χ
2
(1, N=141) =0.047,
p=0.828), (χ
2
(1, N=141) =0.047, p=0.828), (χ2
(1, N=0.000), p=0.986) respectively.
Conclusion majority of the nurse-midwives demonstrated basic knowledge in computer
operational skills Gender, marital status, and residence did not have significant
association with utilization of computer technology in nursing practice. More than a
half of the nurse-midwives had negative attitude towards utilization of computer
technology. There are no guidelines, regulations, or policies governing the utilization of
computer technology. Recommendation: On the determinants of social-demographic
characteristics the researcher recommends the County training committee to
encourage and support the nurse-midwives to upgrade to Diploma level and above and
also come up with modalities of assisting the nurses to acquire literacy in computer
applications and operation skills. On determining nurse-midwives related factors the
County health committee in conjunction with Nurse Managers and supervisors should
take an initiative of formulating logical strategies of transforming analogical practice of
nursing to digital forms of nursing practice by embracing computer technology
utilization in the health institutions in the County. The Kwale County health committee
should advise the CEC health through MCAs to come up with policies that will govern
the utilization of information technology in the county. The same committee should
take the initiative to capacity build the nurses and health institutions by equipping them
with infrastructural and technical support in form of computers, trainings and free WI FI