Abstract:
Pokot, Kenya. These infections result from bacteria and coliforms which are majorly propagated in
water systems. Residents of this area are pastoralists and small-scale farmers relying on river water
for their consumption and economic needs. This study aimed at characterizing the strains and
quantities of bacteria and coliforms in the four rivers during the wet and dry seasons.
Study Design: An independent measures design was used.
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were taken from four rivers (Weiwei, Chesogon, Lomut and
Muruny) in Sigor division, West Pokot county, Kenya. The study was conducted between January
and October 2013.
Methodology: Sampling was done at various points of the river in a stratified manner for
characterization and analysis. Four main pathogens namely E. coli, V. cholerae, Shigella and
Salmonella species as well as F. streptococci were isolated, cultured using different media and
characterized. Further biochemical tests were conducted to confirm the exact strains present. Total
viable counts for the bacteria and coliforms were then enumerated.
Results: The results found out that E. coli, V. cholerae, Salmonella and Shigella species were
abundant in the rivers while F. streptococci were only observed during the wet season. Biochemical
tests conducted on the isolates revealed that the strains co-existed in the water samples. Weiwei
river had the greatest number of bacteria strains. Muruny river was found to have the largest
population of bacteria colony forming units (cfu’s). There was a large disparity in cfu’s in the rivers
during the dry seasons. Chesogon river had the highest population of coliform units.
Conclusion: The raw water in all the rivers were concluded to be unsafe for human consumption
according to WHO standards.
