Document is current

Article History

Received: 29 October 2025

Accepted: 9 April 2026

First Online: 21 April 2026

Declarations

:

: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the EPFL Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (Approval No: 003-2023, 26 January 2023) and the Kenya National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI) (License No: NACOSTI/P/23/23521), in accordance with the provisions of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2013, and international ethical standards governing research involving human participants. This research was conducted in full accordance with relevant international ethical guidelines and regulations, including the Declaration of Helsinki and the Belmont Report, which emphasize respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. All participants provided informed consent, and data confidentiality was maintained throughout the study.

: All participants involved in the semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions provided informed consent prior to taking part in the study. The purpose of the research, procedures, voluntary nature of participation, and confidentiality safeguards were clearly explained to all participants in their preferred language. Participants were informed that they could withdraw at any time without consequence. Written (or verbal, where literacy constraints applied) consent was obtained in accordance with institutional ethical guidelines. No data was collected from individuals under the age of 16.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.