Journal of Science, Innovation and Creativity

Causal factors responsible for changes in the attributes of urban green spaces in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Martin Wandie Mbugua, Hellen Kamiri, Peter Kamau — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Urban green spaces are an important part of public open spaces and a common service provided by a city, town, or municipal council. In Nairobi City County, green spaces have been increasingly threatened by overcrowding, poor planning, weak management structures and illegal alienation thus denying city residents access to the much-needed recreation and leisure facilities. As the population increases in urban areas, their activities impact the environment and therefore the ecosystem services. This study was done with the Principle of Intelligent Urbanism in mind, as the most prolific urban development theory developed by the International Congress of Modern Architecture. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data while a cross-sectional survey designs and stratified random sampling of the green spaces was employed, based on the location within the urban core and peri-urban of Nairobi County. Four green spaces (Karura Forest, Ngong Road Forest, Nairobi Arboretum, and City Park) with diverse characteristics and attributes were selected. A sample population of 384 visitors to the green spaces was surveyed for their perceptions of the functions, uses, and benefits of the green spaces. Our findings showed that management structures and population growth are the main causal factors responsible for changes in the attributes of urban green spaces.

Systematic literature review of digital health strategies for equitable access to universal health coverage in developing countries

Ruth Nthenya Wambua — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Digital health is at the nexus of Health and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This study aims to explore and provide a comprehensive systematic literature review of digital health strategies for equitable access to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in developing countries. The study also seeks to identify gaps for further research and highlight future research opportunities in digital health for equitable access to UHC in developing countries. The research method employed was a structured literature review, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Journal articles published in the year 2018 to the year 2023 were considered. A total of 77 articles were initially identified, and with 5 articles finally being included and considered. From the findings information systems, services, programmes, and policies, and an appropriate consideration of technologies, influence digital health for equitable access to UHC. Future research should consider the development of guiding frameworks and models that are user-centred, have multi-sectoral involvement, and consider appropriate technology.

Integrating Cordia Africana trees on farms differentially improves soil properties in small holder farms in Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Miriam Kamau — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Tree-based solutions are more efficient in nutrient cycling in farming systems and hence ideally suited for impoverished farmers experiencing food insecurity. Agroforestry trees have a positive effect on soil fertility through litter fall by the canopies compared to that of the adjacent open fields. Field sampling involved selecting mature Cordia africana trees from ten farms and collecting soil samples at varying distances from the tree trunks and at two depths (0-15 and 15-30cm). For each selected farm, soil samples were collected at three sampling points defined by distance from the tree base thus: - 5M (under the tree canopy), 11M (at the edge of the crown), and 30M (from the tree's influence. Laboratory analyses measured concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and organic carbon. The soil parameters investigated (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Soil organic carbon, Potassium, and Calcium) were significantly higher in the topsoil than in the subsoil. The horizontal effect of trees with increasing distance from the tree on soil nitrogen, organic carbon, and phosphorus is minimal, the effect being more on vertical distribution (across depth). Differences in nutrient contents in soil nutrient variables between agroforestry and cropped land showed that soil nutrients within the Cordia africana system were higher than those under cultivated land implying that Cordia africana has a positive effect on soil quality. Thus, the study emphasizes the adoption of Cordia africana in agroforestry practices with a view to increase soil fertility and improve crop yields in sustainable farming. There is therefore need for the formulation of appropriate measures of soil management based on the characteristics of the sites.

Influence of occupational wellness programs on service delivery in faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan area

Beatrice Wairimu Karanja, David Gichuhi, Kellen Kiambati — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study sought to evaluate occupational wellness programmes on service delivery in faith-based hospitals in the Nairobi metropolitan area. Despite their essential role, faith-based hospitals continuously face challenges, including workforce-related issues such as poor working conditions including working for longer hours, seeing more patients in a day exceeding the 8 recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), high rates of absenteeism, lack of critical services, depression and other mental illness as well as drug and substance abuse. These occurrences affect service delivery. The study adopted descriptive survey and correlational research designs and targeted employees in faith-based hospitals in the Nairobi metropolitan area. The study used stratified random sampling to select 297 respondents. Primary data was obtained using a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, mean, standard deviation and percentages. Results were presented in tables. The study established that there was agreement among the respondents on the adoption of employees’ occupational wellness programmes in the Nairobi metropolitan area. The study thus concluded that employees’ occupational wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery in faith-based hospitals in the Nairobi metropolitan area.

Driving technology adoption for pasture production: socio-economic insights from Isiolo county's climate extremes

Linus Mugendi Ireri, Tom Ouna — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the socio-economic determinants influencing the adoption of technologies, innovations, and management practices (TIMPs) for pasture production in Isiolo County, Kenya. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 382 household heads, two field extension officers, and two focus group discussions. Analysis, is based on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, applied multiple linear regression to explore correlations between TIMP adoption and factors such as gender, education, income, livelihood activity, group membership, and financial assistance. The outcome of the correlation test is as follows: TIMP Adoption = 3.52628 + 0.13028 (Gender) - 0.03457 (Land Size) + 0.18103 (Education Level) + 0.21995 (Annual Income) + 0.21426 (Livelihood Activity) + 0.15072 (Group Membership) + 0.05913 (Financial Assistance). The results indicate that effective policies should prioritize gender inclusion, enhance education, increase financial support, and promote cooperative frameworks to improve TIMP adoption, particularly for small-scale livestock keepers.