AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (AJSTE)
http://journal.kyu.ac.ke/index.php/library1
Kirinyaga Universityen-USAFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (AJSTE) NURSES AND MIDWIVES KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT ON COMPLETION OF THE PATOGRAPH WITHIN SELECTED FACILITIES IN KENYA.
http://journal.kyu.ac.ke/index.php/library1/article/view/158
<p><em>Globally, the top five causes of maternal mortality in women of all ages include hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, abortions and sepsis, accounting for over 75% of all maternal fatalities. </em><em>The partograph is a simple, low-cost tool recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for monitoring labor and identifying potential complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends universal use of the partograph during labor to support decision-making in diagnosing and managing prolonged or obstructed labor. Despite its simplicity and low cost, studies conducted in many developing countries have shown that the use of the partograph remains limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of nurses and midwives regarding completion and use of the partograph in managing labor.</em><em> The study was conducted in maternity units within selected facilities in Meru County, Kenya. </em><em>This study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. A case study design was used to evaluate the knowledge and skills of participants during the intrapartum period, through completion of partographs. The sample consisted of 78 nurses and midwives. Data was collected using case-based partograph scenarios, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS version 26 to generate descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Despite availability of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) guidelines, significant gaps were identified in the accuracy of completing the partograph (mean score = 1.7). Participants demonstrated limited knowledge and skills, as evidenced by incorrect charting of fetal parameters and inaccurate documentation. A number of participants experienced difficulty in using the partograph, citing challenges such as staff shortages. One participant stated, “We are very few staff during the shifts, so I don’t think it will be possible to fill this partograph.” Other reported barriers included lack of training, inadequate staffing, and unavailability of partographs. Although efforts have been made to maintain clinical competence, the study revealed persistent gaps in correct use and completion of the partograph. There is need for continuous training and capacity-building initiatives to improve quality of care and strengthen clinical practice among nurses and midwives.</em></p>Odhiambo R.
Copyright (c) 2025 AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (AJSTE)
2025-09-252025-09-2561624DEVELOPING A STRATEGIC MODEL TO ENHANCE UPTAKE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CPD IN CLINICAL PRACTICE AMONG NURSES AND MIDWIVES IN KENYA
http://journal.kyu.ac.ke/index.php/library1/article/view/159
<p><em>The global Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is 223 per 100,000 live births, with hemorrhage being the leading cause of death. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the need for nurses and midwives is increasing. Incidentally, only 3.5% of the world’s health staff are accountable for 27% of the disease burden. The depicted heavy workloads have largely contributed to poor participation in Continuous Professional Development activities among nurses and midwives. Kenyas MMR burden exceeds the global MMR, which is a great concern. However, the Nursing Council of Kenya stipulates a total of 20 CPD hours to be met annually for all nurses and midwives. The aim of the study was to develop a strategic CPD uptake model for the nurses and midwives. This study seeks to inform the public on the gaps in the uptake and implementation of CPD, and provide recommendations to improve its effectiveness. The study used both qualitative and the quantitative techniques, and adopted a Randomized Clinical Trial design. A sample of 78 nurses and midwives was obtained from a target population of 98. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and completion of patograph case studies. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26, to derive descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was collected through interview schedules and observation checklists, which were analysed thematically. Pearson’s chi square tested the relationship between knowledge and CPD uptake in clinical practice(p=0.00) at 95%CI. Paired t-test compared means within the control and intervention groups(t=1.000). Despite the provision and use of BEmONC guidelines, major gaps were observed in Active Management of Third stage of labour (17.9%)and also in completion of the patograph(mean=1.7). Despite the efforts to maintain competence levels in clinical practice, gaps pertaining to structuring and organization still exist. Theere is therefore need for continuous training to bridge quality gaps and development of a CPD uptake model that can be adopted for use by the nurses and midwives.</em></p>Odhiambo R
Copyright (c) 2025 AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (AJSTE)
2025-09-252025-09-25612545AI-DRIVEN INFORMATION SERVICES: ARE KENYAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES READY?
http://journal.kyu.ac.ke/index.php/library1/article/view/160
<p><em>Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents substantial opportunities to advance library services and user experiences in university libraries. However, despite the growing global adoption of AI in university libraries, Kenyan university libraries face challenges that hinder AI-driven innovation, affecting service delivery and user satisfaction. This study assessed the readiness of Kenyan university libraries for AI adoption by examining key enablers and challenges of AI adoption. A systematic review of journal articles and research papers from Google Scholar, EBSCOhost and Emerald databases from 2020-2025 was conducted, focusing on AI adoption in university libraries in Kenya. Themes were identified through thematic analysis, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of AI readiness. Results showed that Kenyan University libraries have poor ICT infrastructure; library staff lack AI specific skills, and users have mixed perceptions about AI use in libraries. These challenges are common across many university libraries in Kenya, and inhibit seamless integration of AI into library operations. Although there are challenges, the interest in AI adoption creates an opportunity for policymakers and universities to promote digital transformation in library services. If these challenges are resolved, Kenyan university libraries can effectively provide AI-driven information services. There is need for government, university administration, and library associations to collaborate, increase funding for AI adoption, formulate appropriate policy and initiate capacity building programs. This paper provides a basis for development of a framework to guide policy and practice in AI-enhanced library service delivery.</em></p>Ubaga E.MGichohi P.M.Karani J.M.
Copyright (c) 2025 AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (AJSTE)
2025-09-252025-09-25614659CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OUTPUT GROWTH RATE RESPONSE TO INFLATION RATE IN KENYA
http://journal.kyu.ac.ke/index.php/library1/article/view/161
<p><em>Construction industry is a key sector in a nation’s economy, and therefore, understanding the effects of inflation on this industry can enable policymakers to ensure its stable growth and contribution to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study presents empirical findings on the impact of inflation rate (IR) on construction output growth rate (COGR) and its implications for policy formulation. A time series data analysis approach was employed, using data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), covering 47 years (1977–2023). Data was analysed using EViews version 10, incorporating graphical analysis, correlation analysis, stationarity tests, and regression analysis. Construction output growth rate (dependent variable) was regressed against the inflation rate (independent variable) using second-difference transformations. Results showed that IR had no immediate significant impact on the growth of Kenya’s construction industry, as indicated by a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.000043. However, a lagged regression model demonstrated a stronger explanatory power, with an R² value of 0.594232, suggesting that inflation influences construction output growth with a time lag. These findings highlight the delayed effects of inflation on the industry and provide insights for economic and policy interventions.</em></p>Mbusi E.T.
Copyright (c) 2025 AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (AJSTE)
2025-09-252025-09-25616071EXTENSION OF HORIZONTAL CONTROLS USING STATIC GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM TECHNIQUE IN KWALE AND MOMBASA COUNTIES, KENYA
http://journal.kyu.ac.ke/index.php/library1/article/view/162
<p><em>Static global navigation satellite system (GNSS) surveys provide high positions accuracy by occupying a point for longer periods of time than kinematic systems. It includes a range of survey styles from rapid static surveys to continuously operating stations. This study sought to undertake survey data search for all the existing Survey of Kenya (SoK) old control pillars within the project area; identify appropriate sites for setting up new ground control (GCPs) pillars; monument the new GCPs as per SoK manual requirement and bserve the new GCPs, process and reduce observations to get their adjusted coordinates. Existing old control pillars within the project area were located using three topographical maps i.e. 200/2 (Kwale), 201/1 (Mombasa) and 201/3 (Ukunda). As per section I on survey marks of the SoK manual, eight appropriate sites were selected for new controls pillars and monumented. Two of the five dual frequency GNSS receivers were set up on two base stations and three were used to rove over the new controls for a minimum of one hour before moving them to other new points. The GNSS data was later downloaded, converted into receiver independent exchange (RINEX) format and processed using Leica Geo-Office 8.2 (LGO) GNSS software. The GNSS survey file was compiled as per section VII on presentation of computations of the survey manual and the coordinates of new points plotted in Form 3 as per section VIII on plotting of cadastral survey plan of survey manual. The survey computation file and the plan were forwarded to e director of survey for quality checks and authentication. Static differential GNSS technique provides best accuracy with reasonably low cost and time. The study recommends use of static differential GNSS technique in extension of horizontal controls for use in mapping, planning of land and future surveys since it gives high accuracy results. </em></p> ODHIAMBO, S.
Copyright (c) 2025 AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (AJSTE)
2025-09-252025-09-25617286PREDICTING URBAN SPRAWL PATTERNS USING INTEGRATED MARKOV CHAIN, CELLULAR AUTOMATA MODELS AROUND ELDORET TOWN, KENYA
http://journal.kyu.ac.ke/index.php/library1/article/view/163
<p><em>One of the rapidly growing urban problems in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century is the emergence of unplanned settlements around urban centers. These settlements put considerable burden on major urban centres even though they offer necessary services. Studies have shown that these settlements are attracted by some factors such as roads, existence of utilities such as water and electricity, among others. This study applied the CA-Markov model to known land use changes between 2016 and 2020 and selected change factors to predict 2029 land use patterns and isolate expected sprawl areas around Eldoret town. The CA-Markov models predicted new sprawl settlements mostly along roads (linear developments) and some isolated settlements (leapfrog pattern), increasing from 138.91 km<sup>2</sup> in 20202 to 154 km<sup>2</sup> in 2029. The predicted settlement patterns are consistent with prior observed developments between 2016 to 2020. The Uasin Gishu County government can guide future urban development by providing or restricting these change factors. </em></p>ODHIAMBO S. , MWASI B.
Copyright (c) 2025 AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (AJSTE)
2025-09-252025-09-256187106