Gold Collection

Phytochemical correlation networks and synergistic insights in prostate cancer therapy: integrative profiling of four Kenyan medicinal plants

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Phytochemical correlation networks and synergistic insights in prostate cancer therapy: integrative profiling of four Kenyan medicinal plants Ondeko, Daniel A.; Juma, Benard F.; Baraza, Danstone L. Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of male cancer mortality, necessitating safer, multi-targeted therapeutic approaches. This study profiled methanolic extracts of Prunus africana, Bridelia micrantha, Psidium guajava, and Tylosema fassoglensis using LC-QTOF-MS, identifying 113 metabolites across flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and triterpenoids. 11 were tentatively annotated as first reports in the respective species. A phytochemical correlation and systems-synergy model integrated metabolite co-occurrence patterns with prostate cancer–related bioactivities. Clusters of quercetin, luteolin, catechin, and β-sitosterol suggested coordinated modulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, androgen signaling, and metastasis pathways. These findings support a multi-compound phytotherapeutic rationale and highlight Kenyan medicinal plants as promising sources for prostate cancer drug discovery. Further in vitro and in vivo validation is necessary to confirm the predicted synergy mechanisms.

Corporate Storytelling Tactics for Branding of Public Universities in Western Kenya

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Corporate Storytelling Tactics for Branding of Public Universities in Western Kenya Kangu, Pauline Lina Outa; Kabaji, Egara; Anyonje, Lydia As competition in higher education intensifies, university branding has attracted increasing scholarly attention. Corporate storytelling has emerged as a branding strategy through which universities communicate institutional identity, values and achievements through strategic narratives. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the corporate storytelling tactics used by public universities in Western Kenya for branding. This study examined the corporate storytelling tactics used by four public universities in Western Kenya as a branding strategy. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was adopted. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires administered to 135 departmental and sectional heads across the four universities. Qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews with communication professionals from the respective universities. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The study was underpinned by Erving Goffman’s Impression Management Theory and Walter Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm Theory. Four corporate storytelling tactics employed by public universities in Western Kenya: platform-based, achievement-based, strategic identity-aligned, and emotion-driven storytelling. However, their implementation was constrained by weak coordination, limited professional capacity and inadequate leadership support. The findings further showed stronger branding outcomes in brand awareness, credibility and differentiation, while reputation enhancement and long-term stakeholder loyalty were comparatively weaker. Corporate storytelling constitutes a strategic approach to university branding through which public universities in Western Kenya construct and present institutional identity. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education provide policy guidance on corporate storytelling within university branding and communication, while university management strengthens its implementation through resources, capacity building and coordinated communication practices.

Level of Implementation of Youth Empowerment Programs in Addressing Relative Poverty: Evidence from Vihiga County, Kenya

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Level of Implementation of Youth Empowerment Programs in Addressing Relative Poverty: Evidence from Vihiga County, Kenya Alema, Edward; Ambasa, Dorice Molly Relative poverty among youth remains persistently high in Kenya despite the proliferation of youth empowerment programs. While outcomes such as employment and income are widely documented, evidence on how implementation processes shape poverty alleviation is limited, particularly in rural counties such as Vihiga. This study assessed the level of implementation of youth empowerment programs in addressing relative poverty among youths in Vihiga County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. The target population was 138,665 youth; a sample of 399 was determined using Yamane (1967) formula. Simple random sampling was used for youth respondents and purposive sampling for 12 key informants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. The Objective 1 scale reliability was Cronbach's α = 0.821. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation (SPSS v27); qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results showed moderate but uneven implementation. Coverage was rated at 74.3% (38.7% agree, 35.6% strongly agree). Quality was rated high: relevance 93.8%, trainer competence 95.2%, and skills/knowledge gain 96.9%. Accessibility and equity: ease of access 79.7%, equity 88.4%, and consideration for marginalized youth 85.1%. Fidelity: 92.9% reported delivery as planned and 94.6% reported large effect on objectives. Accessibility (r = .444, p < .001) and fidelity (r = .563, p < .001) were significantly and positively correlated with livelihood improvement, while participation constraints were not (r = .070, p = .189). The study concludes that implementation quality, particularly fidelity and accessibility, is a critical pathway for relative poverty alleviation. Recommendations include strengthening monitoring and evaluation, institutionalizing ward-level decentralization, and standardizing training protocols.

Women Politicians’ Political Communication Strategies in Kenya’s Digital Space: An Afrocentric Perspective

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Women Politicians’ Political Communication Strategies in Kenya’s Digital Space: An Afrocentric Perspective Gakahu, Nancy This study explores how Kenyan women politicians articulate and negotiate political representation within the digital public sphere. Grounded in Afrocentricity (Asante, 1980, 2003) as both a philosophical paradigm and theoretical framework, the study examines women’s political communication in online spaces through African epistemologies, socio-cultural values, and community agency. The study addresses two key questions: (1) How do Kenyan women politicians use digital platforms to enact political representation from an Afrocentric perspective? (2) How do ethnic, cultural, and gendered narratives shape women politicians’ perceived political legitimacy and the strategies they employ in online spaces? To address these questions, 20 posts comprising of 11 FB posts and nine tweets by women politicians, published in 2020 and 2022, were purposively selected from a larger dataset of 58. The posts were chosen for their relevance to the research questions and the traction they gained during the two periods. Analysis of data was done using interpretative repertoires, a discourse analytical methodology articulated by Potter and Wetherell (1987), and Wetherell (2015). Findings reveal that in their digital representation and communication practice, Kenyan women politicians strategically employ Afrocentric discursive practices, including invoking ethnic identities, drawing on communal values, and incorporating spiritual symbolism rooted in African socio-political traditions. These culturally grounded political strategies enhance their digital visibility, legitimise political authority, and foster resonance with constituencies.