Legal and Regulatory Framework as a Determinant of Effectiveness of Corporate Governance in State Corporations in Kenya

This study sought to establish the determinants of effectiveness of Corporate Governance at state corporations in Kenya. Based on the literature, research hypotheses were formulated to investigate the relationships between legal & regulatory framework and the dependent variable. This study was based on The Agency and Stewardship theories. The research methodology selected was a descriptive survey design. The design ensures ease in understanding the insight and ideas about the problem.  The target population of the study was the managers in all the 151 state-owned corporations in Kenya. The sampled companies for the study were 46 representing 30% which were identified through systematic random sampling technique. Five managers from each of the 46 sampled companies were identified through systematic random sampling by purposeful sampling technique giving a total sample size of 230 managers. The key research instrument used was a 5-point-likert scale questionnaire ranging from 1-strongly disagrees to 5-strongly agree. Primary data was collected by use of   questionnaires which were administered through drop and pick method. Reliability and convergent validity of the questionnaire was tested using the Cronbach’s alpha and principal component analysis respectively. .Descriptive statistics of means and standard deviation of Likert scores were calculated. Correlation analysis technique was undertaken to determine whether there was a significant relationship between study variables. However regression analysis was performed so as to test the hypothesis and subsequently model the relationship between the variables. The study found out that Legal and Regulatory Framework was positively correlated with corporate governance in State Corporations in Kenya. The regression analysis led the study to conclude that legal & Regulatory Framework was critical in determining effectiveness of Corporate Governance in State Corporations in Kenya. Consequently the study recommended that stakeholders of State Corporations should enhance, Legal & regulatory framework to sustain effective Corporate Governance in these institutions. Finally further research was recommended to include other corporation’s not only state corporations. Keywords:  Legal and Regulatory Framework, Corporate Governance, State Corporation

[Accepted Manuscript] Exclusive Breastfeeding Is More Common Among HIV-Infected Than HIV-Uninfected Kenyan Mothers at 6 Weeks and 6 Months Postpartum.

To compare breastfeeding practices determined by mothers' own recall versus a stable isotope technique (deuterium oxide dilution) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-uninfected mothers at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates were assessed cross-sectionally at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum among 75 HIV-positive and 68 HIV-negative women attending postnatal care. EBF was derived from maternal 24-hour recall of foods that were fed to the infant and by objective measurement of nonhuman milk-water intake using deuterium oxide (DO) dilution technique. Multivariable logistic analyses were adjusted for infant sex, gravidity, maternal age, marital status, and maternal education. Using recall method, a greater proportion of HIV-infected mothers exclusively breastfed than HIV-uninfected mothers both at 6 weeks postpartum [94.1% versus 76.9%, respectively (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-31.6, p = 0.004)] and at 6 months postpartum [75% versus 59.7%, respectively (aOR 2.27; 95% CI 1.0-5.3, p = 0.058)]. At 6 weeks postpartum EBF rates from the DO technique were 23.5% and 13.8% for HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers, respectively (aOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.11-1.04, p = 0.059). At 6 months postpartum, the DO technique determined EBF rates were 43.3% among HIV-positive and 24.2% among HIV-negative mothers, respectively (aOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.0-5.7, p = 0.048). HIV-infected mothers are more likely to exclusively breastfeed compared with HIV-uninfected mothers. In this resource-poor setting, maternal recall overestimates EBF rates as compared with the deuterium oxide dilution technique. Validating EBF recall data using the objective DO technique is highly recommended for accurate tracking toward global targets on breastfeeding practices

Short Communications - Two recent records of Cassin’s Hawk Eagle Spizaetus africanus from Imenti Forest, Kenya

No Abstrac

Hemobilia secondary to choledochal cyst

Non variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in children is rare. A 5-year-old presented with hematemesis and melena. Pre-referral imaging and exploratory laparotomy did not reveal the source of bleeding. Hemobilia was detected on endoscopy MRI showed a choledochal cyst. The patient underwent successful resection of the cyst and hepaticojejunostomy

Analysis of and recommendations for scaling cassava agribusiness seed systems models in Rwanda

The objective of this study was to analyze the scalability of the cassava seed agribusiness models that have been supported under the CASS project in Rwanda. Phone interviews with key-informants formed the basis for analyzing the agribusiness cases. The study presents general conclusions, bottlenecks and recommendations for further development and scaling of cassava agribusiness seed models in Rwanda. General conclusions The key-informant interviews allowed us to draw the following conclusions: 1. None of the seed agribusiness models are currently ready for scaling 2. Agribusiness models are not yet being used beyond the CASS project 3. Likelihood of continued agribusiness model development varies across models 4. There is a lack of strategies or plans that go beyond the CASS project 5. No major concerns regarding the responsible scaling of the agribusiness models are reported, but unclear how the models target different groups of cassava farmers 6. Public-private partnerships seem to be preferred modality for scaling cassava seed agribusiness models 7. The “what’s in it for me” needs to be clarified for key stakeholders Cross-cutting bottlenecks There are a number of sector-wide bottlenecks that could negatively affect the scaling of clean cassava seed agribusiness models in Rwanda: 1. Limited investment in developing the cassava sector 2. Incentives for investing in clean cassava seed are currently not strong enough 3. There exist key capacity gaps among cassava farmers, seed multipliers and cooperatives 4. There is a lack of clear stakeholder scaling role division and coordination 5. Limited understanding of the market for seed and roots 6. Limited information flow and demand creation amongst farmers for new varieties and clean seed Recommendations and next steps The following recommendations and next steps could be considered by the CASS project team: 1. Distinguish between scaling within the agribusiness cases, and scaling the agribusiness models 2. Develop long-term and/or exit strategies with the agribusiness case stakeholders 3. Continued investment in fine-tuning those models that seem promising 4. Deepen understanding of stakeholder willingness to pay/invest 5. Co-investment models with scaling partners to ensure ownership and sustainability The above conclusions, bottlenecks and recommendations are in line with the main objective of the CASS project which was to “develop, test and tailor different types of cassava agribusiness seed system models with and for different groups of farmers”. The nature of development, testing and tailoring implies by default that some models will show more 2 potential for sustainability and scaling than others. We would like to emphasize that this is normal and what should be expected when designing and piloting new seed system models. The scaling recommendations and bottlenecks identified in this report should therefore be interpreted as giving an early indication of how key-informants perceive the scalability potential of the various cases and models. Bottlenecks or risks should not necessarily stop agribusiness case or model development, but taken into account when making decisions on which case and model development to continue and how. What is very important is to see projects such as CASS as temporary interventions that can support capacity sharing, stakeholder collaboration or independent agribusiness seed model testing. Project teams and broader stakeholders should always think beyond the project to ensure that there is ownership, sustainability and continuity to ensure diverse groups of farmers have access to clean and affordable cassava seed. More detailed information on the conclusions, bottlenecks and recommendations can be found in Section 4

Disseminated mucormycosis and necrotizing fasciitis in immune-compromised patients: Two case reports

We present two case reports of disseminated mucormycosis and necrotizing fasciitis in an immunecompromised patient. First, a 3-month-old with untreated HIV infection presented in septic shock with abdominal wall-necrotizing fasciitis. Laparotomy  revealed extensive abdominal wall necrosis, bowel, liver, kidney and subsequent retroperitoneal, posterior diaphragm and inferior vena cava involvement. Second, a  3-year-old on chemotherapy for Burkitt’s lymphoma presented with pancytopenia, sepsis, abdominal wall-necrotizing fasciitis and left lower limb ischaemia. At surgery, there was necrosis of the abdominal wall, the large bowel and the ureter and thrombosis of the iliac vessels. Histology in both cases showed necrosis with fungal invasion consistent with mucormycosis. Both patients suffered mortality. We discuss  mucormycosis and review the literature regarding mucormycosis in immune-compromised paediatric patients.Keywords: child, immune-compromised, mucormycosis, necrotizing fasciitis, paediatri

A molecular phylogenetic reappraisal of the Hysteriaceae, Mytilinidiaceae and Gloniaceae (Pleosporomycetidae, Dothideomycetes) with keys to world species

A reappraisal of the phylogenetic integrity of bitunicate ascomycete fungi belonging to or previously affiliated with the Hysteriaceae, Mytilinidiaceae, Gloniaceae and Patellariaceae is presented, based on an analysis of 121 isolates and four nuclear genes, the ribosomal large and small subunits, transcription elongation factor 1 and the second largest RNA polymerase II subunit. A geographically diverse and high density taxon sampling strategy was employed, including multiple isolates/species from the following genera: Anteaglonium (6/4), Encephalographa (1/1), Farlowiella (3/1), Gloniopsis (8/4), Glonium (4/2), Hysterium (12/5), Hysterobrevium (14/3), Hysterographium (2/1), Hysteropatella (2/2), Lophium (4/2), Mytilinidion (13/10), Oedohysterium (5/3), Ostreichnion (2/2), Patellaria (1/1), Psiloglonium (11/3), Quasiconcha (1/1), Rhytidhysteron (8/3), and 24 outgroup taxa. Sequence data indicate that although the Hysteriales are closely related to the Pleosporales, sufficient branch support exists for their separation into separate orders within the Pleosporomycetidae. The Mytilinidiales are more distantly related within the subclass and show a close association with the Gloniaceae. Although there are examples of concordance between morphological and molecular data, these are few. Molecular data instead support the premise of a large number of convergent evolutionary lineages, which do not correspond to previously held assumptions of synapomorphy relating to spore morphology. Thus, within the Hysteriaceae, the genera Gloniopsis, Glonium, Hysterium and Hysterographium are highly polyphyletic. This necessitated the transfer of two species of Hysterium to Oedohysterium gen. nov. (Od. insidens comb. nov. and Od. sinense comb. nov.), the description of a new species, Hysterium barrianum sp. nov., and the transfer of two species of Gloniopsis to Hysterobrevium gen. nov. (Hb. smilacis comb. nov. and Hb. constrictum comb. nov.). While Hysterographium, with the type Hg. fraxini, is removed from the Hysteriaceae, some of its species remain within the family, transferred here to Oedohysterium (Od. pulchrum comb. nov.), Hysterobrevium (Hb. mori comb. nov.) and Gloniopsis (Gp. subrugosa comb. nov.); the latter genus, in addition to the type, Gp. praelonga, with two new species, Gp. arciformis sp. nov. and Gp. kenyensis sp. nov. The genus Glonium is now divided into Anteaglonium (Pleosporales), Glonium (Gloniaceae), and Psiloglonium (Hysteriaceae). The hysterothecium has evolved convergently no less than five times within the Pleosporomycetidae (e.g., Anteaglonium, Farlowiella, Glonium, Hysterographium and the Hysteriaceae). Similarly, thin-walled mytilinidioid (e.g., Ostreichnion) and patellarioid (e.g., Rhytidhysteron) genera, previously in the Mytilinidiaceae and Patellariaceae, respectively, transferred here to the Hysteriaceae, have also evolved at least twice within the subclass. As such, character states traditionally considered to represent synapomorphies among these fungi, whether they relate to spore septation or the ascomata, in fact, represent symplesiomorphies, and most likely have arisen multiple times through convergent evolutionary processes in response to common selective pressures

Men in the Remaking: Conversion Narratives and Born-Again Masculinity in Zambia

The born-again discourse is a central characteristic of Pentecostal Christianity in Africa. In the study of African Christianities, this discourse and the way it (re)shapes people’s moral, religious, and social identities has received much attention. However, hardly any attention has been paid to its effects on men as gendered beings. In the study of men and masculinities in Africa, on the other hand, neither religion in general nor born-again Christianity in particular are taken into account as relevant factors in the construction of masculinities. On the basis of a detailed analysis of interviews with men who are members of a Pentecostal church in Lusaka, Zambia, this article investigates how men’s gender identities are reshaped by becoming and being born-again and how born-again conversion produces new forms of masculinity. The observed Pentecostal transformation of masculinity is interpreted in relation to men’s social vulnerability, particularly in the context of the HIV epidemic in Zambia

Taking up the cudgels against gay rights? Trends and trajectories in African Christian theologies on homosexuality

Against the background of the HIV epidemic and the intense public controversy on homosexuality in African societies, this article investigates the discourses of academic African Christian theologians on homosexuality. Distinguishing some major strands in African theology, that is, inculturation, liberation, women’s and reconstruction theology, the article examines how the central concepts of culture, liberation, justice, and human rights function in these discourses. On the basis of a qualitative analysis of a large number of publications, the article shows that stances of African theologians are varying from silence and rejection to acceptance. Although many African theologians have taken up the cudgels against gay rights, some “dissident voices” break the taboo and develop more inclusive concepts of African identity and African Christianity

Characterizing cassava farmer typologies and their seed sourcing practices to explore opportunities for economically sustainable seed business models in Rwanda

Open Access Article; Published online: 30 Nov 2021The overdependency on local cassava varieties and informal seed sources by farmers in Rwanda has contributed to the spread of cassava viral diseases. The use of improved planting materials made available through formal seed sources, that assure seed quality, is one way to prevent future disease outbreaks. In order to increase the availability of, and farmers access to, such materials there is increasing interest to develop seed business models. This study aims to understand seed sourcing practices of different farm typologies to inform the development of tailored seed business models. A total of 390 farmers were interviewed and the collected data was analyzed into clusters, resulting in seven farm typologies. Seed sourcing strategies, seed replacement dynamics and purchasing behavior of these typologies were explored via a seed tracing study. We find that more commercial oriented farmers have better access to formal seed sources. Nevertheless, the majority of farmers in all typologies accessed new varieties and quality cassava seed via informal channels. At both formal and informal sources, cash investments in seed were mainly made by the categories of better-off farmers, and were one-time investments to acquire a new variety. Based on farmers current seed sourcing practices, clarifications on the differences between farmers and their willingness-to-pay, the roles of seed degeneration, cost-benefit analysis, value propositions and profit formulas seem important requirements for the further development of viable cassava seed business models. We conclude that tailoring seed business models can have a high potential as it acknowledges differences among farmers, but that careful coordination is needed to ensure that one approach or intervention does not contrast with and/or undermine the others