http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/7 2026-09-21T13:48:28Z 2026-09-21T13:48:28Z Emmanuel, Jovine Kamuhabwa Cherutoi, Jackson Kiplagat Chepkwony, Sarah Cherono Nganyira, Philimon Dickson http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10511 2026-09-21T07:16:18Z 2026-09-01T00:00:00Z

Lignocellulosic Pretreatment in Integrated Biofuel Systems: Linking Biomass Chemistry, Microbial Dynamics, Reactor Engineering, and AI-Driven Optimization for Bioethanol and Biomethane Production Emmanuel, Jovine Kamuhabwa; Cherutoi, Jackson Kiplagat; Chepkwony, Sarah Cherono; Nganyira, Philimon Dickson Global efforts to decarbonise energy systems have intensified interest in lignocellulosic biofuels such as bioethanol and biomethane as complementary components of a diversified renewable energy portfolio. However, the recalcitrant architecture of lignocellulosic biomass, dominated by lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose networks remains a fundamental barrier to efficient hydrolysis and microbial conversion. Although numerous pretreatment technologies have been developed to address this challenge, existing reviews largely examine these strategies in isolation from downstream bioconversion processes and reactor engineeringconstraints. he present review provides an integrated synthesis of lignocellulosic pretreatment within the broader biofuel production system, linking biomass chemistry, microbial community dynamics, process engineering and emerging computational optimisation approaches. It evaluates physicochemical, biological and hybrid pretreatment strategies and analyses their impacts on hydrolysis efficiency, biomethane and bioethanol yields and process stability across diverse feedstocks. Particular attention is given to recent advances in co-digestion strategies, microbial community management, artificial intelligence-assisted process optimisation and innovative reactor configurations that enable improved conversion performance. By integrating biochemical mechanisms with engineering and data-driven perspectives, the review identifies critical technological bottlenecks. It proposes a systems-oriented framework for enhancing process efficiency, stability and techno-economic feasibility. These insights provide strategic directions for the development of next-generation lignocellulosic biorefineries capable of supporting scalable and sustainable biofuel production.

2026-09-01T00:00:00Z Nganai, Simeon Saina, Ernest Siele, Richard Kibor, Victor Kibiwott http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10510 2026-09-21T07:04:11Z 2026-09-01T00:00:00Z

Macroeconomic Determinants of Kenya's Manufactured Exports to Regional Trading Blocs in East African Countries Nganai, Simeon; Saina, Ernest; Siele, Richard; Kibor, Victor Kibiwott Manufactured exports are closely linked to the process of structural transformation within economies. This article examines the determinants of manufactured exports of Kenya to the trading blocs in the East African region. The article was adapted from a thesis that analysed the manufactured exports of Kenya using panel data modelling and secondary data from the country’s six trading partners within the East African community between 1976 and 2022. The factors examined in this article include the level of human development, the level of FDI within the country and the development of the country’s trade infrastructure. Other variables that were controlled for in the analysis of the manufactured exports of Kenya included the country’s GDP, the distance between the exporting and importing countries, the inflation rates of the two countries and the historical and geographical linkages between the two countries. The methodology for this article used an explanatory design with data described through descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, unit-root tests, cointegration tests, linear regression models and model selection tests. The results of the study indicated that the GDP of the importing and exporting countries had positive and statistically significant coefficients. The distance between the two countries had a negative and statistically significant coefficient. The level of FDI had a positive and statistically significant coefficient. The infrastructure of the exporting country had a negative coefficient in the final model. Historical and geographical variables had positive and statistically significant coefficients. The study concludes that Kenya’s manufactured exports depend on the level of productive investments into the economy, trade infrastructure, the level of human development and the stability of the economy. To increase the manufactured exports of Kenya, policies that aim to attract FDI into its manufacturing industries, improve trade infrastructure, upgrade the technical skills within the manufacturing industries and increase the trade facilitation between East African Community countries will be beneficial to the Kenyan economy

2026-09-01T00:00:00Z Wools-Kaloustian, Kara McGuire, Alan Were, Edwin Carlucci, James G. Hawryluk, Bridget Humphrey, John M. Ndiema, Rosa Chemwey Naanyu, Violet Kiano, Marylydia Atieno http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10509 2026-09-21T06:47:26Z 2026-09-01T00:00:00Z

Perspectives on enhancing peer support services for mothers living with HIV in Kenya: A qualitative assessment of Mentor Mothers and the mothers they serve Wools-Kaloustian, Kara; McGuire, Alan; Were, Edwin; Carlucci, James G.; Hawryluk, Bridget; Humphrey, John M.; Ndiema, Rosa Chemwey; Naanyu, Violet; Kiano, Marylydia Atieno Mentor Mother (MM) services are an evidenced-based peer support strategy embedded within prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs. The current MM strategy in Kenya provides monthly, facility-based, one- size-fits-all antiretroviral therapy adherence counselling and health education to women living with HIV (WLHIV) who are navigating PMTCT services. MMs receive a small monthly stipend as compensation for providing these services. We aimed to gather formative information from MMs and their client WLHIV, with the goal of developing an enhanced MM strategy that accounts for the unique needs of each WLHIV. From April-July 2023, we conducted qualitative interviews with MMs (n = 16) and WLHIV (n = 36) from three public health facilities supported by Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) in western Kenya. Interviews and analysis were guided by the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM). Key findings included that both MMs and client WLHIV had favorable opinions about the possibility of developing and implementing a risk-stratified MM strategy wherein client WLHIV with identifiable risk factors receive intensified, problem-focused services while low-risk WLHIV are eligible for less intensive services. MMs and client WLHIV also agreed that empathetic MM-client relationships that leverage shared lived experiences to build trust and address stigma should remain central to the MM program. However, MMs were clear that a better-defined scope of work and capacity building through training and skills development would be necessary for successful implementation of an enhanced MM strategy. Additionally, motivating MMs with fair compensation and recognition for their work, as well as providing more resources for client WLHIV with economic barriers to care, could promote adoption and sustainability of an enhanced MM strategy. Additional participatory research, as well as input from system-level stakeholders, is needed to ensure feasible enhancements to MM services are contextualized within the real- world constraints of PMTCT programs

2026-09-01T00:00:00Z Keino, Susan Sawe, Caroline http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10508 2026-09-21T06:19:16Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Maternal Experience, Perceptions and Risk Factors for Poor Pregnancy Outcomes at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya Keino, Susan; Sawe, Caroline Objectives: This study explored associations of maternal experience, perceptions, adherence, and antenatal clinic attendance on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: The study site was Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where we used a mixed method study design, 1202 health records were accessed and key informant interviews among health workers and mothers on perceptions and their experiences while attending antenatal clinics. Results: Unemployment was high (76.3%), 10.9% had no formal education, 25% of women had cesarian Section cases, 54% had low blood sugar, 15.4% low birth weight, 32% did not breastfeed within the frst hour and 9.5% infant were preterm. Multivariate analysis showed further that high risk for low birth weight was seen among mothers with low education, of a younger age, unemployment and mothers with anemia. Crosscutting themes from qualitative analyses showed that economic vulnerability signifcantly shapes antenatal care experience, late initiation of ante-natal clinic linked to limited awareness and perception on wellness, fnancial barriers still exist even with improved maternal services, there was limited male involvement. Nutritional and HIV services were well integrated in antenatal services. Conclusions: High risk for low birthweight was seen among mothers with low education, aneamic, younger and unemployed. Financial barriers, limited male involvement, late initiation of ante-natal clinic linked to limited to awareness and perceived wellness were some of the bottlenecks experienced by mothers. There is need for targeted interventions to improve maternal experience and pregnancy outcomes.

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