Journal Reviews

Parasitic Infections of Freshwater Fish in Kenya: Prevalence Patterns, Ecological Drivers, and Implications for Aquaculture Sustainability

2026-04-10T10:47:18Z

Parasitic Infections of Freshwater Fish in Kenya: Prevalence Patterns, Ecological Drivers, and Implications for Aquaculture Sustainability Robert M. Waruiru | Finnan O. Ageng'o | Daniel W. Wanja Joseph W. Murugami | Kezia W. Maina | Steven K. Mavuti | Patrick W. Kamundia | Charles M. Gichohi | Jacob M. Wainaina | Mercy M. Hamisi | Otieno K. Oginga | Philip N. Nyaga| Paul G. Mbuthia Fish parasitic infections present a growing threat to freshwater aquaculture in Kenya, affecting fish health, reducing productivity, and limiting the economic potential of small-scale and commercial farms. This review provides the first consolidated national checklist of freshwater fish parasites in Kenya, synthesizing evidence from lakes, rivers, and aquaculture systems across multiple counties. By integrating data from diverse host species and production environments, it establishes a comprehensive baseline on parasite diversity, host range, and geographic distribution that has previously been fragmented across isolated studies. Studies were identified through a structured search of scientific databases. The review highlights the widespread occurrence of parasitic infections in economically important species, such as Oreochromis, Clarias, Lates, Haplochromis, Barbus, and Cyprinus. Parasites identified included ectoparasites, a haemoparasite, helminths, and an acanthocephalan. Helminths, especially digenean trematodes, were the most commonly reported. Infection prevalence varied across production systems, with higher diversity and burden in earthen ponds and natural lakes compared with lined or concrete ponds. The most frequently encountered genera were Gyrodactylus, Diplostomum, Contracaecum, and Proteocephalus, affecting both wild and cultured fish populations. Risk factors influencing parasite prevalence were linked to environmental conditions and farm management practices. Poor water quality, overstocking, reuse of contaminated nets, retention of pond bottom sediments after harvest, and use of untreated livestock manure were frequently associated with increased infections. Ecological factors such as the presence of wild birds and aquatic snails were also implicated in sustaining transmission cycles. Seasonal flooding further contributed to parasite dispersal in some regions. The review underscores the need for integrated parasite management strategies. This includes routine monitoring using advanced diagnostics, improved biosecurity practices at farm level, targeted training of farmers and extension workers, and reduced dependence on high-risk inputs such as raw manure. Public awareness on zoonotic risks of fish-borne parasites should also be strengthened. Investing in research to explore vaccine development and the role of environmental drivers in parasite ecology will be essential in safeguarding the sustainability of Kenya's freshwater aquaculture sector.

Characterization and electrochemical analysis of aluminium-citrate ion cell from waste aluminum foils and natural citric acid

2026-04-08T10:51:49Z

Characterization and electrochemical analysis of aluminium-citrate ion cell from waste aluminum foils and natural citric acid John Wamumwe Mwangi, Denis Kiragu, Bakari Chaka, James Ndiritu This study aims to prepare an aluminum-citrate ion cell from waste aluminum foils and citric acid extracted from Dovyalis caffra fruits (Kei apples) and further demonstrate their electrochemical performance at varying impedances, electrode thicknesses and discharge times. Aluminum oxide ions were prepared from discarded aluminum foils, and citric acid were produced by co-precipitating macerated Dovyalis caffra extracts by acid infusion. Aluminum foil wastes were utilized in acid codigestion to produce aluminum oxide nanoparticles. The prepared aluminum oxide was then characterized for surface morphology, composition and phases present. The prepared particles revealed Al2O3 boehmite moieties and ranged between 66.3 and 106.1 nm in size. The synthesized citric acid depicted desirable morphological and electrolytes traits similar to those of commercial citric acid. The cells open and closed current-voltages were directly proportional to the electrode diameter. While the cells were found to be quite Ohmic in nature with increased impedance with electrode distances, discharge times were also proportional to electrode diameters. The cell's energy balance was 477.6–346.3 J/s, with a density of 47.1–53.7 Wh/kg. The results showed that the cells could successfully produce portable energy storage devices from waste materials.

Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) knowledge, attitudes and practices in water stressed Kenyan semi-arid landscape

2026-02-27T06:07:57Z

Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) knowledge, attitudes and practices in water stressed Kenyan semi-arid landscape Brian Marvis Waswala-Olewe, Monica Adhiambo Olewe, Faith Oloitipitip, George Paul Omondi, Paul Webala, Romulus Abila Residents of Kenya’s semi-arid Narok West subcounty have low access to safe potable water and sanitation, resulting in waterborne diseases (WBD) morbidity and poor sanitation. A survey of 155 households in the subcounty revealed critical insights into water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practiced in a semi-arid region. Using stratified random sampling and statistical analysis, our study revealed that most respondents (92.6%) lack access to public piped water with 35.5% consuming non-potable water. Majority of the surface water sources are unprotected, with rivers being the primarily water source. Water source seasonality and WBD prevalence varied significantly by subcounty wards (p=<0.05). While 64.5% of households treated water, WBD prevalence remained high at 37.4% three months prior to this study. Sanitation access showed 70% of households used improved facilities, while 30% practiced open defecation. Neither gender nor age significantly influenced sanitation facility use. These findings highlight contemporary challenges in achieving UN SDG 6 targets for clean water and sanitation in rural Kenya. We recommend enhancing water conservation to maintain ecological integrity amid climate change and promotion of Community-Led Total Sanitation through awareness campaigns, education, and social marketing. Integrating local indigenous knowledge into water management and conducting regular physiochemical and microbial assessments of surface wetlands are also critical to improving WASH outcomes and reducing WBD morbidity in Narok West.

Carnal Knowledge under Penitentiary Order: Female Convicts, Gender and Sexuality in Post-colonial Kenya

2026-02-19T07:19:16Z

Carnal Knowledge under Penitentiary Order: Female Convicts, Gender and Sexuality in Post-colonial Kenya John Ndungu Kungu Women incarceration disrupted conventional modes of reproduction and threatened reproductive justice, separated families and funneled children into foster care, restricted women's access to abortion and adequate pregnancy care, shackled women in childbirth, and incarcerated people during their prime reproductive years. Based on historical and ethnographic fieldwork in Langata women's prison, we explore the discourse of sex, reproductive health, and motherhood behind bars. We argue that across time and place, these semicarceral institutions extended the arms of the state to control women's perceived moral and sexual transgressions. The health needs of all prisoners, including women prisoners and their children in Kenya have drawn increasing attention over the past decade. Sexual tensions among females in African prisons have received little attention from researchers since prison studies in Africa tend to focus on the sexual relationships among male prisoners, especially the coercive nature of such relationships in male prisons. This paper, therefore, seeks to close this gap and examine the discourse of reproduction and sexuality in Langata Women's Prison.