Theses & Dissertations

Utilization of eight antenatal care contacts among adolescent and adult women at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisumu, Kenya

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Utilization of eight antenatal care contacts among adolescent and adult women at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisumu, Kenya KERE, Reuben Nyongesa Early antenatal care booking and compliance with eight antenatal care contacts improve positive pregnancy experiences and outcomes. In 2022, Kenya adopted the World Health Organization recommendation for eight antenatal care contacts. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, 29% of women booked early for antenatal care, but only 4% completed all eight antenatal care contacts. Although the new model offers clear benefits, maintaining adherence remains difficult, as both adolescent and adult women encounter significant barriers to initiating early and completing the eight contacts. Factors influencing the timely initiation and frequency of the eight antenatal care contacts were investigated among adolescent and adult women at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisumu, Kenya. A comparative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, and the theoretical framework was guided by Andersen and Newman’s Behavioural Model for Health Services Utilization. The conceptual framework was constructed using variables from the literature review and the World Health Organization’s 2016 recommendations for antenatal care. All women admitted to the maternity department were used as the target population. Stratified random sampling was used to recruit 73 adolescent and 219 adult women in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in a sample of 292 women, calculated using a formula for two proportions. Data was collected using a questionnaire and the antenatal booklet. Informed consent and data confidentiality were ensured. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Descriptive statistics were used for predisposing, enabling, and need factors. The Mann-Whitney U test and the chi-square test were used to compare the timing of the first antenatal care contact and the frequency of recommended antenatal care contacts between adolescent and adult women. To identify associated factors, multivariable logistic regression was used. The median and mean ages for adolescent women were 18.0 and 17.82 ± 1.14 years, respectively, and for adult women, 29.0 and 27.69 ± 4.68 years, respectively. Adult women had higher rates of marriage, urban residence, health insurance coverage, and autonomy in antenatal care decision making than adolescent women (p<0.05). Both adult and adolescent women booked antenatal care late, with a median of 18.00 weeks IQR 10-22 compared with 20.00 weeks IQR 12-24 (p = .02). Both adult and adolescent women had fewer than eight antenatal care contacts, with a median of 5 (IQR 3-6.5), compared to 4 (IQR 3-5.5) (p = .04). Only 10.5% of adult women completed eight antenatal care contacts compared with 8.2% of adolescent women. Early antenatal care booking was influenced by receiving antenatal care information from healthcare providers (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI [ 1.06, 3.71], p = .036). Women with high-risk pregnancies (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI [1.47, 3.91], p = .005) had more antenatal care contacts than those with low- or moderate-risk pregnancies. This study highlights a major challenge in achieving early antenatal care booking and completing eight antenatal contacts among adolescent and adult women. To improve antenatal care attendance at JOOTRH, we recommend expanding access to services for adolescent and adult women to address widespread late bookings. Building on the positive influence of healthcare provider education and countering misinformation from informal networks, providers should actively participate in community outreach programs. The facility should also establish routine tracking systems and arrange follow-ups by community health workers to sustain engagement and prevent high dropout rates. Finally, Women with low- or moderate-risk pregnancies should be encouraged to complete all eight scheduled contacts for preventive care, even if they have no active physical symptoms. Masters Thesis

Feto-maternal outcomes among women undergoing labor induction versus spontaneous labor in late-term and post-term pregnancies at Jaramogi Oginga Teaching And Referral Hospital, Kisumu

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Feto-maternal outcomes among women undergoing labor induction versus spontaneous labor in late-term and post-term pregnancies at Jaramogi Oginga Teaching And Referral Hospital, Kisumu K’ONYANGO, David Late-term and post-term pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including perinatal mortality. The World Health Organization recommends induction of labor at 41 weeks for low-risk pregnancies because continuing the pregnancy beyond this period may increase the likelihood of complications. These risks are particularly important in low-income settings, including sub-Saharan Africa, where late-term and post-term pregnancies remain common and local evidence on their management is limited. This study compared maternal and neonatal outcomes among women with late-term and post-term pregnancies who underwent induction of labor with those who experienced spontaneous labor.The study examined the sociodemographic characteristics, maternal outcomes and neonatal outcomes of the two groups. A prospective cohort design was used, involving 244 women with pregnancies of at least 41 weeks of gestation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using Stata version 17.The two groups were comparable in terms of age, education, employment, marital status and place of residence. However, parity differed significantly between the groups. Women with parity of two or less accounted for 89.6% of the induction group compared with 71.4% of the spontaneous-labor group (p = 0.001). The need for additional oxytocin augmentation was significantly higher among women in the induction group than among those in the spontaneouslabor group (41.6% versus 28.6%, p = 0.033). Postpartum haemorrhage occurred in 11.2% of women in the induction group compared with 3.4% in the spontaneous-labor group (p = 0.026). Caesarean delivery rates did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.681). Neonatal outcomes, including five-minute Apgar scores, birth weight, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and perinatal mortality, were also comparable between the groups.In conclusion, induction of labor among women with late-term and post-term pregnancies at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital was associated with a greater need for oxytocin augmentation and a higher occurrence of postpartum haemorrhage. Immediate neonatal outcomes were comparable to those observed among women who experienced spontaneous labor. These findings highlight the need for appropriate counselling, close monitoring during induction and adequate preparedness for oxytocin augmentation and the prevention and management of postpartum haemorrhage. Masters Thesis

Characteristics, Outcomes and experiences of pregnant women with cardiac disease at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Characteristics, Outcomes and experiences of pregnant women with cardiac disease at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya OTADOH, Caren Millicent Omoro Cardiac disease in pregnancy is a cause of indirect maternal morbidity and death worldwide. It places an excessive burden on low- and middle-income regions. In Western Kenya, there is a high prevalence of clinically significant heart lesions. However, many women remain undiagnosed until decompensation occurs. At JOOTRH, a lack of integrated regional data on disease burden, sociodemographic profiles, and patients' lived experiences hinders the development of evidence-based cardio-obstetric protocols. The broad objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics, outcomes, and lived experiences of pregnant women with cardiac disease managed at JOOTRH between 2022 and 2026. Specifically, the study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical profiles and determine maternal, cardiac, and neonatal outcomes. Concurrently, the study explored the biological, psychological, and social experiences of these patients. The research adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to understand the disease burden. A retrospective, analytical cross-sectional review of 27 patient files was conducted. The files had been identified through census sampling. Simultaneously, a cross-sectional phenomenological design was used, comprising nine indepth interviews selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data comprising patients' characteristics (sociodemographic factors, obstetric history, and clinical features) and outcomes (cardiac, obstetric, and foetal) were extracted using a pre-tested data abstraction form and analysed in R. Fisher's exact tests were used to assess bivariate associations between categorical clinical markers and binary materno-foetal outcomes. Firth’s penalised logistic regression was employed for multivariable analysis to calculate stable, adjusted odds ratios despite small-sample data separation. The quantitative analysis revealed rheumatic heart disease as the main cause of morbidity. The composite cardio-obstetric Major Adverse Cardiovascular Event rate was 63.0%, driven predominantly by heart failure and pulmonary oedema, with a maternal mortality rate of 14.8%. Bivariate and multivariable analyses identified New York Heart Association functional class III/IV at entry as the sole significant adjusted predictor of MACE. Qualitative data were managed using NVivo. The narratives contextualised the results by describing biological experiences, including “diagnostic odysseys”, symptom normalisation, and traumatic peripartum crises. The Psychological Experiences included fear of death, ambivalence about pregnancy termination, and maladaptive coping strategies. The Socio-Structural Experience included stigma, financial stress, and institutional failures. The study determined that poor outcomes are not solely attributable to the biological severity of cardiac lesions but result from cumulative failures in systemic recognition and access to health services. It is recommended that JOOTRH develop and institutionalise cardio-obstetric protocols and establish a Pregnancy Heart Team. Additionally, early first-trimester NYHA functional status screening, shared decision-making, and a maternal health financial subsidy should be implemented to reduce barriers to specialist care. Masters Thesis

Regulatory compliance, strategic agility and sustainable performance of non governmental organizations in lake region economic bloc, Kenya

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Regulatory compliance, strategic agility and sustainable performance of non governmental organizations in lake region economic bloc, Kenya OWUOR, Charles Okwany Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in promoting socioeconomic development in Kenya through humanitarian, advocacy, and development interventions. However, many NGOs continue to experience sustainability challenges arising from declining donor funding, increasing operational costs, governance constraints, changing stakeholder expectations, and evolving regulatory requirements. Although Strategic Agility is recognized as an important organizational capability for enhancing adaptability and resilience, empirical evidence on its relationship with Sustainable Performance remains limited, particularly regarding the moderating role of Regulatory Compliance. This study examined the moderating role of Regulatory Compliance in the relationship between Strategic Agility and Sustainable Performance among national NGOs operating within Kenya’s Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB). Specifically, the study sought to determine the effect of Strategic Agility on Sustainable Performance, examine the effect of Regulatory Compliance on Sustainable Performance, and establish its moderating role in the Strategic Agility–Sustainable Performance relationship. The study was guided by a positivist research philosophy and anchored on Dynamic Capability Theory and Institutional Theory. A quantitative explanatory cross-sectional research design was adopted. The target population comprised 674 registered NGOs. Taro Yamane’s (1967) formula was used because the study had a known finite population and required a 5% level of precision, yielding an initial sample of 251 NGOs. Proportionate sampling ensured representation across NGO sectors. A pilot study involving 25 NGOs, representing approximately 10% of the initial sample, was randomly conducted in five LREB counties to assess the clarity, feasibility, consistency, and suitability of the research instrument, after which necessary refinements were made. Following exclusion of the pilot participants, 226 NGOs constituted the main study, from which 217 valid questionnaires were obtained, representing a 96% response rate. Data were collected electronically using structured questionnaires through Kobo Toolbox and analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and hierarchical multiple regression.The findings showed that Strategic Agility had a statistically significant positive effect on Sustainable Performance (β = .563, p < .001; R² = .564; F = 278.02, p < .001). Regulatory Compliance also positively predicted Sustainable Performance (β = .637, p < .001; R² = .606). In hierarchical regression, adding Regulatory Compliance increased explained variance from 56.4% to 67.7% (ΔR² = .113; F = 224.57, p < .001). Adding the Strategic Agility × Regulatory Compliance interaction increased explained variance further to 71.7% (ΔR² = .040; F = 179.84, p < .001). The interaction was negative and statistically significant (β = −.148, p < .001), indicating that higher Regulatory Compliance reduces the incremental contribution of Strategic Agility to Sustainable Performance. The findings therefore demonstrate that while Strategic Agility and Regulatory Compliance independently contribute positively to Sustainable Performance, their interaction is conditional. The study concludes that sustainable NGO performance requires balancing strategic adaptability with regulatory accountability. The study contributes to Dynamic Capability Theory and Institutional Theory by demonstrating how organizational capability and institutional governance jointly shape NGO Sustainable Performance in the LREB PhD Thesis

Variation in length, position and blood supply of the vermiform appendix: a cadaveric study among black Tanzanian population

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Variation in length, position and blood supply of the vermiform appendix: a cadaveric study among black Tanzanian population ABELY, Zacheus G. The vermiform appendix is a tubular structure attached to the cecum and demonstrates anatomical variation in length, position, and arterial supply. Such variation is relevant to the diagnosis and surgical management of appendicitis because an appendix located outside the usual retrocecal position or supplied by an atypical artery may alter anatomical expectations during clinical examination and appendectomy (Patra et al., 2024). Despite studies from other populations, limited multi-institutional cadaveric evidence describes these variations among Black Tanzanians. This study determined variations in the length, position, and origin of the blood supply of the vermiform appendix among Black Tanzanian cadavers and examined their association with sex. A descriptive cross-sectional cadaveric study was conducted using 99 cadavers selected from a population of 133 cadavers available in five medical universities in Dar es Salaam. Sample size was determined using Yamane's formula at a 5% margin of error and distributed proportionally across the five institutions. Data were collected through systematic dissection, direct measurement of appendix length, classification of anatomical position, and identification of the origin of the appendicular artery. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, an independent-samples t-test for length, and chi-square analysis for categorical associations, with statistical significance set at p ≤ .05. Appendix length ranged from 2 to 15 cm, with a mean of 7.15 cm among males and 8.24 cm among females; the difference was statistically significant (t (97) = -2.96, p = .004). Retrocecal position was most common (58.6%), and appendix position was significantly associated with sex after rare positions were collapsed for inferential analysis (χ² (1) = 21.41, p < .001). The appendicular artery originated from the ileocolic artery in 70.7% of cases and from the mesenteric artery in 29.3%; this distribution was not significantly associated with sex (χ² (1) = 0.50, p = .478). The findings demonstrate substantial anatomical variation within the studied Black Tanzanian population and provide local cadaveric evidence relevant to anatomical education and surgical awareness Masters Thesis

Reproductive outcomes among infertile female patients who have undergone myomectomy at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (Jootrh), Kisumu, Kenya

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Reproductive outcomes among infertile female patients who have undergone myomectomy at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (Jootrh), Kisumu, Kenya ONYANGO, Christine Atolo Uterine fibroids are a common cause of infertility in sub-Saharan Africa, where assisted reproductive technology is largely unavailable and myomectomy is often the main fertility-directed treatment. Local evidence on reproductive outcomes after myomectomy in Kenya is limited. This study assessed reproductive outcomes and associated factors within two years of myomectomy among women with infertility at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). It described reproductive outcomes within two years of surgery, identified patient-related factors associated with conception, assessed the association between fibroid characteristics, selected intraoperative factors and conception, and estimated the time to confirmed pregnancy. A single-arm retrospective cohort design was used. Records of women who underwent myomectomy between January 2019 and January 2024 were reviewed, and follow-up interviews were conducted to ascertain outcomes. Of 250 records screened, 184 women were eligible and 168 (91.3%) completed follow-up. Data were analysed with IBM SPSS version 26.0 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression. Within two years, 54/168 (32.1%) women conceived; the cumulative probability of conception at 24 months was 35.0%. Of the 54 pregnancies, 34 (63.0%) ended in live birth and 15 (27.8%) in miscarriage. The median time to conception among women who conceived was 14.0 months (IQR 9.25–17.75). Previous uterine surgery was associated with lower odds of conception (AOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23–0.94) and slower conception (aHR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27–0.93). Larger fibroid diameter was associated with lower odds of conception (AOR 0.85 per cm, 95% CI 0.72–0.997), although this estimate was imprecise. The largest proportion of participants, 75/168 (44.6%), were aged 35 years or older, and 129/168 (76.8%) had secondary infertility. About one-third of women conceive within two years of myomectomy, and previous uterine surgery is associated with lower and slower conception. These findings support realistic counselling, complete pre-operative fertility evaluation and structured follow-up for women undergoing myomectomy Masters Thesis

Efficacyof Rameny radio’s ngimadhano programme in promoting the uptake of contraceptives among the women of Cham gi Wadu division in Migori county, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Efficacyof Rameny radio’s ngimadhano programme in promoting the uptake of contraceptives among the women of Cham gi Wadu division in Migori county, Kenya OBUYA, James Omondi The main objective of this study was to investigate the use of community radio in the promotion of contraceptive uptake in Cham Gi Wadu Division within Migori County. This was deemed as a representation of women in the rural areas of Rongo Sub-County. Community radio being a traditional mass media, has been used in behavior change campaigns to address unmet need among women in this division. Statistics indicate that most women in this division were still reluctant to have children or want to delay having a child or limit the number of children to bear while at the same time not using any modern family planning method. This study, therefore, sought to establish the efficacy of Radio Rameny‘s Ngima Dhano programme on the uptake of contraceptives among women of Cham Gi Wadu Division in Rongo Sub-County. The objectives of the study were to establish the efficacy of Ngima Dhano Community radio programme in creating awareness, on changing attitude and on acceptability of contraceptives among women in Cham Gi Wadu Division. Agenda-Setting theory by McCombs and Shaw (1972) and Knowledge, Attitude and Practices model which originated from Learning Theory (Bandura, 1796) and Diffusion of Innovation theory by Roger, (1995) informed the study. This study employed mixed method research design. Simple random sampling technique was employed to pick a sample size of 400 respondents that was arrived at using Yamane Sampling Formula (1967). Content Analysis was conducted targeting six recorded aired programmes between May-October, 2023. Purposive sampling technique was used to pick two Key Informant Interviews. The study adopted various tools, such as questionnaires, interview schedules, and coding scheme as data collection tools. Quantitative data preferred tool of analysis was descriptive statistics, while qualitative data adopted content analysis. Results presentation was in tables, graphs and textual formats, while qualitative data was presented using narratives and quotes. The study targeted reproductive health communication, formulation of policies on family planning by Government and Non-Governmental Organizations. The study indicated that community radio broadcasts have immense outcome on the uptake of contraceptives and its benefits. From the study, the Ngima Dhano programme imparted high knowledge and awareness to both listeners and the community at large. There was also an overwhelming positive attitude towards contraceptive uptake, leading to increased acceptance of contraceptives. This was attributed to through addressing biased information through programme content and listenership participation. Masters Thesis

To evaluate the phytochemical composition and fertility enhancing properties of zingiber officinale and mondia whitei ethanolic extracts on reproductive hormones, selected sperm parameters and testicular histology in diabetic infertile male white albino rats

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

To evaluate the phytochemical composition and fertility enhancing properties of zingiber officinale and mondia whitei ethanolic extracts on reproductive hormones, selected sperm parameters and testicular histology in diabetic infertile male white albino rats BARASA, M. Ambrose Diabetes-induced male infertility (DIMI) affects approximately 48.5 million couples globally and contributes to 20-30% of male infertility cases associated with diabetes. The disease condition arises primarily from chronic hyperglycemia-mediated disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, leading to impaired hormonal regulation, oxidative stress, testicular dysfunction, and reduced fertility. Although conventional therapies are available, their high cost and associated side effects limit their use. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key drivers of diabetes-induced male infertility; therefore, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Zingiber officinale and Mondia whitei may restore testicular function, although their specific targets and comparative efficacy remain unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of Zingiber Officinale and Mondia Whitei ethanolic extracts on reproductive hormones, selected sperm parameters and testicular histology and histomorphometry in diabetic infertile male albino rats. The rhizomes of Z. officinale and roots of M. whitei were first extracted with ethanol for phytochemical analysis. Total phenolic content, tannins content, flavonoid content, saponins content, terpenoids content and alkaloids content were determined by spectrophotometer while in vitro antioxidant activities done using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Radical Scavenging assay and 2,2’-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Thirty-six male albino rats were used for in vivo studies and allocated into nine groups comprising a normal control, negative control (alloxan- induced diabetes), positive control (diabetic + clomiphene citrate), and six treatment groups (diabetic) receiving either Z. officinale or M. whitei at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 28 days. At the end of treatment period, blood samples were collected for luteinizing hormone (LH) bioassay and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Following treatment, the rats were anaesthetized and humanely euthanized, after which sperm from the cauda epididymis was collected for analysis of motility, morphology, count, and viability, while the testes were harvested for histological examination. Median differences among groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Sperm characteristics were determined using a light microscope while the biochemical assays were assessed spectrophotometrically. The obtained numerical data was subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons of statistical differences in means among groups. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds, and glycosides in both extracts. Mondia whitei contained higher levels of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, total phenolics (220 mg GAE/g), and greater antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 76 μg/mL) than Z. officinale (IC₅₀ = 120 μg/mL), while Z. officinale contained higher alkaloid levels (15 mg/g). Diabetes significantly suppressed plasma FSH, LH, and testosterone to 6.30 ± 1.78 mIU/ml, 1.28 ± 0.37 mIU/ml, and 71.53 ± 6.84 ng/dl, respectively (p<0.001), compared with normal and positive controls. Treatment with Z. officinale increased plasma FSH to 6.65 ± 0.84 mIU/ml and LH to 4.55 ± 0.14 mIU/ml at 800 mg/kg, although testosterone remained low when compared to those of the normal control. In contrast, M. whitei restored LH to 3.50 ± 0.18 mIU/ml and FSH to 6.07 ± 0.46 mIU/ml, while testosterone increased significantly and approached values like those in the normal control at 800 mg/kg (p<0.001). There were apparent histological alterations of seminiferous epithelium of the negative control with reduced seminiferous epithelial diameter and sloughing of epithelial cells. There was, however, no observable changes in the treatment groups when compared to the controls on this measure. There was also accompanying reduced testicular weight (1.02 ± 0.3 ml), testicular volume (1.11 ± 0.22 ml), and Leydig cell volume (501 ± 92.3 μm³) in the negative control but these measures were improved in treatment groups, with M. whitei producing the greatest restoration of Leydig cell volume (1432 ± 346.7 μm³; p<0.001) and testicular weight (3.38 ± 1.9 ml). In conclusion, the findings have pointed at disruptive structural changes along the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis following induction of diabetes that ultimately leads to infertility. The effects have further, shown effects on pituitary gonadotropins and testicular testosterone with accompanying reduced sperm quality manifested by impaired morphology, motility, count and viability. These effects were ameliorated by both Zingiber officinale and Mondia whitei with Mondia whitei exhibiting superior endocrine-restorative and testicular protective effects, particularly at 800 mg/kg. Further pharmacological and toxicological studies are recommended with a view of establishing the therapeutic molecules in these plants that may play key role in the management of diabetes-induced male infertility. The ever-increasing cases of diabetes in the male populations world-wide is a growing challenge that requires cheaper and readily available remedy in managing the condition. This study significantly provides scientific evidence on the comparative efficacy of Zingiber officinale and Mondia whitei in mitigating diabetes-induced male infertility by restoring reproductive hormones, sperm quality, and testicular structure, thereby supporting the development of affordable, plant-based therapeutic alternatives for managing diabetes-associated reproductive dysfunction. PhD Thesis

Morphological and molecular characterization, yield determination and proteomic analysis of selected Bambara groundnut landraces in Lake Victoria basin, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Morphological and molecular characterization, yield determination and proteomic analysis of selected Bambara groundnut landraces in Lake Victoria basin, Kenya OMONDI, Seline Bambara groundnut (BGN) (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is a drought-resilient, nutrient-rich legume indigenous to Africa. Despite its nutritional and agronomic potential, BGN remains underutilized in Kenya’s Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), where diverse landraces are grown but lack comprehensive characterization. Knowledge gaps in morphological traits, yield potential, and protein diversity hinder effective classification, breeding, and utilization, especially due to overlapping physical characteristics and varying farmer preferences. Moreover, low yields across zones, largely due to recycling of non-adapted germplasm, highlight the need for zone-specific yield assessments and genetic diversity studies. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of BGN in the LVB using morphological traits, yield performance, and protein profiling. Specifically, it focused on identifying morphological characteristics of selected landraces across different agro-ecological zones and greenhouse conditions, determining yield variation, and assessing protein composition in high-yielding accessions. Six landraces (K1, K2, B1, B4, M2 and M4) were cultivated at three KALRO research sites (Alupe, Kibos, Oyani) and under controlled greenhouse conditions at Maseno University. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Morphological characterization followed the Vigna subterranea descriptor list, yield was assessed using standard agronomic metrics, and protein profiling was conducted via Bradford assay and SDS-PAGE. The study revealed high phenotypic diversity, especially in pod color, leaflet shape, and seed testa patterns. Shannon-Weiner indices indicated significant morphological diversity (H' > 1.6), with terminal leaflet shape and seed eye pattern showing the highest diversity (H' = 2.071). Quantitative traits such as plant height, pod number, and seed weight exhibited significant variation within and between zones (P ≤ 0.05), largely influenced by soil moisture availability. Accessions B1, M4, and M2 showed consistently high pod numbers. Cluster and principal component analyses differentiated landraces based on terminal leaflet area, seed weight, and pod number. Biplot analysis further identified B1 as a likely progenitor. Yield analysis revealed B4 (2.7 t/ha), M2 (3.3 t/ha), and M4 (1.6 t/ha) as the highest yielders at Alupe, Kibos, and Oyani, respectively. In greenhouse trials, B1 recorded the highest yield under irrigation (3.8 t/ha), while K1 excelled under drought (1.2 t/ha). Traits like flower number, pod number, and leaflet area correlated positively with yield (r ≥ 0.50). Among the top performers, M2 had the highest total protein content (0.123 mg/mL), with albumins being the most abundant protein fraction. SDS-PAGE revealed seven shared protein bands across landraces, with M2 uniquely expressing a 180 kDa band, suggesting potential as a molecular marker. In conclusion, the study demonstrated significant morphological and molecular diversity among BGN landraces in the LVB, identified high-yielding accessions, and discovered a unique protein marker in M2. These findings support the targeted selection and breeding of adaptable, high-yielding BGN varieties. The study recommends focusing on M2 and B1 in future breeding efforts and integrating protein markers into classification and improvement programs for underutilized BGN in Kenya. PhD Thesis

Interrogating women’s agency, capabilities and the quota system in enhancing political participation in Zimbabwe

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Interrogating women’s agency, capabilities and the quota system in enhancing political participation in Zimbabwe BALANCE, Gladys Globally, women remain underrepresented in political leadership, constituting only 24% of representatives, with Sub-Saharan Africa trailing at 23.6%. Zimbabwe‘s National House of Assembly (NHoA) reflects a slightly higher figure of 32.2%, yet still falls short of the 50/50 gender parity target set by the SADC Gender Protocol, which Zimbabwe has ratified. Despite constitutional mandates such as Chapter 17 of the 2013 Zimbabwean Constitution which provides for a 60-seat quota for women the gap between global aspirations and domestic realities persists. This study responds to the need for a shift from policy compliance to transformative inclusion by interrogating the structural, cultural, and institutional dynamics that shape women‘s political participation in Zimbabwe. The study was guided by three objectives: (1) to establish the types of agency and political capabilities Zimbabwean women possess that qualify them as political actors; (2) to examine the sociopolitical factors that hinder or enhance women‘s political participation; and (3) to assess the intersection of the quota system with women‘s agency and capabilities. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was employed, drawing on Sen‘s Capabilities Approach, Bandura‘s Human Agency Theory, and Arnstein‘s Ladder of Participation to frame the analysis. Purposive and maximum variation sampling were used to select fifty participants including Members of Parliament, women‘s organizations, and voters within Harare Province. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis. Thematic analysis was applied, with attention to credibility, trustworthiness, and ethical rigor. Findings reveal that while women demonstrate resilience and strategic agency, their participation is often reactive and survivalist rather than transformative. Capabilities such as voice, autonomy, and influence are unevenly distributed and constrained by institutional gate keeping, stigma, and intra-party dynamics. The quota system, while offering formal entry points, has not dismantled patriarchal structures or fostered substantive empowerment. Proxy mechanisms and loyalty-based retention dilute the transformative intent of gender equality provisions. The study concludes that symbolic inclusion must give way to substantive empowerment. Recommendations include redesigning quota frameworks to promote intersectional inclusion, institutionalizing feminist political education, fostering intra-gender solidarity, and cultivating autonomous leadership pathways. A paradigm shift is require done that centers lived experience, challenges patriarchal norms, and builds feminist solidarity capable of transforming both institutions and political culture in Zimbabwe PhD Thesis