Ruth Omani Kenya

Dr. Ruth Omani Kenya


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 March 2019 in Advances in Virology
Verified
Journal Article
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RKRuth Omani Kenya
Ruth Omani Kenya
GGG. C. Gitao
G. C. Gitao
JGJ. Gachohi
J. Gachohi
PGP. K. Gathumbi
P. K. Gathumbi
BBB. A. Bwihangane
B. A. Bwihangane
VCV. J. Chemweno
V. J. Chemweno
A study was conducted to determine the presence of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in camel population kept together with small ruminants in Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, and Wajir counties of Kenya. This was done in the wake of a disease with unknown etiology “Camel Sudden Death Syndrome” camels in the horn of Africa. Thirty-eight (38) samples, 12, 8, 15, and 3 samples, were collected from Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, and Marsabit, respectively, from 25 camels, 7 goats, and 4 sheep. One camel in Mandera and one goat in Wajir were confirmed positive for PPR virus (PPRV) through reverse Polymerase Chain Reaction. The analysis of sequences revealed closest nucleotide identities of obtained sequences from both goat and camel to the lineage III of PPRV albeit with 60.29% of nucleotide identity. This study establishes that camels in the study area suffer with PPR manifest clinical signs that are mainly characterized by inappetence, loss of body condition, and general weakness terminally leading to diarrhea, conjunctivitis, and ocular nasal discharges preceding death. These clinical signs are similar to those observed in small ruminants with slight variations of manifestations such as keratoconjunctivitis as well as edema of the ventral surface of the abdomen. This shows that camels could be involved in the epidemiology of PPR in the region and that PPRV could be involved in the epidemics of Camel Sudden Death syndrome. There is therefore a need for resources to be dedicated in understanding the role camels play in the epidemiology of PPR and the role of the disease in Camels Sudden death syndrome.

1 January 2024 in Veterinary Medicine International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
JOJack Omolo
Jack Omolo
RKRuth Omani Kenya
Ruth Omani Kenya
MCMark Caudell
Mark Caudell
TKTabitha Kimani
Tabitha Kimani
SKStella Kiambi
Stella Kiambi
Folorunso O. FasinaFolorunso O. Fasina
Folorunso O. Fasina
Background: Antimicrobials are used on farms to manage livestock diseases. In many developing countries, antimicrobial use (AMU) is insufficiently controlled, and antimicrobials are prone to misuse and abuse, thereby fostering the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR remains a challenge in Kenya, and the extent remains unknown. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AMU among multisectoral stakeholders in Kenya.Methods: The cross‐sectional survey was conducted in August 2021 among 381 livestock farmers in Busia, Nakuru, and Isiolo Counties, while 47 animal health service providers (AHSPs) and 32 One Health practitioners (OHPs) were enrolled across Kenya. The data collection tool uploaded on KoBoCollect software was used to collect information on demographics, farming systems, KAP on AMR and AMU, and sources of information. Descriptive statistics were performed. Knowledge was either correct or incorrect, while practices were assigned as desirable or undesirable. Bivariable analysis to assess factors associated with KAP using odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence level (CL). The Pearson correlation test was conducted to test the correlation between demographic independent variables and farmers’ KAP, p < 0.05.Results: Most farmers, 234 (61.4%), were young adults between 30 and 49 years old. Additionally, 48.9% of the farmers had less than 5 years of experience in farming. Among the AHSPs, 76.6% were male, with 21 (44.7%) having 2–5 years of experience. All (32) OHPs had over 15 years of experience. Correct knowledge in AMR/AMU was observed in 52.6% of the farmers, 88.2% of AHSPs, and all OHPs. Desirable practices were observed in 133 (34.9%) of farmers, 22 (45.1%) of AHSPs, and 25 (76.4%) of OHPs. Among the farmers, having basic education was associated with correct knowledge (OR 4.07, p = 0.0007); however, being male (OR 1.584, p = 0.0456) and having a higher education level (OR 1.582, p = 0.0165) were associated with desirable practices. There was a significant positive correlation between having correct knowledge and level of education (p < 0.0001), years of farming, and correct knowledge (p < 0.0001). However, years of farming negatively correlated with the desirable practices (p < 0.0001). Farmers’ preferred sources of information regarding AMR/AMU were friends 130 (33.9%), farmer meetings/workshops 99 (25.9%), and radio 41 (10.7%). AHSPs obtain information from scientific conferences/trainings (17) (65.4%), workshops (13) (50.0%), and TV and radio (12) (46.2%), while OHSPs mostly get information through college training (14) (58.3%) and workshops (8) (33.3%).Conclusion: Correct knowledge of AMR/AMU did not result in adopting the desirable practices. A better understanding of the socioeconomic aspects of welfare, good livestock production measures, and AMU stewardship will be desired. This study provides a foundation for developing effective antimicrobial stewardship, best farm practices, and intervention programs to reduce inappropriate AMU.Public Implication: Farmers’ AHSP practices are likely to promote the emergence of AMR, a health challenge for animals and humans.

10 July 2023 in Preprints.org
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Preprint
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JOJack Omolo
Jack Omolo
RKRuth Omani Kenya
Ruth Omani Kenya
MCMark Caudell
Mark Caudell
TKTabitha Kimani
Tabitha Kimani
SKStella Kiambi
Stella Kiambi
Folorunso O. FasinaFolorunso O. Fasina
Folorunso O. Fasina
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a challenge in Kenya, while the extent remains unknown. To assess the knowledge, cultural beliefs, practices, and behavioral patterns among multisectoral stakeholders in Kenya. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in August 2021 among farmers, animal health service providers and AMR researchers. Regional digital data collection tool developed by FAO was shared and responses obtained through mail, phone calls and direct interviews. Descriptive and inferential analysis were conducted. Antimicrobials were mostly sourced from agro-veterinary shops and from veterinary professionals. Farmers, often implement self-treatment and reported overuse, unnecessary use, and sometimes fail to complete the dosage in livestock. More farmers reported to have heard about antibiotics as compared to antimicrobials, mostly from friends and radio program, however only 9.2% could correctly differentiate the two. Animal Health Service Providers (AHSP) were the source of information to farmers regarding AMR. AHSPs mainly relied on suppliers and distributors for information about antibiotics. Both farmers and AHSPs treated viral infections with antibiotics. One Health Partners (OHPs) had higher knowledge and largely favorable attitudes towards AMR. Up to 72.7% of OHPs from training institutions had AMR included in training curriculum however, they were optimistic livestock farmers and government were less concerned about AMR. Gaps in knowledge and practice on Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) were observed in all categories of stakeholders. Given the documented knowledge-practice gap, innovative solutions are needed for both AHSPs and farmers to promote good antimicrobial stewardship practices and to mitigate burdens of AMR. Outcomes of this research should deepen the understanding of critical information and trigger behavioral change in usage and stewardship of antimicrobials.

1 January 2026 in Veterinary Medicine International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
GWGrace Watene
Grace Watene
DSDale Smith
Dale Smith
TATequiero Abuom
Tequiero Abuom
AKAmbrose Kipyegon
Ambrose Kipyegon
ILIsaac Lekolool
Isaac Lekolool
MSMagda Scarlett
Magda Scarlett
Veterinary education has traditionally focused on domestic animals, yet the expanding role of veterinarians in wildlife health necessitates the integration of wildlife medicine into undergraduate training. In Kenya, despite the ecological and economic importance of wildlife, veterinary curricula provide limited structured exposure to wildlife medicine. This study aimed to (i) identify gaps in undergraduate veterinary training related to wildlife health and (ii) use these findings to inform the design of a stakeholder‐driven pilot training model. A mixed‐methods approach was applied using two structured surveys administered to veterinary students and graduates ( n = 83) and employers ( n = 33). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses were examined through a thematic analysis. The findings were further refined through a stakeholder validation workshop involving academia, wildlife practitioners, and conservation stakeholders. While 71% of respondents expressed interest in wildlife health, only 22% felt adequately prepared for practice. Key gaps included insufficient curriculum content, limited time allocation, and lack of practical exposure. Employers reported variability in graduate competence, reinforcing the need for improved training. These findings informed the development of a 10‐module pilot training program combining theoretical instruction with field‐based experiential learning. The study highlights the feasibility of a research‐informed, stakeholder‐driven approach to curriculum development in wildlife medicine. However, the effectiveness of the intervention was not evaluated, and further longitudinal research is required to assess its impact on competencies, career outcomes, and workforce preparedness in wildlife health.

2 September 2026 in medRxiv
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RKRuth Omani Kenya
Ruth Omani Kenya
GMGrace N. Maina
Grace N. Maina
Folorunso O. FasinaFolorunso O. Fasina
Folorunso O. Fasina
Public genomic repositories can support antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, but unequal sampling can bias interpretation. We characterised AMR determinants, multicountry genomic cluster overlap and surveillance gaps across Africa using an NCBI Pathogen Detection snapshot retrieved on 24 August 2026 for 55 African Union member states. Records were validated and deduplicated by BioSample, and complete AMRFinderPlus calls were summarised across five United Nations M49 subregions and eight overlapping regional economic communities (RECs). Country-pair cluster overlap was assessed using the Jaccard index, while project-based and composition-standardised sensitivity analyses evaluated repository bias. The dataset contained 86,829 unique BioSamples from 51 states; South Africa, Malawi and Kenya contributed 55.8%. Complete extended-spectrum β-lactamase calls were detected in 21,513 isolates and carbapenemase calls in 4,642. bla CTX-M-15 dominated the ESBL profile, while NDM and OXA types predominated. Seventy clusters contained carbapenemase-positive isolates from at least two countries. A shared REC covered all participating countries in 38 clusters, while 32 crossed REC boundaries. Normalised country-pair overlap was low, with a maximum Jaccard index of 9.5%. Project balancing reduced the Northern African carbapenemase estimate from 32.3% to 17.9% and the Eastern African ESBL estimate from 36.9% to 12.5%. Public repositories identify determinants and clusters for investigation but do not estimate prevalence or transmission. AMR surveillance should combine national confirmation, regional institution-led investigation where countries share an REC, and continent-wide coordination through Africa CDC for cross-REC signals, supported by representative One Health sampling, standardised metadata and sustained African sequencing capacity.

4 May 2025 in Discover Public Health
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ENEmmah Nyaboke
Emmah Nyaboke
JOJoseph Ogola
Joseph Ogola
MOMitchel Okumu
Mitchel Okumu
JWJoan Wasike
Joan Wasike
CNCarolyne Naliaka
Carolyne Naliaka
RKRuth Omani Kenya
Ruth Omani Kenya
Information from a point prevalence survey (PPS) can guide antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). The aim of the present study was to document the use