AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (AJSTE)

KANGAROO MOTHER CARE: A STUDY OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION AMONG MOTHERS OF PRETERM AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY, KENYA

Wanjiru K.R.E., Amarch D. B., Waweru D. N., Thuo J.K — 2026-07-03

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is an essential newborn package for reduction of neonatal mortality rates among preterm and low birth weight babies. However, KMC uptake remains low in Kenya. This paper assessed the determinants of KMC utilization among mothers’ post-hospitalization in Kirinyaga County, Central Kenya. A total of 152 KMC practicing mothers were enrolled in the study after discharge from Kerugoya County Hospital. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional design using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data. A systematic sampling method was adopted for recruitment of study participants. Chi-square was applied to test association between KMC predictors and their relationship with KMC uptake post-hospital discharge in Kirinyaga County. Of the 152 KMCpracticing mothers’ included in the study were practicing KMC for ≥8 hours a day as recommended. Two demographic determinants (age and level of education) and two family support determinants (emotional/physical support and assistance to position) were associated with KMC uptake (p-value < 0.05) in this study. However, stigma, traditional beliefs, and cultural norms were identified as hindering the KMC practice among mothers’ post-hospital
discharge. Health system factors were also observed to have a moderating effect on determinants of KMC utilization. Results of this study demonstrate low KMC utilization in Kirinyaga County and highlights demographic, family support systems, sociocultural factors, and healthcare system factors as key determinants of KMC uptake.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ADOPTION AND USE IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN KENYA: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, READINESS FACTORS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS.

Wasike , J. — 2026-08-05

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming academic libraries by driving breakthroughs in information discovery, automation of library operations, enhancing research analytics, and personalized user services.
This paper examines AI adoption and use in academic libraries in Kenya, focusing on current applications,opportunities, barriers, readiness factors, and overarching policy implications. This study adopted a
Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach guided by the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) Framework. Literature published between 2020 and 2025 was retrieved and synthesized from
leading scholarly databases, professional reports, and policy documents. Findings indicate that AI presents robust opportunities for intelligent information retrieval, automated cataloguing, virtual
reference services, research analytics, digital preservation, and advanced knowledge discovery. Notably,however, systemic adoption remains at an emerging stage due to inadequate ICT infrastructure, financial
limitations, insufficient AI competencies among information professionals, ethical anxieties, resistance to organizational change and lack of formalized governance frameworks. We recommend strategic
investment in digital infrastructure, development of institutional AI policies, continuous professional development initiatives, ethical governance mechanisms, and integration of AI competencies into modern
Library and Information Science (LIS) education curricula.

INTEGRAL REPRESENTATION OF THE SOLUTION TO A NONLINEAR BLACK–SCHOLES EQUATION WITH TRANSACTION COSTS

Esekon J.E — 2026-08-05

This paper addresses a nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) derived from a modified option pricing model incorporating transaction costs, as described in the works of [2], [4], [5], and [6]. The equation is reduced to the classical heat equation via a logarithmic transformation and an appropriate substitution. An integral representation of the solution is derived at a mathematical justification provided for the transformation. Formal results are presented in the form of lemmas, propositions, and theorems. The solution obtained can be used to price a European call option.

UNLOCKING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE POTENTIAL IN KENYAN LIBRARIES: A NATIONAL READINESS AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Wasike J., Kimote Z., Wafubwa R — 2026-07-03

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming global knowledge ecosystems, yet its adoption within African library systems remains uneven. Thus, while Kenya possesses a robust national digital agenda, empirical evidence regarding sector-wide library readiness is fragmented. This study systematically assesses AI awareness, current applications, multi-dimensional readiness, operational barriers, and strategic priorities within academic, public, school, special, national, and community libraries in Kenya. Grounded in the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study used a scoping review methodology following the PRISMA-ScR pipeline. Synthesizing data from 58 peer-reviewed publications
and institutional documents published between 2019 and 2026, the study employed thematic analysis to map the national baseline. The thematic synthesis reveals a distinct "awareness–implementation gap." while conceptual awareness of AI among information professionals is high, operational implementation is low, placing overall national readiness in the "Moderate-Low" tier. Key structural barriers include a profound practical skills deficit, funding constraints and lack of localized institutional strategies. Despite a supportive national macro-environment, a critical micro-policy gap exists regarding sector-specific guidelines for data privacy, ethics, and algorithmic governance. Technical services (cataloguing and
metadata generation) and intelligent information retrieval were identified as the highest priority areas for AI integration. Sustainable AI integration in Kenyan libraries is constrained by structural and human capital deficits rather than professional resistance. To transition libraries into active participants of the algorithmic knowledge economy, the study proposes a five-part strategic framework: establishing a library-specific national governance policy, modernizing LIS curricula, upgrading core digital infrastructure baselines, fostering strategic public-private partnerships, and initiating longitudinal empirical research.

UMBRAL CALCULUS AND SHEFFER THEORY: A UNIFIED ALGEBRAIC FRAMEWORK

Kayiita K. Z. — 2026-08-05

This study presents a concise development of the modern umbral calculus emphasizing algebraic foundations, operator duality, and Sheffer sequences. Rigorous proofs are provided for foundational theorems and three new results: (1) an operator orthogonality criterion for Sheffer sequences, (2) a formal q-transfer formula with a worked q-Hermite example, and (3) a combinatorial encoding of umbral shifts yielding generalized Stirling numbers. The presentation follows the normalization conventions of Roman (1982) and is self-contained.

SPACETIME CURVATURE FROM RESIDUAL MICROSCOPIC INTERACTIONS: AN EMERGENT-GRAVITY APPROACH BASED ON SPIN AND BINDING FORCES

Wanjohi N.P. — 2026-08-05

Emergent gravity proposes that gravitation is not a fundamental interaction but rather a macroscopic manifestation of underlying microscopic degrees of freedom. Existing approaches, including thermodynamic gravity, entropic gravity, and holographic gravity, provide important insights into the relationship between information, statistical mechanics, and space-time geometry. However, a direct mathematical framework connecting microscopic particle interactions, spin effects, binding forces, and space-time curvature remains incomplete.
This paper presents a theoretical framework in which residual microscopic interactions generate an effective scalar field whose stress-energy contributes to space-time curvature. A residual interaction density is constructed from electromagnetic, strong, weak, spin, and vacuum contributions. Using variational methods based on the Einstein–Hilbert action, modified Einstein field equations are derived and proof is provided that non-vanishing residual interactions necessarily induce curvature. The framework establishes a mathematical bridge between microscopic interaction physics and macroscopic gravitational geometry, providing a potential foundation for emergent gravity rooted in particle-level dynamics.

ESTABLISH THE PREVALENCE OF CLINICAL DEPRESSION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN MURANG’A EAST SUB-COUNTY IN KENYA.

Wagura A.W, Waithima C.W, Mwangi P — 2026-08-05

Prevalence of clinical depression among adolescents varies across geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts. According to the World Health Organization, depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, including among school-going adolescents. This study sought to determine the prevalence of clinical depression among secondary school adolescents in Murang’a East Sub-County, Kenya. A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed, targeting 369 students aged 14–18 years from three purposively selected mixed-gender schools (rural, peri-urban, and urban). Of the 369 sampled students, 363 successfully completed the questionnaires. Participants were stratified by class levels (form two and three), and by gender within each stratum. Stratified simple random sampling was applied within each stratum to ensure gender proportionality. Data was collected using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), which classifies depressive symptoms into subthreshold, mild, moderate, and severe categories. 31.4% had subthreshold depression, 21.2% mild, 28.7% moderate, and 18.7% severe depression. Subthreshold depression emerged as the most prevalent, indicating significant emotional distress even among those not meeting the clinical threshold. Moderate and severe depression, accounting for nearly half the sample, signaled an urgent need for mental health intervention, that if undressed can potentially impact academic performance, and overall well-being. High prevalence of clinical depression among adolescents in Murang’a East Sub-County underscore the necessity for a comprehensive tiered mental health support system in schools, that includes preventive measures such as, creating awareness, early screening and psychoeducation, to professional interventions for those with acute symptoms. Schools are uniquely positioned as frontline institutions for identifying and addressing adolescent mental health challenges, hence the need to be strengthened to enhance this role.

DIGITAL INFORMATION LITERACY AND UTILIZATION OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AMONG LIBRARY USERS AT LAIKIPIA UNIVERSITY, KENYA

Ngari E.W., Masinde J. ,Mageto S. — 2026-08-05

Electronic resources have become essential to postgraduate teaching, learning and research, but their academic value depends on users' ability to identify, search, evaluate and apply digital
information effectively. This article examined digital information literacy and utilization of electronic resources among library users at Laikipia University, Kenya. The study adopted a
mixed-methods case study design. Questionnaires were administered to 142 postgraduate students, of whom 140 responded, while interviews were conducted with all three senior librarians,
producing an overall response rate of 98.6%. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages, and qualitative interview data was analyzed thematically. The findings showed
that digital information literacy was moderate. More than half of the students (53.7%) had not received formal library training on electronic resources. Although 51.5% were confident or very
confident in searching for scholarly materials, only 40.7% were confident or very confident in evaluating the relevance and credibility of retrieved information; 44.3% were slightly confident or
not confident at all. Nevertheless, electronic resources were central to postgraduate work: 57.1% reported that they supported dissertations, theses, coursework and academic writing to a great or
very great extent, while 66.4% used them often or very often for research and academic writing.Librarians confirmed that training, awareness, lecturer recommendations and search competence
strongly shaped utilization. Major constraints included poor internet connectivity, authentication problems, limited awareness, complex platforms and inadequate digital literacy skills. It is
concluded that access alone does not ensure effective use. There is need for Laikipia University to institutionalize continuous, research-oriented digital information literacy training, strengthen
remote access and internet infrastructure, simplify platforms and expand proactive user support.