Browsing School of Communication by Issue Date
Now showing items 1-20 of 73
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Kaimenyi, Bertha; Naituli, Gitile (Gender Inequalities in Kenya, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The role of the micro and small-scale enterprises (MSEs) sector in the development process has been at the center of development debate for the last three decades in Kenya and elsewhere in the developing world. Economic hardships experienced in the formal sector in Kenya and indeed in other developing countries have contributed to the enthusiasm now associated with the MSEs sector. Increasingly, the sector is perceived as a critical component in the creation of much needed skills, employment, and generation of livelihoods for a growing number of people within the urban as well as the rural sector. This paper seeks to contribute to this effort through examining entrepreneurial characteristics of women owned enterprises in Meru North and Meru Central districts in Kenya, and how these impact on the growth of these enterprises. The paper is based on an empirical survey conducted in randomly selected divisions of Meru North and Meru Central districts, which targeted 1,024 respondents, also randomly selected. In addition, key informants were purposively selected and interviewed to provide insights to the research problem. The data were analyzed to yield descriptive and inferential descriptors. Findings from this study show that entrepreneurial characteristics such as age, education, attitudes and perception have a significant relationship on the growth of micro and small-scale enterprises in the study area. Other characteristics that are critical to the growth of MSEs include start up capital, environment, both business and regulatory. The paper suggests that future development of MSEs especially those owned by women should be deliberately targeted and guided by clear policies, which are broad and holistic in their content and approach. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3925 Files in this item: 1
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Nguru, Faith (Daystar University, School of Communication, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The idea of this book begun a decade ago when a group of single adult women met to share their experiences as Christians in a culture that highly values marriage. In order to validate their experiences, a more recent empirical research project was designed to capture the views of both men and women who were wrestling with the challenges of singlehood. Those who provide ministry to the single adults were interviewed in order to present a fuller account of the church as a context within which believers are nurtured towards fullness in Christ. Description: Book URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3776 Files in this item: 1
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Njoya, Wandia Mwende (CreateSpace Independent, May , 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Literary criticism of recent novels about the theme of migration to France often fails to take into account both the reality and experiences of migrants. Worse, critics tend to minimize both the role of French imperialism and the strength of African cultures as they read these works. Their analyses raise the broad question of just how African migration literature can be interpreted to reflect the social realities which frame the action of the protagonists who are most vulnerable to France's contradictory immigration policies. Drawing on the concept of tragedy as both a genre and as a philosophical framework, I analyze four novels that convey the stories of francophone African immigrants to Europe. These are Fatou Diome’s Le Ventre de l’Atlantique, Alain Mabanckou’s Bleu Blanc Rouge, Bessora’s 53 cm and Nathalie Etoké’s Un amour sans papiers. The study reveals that the novels’ characters, style and narrative progression indicate the authors’ attempt to simultaneously articulate the suffering of poorer African migrants and appeal to the Republic to redress it. The search for a middle ground between Africa and France minimizes the Republic’s pursuit of power at the cost of African lives. This result contradicts the tragic imperative that the powerful actors receive blame for the suffering of the most vulnerable members of society. The unsuccessful attempt at neutrality also reflects the paradoxical situation of Africans who use the French language to articulate the dilemmas in which the Republic is heavily implicated. This study thus proposes a model of criticism that acknowledges the role of migrant experiences, African traditions and critics’ personal inclinations in the experience of and narratives about migration to France. It complements works by Jean-Paul Sartre, Frantz Fanon and Lewis Gordon that call on intellectuals to accept their implication in pressing social issues and to situate events on a global stage. The study also emphasizes the need to include a range of social, historical and environmental factors in determining the causes of injustice. Above all, it presents reality based criticism as an alternative to literary criticism dominated by theoretical concerns that often minimize the challenges of every day life. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3954 Files in this item: 1
In search of El Dorado.pdf (299.2Kb) -
Miller, Ann Neville; Golding, Lenette; wa Ngula, Kyalo; Wambua, MaryAnne; Mutua, Evans; Kitizo, Mary N.; Teti, Caroline; Booker, Nancy; Mwithia, Kinya; Rubin, Donald L (African Journal of AIDS Research, November , 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: A large portion of HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa occurs among married couples, yet the majority of research on safer-sex communication has focused on communication between couples in casual relationships. This paper explores how committed Kamba couples in Machakos District, Kenya, communicate about sensitive relational issues. The findings from focus group discussions with five groups of males and five groups of females are presented. The couples freely shared their thoughts about daily and economic issues and certain aspects of family planning and sexuality. Methods for raising sensitive issues with partners included monitoring the spouse’s mood, gradual or indirect revelation, mentioning topics during sex, and use of third-party intermediaries. Interference by extended family members, especially husbands’ mothers, and male authoritarian roles emerged as hindrances to effective communication between couples. The implications for HIV prevention regarding gender differences and the role of families in couples’ communication are discussed. Description: Journal article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3932 Files in this item: 1
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Miller, Ann Neville; Golding, Lenette; wa Ngula, Kyalo; Wambua, MaryAnne; Mutua, Evans; Kitizo, Mary N.; Teti, Caroline; Booker, Nancy; Mwithia, Kinya; Rubin, Donald L (African Journal of AIDS Research, November , 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: A large portion of HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa occurs among married couples, yet the majority of research on safer-sex communication has focused on communication between couples in casual relationships. This paper explores how committed Kamba couples in Machakos District, Kenya, communicate about sensitive relational issues. The findings from focus group discussions with five groups of males and five groups of females are presented. The couples freely shared their thoughts about daily and economic issues and certain aspects of family planning and sexuality. Methods for raising sensitive issues with partners included monitoring the spouse’s mood, gradual or indirect revelation, mentioning topics during sex, and use of third-party intermediaries. Interference by extended family members, especially husbands’ mothers, and male authoritarian roles emerged as hindrances to effective communication between couples. The implications for HIV prevention regarding gender differences and the role of families in couples’ communication are discussed Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3770 Files in this item: 1
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Miller, Ann Neville; Kinya, Jesica; Booker, Nancy; Kizito, Mary N.; wa Ngula, Kyalo (Patient Education and Counseling, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Objective: This study explored Kenyan patients’ perspectives on the role of ethnicity in the doctor– patient relationship. Methods: 221 participants completed questionnaires on ethnicity in doctor–patient relationships; eight focus groups were held with low- and middle-income urban and rural women. Results: About half of participants expressed no preference for doctor ethnicity. Participants rated demographic factors as less important than factors related to the doctor’s qualifications, communication skills, and cost of service. Those who did indicate a preference were more likely to prefer Indian doctors for eye problems and Europeans for major surgery, cancer, and heart problems. With less severe medical issues participants were more likely to prefer a doctor who was ethnically concordant with them. Reasons for this centered around communication issues. In contrast, several focus group participants did not want to be treated by doctors from their own ethnic group because of concerns about confidentiality. Conclusion: Additional research is needed on negative implications of patient–provider concordance. Practice implications: Medical service providers must be aware of concerns about ethnic concordance. Alternatively medical centers that deal with sensitive medical information need to consider hiring staff who are not of the majority ethnic group in their region. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3771 Files in this item: 1
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Miller, Ann Neville; Kinya, Jesica; Booker, Nancy; Kizito, Mary N.; wa Ngula, Kyalo (Patient Education and Counseling, April , 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Objective: This study explored Kenyan patients’ perspectives on the role of ethnicity in the doctor– patient relationship. Methods: 221 participants completed questionnaires on ethnicity in doctor–patient relationships; eight focus groups were held with low- and middle-income urban and rural women. Results: About half of participants expressed no preference for doctor ethnicity. Participants rated demographic factors as less important than factors related to the doctor’s qualifications, communication skills, and cost of service. Those who did indicate a preference were more likely to prefer Indian doctors for eye problems and Europeans for major surgery, cancer, and heart problems. With less severe medical issues participants were more likely to prefer a doctor who was ethnically concordant with them. Reasons for this centered around communication issues. In contrast, several focus group participants did not want to be treated by doctors from their own ethnic group because of concerns about confidentiality. Conclusion: Additional research is needed on negative implications of patient–provider concordance. Practice implications: Medical service providers must be aware of concerns about ethnic concordance. Alternatively medical centers that deal with sensitive medical information need to consider hiring staff who are not of the majority ethnic group in their region. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3933 Files in this item: 1
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Obonyo, Levi; Nyamboga, Erneo ( International Commission of Jurists, 2011)
[more][less]Abstract: J ournalism is not so young a profession in this country as sometimes it does appear. Journalism in Kenya is probably as old as the history of the nation itself and precedes many of the professions in the country. Indeed there is a rich history of the media in the country. What has not kept pace with the development of the field is the equivalent development of resources to enable the field to be more effective. For instance, it was not until after independence, with the establishment of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication that training of journalists started in Kenya in earnest. Even then, that training was terminated at the diploma level meaning that thought was still focused on producing mid-level industry personnel. It was a decade later when further training beyond the diploma qualification was offered in Kenya. But even more challenging for the field is that while the training was being offered there was never a concurrent development of resources to facilitate the training and adapt it to the Kenyan context. Technical training was a turn key technology with buttons being pointed to trainees who often only knew how to switch on and off the equipment they operated. But even more serious was the lack of efforts by those in the field to contextualize training by producing training material relevant to the nation’s needs. Textbooks were still imported with examples used in class remaining largely incidents that took place in far flu URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/2997 Files in this item: 1
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Muraya, Julie Gathoni; Miller, Ann Neville; Mjomba, Leonard (Health Communication, April , 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Although it ran on multiple mass media for the better part of a year, end line evaluation of the Nimechill youth abstinence campaign in Kenya indicated that exposure to the campaign had no relationship to youth decisions to defer sexual debut. One possible explanation of this lack of association could be that target audience members derived inconsistent and confusing meanings from visuals as opposed to text in the campaign. Employing Hall’s concept of high- and low-context communication, we assessed target population interpretation of four campaign posters via twelve focus groups discussions and four individual in-depth interviews with Nairobi youth. We found that although participants endorsed and recognized campaign objectives, contextual cues in some campaign visuals were interpreted by participants as being contradictory to the abstinence message in the poster texts. In addition noticeable differences arose between the lowincome and middle-/high-income groups in interpretation of one of the posters. We conclude with recommendations regarding use of visuals in high-context cultures and involvement of youth from various socio-economic strata in campaign planning. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3766 Files in this item: 1
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Obonyo, Levi (Communicatio: South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research, April 11, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: While the scholarship on communication theory has evolved over many years in Africa it is still work in progress. This discourse has been anchored in society’s cultural milieu. The import of this is that the debate has evolved without incorporating the realities of Africa. Consequently, theories of communication and of the mass media are an ill fit on the continent. As communication scholarship in Africa matures, it requires examining how the realities of the continent can contribute to the development of a theory that best matches this environment. Some of these realities include the evolution of African governance, its culture, and the progression of communication as a discipline. While this article does not make the leap to propose what such a theory would look like, it seeks to raise some of these realities as a starting point for further discussion Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3951 Files in this item: 1
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Neville, Ann Miller; Mwithia, Jesica; Kizito, Mary; Njoroge, Lucy (African Journal of AIDS Research, September , 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The article presents an analysis of in-depth interviews with 18 leaders of Christian churches in Nairobi, Kenya, regarding the content and context of messages they disseminate to their congregations about sexual behaviour and HIV. The content of messages was nearly consistent across the different denominations. However, three sorts of tensions were identified within pastoral communication about these topics: the need to discuss sex and HIV versus societal taboos against speaking about those issues from the pulpit; traditional cultural norms versus current lifestyles; and the ideals of abstinence and fidelity versus the reality of congregants’ sexual behaviour. Although some of the religious leaders accepted the idea of condom use, no denominational patterns were noted on that subject, except with respect to Catholic priests. Pentecostal leaders were notable for describing proactive strategies to address both the ideal/real dilemma and the tension between church norms and current media content about sexuality and HIV. Description: journal article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3955 Files in this item: 1
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Wamulama, O; Wambua, B; Akombo, A.S (Moran Publishers LTD, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Breakthrough Workbook English Form 3 is specifically developed to meet not only the needs of students and teachers but also give parents a chance to stay involved in their children’s education. The benefits of Breakthrough Workbooks are: • Helps the student in understanding the concepts learnt in class by answering the numerous challenging questions under self-check quiz section. • Encourage independent evaluation: students can do exercises alone thus promoting skill development and retention. • The jog your mind section encourages deeper thinking by the student. • Model exam papers covering the whole syllabus help the student prepare for KCSE and other exams. • Comprehensively cover the syllabus content, level by level: guaranteeing success in KCSE. • Contain sufficient objective to objective revision and self-assessment exercises. • Effective tools for Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs) on opening/entry, mid and end of term exams to boost value added progress (VAP) • Offer students a unique opportunity to work independently at home and in school. • Contain answers to enable students evaluate themselves. • Written by experienced practicing teachers and examiners. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3913 Files in this item: 1
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Mbogoh, Beatrice (Transformation, January , 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: From the 1930s the East African Revival influenced Christian expression in East Central Africa and around the globe. This book analyses influences upon the movement and changes wrought by it in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Congo, highlighting its impact on spirituality, political discourse and culture. A variety of scholarly approaches to a complex and changing phenomenon are juxtaposed with the narration of personal stories of testimony, vital to spirituality and expression of the revival, which give a sense of the dynamism of the movement. Those yet unacquainted with the revival will find a helpful introduction to its history. Those more familiar with the movement will discover new perspectives on its influence Description: Book Review URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3924 Files in this item: 1
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Miller, Neville Ann; Muraya, Julie Gathoni; Thuo, Ann Muthoni; Mjomba, Leonard (January , 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: As compared to their urban middle-income counterparts, women and children living in rural areas and urban informal settlements in Kenya face special challenges in accessing health information and services. Television and print health information is often confined to towns and cities and shortages of health workers and supplies hamper most rural health care systems (CBS, 2004). At the same time, rapid urbanization has put unprecedented strain on the existing resources in the cities and has resulted in high rates of unemployment, poverty, and poor health outcomes especially among women and children living in informal settlements (Africa Population and Health Research Center, 2002; Mutua-Kombo, 2001; Ngimwa, Ocholla, & Ojiambo, 1997Only middle- and upper-class Kenyans who live in the largest urban centers have As compared to their urban middle-income counterparts, women and children living in rural areas and urban informal settlements in Kenya face special challenges in accessing health information and services. Television and print health information is often confined to towns and cities and shortages of health workers and supplies hamper most rural health care systems (CBS, 2004). At the same time, rapid urbanization has put unprecedented strain on the existing resources in the cities and has resulted in high rates of unemployment, poverty, and poor health outcomes especially among women and children living in informal settlements (Africa Population and Health Research Center, 2002; Mutua-Kombo, 2001; Ngimwa, Ocholla, & Ojiambo, 1997Only middle- and upper-class Kenyans who live in the largest urban centers have ready access to information about prevention and care, and can take advantage of a range of early detection technologies and treatment options at private hospitals. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3950 Files in this item: 1
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Mwangi, Rose; Ngure, Peter; Thiga, Moses; Ngure, Jane (Global Journal of Health Science, 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is recognized as a critical component of effective HIV prevention initiative and has therefore been promoted nationally and within universities in Kenya. Upon successful counselling and testing those found to be HIV negative are informed to take the necessary measures to protect themselves while the infected are advised to start the required medication. This study examined the attitudes toward VCT services among university students in four Kenyan universities. 980 students filled self administered questionnaires. Results showed that 38.5% of the subjects had tested for HIV in the last 12 months and students (55.8%) felt less susceptible to HIV infection. Findings from a factor analysis revealed that the intention to seek the services was associated with five attitude subscales that were ranked as follows (i) people’s and personal concerns, (ii) friends concerns, (iii) value of testing, (iv) confidentiality and support, and (v) perceived susceptibility. The first three items are associated with stigma which was evidenced in the subjects’ report that admitting that one should test for HIV would imply that one has engaged in immoral behaviour. Secondly, subjects felt that their friends would look down on them if they tested for HIV. Knowing the students’ attitudes will therefore assist in the development of appropriate VCT interventions that will promote HIV testing and behaviour change. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3763 Files in this item: 1
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Obonyo, Levi; Fackler, P. Mark (Wiley-Blackwell, March 28, 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: This chapter focuses on common play, the first public activity most humans learn and practice. The authors use play theory to explain the significance of editorial cartooning in Kenya. They suggest that, in developing democracies that cannot assume universal literacy, media users concerned about public life receive initial and meaningful information on politics through conventions associated with the editorial cartoon. They argue that cartoon viewers learn through this play mode rather than from public debate or through a rational articulation of issues. The five cartoonists interviewed here describe their work in ways uncommon for the press establishment, and they evince values like courage, criticism of entrenched power, and passion for justice – values that the press establishment reveres, yet practices much more conservatively. Description: Book Chapter URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4118 Files in this item: 1
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Lando, Agnes Lucy (Daystar University, June , 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Many corporations have a Crisis Management Plan (CMP), which is designed to handle crises. These plans may include crisis response drills, evacuation plans, and standby machines/generators. However, when it comes to communication during a crisis, many organizations are ill-prepared because they lack a Crisis Communication Plan (CCP). Following the September 21, 2013 attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, the public’s praises for the security forces swiftly degenerated into blame, insults, and expressions of betrayal. The government seemed unprepared. There was no clearly spelt out CCP detailing what and when to release information, as well as who and how to make the release. Hence, every step the government took to give updates about the attack and what it was doing to secure the mall and save people was challenged by the media and the public. The lack of a CCP was evident in the presentation of several spokespersons by the authorities, double talk, conflicting messages, and uncertainty on the matter. This paper thus argues that while corporations strive for a variety of strategies for crisis management, there is need to also enshrine CCP in their CMP. It utilizes Coombs’ (2012) three-stage crisis management model that carefully considers the pre-crisis, crisis, and post-crisis stages. Focusing on selected corporations in Kenya that suffered crises between June 1, 2012 and October 30, 2013, this research holds that the crises duration and negative impact could have been lessened if the organizations integrated effective CCP in their CMP Description: Journal article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3961 Files in this item: 1
CritialRoleofCrisisComPlan.pdf (157.7Kb) -
Kowuor, Rosemary Nyaole (ResearchGate, 2015)[more][less]
Abstract: The implications of emerging digital technologies and increasing interest in the computerized delivery are immense: eLearning through electronic mail, the Internet, the World Wide Web (www), and multimedia are no longer mere add-ons in education and learning. This paper is based on an action research that aimed at developing a framework for achieving blended learning framework among Communication students at Daystar University, Kenya. Two-fold problem that served as a point of departure for this research was the fact that Daystar has put in place a platform for eLearning yet, only some members of faculty and students have been able to utilize this platform for learning purposes, while others find themselves less well equipped to cope with emerging technologies. The second problem area involved better understanding why some people turn to eLearning, while others do not. These variances were at the heart of the problem areas for this study. The study was based on Denscombe’s action research model and was conducted over a period of two years during which, I worked with students, as co-facilitators and peer-mentors, during every class session on rotational basis, in planning for class sessions and coming up with class activities or instructional practices that they believed would help promote active learning and critical reflection. Traditional class activities were centred on deep learning (data processing). Students did surface learning (data transfer) on the eLearning platform during their private time under the guidance of a pool of peer-mentors. Data analysis adopted Costello’s (2003, pg 57) approach that “there is a close relationship between the collection of action research data and its analysis.” After every class session, I met with the co-facilitators and their mentors to analyze the previous class sessions and designed activities for the next class. This implies that my data analysis was part of data gathering. It was a continuous process, as we reflected on learning activities during previous classes; adopted instructional practices that promoted reflective learning and discarded those that inhibited reflective learning. We designed each class activity in line with the lesson topic for each week. The study established a link between blended learning instructional practices and adoption of eLearning and recommends looking toward advancement of technology know-how and course design as strategies for promoting eLearning success among communication students at Daystar University. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3618 Files in this item: 1
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Masaviru, Mohan; Mwangi, Rose; Masindano, Peter (Developing Country Studies, 2015)[more][less]
Abstract: The problem of this study was the high rate of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions despite high contraceptive knowledge and family planning awareness in Kenya. The purpose of the research was to study the level of self-disclosure and contraceptives used by couples in Changamwe constituency. Descriptive survey design was used and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 269 respondents. It found out that self-disclosure among the couples was average - 52%. The study found out that 55.4% of the respondents used contraceptives while 44.6% did not. On the other hand, 72.9% reported to know of at least one contraceptive method. The common contraceptives used were birth control pills, birth control implants, injectable birth control and the male condom. The study concluded that there was still a wide gap between contraceptive awareness and its use because of the level of self-disclosure. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3764 Files in this item: 1
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Masaviru, Mohan; Mwangi, Rose; Masindano, Peter (New Media and Mass Communication, 2015)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of the research was to study the influence of self-disclosure on contraceptive use among couples in Changamwe constituency. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Multi-stage sampling was used in arriving at the target population in Migadini Estate. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the 269 respondents. The study found out that self-disclosure influenced contraceptive use because there was a weak but positive significant correlation between self-disclosure and contraceptive use. Pearson’s correlation showed that they were correlated, r (269), = .32, p < .001. Therefore, behaviour change communication programmes should focus on self-disclosure in order to convince married couples and romantic friends to disclose about their preferred contraceptives. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3765 Files in this item: 1
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