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Quality Education as a Function of Academic Performance in Selected Schools in Wajir, Kenya
No full textMaster of Education in Leadership and Policy StudiesEducation is an essential service that should be given to any society to facilitate future development. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the current state of education quality in public schools, evaluate academic performance, establish if there is a link between quality education and academic performance, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement. This study was grounded in pragmatic philosophical underpinnings. Therefore, the research utilized a mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to students, teachers, and administrators to measure educational quality indicators such as teaching methods, resource availability, student engagement and participation, student well being and guidance, and the learning environment. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with students, teachers, and administrators. The findings of the study provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing education in resource constrained settings. In the case of Wajir County, the results revealed that educational access and quality are significantly hindered by inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of trained teachers, persistent insecurity, and deeply rooted socio cultural barriers. These interconnected challenges collectively impact the delivery and effectiveness of education in the region. This study provides policy and practice recommendations for improving Wajir County's educational environment. This study not only adds to the knowledge base on education in marginalized regions, but it also seeked to inform effective strategies that can enhance educational quality and studenDaystar Universit
Effect of Work Life Balance on The Psychological Well-Being of Nurses in The Private Health Sector: Case Study of Jocham Hospital
No full textMasters in Clinical PsychologyThis study examined the relationship between work-life balance and psychological well-being among nurses employed in the private healthcare sector, focusing on Jocham Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. Nurses in low- and middle-income countries frequently encounter challenges such as demanding schedules, limited resources, and high emotional strain factors that can disrupt work-life balance (WLB) and compromise psychological well-being (PWB). While Kenya’s private healthcare sector is expanding, there remains scant research on how WLB impacts nurses’ mental health in these settings.Guided by Spillover Theory, Conservation of Resources Theory, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Model, the research adopted a mixed-methods case study design. The target population encompassed all registered nurses at Jocham Hospital; of 75 eligible nurses, 63 participated in the quantitative survey and 12 provided qualitative insights via key informant interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Data collection instruments included the Work-Life Balance Scale (WLBS) and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation using SPSS, while qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis.The study was guided by the following objectives: (1) to determine the work-life balance status among nurses at Jocham Hospital; (2) to examine the psychological well-being of nurses; (3) to analyze factors influencing work-life balance; (4) to assess the coping mechanisms employed by nurses; and (5) to explore strategies for ensuring better work-life balance.Results showed that 58.7% of nurses experienced moderate WLB, with significant interference of work in personal life. Psychological well-being was similarly moderate, with 25.4% of participants reporting low well-being. There was a significant positive association between WLB and PWB (r = 0.461, p < .01); demographic factors did not have a significant effect on this relationship.This study concludes that nurses’ psychological health in private facilities is closely tied to working conditions, institutional policies, and personal coping strategies. It recommends staffing reforms, protected rest days, structured wellness programs, and supportive organizational cultures to promote sustainable work-life balance and improve nurses’ mental health and well-being.Daystar Universit
Firm Size Effect and Sustainability Reporting amongst Firms Listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in FinanceGlobally, there is huge concern about the negative effect of social and environmental issues because firms solely focus on the financial perspectives. These concerns are growing in the current age with the huge effect experienced by global warming on the sustainability of the planet and its resources. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of firm size on sustainability reporting from the perspective of firms published on the security exchange system in Nairobi. This study was guided by four key objectives: Analyze the effect of market capitalization on sustainability reporting in the context of companies listed at Nairobi Exchange market, Kenya, analyze the effect of sales value on sustainability reporting in the context of companies listed at Nairobi Exchange market, Kenya and analyze the effect of net assets on sustainability reporting in the context of companies listed at Nairobi Exchange market, Kenya. The study was underpinned by the agency theory, signaling theory and legitimacy theory. This research utilized descriptive research design, which accommodated quantitative research methodologies. In the context of firms listed on the NSE, the entire population consisting of the 64 companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange was the basis of the research. The stratified sampling technique was used to collect primary data using a semi- structured questionnaire. The validity of the data was assessed through content validity and criterion validity, while reliability was evaluated using Cronbach alpha coefficients to measure internal consistency of the variable under study. The data was analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, which were presented in the form of tables, frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. Ethical considerations were also taken into perspective. The findings of the results revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between sustainability reporting and firm size. Firms with high market capitalization, sales value and high net assets were found to significantly influence sustainability reporting. The study recommends that firms invest in high market capitalization, sales value and net assets and adopt strategies that align with the modern sustainability demands. The findings are expected to benefit various shareholders, firms, academicians and regulators in understanding the role of firm size effect in enhancing sustainability reportingDaystar Universit
Assessment of Coaching and Development Programs on Employee Mental Health in The Telecommunication Sector: A Case of Safaricom PLC Retail Centers, in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Counseling PsychologyEmployee mental health has become an increasing concern in modern organizations, particularly within high-pressure sectors such as telecommunications, where employees face intense customer interactions, rapid technological changes, and demanding performance targets. This study, titled “Assessment of Coaching and Development Programs on Employee Mental Health in the Telecommunication Sector: A Case of Safaricom PLC Retail Centers in Nairobi County, Kenya,” examined the effectiveness of coaching and development programs on employee psychological well-being and job satisfaction. The study further explored whether job satisfaction mediates the relationship between these organizational programs and overall mental health outcomes. The research was anchored on three theoretical frameworks: Person-Centered Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Coaching Theory, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Theory (SFBT). These theories emphasize individualized support, behavioral change, and the cultivation of positive psychological resources. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected from 72 employees working in Safaricom PLC retail outlets across Nairobi County, achieving a valid response rate of 81.8 percent. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and regression analyses to assess the relationships between coaching effectiveness, development initiatives, job satisfaction, and mental health outcomes measured by the DASS-21 scale. The findings revealed that Safaricom PLC has a strong commitment to employee development, with 91.7 percent of respondents participating in coaching programs and over half engaged for more than two years. Employees reported high perceptions of coaching effectiveness (M = 4.40, SD = 0.69) and satisfaction with development initiatives (M = 4.15, SD = 0.74). However, the results indicated no significant direct relationship between coaching effectiveness and mental health outcomes (r = 0.045, p = 0.709) or between development programs and mental health (r = -0.066, p = 0.584). Regression analysis confirmed that these programs explained a negligible proportion of variance in mental health indicators (R² = 0.002, p > 0.05). Despite this, coaching effectiveness was strongly correlated with workplace well-being (r = 0.733, p < 0.001) and job satisfaction (r = 0.764, p < 0.001), explaining 60 percent of the variance in employee satisfaction. Development initiatives also showed an indirect positive effect on mental health through enhanced job satisfaction (r = 0.421, p = 0.001) and perceived organizational support (r = 0.367, p = 0.003). These findings suggest that Safaricom’s coaching and development programs effectively enhance professional competence and career confidence but are not specifically structured to address psychological well-being. The study concludes that while these initiatives support employee growth and organizational performance, they lack a strong mental health focus. It recommends integrating wellness components such as stress management, resilience training, and emotional intelligence coaching into employee development frameworks. This study contributes valuable empirical evidence to the limited body of research on workplace mental health within Kenya’s telecommunications sector and offers practical insights for organizations seeking to design more holistic employee development and wellness strategies.Daystar Universit
Effectiveness of Special Needs Educational Policies in Enhancing Inclusivity in Kenya’s Primary Schools
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesThe study explored the effectiveness of special needs educational policies in enhancing inclusivity in Kenya's primary schools. It focused on assessing the alignment between policy objectives and on-the-ground realities, examining the successes and challenges of fostering an inclusive education system. A mixed-methods research approach was used, including structured questionnaires and key informant interviews across four schools in Nairobi County. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and patterns from the qualitative data, providing comprehensive insights into policy implementation dynamics from multiple stakeholder perspectives. A census sampling was employed for teachers, while purposive sampling was used for key informants. The findings revealed that while 97.9% of respondents were aware of special needs education policies, only 2.1% rated their understanding as very good. Implementation challenges included inadequate resources, lack of trained teachers and insufficient infrastructure. Despite these barriers, 70.8% of respondents believed policies had improved inclusivity, and 62.5% reported positive impacts on academic performance of students with special needs. The study achieved an excellent response rate of 92.3% for questionnaires and 75% for key informant interviews. The need for enhanced teacher training programs, increased government funding allocation, improved stakeholder collaboration, and policy reforms to ensure that special needs education policies were effectively realized were realized. The study recommends including mandatory SNE modules in teacher training, dedicated budget allocations for inclusive education, the establishment of collaborative platforms among stakeholders, and curriculum adaptations to accommodate diverse learning needs.Daystar Universit
Interpersonal Communication Channels Preferences among Parents of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine-Eligible Girls in King’oti Sublocation, Machakos County.
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Development CommunicationsThe uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Kenya remains dismal due to limited awareness, widespread misinformation, and inadequate interpersonal engagement with parents who are the primary decision-makers for their daughters' health. This study examined interpersonal communication channel preferences among parents of HPV vaccine-eligible girls in Kingoti Sublocation, Machakos County, Kenya. The objectives were to determine parents' awareness levels regarding the HPV vaccine, explore their attitudes toward vaccination, identify preferred interpersonal communication channels, and examine factors influencing these preferences.Anchored in the interpretivist paradigm and guided by the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), the study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Fifteen parents of HPV vaccine-eligible girls aged 10–14 years were purposively selected to ensure diversity in gender, education level, and occupation. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews conducted in participants' homes or other convenient private settings within Kingoti Sublocation. Interviews were conducted in Kiswahili or English depending on participant preference and lasted approximately 15–30 minutes each. Data were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six-step reflexive thematic analysis framework. Ethical approval was obtained from Daystar University Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committee (DU-ISERC) and the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI).Findings revealed uneven awareness among parents, with many exposed to the vaccine primarily through school consent forms but lacking comprehensive understanding of its purpose and benefits. Persistent misconceptions linking the HPV vaccine to infertility and family planning fueled hesitation and mistrust. While attitudes were largely positive driven by trust in government institutions and health professionals—misinformation created significant apprehension. Parents overwhelmingly preferred face-to-face communication with trusted figures including health workers, teachers, community leaders, and pastors. Community and religious forums emerged as credible spaces for dialogue and validation, while digital platforms such as WhatsApp were viewed as complementary but insufficient replacements for interpersonal engagement. Trust in source credibility, family and community influence, and respectful communication approaches were identified as key factors influencing channel choice.The study recommends strengthening policy collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Education, enhancing health system training in culturally sensitive interpersonal communication, institutionalizing community-based sensitization through trusted local leaders, and proactively countering misinformation through evidence-based community dialogues.Daystar Universit
Influence of Social Media Addiction on Adolescent Prosocial Behaviour Development A Case of Kiota School Dagoretti Subcounty in Nairobi Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Counselling PsychologySocial media addiction has become a pressing issue, particularly among adolescents, due to its potential to influence social development and behaviors such as empathy, cooperation, and altruism. This study investigated the influence of social media addiction on prosocial behavior development among adolescents at Kiota School in Dagoretti Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya. The objectives were to: (1) assess the prevalence and severity of social media addiction; (2) evaluate its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics; (3) analyze its impact on prosocial behavior; and (4) examine the moderating effects of parental supervision and peer influence. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and Behavioral Addiction Theory, the study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 500 adolescents aged 13–19, with a stratified random sample of 222 participants ensuring proportional representation. Data were collected using validated questionnaires (n=179, 80.63% response rate) and semi-structured interviews (n=19, 76.00% response rate). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and regression modeling in SPSS version 28, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed a 76.6% prevalence of social media addiction among adolescents, with 42.5% classified as moderate and 34.1% as high addiction levels. Younger participants and females exhibited higher addiction levels, though chi-square tests showed no statistically significant relationships between addiction and age (χ²=29.36, p=.207), gender (χ²=4.29, p=.368), or socioeconomic status (χ²=6.52, p=.590). Regression analysis revealed no significant association between social media addiction and prosocial behavior (β=.034, p=.650, R²=.001). Moderation analysis indicated that neither parental supervision nor peer influence significantly moderated the relationship between social media addiction and prosocial behavior. However, qualitative findings revealed that adolescents with high social media use reported reduced empathy in face-to-face interactions and prioritized online relationships over real-world connections. The study concluded that social media addiction is highly prevalent among Kenyan adolescents but that its quantifiable impact on prosocial behavior requires further longitudinal investigation. Recommendations include implementing digital literacy programs, enhancing parental guidance strategies, and conducting longitudinal studies to capture developmental changes over time.Daystar Universit
Frailty Modeling of Child Stunting in Coast Province, Kenya: Analysis Using KDHS 2022 Data
No full textjournal articleChild stunting reduction is the first of 6 goals in the Global Nutrition Targets for 2025 and a key indicator in the second Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. The prevalence of undernutrition is decreasing in many parts of the developing world, but challenges remain in many countries. For instance,the prevalence of stunting is 30.7% in Africa - higher than the global average of 22.0%. In Kenya, more than a quarter of children under the age of five, or two million children, have stunted growth. Stunting is the most frequent form of under-nutrition among young children. If not addressed, it has devastating long-term effects, including diminished mental and physical development.Child under-nutrition in Kenya has decreased in recent years. Levels of child stunting fell from 35.2% in 2009 to 26% in 2014 and wasting from 7% in 2009 to 4% in 2015. In Kenya, Coast Province has the highest stunting rate with (30.8%) and the lowest in Nairobi Province (17.2%). Despite this advancement, the world is still unlikely to achieve that goal in the global nutrition targets. Our study intends to investigate on crucial prognostic factors influencing child stunting in Coast, Kenya. The principal objective of this paper is to determine the effect of socioeconomic and demographic variables on child stunting in presence of dependencies in clusters and households. The study then uses variable selection technique which is an artificial intelligence techniques to select covariates with the highest predictive power from the robust KDHS 2022 data. Additionally, a proportional hazards assumption test was carried out for the chosen covariates. Those covariates that satisfied the proportionality assumption were finally included in the frailty model to takes care of the presence of dependencies within the households. Data used was based on the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2022), which was collected by use of questionnaires. Child stunting from the, KDHS 2022 data, was analyzed in an age period: stunting from the age of 12 months to the age of 60 months, referred to as “child stunting”. from the age of 12 months to the age of 60 months, referred to as “child stunting”
Gendered Adaptation Strategies to Water Scarcity: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Machakos County, Kenya
No full textConference PaperThis study investigates adaptations to water scarcity in gendered dimensions among farmers in Machakos County, Kenya. It seeks to understand how farmers, both male and female, perceive and cope with the impacts of changing water resources in a semi- arid environment. Anchored within Gender and Development (GAD) theory, where emphasis is placed on socio-cultural construction of gender roles affecting access to resources and decision-making, the qualitative case study design utilized in-depth interviews and participant observation as data collection methods, specifically with purposively selected male and female farmers. The study sought to bring to light the livelihoods, coping mechanisms, and constraints of both genders in agricultural water management. Findings reveal that female farmers bear the brunt of water scarcity due to poor access to land, capital, and water technologies, even though they are much more resilient and innovative. In contrast, male farmers often access formal support systems and networks. The study’s insights contribute to a deeper understanding of gendered vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities in the context of climate change. Further, findings emerging from this study will feed into gender-sensitive agricultural policies and development programs that promote equitable distribution of resources and enhance the sustainability of farming practices for areas with water scarcity.Daystar Universit
Business Model Innovation and Organizational Performance of Insurance Firms in Kenya
No full textMaster's ThesisA 2023 report from the (IRA) highlighted that the insurance sector’s Gross Written Premium (GWP) has been growing steadily at an annual rate of 8%. However, profitability has not kept pace, primarily due to increasing operational costs and claims inflation, particularly in health and motor insurance. Although there has been an increase in life insurance premiums and the adoption of digital products, the sector struggles to align profitability with premium growth, which limits its potential contribution to the broader economy. The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of business model innovation on the performance of insurance firms in Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to, establish the effect of value creation innovation, value proposition innovation, and value capture innovation on performance of insurance firms in Kenya and determine the moderating effect of organizational culture on the relationship between business model innovation and the performance of insurance firms in Kenya. The study was guided by Resource-Based View, Disruptive innovation Theory, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and Institutional Theory. A combination of descriptive and correlational research designs was employed. The study focused on all 52 insurance companies in Kenya which was the unit of analysis. General Managers, underwriting managers, claims managers, and marketing managers from the insurance firms were the unit of observation totaling to 156 participants. Given the small size of the population, a census approach was utilized. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire, with a pre-test conducted among 16 respondents from the insurance sector who were not included in the main study. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed using face validity, and its reliability will be measured using Cronbach’s Alpha, aiming for a threshold of 0.7. Data analysis included descriptive statistics to summarize data trends and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression) to examine relationships and effects among variables. The findings showed that value creation innovation has a positive and significant effect on organizational performance of insurance firms in Kenya (β=0.294, p=0.001). The findings also showed that value preposition innovation has a positive and significant effect on organizational performance of insurance firms in Kenya (β=0.329, p=0.000). It was also found that value capture innovation has a positive and significant effect on the organizational performance of insurance firms in Kenya (β=0.229, p=0.000). Based on the findings, it was concluded that business model innovation positively influences the performance of insurance firms in Kenya, with value creation, proposition, and capture innovations enhancing customer retention, market share, and revenue. A supportive organizational culture further strengthens this effect by fostering adaptability, proactivity, and calculated risk-taking, which enable effective implementation of innovative strategies. The study recommends that insurance firms enhance value creation, proposition, and capture through personalized services, reward systems, and data-driven pricing. Adoption of AI and digital tools should be prioritized to streamline operations and improve customer experience. A culture of adaptability and strategic risk-taking should be fostered to strengthen innovation impact, while regulators should support policies that promote digital and customer-centric business models.Daystar Universit