School of Pure and Applied Sciences

Bridging the gap between public health, academia and policy

2026-11-02T13:30:03Z

Bridging the gap between public health, academia and policy Christen, Paula; Dawa, Jeanette; Ahmed, Omar; Akinyi, Florence; Masakhwe, Bonventure Ameyo; Bekalo, Daniel Biftu; Biwot, Cosmas; Bosire, Arani B; Giovanni, Charles; Gathoni, Veronicah; Gaythorpe, Katy A M; Githinji, Geoffrey; Gowa, Salmon; Hamumy, Fathiyah Said; Kagiri, Hannah; Kamundia, George; Kamunya, Stephanie; Kariuki, Pius; Khalayi, Lydiah; Kombe, Ivy; Kwamboka, Purity; Liétar, Paul; Likalamu, Noel; Lugonzo, Brian; Mariita, Vincent; Masinde, Augustine; Mbithi, Mumbua; McCabe, Ruth; Monari, Fred Nyamitago; Motiri, Francis Ondicho; Muchiri, Antony M; Mudamba, Annah; Mugo, Peter Waweru; Mutono, Nyamai; Muriithi, Moses; Musasia, Ryan; Mutunga, Mumbua; Mwangi, Waithera; Nalwa, John; Ngeno, Kibet Immanuel; Nyaberi, Jackline Mosinya; Nzoka, Peninna Mwongeli; Ojal, John; Okech, Tabitha; Okunga, Emmanuel; Omondi, Evans; Osoro, Joseph; Osoro, Preston; Patel, Amika; Sayianka, Stanley; Shigoli, Triza; Silali, Catherine; Thendu, Martin M; Elsland, Sabine L van; Wanjiku, Kariithi Anne; Muchemi, Philip; Whittles, Lilith K; Winskill, Peter; Ombajo, Loice Achieng; Thumbi, S M; Watson, Oliver J The use of advanced analytics in public health policy remains hindered by a disconnect between researchers, policymakers and technical experts. Bridging this gap requires intentional knowledge translation strategies that facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application of research findings. Hackathons, which bring together diverse stakeholders in a time-bound, solution-oriented format, offer an approach to address this challenge. In January 2025, the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis at the University of Nairobi organised the Bridging the Gap Hackathon, designed to strengthen collaboration between academia, policy and public health practitioners in Kenya. The hackathon convened researchers, software engineers and policymakers to co-develop data-driven tools to tackle public health challenges identified by Kenya’s Ministry of Health and the Directorate of Veterinary Services. Over five days and using a structured multi-stage process, six interdisciplinary teams developed prototype solutions to improve outbreak surveillance, vaccine deployment, data quality monitoring and health workforce estimation. This paper reflects on the hackathon’s structure, participant experiences and project outcomes, highlighting key lessons for future knowledge translation initiatives. Our findings suggest that hackathons can serve as effective platforms for accelerating interdisciplinary research impact, fostering engagement between policymakers and researchers and promoting the development of solutions to public health issues.

Mathematical Modelling and Analysis of the Dynamics of a Solar Powered Motor Gear Generator to Enhance the Usability of Solar Energy

2026-10-10T21:17:35Z

Mathematical Modelling and Analysis of the Dynamics of a Solar Powered Motor Gear Generator to Enhance the Usability of Solar Energy Major, Bulinda Vincent; Mwende, Mwau Cynthia; Nyakebogo, Abraham Osogo; Wanjala, Andrew Nyongesa The solar power technology looks to be a long-run efficient and sustainable energy model. In addition, its harvesting mode has increased significantly to higher levels. However, this type of technology is lacking exhaustive usability. Solar cells can be organized to serve in most upcountry areas which are mainly not covered by mains electricity. A number of research studies have been compelled by the depletion of natural oil deposits, high demand for electrical power, and frequent power outages and degradation of climate due to diesel- driven generator emissions which have contributed immensely to global warming. With strong vibrations from such generators, noise pollution is inevitable. A mathematical model of linear

Analysis of Forced Convection on Velocity Profile and Temperature Distribution in a Square Enclosure

2026-10-10T20:50:36Z

Analysis of Forced Convection on Velocity Profile and Temperature Distribution in a Square Enclosure Major, Bulinda Vincent The research project focused on a forced convection in a three dimensional square enclosure with a heater placed at the center of the room, a window on one of the adjacent walls of the enclosure and two fans fixed along the other wall. To carry out analyzing of the flow and heat transfer rate, a set of non-dimensionalized equations governing Newtonian fluid and boundary conditions were discussed. These equations with boundary conditions are discretized using central difference approximation method. The results obtained from finite difference equations (FDE) were then solved using MATLAB simulation software. The results found reveal that, both the horizontal and vertical velocity profiles are increased by Richardson number, and Reynolds number. Also Eckert number together with dimensionless heat absorption coefficient leads to an increase in the temperature distribution. The obtained results are presented in graphs and tables to show temperature distribution and velocity profile in the room with both physical and scientific explanations.

Fragmentation-Dependent Epidemic Thresholds for Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Wildebeest Metapopulations: Basic Reproduction Numbers, Stability Conditions, and Critical Connectivity Levels

2026-10-10T20:45:41Z

Fragmentation-Dependent Epidemic Thresholds for Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Wildebeest Metapopulations: Basic Reproduction Numbers, Stability Conditions, and Critical Connectivity Levels Major, Bulinda Vincent; Mose, Isaac; Kerongo, Joash; Mogoi N, Evans; Otwande Kiage, Andrea Habitat fragmentation alters the spatial structure of wildlife populations, creating heterogeneous landscapes where disease persistence depends on connectivity patterns. We develop a multi-patch SEIR metapopulation model for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in fragmented wildebeest populations of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. We derive the metapopulation basic reproduction number Rmeta = max(Rin,Rbetweenρ(C)), where ρ(C) is the spectral radius of the connectivity matrix. Critical connectivity thresholds are identified: spectral radius 1.85 (90% CI: 1.65-2.05) for poor patches, 1.45 (90% CI: 1.30-1.60) for average patches, and 0.95 (90% CI: 0.85-1.05) for excellent patches. Backward bifurcations occur under high patch heterogeneity, enabling disease persistence even when Rmeta < 1. Critical community size increases from 450,000 to 950,000 animals under fragmentation. Patch-specific vaccination thresholds range from 18% to 62%. Optimal corridor width is 1-1.5 km, and optimal buffer zones are 10-20 km. Combined interventions achieve 68% R0 reduction and 89% outbreak prevention. Model limitations include exponential distribution assumptions, constant migration rates, and omission of seasonal movements and livestock interactions; thresholds should be interpreted as theoretical guidance. Code is open-source at https://github.com/isaacmose/fmdmetapopulation-theory.