Browsing Doctor of Philosophy Dissertations by Issue Date
Now showing items 1-20 of 35
Next Page-
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
-
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
-
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) -
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
-
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
-
Waiyaki, Winnie W. (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, May , 2016)
[more][less]Abstract: This study focused on depression and anxiety among family caregivers (FCGs) of dialysis patients. Studies have shown that this population has an onerous caregiving burden with the patient requiring much care due to the unique demands of kidney failure. This leads to depression and anxiety in the FCGs which requires psychological intervention. Available interventions have constituted mainly of education on renal disease and very little on psychotherapeutic treatments for the FCGs. Therefore, this study tested a model of psychotherapy referred to as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Using a convenience sample in various hospitals in Nairobi, this quasi-experiment determined the severity of depression and anxiety among the FCGs, their social demographics (and those of their patients) and how these characteristics associated with the mental disorders in question. The sample had an experimental (n=49) and a control group (n=47). The participants were assessed using various psychological tools and a researcher-generated socio-demographic questionnaire. Only those who had depression and anxiety were included in the study. Assessments were done at baseline, midline and endline. Only the experimental group received the CBT. Data was analysed using inferential statistics. Chi-square, t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare the distribution of different variables within and between the study groups. Regressions were done to test the strength of associations between the variables. The results revealed that the FCGs had moderate depression and anxiety with an 85% comorbidity rate. Gender, residence with the patients, doing business while caregiving and education level of the patients were positively associated with depression and anxiety. CBT was found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety, from moderate to mild and normal. Hence, CBT was recommended as part of the treatment protocols for ESKD. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3151 Files in this item: 1
-
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
-
Ng’ang’a, Rebecca (School of communication, Daystar University, May , 2017)
[more][less]Abstract: The core of all development is communication that gives people ability to conceive of desired change, imagine how to change it and make a choice to change. This study aimed to establish what motivated some people to communicate in a way that influenced others to engage in beneficial and developmental actions. It also sought to establish what the people understood as development, how it would be realized, how they engaged with the people and got people involved in their transformation. The study used a qualitative research design to select ten Kenyans to share their life stories. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Analysis focused on participants’ narratives, and especially those parts of their stories that responded to the research question- what motivated the participants to act for the benefit of others? From the findings, the participants were continually critical of their lives and that led them to searching for solutions. That left them with a sense of inner security that could have given the freedom to be authentic and ready to learn and share in the on-going social construction of reality that resulted in transformation. The study showed that a sense of self, curiosity, questioning, and trusting, caring and seeing new possibilities as necessary to positively influence other people leading to both personal and national development. The study concluded that communicative development is a combination of several factors including; family background, love of God and people, and interpersonal communication skills including speaking more than one language. The study recommends promotion of economic equity, strengthening family ties that incorporate ideals and aspirations which would inculcate in people unique, curious, and continuous learning with deep love for God and people. The study also recommends development of an African Communication Theory on what motivates communicative acts that lead to societal transformation. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3264 Files in this item: 1
-
Muthoni, King’ori Esther (School of communication, Daystar University, October , 2017)
[more][less]Abstract: The growth of social media in Kenya has given rise to the phenomenon of blogging, an avenue of information dissemination from a personal perspective. Its spread has focused attention on various ethical issues that arise in relation to bloggers. These include the trustworthiness of blogs, the accuracy and fairness of their reports, and the appropriateness of allowing mainstream journalists to write personal opinions on their blogs. This study investigated blogging in Kenya with the hindsight of concerns that have been expressed in the media industry regarding the status of blogging and its ethical practice. The focus of the study was on bloggers who posted news on their blogs but not as part of mainstream media. The study explored the ethical frameworks used by Kenyan news bloggers who were not mainstream journalists, the ethical values that guided their work, their motivation for blogging, and whether they perceived their practice as unethical. The study used the exploratory research design because blogging is a fairly new phenomenon. Using a qualitative research approach to interrogate a purposively constructed sample, data was collected through in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion. Data analysis was done through thematic analysis of transcribed data. The key findings indicated that a likely normative ethical framework for news bloggers would intersperse libertarianism, social responsibility and democratic-participation. Findings further suggested that the Kenyan bloggers studied were not opposed to ethical standards for their practice, but that they would like to lead debate on the same. Bloggers who participated in the research also felt that claims that they were unethical were unfounded, suggesting that the accusations were an attempt to introduce censorship into the practice. A key recommendation that emerged from the study is the need for a multi-stakeholder forum comprising bloggers, the bloggers’ association, representatives from communication regulatory bodies, representatives from the media industry, experts from the communication sector, and communication scholars, to further debate the issue of standards for the blogging practice. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3253 Files in this item: 1
-
Wamunyu, Irene Wambui (Daystar University, School of Communication, November , 2017)
[more][less]Abstract: The incorporation of digital technologies in for-profit newsrooms has led to disruptions in journalism hierarchies, business models, norms, and practices across the world. In African newsrooms, these disruptions have received a paucity of scholarly attention, and even those have tended towards policy and regulatory matters, or normative analyses founded on the Western liberal democratic model. This study interrogated the incorporation of the web in Kenyan journalistic practice by following the process as undertaken at Capital FM, the country’s pioneer commercial radio station. The study set out to establish the human and technological actors engaged in journalistic practice at Capital FM, as well as determine the nature of interaction among those actors, and the outcomes of those interactions. The research used a socio-technical theoretical lens and applied case study research design with four data collection tools, namely observation, interviews, netnography, and document review. The study used a six-step framework to reduce, organise and evaluate the data. Actor-network theory informed the identification of the actors, their interactions, and the outcomes of those interactions. A thematic analysis was also applied to more deeply interrogate and interpret the data. The two analytical approaches established that Capital FM practiced a networked journalism enacted by multiple human, technological and corporate actants, resulting in modifications and disruptions that were manifested in various efforts of labour, controversies, movement among actors, new roles, and spatial location. New roles were enrolled into journalistic practice, and new practices had become routinised. Audiences had acquired a powerful role through web metrics which informed journalists’ routines and sense of self-identity. Journalistic practice had a new definition, and the blurring of lines between editorial and promotional content had opened new lines of revenue generation even while disrupting the normative values underlying news production. Globalised practices, such as the use of open-source applications, had standardised aspects of the journalism enacted in geographically diverse networked newsrooms. The study also held that actor-network theory was useful in interrogating power dynamics within a networked newsroom context. The study further posited that a new type of commercial news media company had emerged in the Kenyan context, and was defined under the following thematic categories: organisational culture, key decision makers, content, revenue, and infrastructure. The study recommended greater collaboration and interaction between personnel in the two spatial locations to promote greater innovation around content development and an increased understanding among all of the web’s potential as a news platform. It also posited that the web was treated as an online version of a newspaper. This frequently limited the news content to two-dimensional presentations of news yet human actants in the news production process could make greater use of the web’s multimediality, hypertextuality, and interactivity. The study also called for greater reflection among media houses about the implications of the new revenue generation opportunities vis-à-vis journalistic practice. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3299 Files in this item: 1
-
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
-
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
-
Ndayikunda, Yves (School of communication, Daystar University, June , 2019)
[more][less]Abstract: We live in the age of democracy and democracy is not only possible in the societies where there is freedom of information and discussion (Riaz, 2007). E-democracy plays a big role transcending barriers associated with traditional means of participation in democracy. However to be efficient, e-democracy requires appropriate means and strategic integration with other existing means of communication. Following recent studies (Kumar, 2017) e-democracy is often studied in isolation and opposition with other existing means of communication. Thus, this study addressed this problem by approaching e-democracy from logic of continuum and complementarity with other means of participation in a global political communication perspective. Using mixed method research design, and guided by ‘uses and gratification’ and participatory democracy theories, this study sought to find out how Burundi citizens participate in e-democracy and their level of satisfaction as well as investigate Burundi’s ICTs policy framework in fostering democratic and civic engagement. Findings showed that Burundians participated in decision making by means of e-democracy, however, their level of satisfaction was moderate, citing a lack of sufficient consideration for online participation vis-à-vis the traditional media. Other findings include: fear of repression by the government, integration of communication in other means of communication, access to ICTs and use of social media in political arena and lack of e-democracy appropriate means of participation as notable challenges. This study shifted from dichotomies of determinism (technological, cultural) to an emerging balanced position that e-democracy is assessed well contextually. In conclusion, e-democracy has a lot of potential to enhance citizen participation in decision making but its efficacy must be anchored in democracy principles, two way communication perspective, and its integration with existing means of communication. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3252 Files in this item: 1
-
Owino, Ruth (Daystar University, School of Communication, May , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: This study sought to critically analyse the strategic and political dimensions of government communication by focusing on PSCU, OGS, and Ministry of ICT. The objectives were to; Determine the structures and processes of communication, Investigate whether communication is strategically managed; Examine the role of the political system on the operations of communication; and, the extent to which government communication facilitates citizen participation. The study was grounded on excellence and deliberative democracy theories. A single-case (embedded) design was adopted and the target population was the communication professionals working at PSCU, OGS, and Ministry of ICT. Data was collected through interviews, questionnaires and document analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data was thematically analysed. The study found out that government communication was transitional, its structures were defined by the existing political power and governance structure. The structures and processes were decentralized, fragmented and tactical. The findings indicated that government communication lacked the overarching strategy, was poorly coordinated and had short-term plans hence contradicting messages. The findings also indicated that there were two cadres of professionals: political appointees and civil servants, however the two cadres were not well managed and coordinated. Further the study found out that the internet provided new possibilities for transparency and citizen engagement, it provided new ways and channels of information dissemination and interaction. Government communication should be professionalised, be based on frameworks and policies that are encultured on the precept of strategic communication. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3376 Files in this item: 1
-
Ngesa, Maureen Onyango (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, August , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: This quasi-experimental study tested the efficacy of a Modified Complicated Grief Therapy (MCGT) in treating complicated grief (CG) among orphaned children in selected public primary schools in Siaya County. The study had 241 participants comprising orphaned children aged 10-15 years. The participants were grouped into treatment and control groups, and only the treatment group received 12 weeks of the MCGT intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the participants’ grief prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics. Pearson correlation coefficient (p) and linear regression helped to determine the risk factors associated with CG, while t-tests were used to assess the efficacy of the MCGT intervention. The prevalence of grief among the participants was 66%. Over half of the participants were paternal orphans (56.5%), most had lost their parents through sickness (74.2%), and almost half had also lost a sibling (48.9%). The number of siblings, separation from siblings, and perceived level of closeness to deceased mother (prior to her death) showed significant association with CG. In contrast, age, gender, perceived level of closeness to deceased father (before his death), and cultural factors did not show significant association with CG. The MCGT was effective in the reduction of CG symptoms with an average total reduction of 16.75 points in the 12 weeks, and a weekly average reduction of 1.29 scores. The study recommends that MCGT be included as a component in all programs targeting orphaned and vulnerable children, be adopted as a school-based grief program, and be used in capacity building for guidance and counseling teachers and practicing therapists. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3377 Files in this item: 1
-
Mugambi, Priscilla (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents thus, necessitating effective interventional measures for those at risk. The effectiveness of DBT PE in the Kenyan population had not been ascertained before this study. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) in treating Suicidal Behavior (SB) among adolescents with SB, Depressive Disorders (DD), and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) in Nairobi County. The study objectives were to establish the prevalence of SB, DD, and PTSD; determine the severity of SB; examine the risk factors for SB; assess the relationship between PTSD and DD; and evaluate the efficacy of DBT PE in treating SB. Both cognitive-behavioral and biosocial theories were used to inform the development and intervention for the disorders. The quasi-experimental design was used. Data was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and Beck's Depression Inventory. From the 1,040 students who were assessed at baseline, a study sample of 104 students was purposively selected. The experimental group received DBT PE treatment but the control group did not. Both groups were evaluated from baseline, midline to end-line. Data was keyed into statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24 and analyzed. The study established SB prevalence (21.5%) and that of comorbid DD, PTSD and SB (15.0%). SB, DD, and PTSD had a significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.48 to 0.653, p <0.001). The efficacy of DBT PE was established in treatment of SB, DD and PTSD. The study recommends early assessment of the disorders in schools and inclusion of DBT PE in life skills lessons and in the Kenya national suicide prevention plan for the treatment of adolescents and young adults. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3367 Files in this item: 1
-
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
-
Chege, Evalyne Njoki (Daystar University, School of Communication, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate how three Kenyan newspapers are managing the digital disruption, and sought to answer three research questions; 1) What is the impact of the mobile phone and Internet technologies on Kenyan daily newspapers? 2) What strategic responses are being executed by Kenyan daily newspapers in response to the digital disruption occasioned by the internet and the mobile phone? 3) What are the key influences behind these strategic responses, business models and proposed revenue streams? A qualitative approach was employed to conduct this research through a multiple case study research method. A multiple case study was used with the intention of testing the same research questions within different contexts while applying the same data generation techniques and analysis for each context. Three Kenyan dailies were studied in this research. The data generation tools included; in-depth interviews with 23 senior executives and senior editors, document reviews and participant observations. This inquiry found that the Kenyan newspapers under study are currently executing four main strategies in response to the digital disruption: protecting the old business, alternative sources of revenue, pivot to digital and culture change. Based on the findings, this study concludes that the Kenyan newspaper industry has yet to disrupt itself in the wake of increasing digitisation, and instead continues to grapple with challenges of digital disruption. Several recommendations are presented in this study, including the suggestion to normalise research to allow newspapers to understand their audiences. Areas for further research include a study on media consumption habits of Kenyan audiences Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3385 Files in this item: 1
-
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
-
Rukunga, Caroline K. (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: Children affected by HIV-related loss go through considerable levels of physical and psychosocial challenges which may result into psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Art Therapy in treating depression and anxiety in children of ages 8-12, with HIV- related loss in Chosen Children of Promise (CCP) and Amka Health Project (AHP), in Nairobi County, Kenya. A quasi-experimental research design involving experimental and control groups was conducted using 100 participants, 50 from each organization who met the inclusion criteria. Simple random sampling procedure was used to select the required sample size. The research instruments included social demographic questionnaire, Children Depression Inventory (CDI), and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED). The reliability and validity of the above instruments is assured as studies have indicated that SCARED has good psychometric properties for children and adolescents of different cultures and CDI has good psychometric properties of a=.71-.94. Art Therapy (AT), specifically Tree of Life (ToL) was used to treat Anxiety and Depression. Study findings revealed a depression prevalence of 58.1% and an anxiety prevalence of 88.6%. The DiD estimates showed a declining trend on depression and anxiety scores of the participants depicting a highly statistically significant reduction in symptoms at endline (p= <0.0001), implying that Art Therapy was effective in treating both disorders. It is recommended that organizations and individuals dealing with children affected by HIV-related loss can offer them culturally and developmentally appropriate evidence-based interventions in order to promote their psychological well-being. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3353 Files in this item: 1
Now showing items 1-20 of 35
Next Page