Leveraging technology for business fleet applications : a case study of fleet management system implemented in Kenya Power & Lighting Company Limited

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modern fleet management system in improving the logistics of transporting staff, goods and materials in Kenya Power & Lighting Company, a utility firm in power distribution. In today’s competitive marketplace which is characterised by rapidly changing business requirements, leveraging leading edge technologies and adopting best practices are essential in order to ensure sound logistical support that guarantees both effectiveness and efficiency in the transportation processes. The sampling procedure of one-stage, cluster sampling and the use of the simple random sampling technique were used in this study to select a sample size which was sufficiently representative of the whole population. Both the descriptive study approach and the survey research strategy were adopted to enable the collection of data in a manner that allowed in-depth examination while gathering information that explained the relationships between constructs, in particular, cause and effect relationships. The main purpose of this dissertation was therefore to establish that the use of information technology is feasible in transport industries, explain possible obstacles and also any major advantages of its implementation. Secondly, as regards the theoretical aspect, a broadened view on the use of online tracking for vehicles using a global positioning system is presented, together with practical examples, to illustrate its successful implementation in a fleet management system. The study concludes by offering suggestions and recommendations from the research results and the researcher’s experiences for future studies.Transport Economics, Logistics and TourismM. Com. (Transport Economics

Palaearctic migrant waterbirds overlap in habitat use with residents at Lake Turkana, Kenya

Volume: 18Start Page: 20End Page: 3

Distribution and habitat use of crested larks Galerida cristata at Loiyengalani, Kenya

Volume: 19Start Page: 69End Page: 7

Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus from Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Patients in Nairobi, Kenya

Article JournalSkin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases and a frequent cause of hospital visits. In this study we sought to assess the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in SSTIs in patients attending hospitals in Kenya. Methods: Eighty-two S. aureus isolates recovered from SSTIs from both inpatients and outpatients were screened for antibiotic susceptibility, possession of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec)gene type, and the Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin gene. The prevalence of MRSA was investigated in relation to the type of patient and infection type, as well as the type of health care facility. Results: Of 60 boil cultures, 39 (65%) grew S. aureus, of out of which 34 (87.2%) were MRSA. Of the 60 abscess cultures, 14 (23.3%) grew S. aureus, of which 10 (71.4%) were MRSA. Of 34 cellulitis cultures, 18 (52.9%) grew S. aureus, of which 16 (88.8%) were MRSA. Of 25 ulcer cultures, 11 (44%) grew S. aureus, of which nine (81.8%) were MRSA. Sixty-nine of 82 S. aureus (84.1%) were MRSA, with 52 (75.4%) possessing SCCmec II type and 14 (20.3%) being positive for the PVL gene. Based on hospitals, it was noted that most MRSA were isolated at publicly funded health care facilities serving an economically disadvantaged segment of Nairobi’s population, such as those living in urban informal settlements. All 82 S. aureus were susceptible to vancomycin and resistant in high numbers to macrolides, aminoglycosides, and quinolones. Bacterial isolates were mostly susceptible to vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole, and none was resistant to vancomycin. However, most organisms showed decreased susceptibility to erythromycin and clindamycin. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SCCmec II MRSA and a PVL strain of MRSA are significant pathogens in patients with SSTIs presenting to hospitals in Kenya, and that MRSA cases are prevalent at publicly funded health care facilities

Livelihood impacts and adaptation in fishing practices as a response to recent climatic changes in the upwelling region of the East African Coastal Current

A socio-economic assessment was carried out at Amu and Shela in Lamu County and Ngomeni in Kilifi County on the coast of Kenya. The aim was to establish fisher perspectives on the livelihood impacts of changes in upwelling associated with the East African Coastal Current, and adaptations in fishing practices to determine the vulnerability, resilience and adaptation options for fisheries dependent communities in this upwelling region. Primary data and information were collected through direct observation, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and oral histories. Descriptive and non-parametric analysis was conducted for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. The study covered 92 respondents out of which 90 were male. About 82.5 percent of the respondents had attained different levels of primary school education and below, and were therefore highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Furthermore, 80.4 percent of the respondents were aged between 20 years and 49 years with a mean age of 40 years, thus falling into the economically active age category. In terms of livelihoods, fishing and fishing-related activities formed the primary livelihoods at the three study sites with fishing being the main occupation for 93 percent of the respondents. Fishing effort was higher during the north-east monsoon season. Fifty two percent of the respondents targeted small pelagic species. The main changes observed included increased fishing effort and a decline in the quantity of fish caught per fisher, and changes in the composition of fish species. Changes in the composition of fish species have further been compounded by a decline in rainfall over time, sea level rise, irregular wind patterns and increased temperatures. The decline in fish catch further led to a general decline in income and welfare. The climatic changes increased vulnerability of the fishing communities