https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/19 2026-09-24T19:34:35Z 2026-09-24T19:34:35Z Matsitsi, Stanley M. Linturi, James M. Kebwaro, Jeremiah M. Omonya, Felix W. Mutua, Onesmus J. https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8443 2026-09-24T08:21:43Z 2026-09-07T00:00:00Z

Occupational radiation dose and ambient dose characterization in selected healthcare facilities in Kitui County, Kenya Matsitsi, Stanley M.; Linturi, James M.; Kebwaro, Jeremiah M.; Omonya, Felix W.; Mutua, Onesmus J. Radiation exposure during diagnostic radiology remains a critical occupational radiation safety concern as the global volume and complexity of medical imaging procedures continue to increase. This study assessed personal dose equivalents received by 14 radiographers in three high-workload hospitals in Kitui County, Kenya. Personal dose equivalents were monitored monthly for three consecutive months using TLD-100 (LiF:Mg,Ti) dosimeters, with readouts performed using the Harshaw 8800 reader system at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Descriptive analysis showed modest inter-hospital variability in occupational doses, which may reflect differences in workload, examination practices, and occupational positioning. The mean monthly personal dose equivalents for Hp(0.07) ranged from 0.112 to 0.246 mSv, while those for Hp(10) ranged from 0.101 to 0.205 mSv. Across all monitored worker-month observations, the pooled mean personal dose equivalents were 0.156 mSv for Hp(0.07) and 0.141 mSv for Hp(10), corresponding to annualized projections of 1.87 and 1.69 mSv y⁻¹, respectively, assuming comparable exposure conditions throughout the year. Ambient dose-equivalent rates, H*(10), measured in 61 rooms across five selected hospitals, ranged from 0.09 to 0.34 μSv•h⁻¹, with a mean dose-equivalent rate of 0.198 ± 0.026 μSv•h⁻¹. Under an assumed indoor occupancy factor of 0.8, the corresponding annualized ambient dose equivalent ranged from 0.63 to 2.38 mSv•y⁻¹, with a mean of 1.388 mSv•y⁻¹. The findings indicate relatively low occupational personal dose equivalents and ambient dose-equivalent rates across the surveyed facilities, although continued occupational monitoring and optimization of radiation-protection practices remain warranted. https://doi.org/10.47514/phyaccess.2026.6.2.014

2026-09-07T00:00:00Z Mbala, Simon Mwanzia, David K. Akuja, Thomas E. Kioli, Felix N. Maithya, Harrison M. https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8439 2026-09-23T07:08:01Z 2026-09-22T00:00:00Z

The role of agricultural extension services in promoting climate-smart agriculture adoption among smallholder farmers in Mwingi West sub-county Kitui County, Kenya Mbala, Simon; Mwanzia, David K.; Akuja, Thomas E.; Kioli, Felix N.; Maithya, Harrison M. Agricultural extension services provide smallholder farmers with knowledge, technical guidance, and advisory support that can facilitate the adoption of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices. This study examined the role of agricultural extension services in promoting CSA adoption among smallholder farmers in Mwingi West Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 200 randomly selected farmers through structured questionnaires, while qualitative evidence was obtained from 10 agricultural extension officers and 10 focus group discussions with farmer groups. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of independence. Significant associations were reported between CSA adoption and access to agricultural extension services, the source of extension information, type of extension support received, frequency of extension contact, perceived usefulness of extension services, CSA practices promoted through extension, and farmers’ perceived influence of extension services on adoption. Most respondents (82.0%) had access to extension services. Extension agents were the main information source (46.0%), and technical training was the most frequently reported support (38.0%). Conservation agriculture (30.0%), agroforestry (22.0%), and water harvesting (19.0%) were the leading practices promoted through extension activities. Nearly half of respondents (48.0%) reported that extension services had increased CSA adoption to a great extent. The findings indicate that accessible, practical, and regular extension support is closely associated with CSA adoption in the study area. DOI: 10.9734/ajaees/2026/v44i103022

2026-09-22T00:00:00Z Kangai, Winfred Linturi, James M. Kwembur, Isaac M. Kebwaro, Jeremiah M. https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8437 2026-09-22T08:30:35Z 2026-08-09T00:00:00Z

Indoor radon concentrations and associated radiological risk in selected buildings at South Eastern Kenya University, Kenya Kangai, Winfred; Linturi, James M.; Kwembur, Isaac M.; Kebwaro, Jeremiah M. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and a major contributor to natural radiation exposure, with prolonged inhalation associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. This study evaluated indoor radon concentrations and associated radiological risks in selected buildings at South-Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Kenya. Indoor radon concentrations were measured in six selected multi-storey buildings using a calibrated RAD7 electronic radon detector under standardized operating conditions. Measurements were conducted on the lowest floor of each building over 24 hours at each sampling location. Radiological risk parameters, including equilibrium equivalent concentration (EEC), annual effective dose (AED), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and lung cancer cases per million persons per year (LCC), were estimated using internationally established models and conversion factors. Indoor radon concentrations ranged from 8.18 ± 0.26 to 17.21 ± 0.77 Bq m⁻³, with a mean of 12.84 ± 0.55 Bq m⁻³, well below the reference levels recommended by the World Health Organization and the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The corresponding mean EEC, AED, ELCR, and LCC were 5.14 ± 0.22 Bq m⁻³, 0.3239 ± 0.0140 mSv y⁻¹, (1.25 ± 0.05) × 10⁻³, and 5.83 ± 0.25 cases per million persons per year, respectively. These values indicate a low estimated radiological risk for the monitored buildings. Because the measurements were limited to 24-hour active monitoring at six buildings, the findings are interpreted as a short-term baseline assessment rather than an estimate of annual average indoor radon exposure. Periodic and seasonal monitoring is recommended to better characterize long-term exposure variability. https://doi.org/10.47514/phyaccess.2026.6.2.015

2026-08-09T00:00:00Z Kimatu, Josphert N. https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8428 2026-09-08T12:11:23Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Introducing the concept of leader servantship as demonstrated by Jesus Christ Kimatu, Josphert N. Servant leadership has been regarded as a transformative approach to leadership because it places service to others at the center of influence. However, a reflective biblical analysis of its application proposes the concept of “leader servantship” as the inward servant identity of the leader. This leader servant concept is not in any sense a rival theory to servant leadership or a leader-first claim to authority. Drawing on reflective qualitative inquiry from a six-month Africa Servant Leadership Development Institute (ASLEAD) certificate experience, relevant servant leadership literature, and biblical texts from the King James Bible, this paper argues that leader servantship under divine submission precipitates motives, humility, love, integrity, and the accountability that sustain authentic service. The discussion distinguishes outward servant leadership behaviors from the inner posture that purifies and stabilizes those behaviors. It further demonstrates, through the example of Jesus Christ, that legitimate Christian leadership is strengthened rather than diminished when the leader remains consciously submitted to God and committed to serving others. Leader servantship does not mean abandoning leadership to become passive or subordinate. It means exercising genuine leadership authority through humility, service, stewardship, and accountability to God and to those being led. The article concludes that leader servantship can be used as a careful conceptual lens for demonstrating Christ’s leadership service practice in the Church, organizations, and community contexts.

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