Includes Appendix and Reference

Catha edulis is a plant that is commonly used as a recreational drug in many parts of theworld. Catha edulis twigs have been found to contain high levels of fecal coliforms, exceeding recommended limits for safe consumption therefore posing high risk of spreadingbacterial diseases.The presence of fecal coliforms in these twigs is a concern not onlyforconsumers but also for those involved in their production and transportion. The plant hasbeen grown and consumed in the region around Meru for centuries. Studies have indicatedthe need for effective measures geared at reducing fecal coliform contaminationbyC. edulis . This study therefore was conducted in Meru County, Igembe South SubCountyKenya between the months of September 2023 and January 2024 to assess fecal coliformsofKhat twigs at different stages of the value chain. This study involved 328 repsondents drownfrom the 25 locations within the sub- County. It adopted a cross-sectional descriptive studydesign involving one-time sampling of Khat twigs during farming, handling, vendingandconsumption. Khat twigs were collected in aerated bags, processed and evaluatedfor thepresence of fecal coliforms thereafter antibiotic sensitivity was tested at Meru UnivesityofScience and Technology Health/Biological Sciences Laboratory. Data on factors associatedwith the fecal coliforms contamination of C. edulis were gathered through a structuredquestionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using statistical package of social sciences(SPSS) version 23.0. Desciptive statistics such as Frequency(n) and Percentage(%)s wereused to analyze data. Inferential data were analyzed using T-test and chi square andTukeyHSD to test association. Data findings were presented in tables and graphs besides narrativedescriptions. Study findings revealed that handlers had significantly higher fecal coliformcontamination with mean difference=0.1162; P=.000 than vendors (mean difference=0.0994;
P=.002), customers (mean difference=0.1096; P=.001) and farmers having the lowest withmean difference=0.0169; P=.000. There was a statistically significant association betweengender, availability of sanitation facilities, level of education, kind of waste, water sourceand water storage and fecal coliforms in Catha edulis twigs. Ceftriaxone was foundtobe(100%) susceptible to all bacteria tested. Ampicillin, Amoxyline and Azithromycinshowedmoderate effectiveness, with around 9-24% of the isolates being resistant while Doxycyclinewas second most effective drug. The study concluded that fecal coliformcontaminationlevels varied across different stages of the supply chain, with the highest levels foundinhandlers and the lowest in farmers. Study findings clearly showed that presence of fecal
coliforms in khat twigs is significantly associated with the type of sanitation facility, level ofeducation, irrigation practices, water sources, farmers' feelings, waste, water source, andwater storage. The study recommends need for improved sanitation practices at all stagesofkhat value chain. Promoting awareness among farmers, handlers, vendors, and customersabout prudent antibiotic use can help combat antibacterial resistance.