Doctor of Philosophy Dissertations
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Njuki, Makena F. (Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences, July 1, 2023)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Solution-Focused Therapy when employed as a therapeutic intervention in the alleviation of symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Depression among women who had experienced IPV in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to; assess the prevalence of different forms of IPV, evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and IPV prevalence, examine predictors influencing the prevalence of IPV, establish the severity of PTSD, Depression and Anxiety and to establish the efficacy of Solution Focused Therapy among women with PTSD, Depression and Anxiety due to IPV in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used Concurrent Triangulation Research Design. Participants were women above the age of eighteen years. They were screened for PTSD, Anxiety and Depression using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). The therapeutic intervention took place on a weekly basis for a period of 10 weeks. After this, there was a midline assessment. Following the midline assessment there was no intervention for a period of three months, thereafter the end line assessment was carried out. The quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27, whereas the qualitative data was analyzed using In vivo coding. The study established that Solution Focused Therapy was an effective intervention in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD, Depression and Anxiety in women who had experienced IPV in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. The final results demonstrated a notable reduction in the means of all the disorders in the experimental group from baseline to midline to endline [Depression (34.26;16.54;15.14), Anxiety (29.13;17.28;19.24) and PTSD (43.33;27.02;27.06)], whereas there was no noteworthy change in the means of all the disorders from baseline to midline to endline for the control group [Depression (32.25;34.39;32.40), Anxiety (27.83;27.69;28.53) and PTSD (45.09;42.25;42.43)]. The researcher recommended that due to the high prevalence of IPV, more counsellors need to be trained on SFT in both the public and private sector. Description: Thesis URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4201 Files in this item: 1
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Karanja, Rahab (Daystar University School of Applied Human Sciences, October , 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disease that calls for long term management. People who have T2DM are reported to experience depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who do not have. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in people diagnosed with T2DM in selected Sub-County Hospitals in Murang’a County. This study was based on Rational Emotive Behavioural Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study used quasi-experimental research design utilizing quantitative methods of data collection. The participants of the study were type 2 diabetic patients aged between 30-70 years. To sample the T2DM participants, purposive sampling method was applied. The study screened 161 patients with T2DM. The data collection instruments included socio-demographic questionnaire, Becks Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to screen for depression symptoms and Becks Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for anxiety. Out of a sample of 161 patients with T2DM, 121 exhibited mild and moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study established a high prevalence of depression and anxiety at 85.1% and 95.7% respectively. Moreover, the study found that the mean scores for depression and anxiety symptoms decreased from baseline to endline in the experimental group indicating that REBT intervention was effective in reducing the symptoms. Regular screening for depression and anxiety among patients with T2DM needs to be done and an integration of medication and REBT be provided accordingly in the Kenyan context. Description: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4104 Files in this item: 1
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Nzangi, Alice K. (Daystar University School of Applied Human Sciences, October , 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) on depression among adolescents in selected Public Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The study was informed by interpersonal theory and choice theory. Multiple time-series design was used. A sample size of 84 adolescents in forms1, 2 and 3, aged 14 to 19years was used, with 42 participants assigned to the experiment group and 42 the control group. The experimental group was exposed to 8 sessions of IPT treatment while the control group continued with treatment as usual during the study period. The demographic characteristics of the participants were collected using a socio demographic questionnaire. Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were the main tools used. Analysis of variance was done for data collected at baseline, midline and end line. The data revealed a general prevalence of depression at (58.9%). Depression was significantly high among the females and the form three participants (p = 0.000). Severity of depression was significant among the females as compared to the males (p = 0.000). Being day scholars, and whom the participant lived with were found to be risk factors to depression. A positive correlation at 2 tailed was found to exist between depression and PTSD (r = .336**; p = 0.000). The findings of this study showed that IPT was effective in treating depression among adolescents. Based on the findings, IPT was recommended in management of depression and improvement of mental health in adolescents in secondary school. Description: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4103 Files in this item: 1
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Karanja, Rahab (Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences, October , 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disease that calls for long term management. People who have T2DM are reported to experience depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who do not have. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in people diagnosed with T2DM in selected Sub-County Hospitals in Murang’a County. This study was based on Rational Emotive Behavioural Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study used quasi-experimental research design utilizing quantitative methods of data collection. The participants of the study were type 2 diabetic patients aged between 30-70 years. To sample the T2DM participants, purposive sampling method was applied. The study screened 161 patients with T2DM. The data collection instruments included socio-demographic questionnaire, Becks Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to screen for depression symptoms and Becks Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for anxiety. Out of a sample of 161 patients with T2DM, 121 exhibited mild and moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study established a high prevalence of depression and anxiety at 85.1% and 95.7% respectively. Moreover, the study found that the mean scores for depression and anxiety symptoms decreased from baseline to endline in the experimental group indicating that REBT intervention was effective in reducing the symptoms. Regular screening for depression and anxiety among patients with T2DM needs to be done and an integration of medication and REBT be provided accordingly in the Kenyan context. Description: Dissertation URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4019 Files in this item: 1
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Nzangi, Alice K. (Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences, October , 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) on depression among adolescents in selected Public Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The study was informed by interpersonal theory and choice theory. Multiple time-series design was used. A sample size of 84 adolescents in forms1, 2 and 3, aged 14 to 19years was used, with 42 participants assigned to the experiment group and 42 the control group. The experimental group was exposed to 8 sessions of IPT treatment while the control group continued with treatment as usual during the study period. The demographic characteristics of the participants were collected using a socio demographic questionnaire. Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were the main tools used. Analysis of variance was done for data collected at baseline, midline and end line. The data revealed a general prevalence of depression at (58.9%). Depression was significantly high among the females and the form three participants (p = 0.000). Severity of depression was significant among the females as compared to the males (p = 0.000). Being day scholars, and whom the participant lived with were found to be risk factors to depression. A positive correlation at 2 tailed was found to exist between depression and PTSD (r = .336**; p = 0.000). The findings of this study showed that IPT was effective in treating depression among adolescents. Based on the findings, IPT was recommended in management of depression and improvement of mental health in adolescents in secondary school. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4018 Files in this item: 1
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Mwangi, Susan Wanja (Daystar University, School of Communication, November , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: This study focused on community radio in Kenya with an emphasis on the changing nature of community access and participation due to the integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in community radio broadcasting. The objectives of the study were to determine how the internet and mobile phones are incorporated into community radio stations, examine the role of ICTs in promoting community participation through the decision making and content production in community radio, and investigate the extent to which ICTs enhance community access to community radio stations. This study was premised upon the domestication theory, the participatory culture model, and Fraser’s (1990) notion of alternative public sphere. It adopted a multiple case study design with the use of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, document review, and observation for data collection. The findings showed that the radio stations under study, that is, Amani FM, Bus Radio FM, and Kangema RANET FM, demonstrated that they had adapted digital technologies, although the community members did not fully participate in the decision-making process of the stations. The ICTs helped them improve the quality of the radio stations’ programmes, gather news and information, interact with their audiences, and communicate with their sponsors and donors at a greater scale. However, most of the participants still preferred to listen to radio programmes through traditional radio instead of using the internet, social media, or mobile phones. This study recommends that when integrating community radio with ICTs, the needs, perceptions, and expectations of the community radio station and potential challenges that this integration may bring to the community around it should be considered. The access of the community to the ICTs and their level of digital literacy should also be considered. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3962 Files in this item: 1
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Mbutu, Paul Mutinda (Texas A&M University, August , 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: While many non-governmental organizations provide leadership training in interethnic conflict management to Kenyan youth, relatively little is known about what goes into such training. This dissertation is a case study illustrating how the training structure operates. The purpose of this dissertation is to address the challenges associated with youth leadership training in inter-ethnic conflict management, how these challenges are managed, what differences the training makes, and how it is transferred back into the real-life of the youth. To better understand these issues, a two-month qualitative study was conducted divided in two phases involving trainers, youth participants, program designers, and community leaders. Twenty two interviews and 2 focus groups were completed. Results demonstrated four communicative challenges involved in the design of youth leadership training were: (1) audience analysis, (2) material resources, (3) participant challenges, and (4) diversity. Results showed that trainers addressed the communicative challenges by using the following management strategies: needs assessment, financial management, iv stakeholder education, and dialogue facilitation. The analysis suggested that the conditions that facilitate transfer of training were: participatory models, training organization, and trainee motivation. Similarly, conditions that inhibit training transfer included: resource constraints, youth motivation, environmental conditions, and diversity. Finally, results also suggested that the differences that leadership training made in the lives of the youth were: behavioral transformation, participant input, improved peaceful relationships, and skill development. Successfully managing the communicative challenges in the design and implementation of the training were the main goals of trainers, and the more they took ownership of these goals the more likely the training would be successful. This dissertation suggests that managing the communicative challenges associated with the design and conduct of youth leadership training is the first step to ensuring the training transfer for youth participants and achieving a workable leadership training in inter-ethnic conflict management. Description: Doctor of Philosophy URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3946 Files in this item: 1
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Radoli, Lydia Ouma (BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, January , 2019)[more][less]
Abstract: This dissertation examines how migration and development narratives are (re)produced in transnational digital migrant media using an example of Kenyan migration to Europe, as its main sociological question. It also raises questions about existing gaps in the literature on the role of the media specifically, transnational digital migrant media in constructing influential discourses. It achieves this quest by submitting to an objective to examine the contribution of migrant media discourses to development in migration-sending countries (De Haas, 2007). Using postcolonial-discourse theoretic approach, the thesis analyses the criteria for selection of texts on migration and development, and how the texts inform the discourse. It establishes that postcolonialism is prevalent in European social research, but limited to justifying historical occurrences and re-writing wrongs done to Africans and others formerly colonized. The theoretical concepts of development in this thesis follow Arturo Escobar’s (1995) deconstruction of conventional development theory. It includes an appreciation of multi-faceted theoretic dynamics, especially historical effects on development and creation of hegemonic disparities causing migration of Kenyans to Europe. The dissertation explores the relation of liberal development narratives to Postcolonial perspectives of Edward Said (1977), Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak (1986) and Homi Bhabha (1983), whose writings expose stereotypes like those found in development constructs. This dissertation highlights similar aspects of representations of migration and development in the media. It does not only expose migrant’s contribution to development but accentuates the discourse forming function of migrant media in the production of heterogeneous narratives on migration and development. This reflection is an attempt to look at possibilities of alternative development trajectories in migrant media and Postcolonial texts, that resist neo-colonial economic narratives forced on people of African descent. The findings for this thesis show that migrant media provides hegemonic ideas on development, as well as alternative counterhegemonic views. Hence, development in modern Africa since self-determination in the 1950s and 1960s continues to furnish the media’s socio-economic and political discourse. Even though poverty and political instability of Africa characterize narratives in the mainstream media, migrant media utilizes new media platforms for “subalterns” to be heard. Migrants’ inputs on development (re)produced in migrant media, inform a discourse that champions initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in migration-sending countries. To answer the main sociological question on (re)production of narratives this dissertation learns from Norman Fairclough’s (1995, 2012) guidelines to discourse analysis, as informed from Michel Foucault’s (1980) theoretic approach. As a qualitative research strategy, the dissertation explores Texts from transnational digital migrant media for Kenyans in Europe (Germany and UK) and expert interviews with Kenyan media producers in Germany and in Britain. On this basis, the thesis argues that not only are media expert’s contributors to development but are also important creators of a discourse that qualifies migration as a reality in Kenya’s development. Description: Doctoral dissertation URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3943 Files in this item: 1
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Komen, Leah Jerop (University of East London, 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Research on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Development involves assumptions about the potential of such technologies to engender social transformations and development. Corporate organisations have financed studies that seek to understand the impact of such technologies in a bid to push for their business agenda (Castells et al., 2007; Vodafone, 2005; ITU, 2004) and also act as a means of helping developing nations eradicate poverty levels in the wake of the millennium development goals (MDGs). This kind of development is seen as synchronic, without considering the target populations’ involvement in decision making, and also tends to dictate what development should look like in the eyes of most development economies where such ICTs like mobile telephones have come from. Such development is also considered as being linear in nature (Melkote and Steeves, 2003; Donovan, 2011). This thesis is an attempt to advance the second kind of development that is diachronic in nature, which pays attention to the interrelationships of human technology rather than the former that privileges technology as engendering social transformations and development. This kind of development has been conceptualised as maendeleo, a Swahili term that denotes process, participation, progress and growth. Unlike the first perspective of development that views technology as causing changes, maendeleo sees social transformations and development as an interaction between mobile telephony users and their specific contexts. It is a localised understanding of development from the participants’ encounters with mobile telephony in their everyday life. This thesis thus examines the role of mobile telephony in the social transformation and development of the Marakwet people of rural Kenya, using ethnographic methods of data collection and assemblage theory as theoretical framework. Historically the Marakwet community of Kenya suffered from decades of insecurity due to cattle-rustling with their neighbours. Since its advent in Marakwet a decade ago, mobile telephony still remains complex. On one hand, it is seen as answering the insecurity question by allowing users to alert each other in case of an invasion, but at the same time is seen as the source of more insecurity, especially since mobile phones can also aid the enemies to cattle-rustle. Physical meetings that are the domain of most Marakwets are also affected by the technology, with it being seen as reducing the need 9 for social gatherings, yet enhancing it at the same time. Mobile money transfers, discussed as M-PESA, have not been spared either regarding services deemed to boost development and bring about social cohesion, on one hand, while still believed to cause disharmony within households and also be a ‘risky’ endeavour with lack of sufficient money deposit security, on the other. Twenty-five ethnographic interviews were conducted with 12 households, taking into account age, gender, literacy levels and the length of time the device had been accessed by users. The interviews were complemented with data obtained from 5 focus group discussions among homogeneous groups (women, men, clan elders, girls and boys). The findings show that mobile phone is implicated in everyday life of the people of Marakwet, challenging concepts such as co-presence, power and gender relationships, interpersonal networks and also the idea that the use of mobile telephony in the region incorporates older modes of communication models such as the community horn. Mobile telephony influences and is influenced by all areas of community life: health, education, and agriculture, religion forming assemblages of people (users), financial institutions, government and mobile phone service providers. This thesis challenges the dichotomisation of society into micro (individual or household) and macro (national or societal) that ignores the intermediate or meso levels. The boundaries suggested by such categorisation are blurred by communication technologies that re-define terms, such as time and space, public or private places, here and there. In a way, macro and micro distinctions also assign power to macro forces to determine the micro, which in the advent of technologies, the micro can only be changed if they so wish and not necessarily because change has been decided, packaged and delivered to them via mobile telephony or any other communication technologies. Instead, it is how they negotiate power, gender relations, cultural inclinations and socio-economic dispositions in their domesticated use of mobile telephony that facilitates social change and development. Description: Doctor of Philosophy URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3937 Files in this item: 1
MOBILE ASSEMBLAGES AND MAENDELEO IN.pdf (3.052Mb) -
Mutai, Bertha Kirigo (Andrews University, 1991)[more][less]
Abstract: In Kenya, the majority of women in education occupy classroom teaching positions. Educational officers, in their hiring practices, appear to overlook women as resources, thereby depriving the schools of the skills and talents of potentially capable leaders. Students are also denied the role models of female leaders. This study investigates how difficult it is for women to secure professional careers in educational administration in Kenya.The population consisted of all the female teachers employed by the Ministry of Education in Kenya, and female Kenyan students in North American universities. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the women teachers selected from five educational levels, namely, university, commercial and technical colleges, secondary and primary schools, and Kenyan students in North American universities. The data collected were analyzed and tested for significant differences related to the women's marital status, age, education, and experience. All 52 items were tested by Chi-square and the alpha level was .05 for all tests. The conclusions are given in the order presented in the Purpose of the Study. 1. A majority of women teachers strongly agreed that advanced degrees were the key to administrative positions. 2. It appears that self-confidence to become school administrators was lacking as portrayed in the women's responses. 3. Women teachers believed they would gain selfsatisfaction in school administration positions. 4. Culture was recognized as the major barrier as compared to all other factors. 5. Family pressures were also a deterrent to women teachers aspiring to become educational administrators. Reproduced with6. Kenyan women teachers showed little interest in and commitment to educational administration as a career. 7. Lack of role-models was yet another factor preventing women from pursuing careers in educational administration. Description: Dissertation URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3926 Files in this item: 1
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Kiptinness, Evonne Mwangale (Daystar University School of Communication, October , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: Interpersonal communication, and in particular provider-patient communication, is integral to health communication and benefits patient satisfaction, retention, and overall health outcomes. Kenya is one of six HIV/AIDS ‘high burden’ countries in Africa, with about 1.5 million people reported to be living with HIV at the end of 2019 and 6800 new infections among children. A contributing factor to these infections is the mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or breastfeeding. Anchored on the convergence theory and social influence theory, a pre-post survey (N = 161), interviews (N = 2) and focus group discussions (N = 11) were employed to identify differences and determine challenges between mothers who receive support through the mentor mother program and their counterparts who do not have access to such support. The study also established the perceptions of mentor mothers on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme in Homa Bay, Kenya. Study participants were selected using convenient sampling at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kandege Health Centre. Qualitative data was analysed using a Welch t-test, while thematic analysis using Dedoose was used for qualitative data. Findings showed that post-natal participants had significantly greater PMTCT knowledge (sig = 0.02) than post-intervention participants who had access to a mentor mother. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of attitudes, PMTCT practices, interpersonal communication, mutual understanding, compliance, identification, and internalization. The study recommends provision of interpersonal communication skills training for mentor mothers to better improve their impact in communities. Description: Doctor of philosophy In communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3907 Files in this item: 1
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Aswani, Daniel Robert (Daystar University, School of Communication, June , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: In this study, I explored the phenomenological question on what perceptions terror victims had towards government communication on terror (GCT) during the Garissa University College terror attack. During the attack, anxious citizens yearned for government communication to enable them to make decisions on their safety. A review of relevant literature revealed that GCT had not been problematized from the perspective of the terror victims. Through the study’s research questions, I sought to understand the expectations terror victims had of government communication, how terror victims experienced and understood the government based on its communication on terror, what terror victims perceived as the message typologies in GCT, and what individual and shared terror victims’ perceptions were constructed towards GCT. I targeted students and staff who survived the attack and their families, as well as the families of the 147 students and staff who died during the attack. Over a period of four months, I used the snowball sampling technique to conduct ten in-depth interviews. The study findings revealed the need for a comprehensive GCT. Further, the findings revealed a high ranking for action every time the government communicates on terror; and that GCT is at its optimum when it is considered in a continuum where communication punctuates messages on policies, precepts and procedures, interventions, relationships, and ultimately, the actions taken by the government. The study also established that the terror victims’ perceptions had sprung from their expectations of GCT. Several recommendations were drawn from the study findings and discussions, key among them, the urgent need to form a fully-fledged GCT unit to enable the government to deal with issues arising from terror activities. Finally, the government should make every effort to remain agile on matters communication. Description: Doctor of philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3899 Files in this item: 1
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Mutie, Benjamin Muindi (Daystar University, School of Communication. Nairobi, October , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: Since 2011, the impact and frequency of terrorism in Kenya have soared consistently. Consequently, terrorism reporting is today a major recurring news item in various media outlets. This research employed a phenomenological inquiry based on 28 in-depth interviews with journalists who have covered terrorism in Kenya between 2011 and 2019. Specifically, it first explored the lived experiences of journalists involved in this coverage and, secondly, examined the structures that influence their work when reporting on this beat. Third, it investigated ways in which structures influence the freedoms of journalists who have reported on terrorism. Last, the study explored the implications that the structural influences have on the journalistic freedoms of those covering the news topic. Within the context of lived experiences, findings indicate three major themes: fear of surveillance, the safety of journalists at risk, and nationalistic reportage. The fear of surveillance is characterized by worries about surveillance by state security agents and terrorists, while the safety of journalists at risk comprises psychological and physical safety. Nationalistic coverage is highly associated with Kenya-born reporters – an outright biased in favor of their nation. Legal and policy and organization structures influence those covering terrorism. The ways in which the structures influence journalistic freedoms comprise two themes: constraints in accessing information, resulting in journalists exploring alternative avenues for news; and the violation of tenets of professional journalism, such as impartiality, objectivity, and journalistic ethics. Under the fourth line of investigation, journalistic autonomy is the single major implication related to the coverage of terrorism, featuring low journalistic independence, self-censorship, and biased reporting. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3823 Files in this item: 1
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Onyalla, Don Bosco (Daystar University, School of Communication, October , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: Journalism scholars argue that professional news journalism is in crisis. To establish the extent of such crisis, context- and culture-based research has been recommended. Some scholars have identified news negativity and source bias among the problems of professional news journalism, aspects that combine to show a disregard for public interest. Employing mixed methods research design, this study sought to gain insight into professional news journalism practice in Kenya from three perspectives: news valence, the diversity of news sourcing channels, and the diversity of news actors. Quantitative data was collected through quantitative content analysis of headlines and stories (n = 1,132) from seven major news-making events in a six-year period (2015-2020) across four Kenyan national newspapers. Qualitative data was generated through in-depth interviews with 25 journalists involved in the coverage of the seven events. The findings showed an overall bias toward negative valence and a strong portrayal of conflict-driven journalism; limited sourcing, characterized by an overwhelming dominance of journalists’ analyses; a heavy reliance on official sources; a journalism practice that leans toward news-for-profit rather than news-for-information through low-cost and easy-to-access strategies; and a systemic bias toward the elites, and against ordinary citizens. This evidence-based position regarding news valence and source diversity in Kenyan mainstream newspapers can facilitate precise responses to the concerns about news negativity and source bias. This can serve the interests of Kenya’s professional news journalists, media managers, institutions of journalism, media scholars, and policymakers within the context of the news media industry. Based on this study’s findings, policies in the news media industry can be updated in view of fostering the interests of 21st century audiences. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3817 Files in this item: 1
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Gakari, Beatrice Wairimu (Daystar University, School of Communication, May , 2018)[more][less]
Abstract: This is a study in Organisational Communication, which explores how communication constitutes the Chama, a popular form of organising in Kenya, and in many African countries. In Kenya, figures suggest that up to one in three Kenyans belong to at least one Chama. Despite this prevalence of Chamas in society, they have not been studied as organisations, and more specifically, they have not been studied from a communication perspective. The problem explored in this study was how communication constitutes the Chama, a non-formal organisation. This was an interpretive study using a case study design, and a comparative case study type. Four purposively selected Chamas were studied between May 2017 and November 2017. This involved two in-depth interviews with two leaders from each Chama and four focus group discussions. In addition, I wrote extensive reflections on a blog, based on observations of three Chama meetings for each Chama. This study used McPhee and Zaug’s Four Flows, a theory of communicative constitution, as a theoretical framework to explore how communication constitutes the Chama. The findings hold the theory of communicative constitution as explicated in FF, but demonstrates specifics of how it applies to Chamas. This study adds to the body of knowledge the Intangible Social Fabric, which emerged from the findings as a special flow. It facilitates the Four Flows discussed in theory in order to weave a firm Chama. The study concluded that not only are Chamas organisations, which are constituted through communication, but that they also present a surface for theorising the Communicative Constitution of African organisation. The study recommended that the intangible social fabric be identified and cultivated in any organisation, as it proves the fecundity of communication in birthing strong organisation. Key words: Chamas, organisations, Communicative Constitution, Four Flows, Intangible Social Fabric. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3542 Files in this item: 1
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Omungo, Ruth Mumo (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)[more][less]
Abstract: Anxiety and depression are common problems facing older people. They become intensified among older clergy, whose mental problems are framed not just by their age, but also by their vocational experiences. This study assessed the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as an intervention for depression and anxiety symptoms for older clergy, and focused on selected mainline Christian denominations in Nairobi, Kenya. The study used a convenient sample of n=132 participants aged 60 years and above. A quasi-experimental research design was used, with an experimental group being exposed to MBCT-SH therapy for twelve weeks and followed up for eight weeks. Data was collected via a socio-demographic questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Index (BDI). At the baseline about 90% of participants had either mild or moderate anxiety. For the control group, anxiety estimates grew by 9%, while for the treatment group they fell by 42%, hence the intervention was effective in this regard. For depression, about 52% of participants had mild or moderate depression. A significant effect was observed in relation to the interaction of the intervention and time whereby for the control group, depression estimates grew by 80% between the baseline and midline, while for the treatment group, they reduced by 40%, hence the intervention had a significant effect on depression levels. The participants found the MBCT convenient to use, informative on the contextualised causes, triggers, and manifestations of both anxiety and depression, and effective in reducing their symptoms. They however expressed reservations about the philosophical basis of MBCT, which they felt lacked biblical backing up. The findings give incipient evidence for the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing both the levels of anxiety and depression among older clergy and can help practitioners to develop integrative strategies to prevent and treat anxiety and depression. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3540 Files in this item: 1
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Mbiriri, Michael K. (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, May , 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: Behavioural problems have remained a critical problem among girls incarcerated in rehabilitation schools. The strategies that have been put in place by the government of Kenya seem not to be fully effective in treating adolescents in rehabilitation centers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether multisystemic therapy (MST) would be effective in treating behavioural problems of incarcerated adolescent girls in the two out of ten government rehabilitation schools in Kenya. The researcher purposively sampled the only two girls’ government rehabilitation schools at Kirigiti and Dagoretti in Kiambu and Nairobi counties respectively. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design with the two rehabilitation schools being randomly assigned into either treatment or control group. Quantitative method was used to collect the data through the use of questionnaire and Achenbach youth self-report (YSR) (11-18 years). Baseline data was first collected in the two sites. Those found with selected behavioural problems in the experimental sites were treated with MST. In the control site there was no intervention. In the third and six months after intervention, the researcher administered YSR to determine the level of selected behavioural problems in the two sites. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. T-test, Chi square, Anova as well as Ancova tests were carried. The prevalence rates for depression, anxienty disorder and conduct disorder were 66.7%, 70.5% and 55% respectively. In the experimental group the study shows statistically significance difference in mean differences scores at both post-treatment one and two (p<0.001). Therefore this is an indication that MST had an impact on post treatment one and two among juvenile delinquents in experimental as opposed to control groups. The results provide significant insights into effectiveness of MST on selected behavioral problems among juvenile girls incarcerated in rehabilitation schools Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3539 Files in this item: 1
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James, Naomi (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, May , 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: This study set to establish the effectiveness of behavior and rational emotive behavior therapies (REBT) in treating conduct disorder among juvenile delinquents. The objectives of the study were to establish the prevalence of conduct disorder among juvenile delinquents, determine the exposure of juveniles to distressful situations and determine the effectiveness of behavior and REBT therapies in treating conduct disorder. The study sample was drawn from Kabete and Wamumu rehabilitation schools in Nairobi and Kirinyaga counties respectively. A sample size of 94 respondents was drawn out of a population of 167 using purposive sampling procedure. This study used quasi-experimental design and quantitative data was collected in three time series. The Child Behavior Checklist Youth Self Report for ages 11-18 (2001) questionnaire was used to assess symptoms of conduct disorder. This questionnaire has proven validity and reliability of 0.82. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Studies (2011) and included bivariate, multivariate and multimodal analysis. The study established that the prevalence of conduct disorder was 36.5%, and respondents who presented with other psychological disorders were more likely to have conduct disorder: anxious depressed (OR=0.050, 95% CI: 0.110-0.255; p=<0.0001), internalizing anxiety (OR=0.067, CI: 0.024-0.187; p=<0.0001). Moreover, experiencing distressful events was significantly associated with the occurrence of conduct disorder. The study established a statistically significant reduction of conduct disorder symptoms from a mean of 19.96 at baseline to 8.26 at post-treatment two and this was significant at p<0.001, indicating the effectiveness of behavior and REBT therapies in treating conduct disorder. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that behavior and REBT therapies be integrated in the juveniles’ rehabilitation program. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology - abstract URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3533 Files in this item: 1
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Machua, Thomas Mutungi (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, February , 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Kenya has one of the most organized Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) programmes in Africa the implementation of its curriculum faces many challenges. Thika East in Kiambu County is not exceptional to these challenges. The purpose of this study was to conduct a situational analysis in the implementation of thematic-integrated curriculum in selected pre-schools in Thika East, Kiambu County. The objectives included: to establish the current thematic-integrated curriculum implementation strategies in these pre-schools; to assess the factors influencing the implementation of thematic-integrated curriculum in these pre-schools; to suggest ways of improving implementation of thematic-integrated curriculum in these pre-schools. A descriptive study was conducted by administering a questionnaire to teachers in Thika East. An in-depth interview was also conducted among pre-school administrators in Thika East. A documentary review analysis of the schemes of work and lesson plans of pre-school teachers was also done. The findings showed that almost every school had a teacher trained in NACECE/DICECE curriculum. The majority of the teachers and administrators also agreed that there was improvement in the teaching performance after training in NACECE/DICECE curriculum. Lack of adequate teaching and learning materials was the major challenge in the implementation of thematic-integrated curriculum. In addition most teachers did not follow the schemes of work. The study recommended that school administrators regularly supervise teachers and ensure adequate budgetary allocation to the pre-schools; the teachers to attend continuous training, and government should employ ECDE supervisors and provide resources for ECDE programmes. Description: Master of Arts in Child Development URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3476 Files in this item: 1
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Kerongo, Stellah Moraa Osoro (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: This study employed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) with the intention to reduce depression symptoms and enhance academic performance of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) adolescents in selected primary schools, Nairobi County, Kenya. The main objective was to establish the effectiveness of REBT in treating depression and enhancing academic performance among DHH adolescents. The study utilized quasi-experimental design in which Aga Khan Primary School was the experimental group and Joseph Kangethe Primary School was the control group. The study sample size was 64 DHH adolescents from Pre-Primary one to class eight aged between 14 to 20 years. Data collection was done through the social demographic questionnaires, Becks depression inventory and document analysis. The findings revealed that the respondents’ academic performance was affected by the mode of communication used, frequency of respondents’ caregiver assistance in doing homework, giving extra homework and who the respondents share their problems with at β = -.010 (p=0.014), β=-0.153 (p=0.054), β=0.005 (p=0.007) and β=0.111 (p=0.050) respectively. In addition, the study findings revealed that there was association between predictive factors and academic performance on caregivers who attended school meetings (p=0.034), encouraging respondents to always work hard (p=0.034), caregivers who are role models to respondents (p=0.052) and respondents being taught life skills by caregivers (p=0.006). The results revealed that the effect size between subjects was substantial and had effects from baseline to midline F=33.348 d=.353 (CI=-1.460 - -.709) and midline to end line at F=61.449 d = .502 (CI= -1.907 - -1.132). National policy makers (Ministry of Education/KICD)implement inclusion of sign language in the curriculum taught in schools and exclusion of school based counselors. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3398 Files in this item: 1