http://ir.mksu.ac.ke/handle/123456780/212 2026-05-17T14:05:08Z 2026-05-17T14:05:08Z KOSGEI, A. J. http://ir.mksu.ac.ke/handle/123456780/21180 2026-05-13T08:56:21Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI FOR YIELD AND YIELD-ASSOCIATED TRAITS IN CHICKPEA UNDER DROUGHT STRESS KOSGEI, A. J. Crop yield is a complex phenomenon, controlled by several genes, each contributing to the overall phenotypic expression; which is affected by environment and genotype x environment interactions. Identifying and mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs), make tracing these traits during breeding possible and easy. The objective of this study was to identify QTLs associated with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) grain yield and its associated traits, under drought stress. The experiment was conducted using 188 F3:5 genotypes from ICCV 05107 x ICCV 94954 crosses. Genotypic data were from 49 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers; while phenotypic data were obtained from a field evaluation designed in a 19 x 10 alpha lattice. The study was replicated thrice on three sites, namely at Koibatek Agricultural Training Centre, Muserech; and at the Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organisation, Marigat. Eight QTLs were mapped on a linkage map spanning a total length of 335.04 cM, with varying phenotypic variation expression (PVE%). These QTLs include, one each for days to maturity, 100-seed weight, and two each for above-ground biomass, harvest index, and grain yield. Five major QTLs having PVE ranging from 10.37 to 32.39%, were identified for days to maturity, 100-seed weight above-ground biomass, harvest index (HI), and grain yield. Four of the eight QTLs were mapped on linkage group 4 (LG4); days to maturity, 2 for above-ground biomass, and grain yield. The QTLs mapped are useful in genomic-assisted breeding for chickpea yield improvement. However, there is a need for marker saturation on LGs and specific genes identified for effective marker-assisted breeding.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Okello, Cornelius Githiora, Yvonne Sithole, Simangele Owuor, Margaret http://ir.mksu.ac.ke/handle/123456780/21178 2026-05-13T08:42:39Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Nature-based solutions for water resource management in Africa’s arid and sem-arid lands (ASALs): A systematic review of existing interventions Okello, Cornelius; Githiora, Yvonne; Sithole, Simangele; Owuor, Margaret Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in Africa, covering 66 % of the continent and are home to around 200 million people, face significant water scarcity challenges due to harsh climatic conditions. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness, socio-economic impacts, and implementation challenges of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for water resource management in these regions. Analysing 9906 research articles narrowed to 143 studies, the review identified critical NbS interventions, including water conservation, soil moisture and conservation, water harvesting, conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and afforestation. The studies focused on biophysical aspects (31 %), socio-economic issues (39 %), or both (30 %), with an emphasis on water quantity (96 %) over quality (3 %). These interventions’ direct (43 %) and indirect (55 %) impacts were examined. Findings show that 52 % of the studies meet all effectiveness criteria: socio-economic benefits, sustainable resource use, resource enhancement and conservation, and infrastructure sustainability. Stakeholder engagement in co-designing NbS significantly enhances their effectiveness and the integration of indigenous knowledge. Geographic distribution highlights concentrated research in eastern, southern, and western Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa, with underrepresentation in northern and central regions. The review identifies gaps in water quality interventions and calls for more comprehensive approaches. The review highlights NbS’ potential to improve water availability, ecosystem resilience, and socio-economic development in ASALs. However, challenges such as limited stakeholder involvement, inadequate integration of indigenous knowledge, and regional research disparities need addressing. The study recommends prioritising the participation of local communities and stakeholders from the planning stages to implementation to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of future NbS projects.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Abanga, Charles Moturi, Wilkister Makindi, Stanley http://ir.mksu.ac.ke/handle/123456780/21177 2026-05-13T08:35:22Z 2024-06-01T00:00:00Z

Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of workers on safety hazards and health risks in vehicle body manufacturing companies in Nairobi County, Kenya Abanga, Charles; Moturi, Wilkister; Makindi, Stanley The manufacturing of vehicle bodies in Nairobi County, Kenya, exposes workers to a number of safety and health risks. For the purpose of creating efficient safety and health programs, it is essential to comprehend the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of employees about these hazards. Therefore, this paper intended to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of employees regarding health and safety hazards in Nairobi County, Kenya where majority of vehicle body manufacturing companies are situated. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data from 260 firms using a cross-sectional survey approach. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the knowledge, attitudes and perception of workers on safety hazards and risks in the vehicle body manufacturing companies was highly affected and dependent on the need for occupational health risks and safety hazards being reported to the administration. Within this, majority respondents argued that improved personnel management would be essential in improving knowledge, attitudes and perception of workers on the OSH. The results will provide insight into the level of workers’ awareness of health and safety problems, their attitudes toward safety precautions, and their opinions of how effective current safety programs are. These findings will help to establish targeted safety measures and policies that will lessen the impact of health and safety concerns on workers in Nairobi County, Kenya’s vehicle body manufacturing sector.

2024-06-01T00:00:00Z Mwanza, Moses Ndunda, Elizabeth Bosire, Geoffrey Nyamor, Vincent Martincigh, Bice http://ir.mksu.ac.ke/handle/123456780/21175 2026-05-13T08:19:17Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Advances in sample pretreatment and detection of PCBs in the environment Mwanza, Moses; Ndunda, Elizabeth; Bosire, Geoffrey; Nyamor, Vincent; Martincigh, Bice Pollution of the environment by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continues to be a global concern because of their toxicity, persistence, long-range transport properties and ability to bioaccumulate in fatty tissues. PCBs are classified as ’probable human carcinogens’ as well as endocrine-disrupting compounds, and, therefore, their presence in the environment is a threat to human and animal health. Their monitoring in the environment requires novel techniques to achieve detection at very low concentrations that demonstrate harmful effects to the ecosystem. This review discusses conventional and novel sample preparation methods that make use of novel sorbent materials that are aimed at reducing matrix interferences in different environmental and biological matrices. It also focuses on advancements in detection techniques aimed at high selectivity and sensitivity, and low detection limits. These range from conventional chromatographic techniques to sensor technology that facilitates the detection of PCBs at very low concentrations prompting the attainment of cost-effective and reliable methods that promote routine monitoring.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z