Daystar University Repository
Not a member yet
5687 research outputs found
Sort by
Multi-dimensional Role of Legislatures in law-making oversight and representation on the global climate change crisis
No full textConference PaperLegislatures from various jurisdictions have in the recent-past legislated valuable Legislations to avert the Climate crisis. Parliaments, being the law-making branch of governments possess the requisite human and legal resources to make even greater contribution to governance, policies and laws on Climate Change and Planetary Health to achieve climate justice. This Paper examines the multi-dimensional role played by Legislatures in law-making, oversight and representation on matters relating to the global climate change crisis and recommends measures which may be adopted by global Parliaments to (a) combat the climate crisis by drafting a model global law to facilitate national Legislatures in enactment of synchronized laws on Climate Change and Planetary Health, (b) broaden the impact of laws on Climate Change and Planetary Health through consistent oversight of governance and progress on implementation of model global laws on Climate Change and Planetary Health and, (c) facilitate national Legislatures in amending prevailing national laws to make provision for legislation on standardized punitive measures for offences against nature, specifically sanctions and fines for acts or omissions that are detrimental to the gains realized through the on- going global efforts to combat Climate Change and promote Planetary HealthDaystar Universit
Building Climate-Resilient Rural Economies Through Rural Road Infrastructure: Effect of Rural Road Infrastructure on Climate Resilient Livelihood Outcomes among Small- Scale Farmers in Kenya
No full textConference PaperThe increasing impact of climate change in Africa, that is manifested through observed frequency in droughts, floods, and extreme weather events have increased the vulnerability of rural economies, especially those that depend on small-scale farming. Traditionally, rural road infrastructure was considered as a catalyst for rural development and market access. However, currently, the rural road infrastructure is recognized as an important climate resilience element. This is because roads do not just facilitate the sharing of climate-smart agricultural methods but also enhances timely responses to climatic shocks through improved mobility and enhanced access to essential services. This study explored how the rural road infrastructure can work as a conduit for improving the small-scale farmers climate resilient livelihood outcomes. This research assessed the economic effects of market costs, agricultural diversification, access to social services, and non-farm economic activities enabled by rural roads, as the key means for strengthening the adaptive capacities of small-scale farmers. It further examined how general transportation costs within the rural road sector moderate these resilience outcomes. To measure the climate resilient livelihood outcomes of small-scale farmers, the study focused on the household health, household income security, and household food security. The study found out that access to social services had a statistically insignificant effect on the three dependent measures. On the other hand, market costs had a statistically significant effect on climate resilient livelihood outcomes. Further, the findings also showed a negative relationship of non-farm activities with food security, household income, and household health.Daystar Universit
Evaluating the Effects of Climate Change Adaptations on Pastoral Livelihoods and Food Security: A Case of Wajir North Subcounty, Wajir County, Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Monitoring and EvaluationThis study evaluated the effects of climate change adaptation strategies on pastoral livelihoods and food security in Wajir North Sub-County, Wajir County, Kenya. The study objectives were; to identify the climate change adaptation strategies employed by pastoral communities in mitigating environmental challenges in Wajir North Subcounty, Wajir County, Kenya, assess the impact of climate change adaptation strategies on pastoral livelihoods, evaluate the influence of climate change adaptation strategies on food security and nutritional outcomes among pastoral communities, examine the effectiveness of water resource management systems and infrastructure in supporting climate change adaptation strategies among pastoral communities and to scrutinise the interconnections between climate change adaptation, water resource management, pastoral livelihoods, food security, and nutritional outcomes in Wajir North Subcounty. The study was anchored in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF), which explained how households mobilize assets to cope with climate variability. The Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Framework guided analysis of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, while Resilience Theory illuminated how pastoral systems withstand shocks and sustain function. A mixed-methods descriptive survey design was employed, drawing on household surveys (n = 357), key informant interviews (n = 21), and secondary data from meteorological and NGO sources. Findings revealed widespread adoption of adaptation measures, with herd diversification practiced by 78.9% of households and water harvesting by 21.1%. The study concludes that adaptation strategies enhance resilience but require structural support. Recommendations include strengthening institutions, improving market linkages, supporting community-led initiatives, and integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge.Daystar Universit
Exploring Kenyans’ Perceptions Towards Lack of Transparency in Government Communication on Chinese-Funded Projects
No full textMaster of Arts in Development CommunicationChina-Kenya relationship has witnessed strong and steady growth, especially in the last two decades during the presidency of both Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta. The relationship has been described by both the Kenyan and Chinese governments as a win-win partnership. However, many Kenyans have expressed concerns regarding the perceived lack of transparency in the way the government has been communicating about Chinese-funded projects in the country. To entrench good governance and rule of law in the country, it is important that the government shares with the public details of its engagement with external partners, China included. Some have also questioned China’s desire to keep contents of its agreements with the Kenyan government confidential, thus potentially sustaining the perception of those agreements containing clauses that may be harmful to Kenya.The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of Kenyan citizens towards lack of transparency in government communication on China-funded projects in Kenya. This was a descriptive study that employed the use of a questionnaire as the main research instrument. The target respondents were drawn from master’s students at Daystar University, specifically those in the fields of Diplomacy, Development & International Security and Communication studies. All the respondents were purposively sampled and in total 107 students participated in this study. The study reveals that the government did not provide accurate and complete transparency on funding of Sino-Kenya projects, resulting in lack of trust in government communication and reduced support in government projects funded by the Chinese government. Although the study highlights the importance of China to Kenya as an important economic partner, it urges the Kenyan government to be forthright with information regarding Chinese funded projects to get the support of the Kenyan citizens.Daystar Universit
Agile Project Management Practices and Competitive Advantage in The Real Estate Industry in Kenya: Case of Centum Investment Company
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic Management and Project ManagementDespite persistent inefficiencies in Kenya’s real estate sector, such as cost overruns, project delays, and stakeholder dissatisfaction, most firms continued to rely on rigid, traditional project management approaches. Agile Project Management (APM), though widely adopted globally, remained underutilized and under-researched in this context. This research investigated how Agile Project Management (APM) practices impacted on the competitive advantage of the real estate industry in Kenya, using Centum Investment Company as the case study. The study was inspired by the fact that organizations needed to ensure that they embrace flexible and responsive managerial practices that would increase performance and responsiveness in a volatile market. Agile Project Management offers a methodology that focuses on teamwork, customer orientation, iterative planning and ongoing enhancement, which are very essential in making an organization competitive. The research design used in the study was a descriptive research design and a sample population of the study was 76 project management professionals in Centum Investment Company. The methodology employed was the census method and the structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, such as regression analysis, to analyze the connection between APM practices and competitive advantage. Before data collection, reliability as well as validity of the instrument was tested. The findings revealed that Agile Planning, Collaboration, and Continuous Feedback recorded mean scores above 4.0, showing that these practices are consistently applied at Centum. Correlation results indicated a strong positive relationship between APM practices and competitive advantage (r = 0.45–0.62), while regression analysis confirmed that APM significantly predicts competitive advantage (R² = 0.56, p < 0.001). Among the predictors, Stakeholder Engagement (β = 0.375, p < 0.001) and Agile Planning (β = 0.291, p < 0.01) had the strongest influence. Organizational policy also positively moderated this relationship (β = 0.167, p < 0.05), meaning that supportive policies strengthened the impact of Agile practices on performance outcomes. The results obtained showed that Agile planning, collaboration, and continuous feedback had an overall and large impact on competitive advantage. The practices improved efficiency, innovation, customer satisfaction and market adaptability. The paper has concluded that organizations that incorporate Agile practices in project management procedures have high chances of maintaining high performance and competitiveness. The study suggests that real estate companies should use ongoing learning, stakeholder participation, and adaptable project scheduling to align the strategy and execution. Future research may examine how the organizational culture moderates the relationship between APM and competitive advantage.Daystar Universit
Fifteen Billion Trees to Mitigate Climate Change in Kenya
No full textConference PaperDeveloping countries face unique challenges in addressing climate change. The African continent is disproportionately affected by Climate change with severe negative impacts on livelihoods, environments, and economies. To mitigate climate change vulnerabilities, Kenya has adopted an ambitious strategy to plant fifteen billion trees by 2030. While this initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to achieving the national climate goals and restoring ecosystems, several obstacles, such as competing development needs and lack of sufficient funds hinder effective implementation of the policy. This study critically examines the challenges of implementing Kenya’s climate policy of planting fifteen billion trees by 2030 and ensuring long-term protection of the planted areas. Evidence-based analysis of the policy gaps will strengthen the tree planting action, increase resilience, and adaptation measures towards a more sustainable environment. This is a policy analysis study underpinned by institutionalist theory that emphasizes the centrality of institutions in policy making and implementation.Daystar Universit
Climate Change Communication and Media Farmers' Reliance on Radio and Other Media for Climate Information: A Case Study of the IGAD Region
No full textConference PaperLately, talk about climate change has become ubiquitous, though meteorologists have always been considered as the primary source of climate information, due to the role they play in forecasting the weather pattern. But a recent study about the relationship of climate change, food security and mental health in the IGAD region conducted by the African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change (ACCRCC)- has come up with a more nuanced outlook. This study, covering pastoralist communities in Kajiado (Kenya), Borena (Ethiopia), and farming communities in Uganda paints a surprising picture: Farmers relied more on radio, television, and social media for weather and climate information as opposed to the more formal climate forums or “barazas” usually run by meteorological officials, usually at the beginning of the rainy season to educate farmers on expected weather trends and prepare them for planting. The study is based on work done as part of the South-South Exchange (SSE) research initiative on the impact of climate change on mental health in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, with funding from Climate Action Africa of Canada. It employed a multi-pronged research methodology that combined focus group discussions, surveys and key informant interviews. The study focused on understanding the mental health implications of stressors caused by climate change on agricultural communities that are vulnerable, ultimately revealing that climate change is not just an issue of agricultural production, but also of mental health for these communities.Daystar Universit
Climate Change Communication and Media The Influence of Videography on Driving Positive Narratives on Climate Change
No full textConference PaperVideographers have played a big role in society by highlighting issues that impact the society either positively or negatively. More recently, videography in East Africa and Kenya has become big business among freelance producers with coverage ranging from weddings, baby showers, funerals, bridal showers, organizational videos, documentaries and business features. Sadly, the rate at which media practitioners and more specifically the rate at which freelance environmental coverage or issues affecting the environment remains scarce for reasons that may not be clear and warrants an empirical investigation. This paper seeks to look at the scope of environmental coverage among videographers in Kitui and their perspectives on environmental conservation. This study will use a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews to explore perceptions, scope and underlying biases around the coverage or lack of it as regards climate. Drawing on the in-depth interviews, the research will look at how the perceptions of videographers and how recommendations can be made to encourage the use of videography in driving narratives on climate change. A picture is worth a thousand words and possibly, it can be said that a video is worth ten thousand words. The study will employ thematic analysis of interviews to check how videography can be used to convey the urgency and the complexity of climate related issues. The findings could be used to enhance climate change initiatives for generations to come.Daystar Universit
Assessing The Role of Community Resident Associations in Maintenance of Peace in Kenya: A Case of Eastleigh Resident Community Association, Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Monitoring and EvaluationResident Associations have played significant roles in ensuring the maintenance of peace and harmony in the community even with the existence of challenges hindering effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of community resident association in the maintenance of peace in Kenya with Eastleigh Resident Community Association (ERECA) as a reference point. The objectives of the study were establishing the roles undertaken by ERECA in community-led peace initiatives, evaluation of the challenges it faces in undertaking peace activities and determining possible remedies that ERECA could apply to curb the challenges. The study was underpinned by Social Capital and Broken Window theories and used descriptive research design. It targeted a population of 344 staff and a sample of 103 respondents who were chosen using purposive sampling. The researcher collected primary data by questionnaires and analyzed it using SPSS (Version 26) where data was coded, entered, cleaned, analyzed and presented. The findings of the study guided the drawing of conclusions and the formulation of recommendations that would be beneficial to scholars, government and other security agents, and ERECA. Ethical consideration was also upheld. This study found that ERECA plays a crucial role in community led initiatives in Eastleigh, including representation, advocacy, and safeguarding community interests, supported by 76.5% of respondents. However, challenges such as poor police community relations, limited resources, and low community participation hinder ERECA’s effectiveness, as concurred by 82% of respondents. The study identified potential remedies such as social mobilization, improved police community relations, enhanced communication channels, and government regulations as crucial for strengthening ERECA’s peacebuilding efforts, supported by 83.1% of respondents. The study concludes that ERECA plays a multifaceted role in peace initiatives, while its effectiveness is hindered by several challenges. To address these issues, the study recommends enhancing social mobilization and improving cooperation with law enforcement and the government. It also concludes that external factors, such as government regulations and street lighting systems, are crucial for supporting the association’s long-term sustainability and effectiveness.Daystar Universit
Cinematic Resistance: Climate, Colonialism, and Land in Zippy Kimundu’s Our Land, Our Freedom
No full textConference PaperThis paper positions Zippy Kimundu’s observational documentary Our Land, Our Freedom within the interdisciplinary connection of climate change, postcolonial critique and the arts. The film is examined as an artistic response to environmental degradation, land dispossession and climate vulnerability in postcolonial Kenya. By tracing the enduring legacies of colonialism and the Mau Mau resistance, the documentary reveals how historical injustices particularly those related to land continue to fuel ecological imbalance hindering climate resilience in contemporary Kenyan society. Framed through Postcolonial Theory and Documentary Film Theory, this study interrogates the aesthetic strategies of the documentary, including its use of visual storytelling, personal testimonies and archival footage to construct a compelling narrative of environmental justice. The film revives historical memory and critiques practices that exacerbate climate change, unsustainable land practices like deforestation and the erosion of indigenous ecological knowledge. The paper argues that Our Land, Our Freedom exemplifies how film as a form of art can promote climate consciousness and serve as a vehicle for environmental advocacy. It underscores the unique role of art and creative expression in augmenting marginalized voices, reclaiming narratives of land justice and inspiring sustainable futures. Ultimately, the documentary contributes to the global climate justice movement by asserting that the path to ecological sustainability in Kenya is inseparable from historical redress and ethical land governance.Daystar Universit