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The Efficacy of Community Mediation on Ethnopolitical Conflicts in The DRC: A Case of The Babembe and Banyamulenge Communities (2002-2025)
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityGlobally the prevalence of ethnopolitical conflicts in the postcold war era has paused immense threats to global peace and security. Ethnopolitical Conflict in Eastern Europe, particularly in Yugoslavia, in central America and African Continent filled daily newspapers and televisions. From west Africa to East Africa through central Africa, from northern Africa all the way to the horn of Africa to southern Africa ethnopolitical conflicts have caused numerous losses of lives, injuries and huge plights of refugees, and displacement leading to humanitarian suffering and intensification of human insecurity. The purpose of the study is to assess the efficacy of Community Mediation on EthnoPolitical Conflicts in the DRC among the Babembe and Banyamulenge Communities (20022025). Three specific objectives guided the study, to analyze the historical development of Ethnopolitical conflict between Babembe and Banyamulenge communities in DRC, evaluate the efficacy of community mediation strategy in addressing ethnopolitical conflicts between the Babembe and Banyamulenge, establish strategies for enhancing community mediation strategy for resolving ethnopolitical conflict in Babembe and Banyamulenge communities. The study seeks to answer the effects of ethnopolitical conflicts on the political, economic and social aspects in the DRC and how can community mediation play a key role in resolving ethnopolitical conflicts between the Babembe and Banyamulenge communities. The study has focused on areas within the DRC which and overlooked the experiences of other communities affected by the same conflict. Likewise, data captured certain conflict incidents or specific time periods, which has resulted incomplete or biased conclusions. The present study assessed this conflict and examined the role as well as effectiveness of community mediation in resolving it. The study found that the crisis between the Babembe and Banyamulenge communities is highly rooted in history, and has escalated to other communities, hence causing human insecurity and suffering in the Republic. It was found that such failure to address this conflict has amounted to the failure of international peacebuilding. The study found that community mediation which incorporates traditional mechanisms that bring people together, build trust, and promote healthy communication needed to address this conflict from its root’s causes. To achieve at those assertions, the study used two theories which are community mediation, and problemsolving theories. The study also used mixed methods that consisted of qualitative and quantitative research technics to collect and analyze as well as interpret data. The study recommends the need to establish local centers for training people in community mediation and empowering to own the process conflict resolution. The study also recommends the need for further study in the fields of community mediation, peacemaking, peacebuilding and its effectiveness in addressing ethnopolitical conflicts from their root causes.Daystar Universit
The Role of Ethnic Identity in Prolonging Kuria-Maasai Intercommunity Conflicts in Angata Barikoi Area, Migori-Narok Border, Kenya (2010–2024)
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development and International SecurityThe Kuria and Maasai communities in the southern part of Kenya have been embroiled in persistent conflicts over the years. These conflicts have often taken the form of armed clashes across the Transmara-Kuria border. The study sought to investigate the role of ethnic identity in prolonging the Kuria-Maasai intercommunity conflict in the Angata Barikoi Area, Migori-Narok border, Kenya (2010-2024). The study objectives included: exploring the nature of the Kuria-Maasai inter-community conflict, the role of ethnic identity markers in prolonging the Kuria-Maasai intercommunity conflict and developing strategies for resolving ethnic identity-based conflict between the Kuria and Maasai communities in the Angata Barikoi Area, Migori-Narok border, Kenya. The study was anchored on Ethnic Conflict Theory and Resource-Based Conflict theory. Pragmaticism philosophy was adopted to inform the adoption of explanatory concurrent designs. The main target population included 32,147 people, including residents of Angata Barikoi, the Migori-Narok counties border, Kenya. From the target population, a sample size of 190 was selected. The modified expanded Programme on Immunisation sampling technique was adopted to select the residents of Angata Barakoi to participate in the survey. Respondents to participate in the Key Informant Interview were selected using a purposive sampling method. The filled questionnaires and transcribed interview records were used in data analysis. Descriptive statistics was employed to analyse the quantitative survey data, which were further presented in the form of Tables, graphs and accompanying narrations. Additionally, content analysis was adopted for qualitative data sourced via interviews. The Maasai–Kuria conflict in Angata Barikoi is frequent and violent, involving property destruction, livestock theft, assaults, and rising firearm use, intensified during dry seasons and elections. Strong ethnic loyalty, traditional practices, and shared memories of past injustices foster internal cohesion but exacerbate inter-community tensions and mistrust. Key strategies to mitigate conflict include small arms control, regulating commercialized cattle raids, participatory land demarcation, and drought mitigation. In line with findings, it is advisable that conflict mitigation within Angata Barikoi should focus on managing the spread of small arms, limiting the commercialization of cattle raids, and executing participatory land demarcation to alleviate disputes regarding grazing territories. Furthermore, it is essential to address environmental stressors, such as drought, through sustainable resource management practices. These initiatives should be supported by hybrid peacebuilding methods that merge the cultural legitimacy of traditional practices with the efficiency of contemporary governance and technology.Daystar Universit
Purpose in Life as A Predictor of Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Counseling PsychologyThe majority of the time, older people with depressive symptoms go unnoticed. As a result, many older people suffer in silence as they manage their symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate Purpose in Life as a Predictor of Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County, Kenya. The objectives were to determine the level of Purpose in Life; establish the prevalence of depressive symptoms; and assess the relationship between purposeful living and the development of depressive symptoms among the senior citizens in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County. The study was based on the theories: the stages of development by Erik Erikson and the phases of aging by Gene Cohen. It employed a descriptive survey research design. A sample size of 207 respondents was evenly distributed among three mainstream churches in Kerugoya Town. The study utilized a probability sampling technique, to select the representative sample. Data collection instruments included interviews, the Purpose in Life scale, and BDI-II. The results indicated that 74.4% of the participants reported low purpose; 20.6% reported a moderate level of purpose, and 5.0% reported high level of purpose in life. 58.8% of the respondents reported having moderate to severe symptoms of depression. A Pearson correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between purpose in life scores and BDI scores, with r = –0.181. This indicated that individuals with a higher sense of purpose tended to report fewer depressive symptoms, while those with a lower sense of purpose were more likely to experience higher levels of depression.Daystar Universit
Assessing Government Communication Strategies in Kirinyaga County
No full textMASTERS OF ARTS in CommunicationThis research evaluated government communication strategies in Kirinyaga County, Kenya, by undertaking an evaluation of their effectiveness and ways of improving them to facilitate better interactions and governance of the citizens. Using the Systems Theory that has established the importance of interdependence of subsystems to ensure efficiency in an organization, the study investigated how various departments of the county government will relate to each other in order to provide timely, clear and inclusive communication. The research was done in Kirinyaga County and involved internal communication among the county units as well as the external communication between the county government and the citizens. The study was to be completed among the estimated 5, 000 respondents, which included county officials, community leaders, representatives of non-governmental and community based organizations, business owners and residents. The Cochran formula was used to determine a sample of 190. The various sampling methods used were purposive, stratified and simple random sampling in order to represent major stakeholder groups fairly. The mixed-methods research design was chosen, which incorporated both the quantitative and qualitative methods. The data collection was performed using the structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews of either Google forms. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were applied in analyzing quantitative data and thematic analysis were applied in analyzing qualitative data. The results of the study were credible and valid because of triangulation of findings between various data sources. It was found that the Kirinyaga County employs various means of communication including social media, periodic barazas, announcements on radio and official circulars to disseminate information to the residents. Nonetheless, the message dissemination was not always consistent, there were weak follow-up mechanisms, and poor feedback loops which undermined the effectiveness of the communication efforts. According to the respondents, messages were not always understandable and inclusive and thus there was no understanding and engagement and less trust in the county leadership. The paper has also determined that, as much as there has been an accessibility of information over the digital platforms, the rural population and marginalized populations are still underrepresented in the online communication activities. The paper concludes that a combined and citizen-focused communication system is necessary to improve the transparency, accountability, and participation of the people in the governance of the county. It proposes that county government should have a centralized communication policy to ensure the leveling of the departmental message and inclusiveness. It was also suggested to have constant capacity building of communication officers, use of local languages when interacting with communities and use of digital tools to enhance responsiveness. Enhanced feedback system via organized public forums and frequent citizen satisfaction survey will enhance the two way interaction and better service delivery. Altogether, the research adds to the insights of the role of communication systems on the effectiveness of governance in the county. The county can establish a better relationship between the government and citizens because by aligning communication strategies and Systems Theory concepts of feedback, interdependence, and adaptability the county can develop stronger relations between the two parties. Participatory governance, transparency, and sustainable development in Kirinyaga County continue to be based on effective communication.Daystar Universit
Product Diversification Strategies and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks Listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Finance and Strategic ManagementCommercial banks in Kenya face intense competition, declining interest income, stringent regulations, and rapidly changing market conditions. To sustain profitability and enhance resilience, these banks have increasingly adopted product diversification strategies. However, there is limited empirical evidence on how specific approaches—concentric, horizontal, and conglomerate diversification—affect the financial performance of commercial banks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), or whether organizational culture mediates these relationships. This study addresses this gap by examining both the direct effects of diversification strategies on financial performance and the potential mediating role of organizational culture. Grounded in Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the research explores how banks leverage and adapt internal resources to exploit market opportunities, respond to competition, and maintain strategic flexibility. The study adopted a positivist philosophy and descriptive-correlational design, targeting 132 senior management employees across all eleven NSE-listed banks, focusing on those responsible for strategic planning, product development, and financial oversight. Stratified random sampling produced 99 respondents, ensuring proportional representation across banks and departments. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring the extent of diversification strategy adoption, perceptions of organizational culture, and key financial performance indicators. Descriptive statistics summarized the prevalence and intensity of each diversification strategy, while multiple linear regression analysis assessed their effect on financial performance. Mediation analysis, following Baron and Kenny’s steps, determined whether organizational culture influenced the relationship between diversification and financial outcomes. Key performance indicators included Return on Assets, Gross Profit Margin, and Net Profit Margin. Diagnostic tests confirmed the data met assumptions of normality, linearity, homoscedasticity, and absence of multicollinearity. The findings revealed that all three diversification strategies positively and significantly influenced financial performance. Concentric diversification was the strongest predictor (B = 0.403, p<.05), indicating that banks expanding into related products and services by leveraging existing competencies and customer relationships achieved the greatest financial gains. Horizontal (B = 0.239, p<.05) and conglomerate diversification (B = 0.229, p<.05) also contributed positively, though to a lesser extent, suggesting that venturing into unrelated services or industries offers supplementary advantages. Mediation analysis showed that organizational culture did not significantly transmit or alter the effects of diversification strategies, implying that while culture supports adaptability and alignment, the execution of diversification strategies is the primary driver of financial performance. The study recommends that bank executives prioritize concentric diversification for maximum profitability, while selectively implementing horizontal and conglomerate strategies to enhance resilience and market positioning. Policymakers are encouraged to support regulatory frameworks that facilitate innovation and strategic flexibility. This research adds to the empirical evidence on product diversification in Kenya’s banking sector, highlighting the primacy of operational execution over cultural factors in achieving superior financial outcomes.Daystar Universit
Psychosocial Determinants of Intention to Utilise Human Milk Bank Services among Mothers of Preterm Infants at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi
No full textMASTERS in Clinical PsychologyKenya experiences a neonatal mortality rate of 21 deaths per 1,000 live births. Many of these deaths are preventable through exclusive access to human milk, yet mothers of preterm infants often struggle with insufficient supply. Donor human milk offers a safe alternative, but its use remains limited in Kenya. This study explored psychosocial factors influencing mothers' intentions to use human milk bank services at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, the country's only operational milk bank. The general objective was to assess psychosocial determinants of intention to utilize human milk bank services among mothers of preterm infants. Specific objectives included examining attitudes toward donating and using donor milk, evaluating perceived social norms surrounding milk donation, assessing perceived behavioral control over donor milk decisions, and identifying barriers and facilitators that influence willingness to donate and accept donor milk. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and supported by the Health Belief Model and Self Efficacy Theory, this descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods study investigated key psychosocial constructs. A sample of 85 mothers was recruited from Pumwani Maternity Hospital. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and interviews, with analysis conducted using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression models. Findings revealed a notable donation-acceptance paradox. While 75.3 percent of mothers were willing to donate breast milk, only 37.6 percent were willing to accept donor milk, a statistically significant difference. Attitudes toward donor milk were moderately favorable, with strong trust in healthcare providers but persistent safety concerns. Perceived social norms were mixed, showing support from healthcare workers but hesitation among household members. Perceived behavioral control was relatively high. Regression analysis identified prior experience, decision-making confidence, and safety perceptions as significant predictors of acceptance intentions. Key barriers included safety concerns, cultural stigma, and financial limitations. Facilitators included support from healthcare providers, altruistic motivations, and positive peer experiences. The study concludes that improving acceptance of donor human milk requires targeted interventions that address safety misconceptions, involve family decision-makers, and highlight peer testimonials.Daystar Universit
The Role of Communication Strategies in The Successful Leadership Transition within The Anglican Church of Kenya: A Case Study of the Nairobi Diocese
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Corporate CommunicationThis study examined the role of communication strategies in facilitating successful leadership transitions within the Anglican Church of Kenya, with a specific focus on the Nairobi Diocese. The research was guided by three objectives: to identify the communication strategies employed during leadership transitions, to assess how these strategies influenced successful transitions, and to evaluate the intervening role of organizational culture in this process. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted clergy, church administrators, and congregation members across the eleven archdeaconries in the Nairobi Diocese. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 96 respondents, selected through stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis, including correlation and regression tests. The findings indicated that regular stakeholder engagement meetings, transparent information dissemination, structured mentorship programs, and feedback and evaluation mechanisms significantly contributed to smooth leadership transitions. Organizational culture was found to play an intervening role in the effectiveness of these communication strategies, either reinforcing or undermining their impact. The study concluded that communication strategies were central to minimizing disruption, enhancing trust, and preserving institutional continuity during leadership transitions. It recommended that the ACK Nairobi Diocese institutionalize communication frameworks that include stakeholder involvement, mentorship structures, and feedback loops. The study contributed to literature on church leadership by filling a conceptual and contextual gap regarding the specific impact of communication on leadership transitions in religious institutions. The findings hold practical implications for church leaders, policymakers, and scholars interested in strategic leadership and organizational communication within faith-based organizations.Daystar Universit
Project Cost Management Processes and Successful Implementation of Construction Projects in Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Project ManagementThe construction industry in Kiambu County, Kenya, faces challenges such as cost overruns, delays, and poor-quality outcomes. The purpose of this study was to establish the moderating effect of regulatory environment on the relationship between project cost management processes and successful implementation of construction projects in Kiambu County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to: determine the effect of cost estimation, budgeting, cost control and cost monitoring on successful implementation of construction projects in Kiambu County. It also sought to determine the moderating effect of regulatory environment on the relationship between project cost management processes and successful implementation of construction projects in Kiambu County. The study was underpinned by triple constraint, project life cycle costing and stakeholder theories as each offer unique lenses for examining cost management in construction projects. This study was grounded in the positivism research philosophy and employed a descriptive correlational research design. The total population consisted of 320 professionals involved in public construction projects in Kiambu County. Out of the total population of 320, the study targeted 256 individuals. Yamane’s (1967) formula was used to get the sample size of 156 respondents. This study employs stratified random sampling, appropriate for heterogeneous populations segmented by role or expertise. To enhance instrument validity, the questionnaire underwent expert review for content validity and was pilot-tested on a sample of 15 respondents in Nairobi County. Construct validity was evaluated using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity. Reliability test was done using Cronbach’s alpha. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and significance testing through t-tests and F-tests in SPSS. The study’s findings were expected to provide empirical insights that support policy formulation, promote efficient cost management processes, and improve construction project outcomes across Kenya’s devolved units. The regression model (R² = 0.777, F = 76.104, p < 0.001) showed that 77.7% of variations in successful implementation of projects was explained by project cost management processes and regulatory environment. Cost estimation (β = 0.441, p = 0.000), budgeting (β = 0.336, p = 0.000) and cost monitoring (β = 0.079, p = 0.038) had positive and significant effects on successful implementation of construction projects. Cost control (β = -0.029, p = 0.394) had an insignificant negative effect. The regulatory environment had a significant negative moderating effect (β = -0.223, p = 0.041). The study found that project cost management processes have a positive effect on successful implementation of construction projects in Kiambu county. However, cost control has no significant effect on successful implementation of the construction projects in Kiambu county. The study recommends strengthening estimation and budgeting frameworks, enhancing digital monitoring systems, and streamlining regulatory communication. Further research should consider other project types, counties, private-sector projects, alternative analytical models, and secondary data to validate and expand these findings.Daystar Universit
Influence of Head Teachers’ Instructional Leadership Practices on Teachers’ Work Performance in Public Primary Schools in Kenya
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesTeachers worldwide face performance challenges due to inadequate resources and diminishing professional respect. In Kenya, despite efforts to prioritize instructional leadership, persistent issues hinder effective practices and teacher performance in primary schools. Understanding how specific instructional leadership impacts teacher performance is crucial for improving education quality. The study was guided by the following objectives: to evaluate the influence of head teachers’ instructional leadership on teachers’ lesson preparation, instructional effectiveness, classroom management, curriculum implementation, motivation, and resource provision in public primary schools in Webuye East Sub-County. Supported by transformational and transactional leadership theories, the study targeted curriculum support officers, head teachers, and teachers. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that 73% of teachers reported effective head teacher practices in classroom observation, feedback, lesson planning support, and promoting innovative teaching. Additionally, 75.9% confirmed head teachers facilitate professional development through mentorship and collaboration. While many leadership practices are effectively implemented, areas needing improvement include consistent feedback and formal teacher recognition. The study concluded that effective instructional leadership is central to enhancing teacher performance and overall educational outcomes. It recommended the development of standardized leadership frameworks, expansion of professional development opportunities, establishment of reward systems, timely feedback mechanisms, stronger teacher collaboration, and clarification of performance expectations. The study therefore recommends further research on context-specific instructional leadership models that can be adapted to different school environments to enhance teacher performance in Kenya and beyond.Daystar Universit
Influence of The School Environment on Learning Outcomes for Learners with Visual Impairment: A Case of Thika High School for The Visually Impaired
No full textMaster of Arts in Child DevelopmentThe study aimed to investigate the influence of the school environment on learning outcomes for learners with visual impairment at Thika High School for the Visually Impaired. The research problem centered on the barriers faced by visually impaired students in accessing quality education, particularly in the context of the physical, social, and instructional aspects of the school environment. The main objective was to explore how these environmental factors affect the academic performance and social-emotional well-being of the students. The study was guided by three primary theoretical frameworks: Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, which highlights the impact of different environmental systems on individual development, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) which advocates for creating flexible learning environments from the outset that can accommodate individual learning differences and the Social Model of Disability, which emphasizes societal barriers as contributors to disability. The research was conducted at Thika High School for the Visually Impaired, a public institution in Kenya. The research design used was mixed methods research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, targeting 515 visually impaired students and 46 teachers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Regarding the first objective on teacher training impact, findings revealed that 40.0% of students rated their teachers' training in the upper-middle tier (15-17 range), with teachers' self-assessments showing 45.0% rating themselves in the moderate range (12-14). Statistical analyses indicated that specialized teacher training in visual impairment education positively influenced student academic engagement and performance, though the relationship varied across grade levels and impairment types. For the second objective on facility accessibility, the study found that 54.5% of students rated overall school facility accessibility as high. However, qualitative feedback revealed significant gaps in specialized resources, particularly tactile learning aids, braille-compatible technology, and adaptive laboratory equipment. These deficiencies hindered student participation in practical subjects such as science and computer studies. Concerning the third objective on social environment, 77.3% of students rated the school social environment in the upper ranges, with 53.6% categorizing it as average quality and 42.7% as high quality. Teachers showed more moderate ratings, with 55.0% rating the environment as high quality. A supportive social environment was found to enhance students' self-confidence, classroom engagement, and emotional well-being, though statistical relationships were weaker than anticipated. The fourth objective identified three primary intervention areas: enhanced professional development for teachers, upgraded assistive technologies, and improved access to specialized learning materials. Students and teachers emphasized the need for more accessible braille textbooks, contemporary assistive technologies, and ongoing specialized training programs. The study concluded that a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach addressing teacher training, facility accessibility, and social support systems was essential for fostering educational success among learners with visual impairment. The findings provided actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders in creating more inclusive educational environments for students with visual impairments.Daystar Universit