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Effect of Financial Depth on Economic Growth in Kenya
No full textMasters of Science in EconomicsA well-developed financial sector is critical for economic growth in Kenya. This is achieved through increased savings, which expand investments, enhance capital accumulation, and enable the efficient allocation of resources. Although there have been advancements in Kenya’s financial sector, the relationship between financial depth and economic growth continues to be unclear in empirical studies. Therefore, a better understanding of the effect of financial depth on economic growth is required to guide formulation of impactful policies that will elevate financial depth and stimulate economic growth. This will hasten the attainment of Kenya Vision 2030 and raise the GDP to the 10% level as envisioned. Thus, this study determined the effect of financial depth on economic growth in Kenya, specifically establishing the effects of private sector credit, broad money supply, stock market capitalization on economic growth. This research was anchored on financial intermediation theory by Gurley and Shaw (1955), which links financial development to economic expansion through efficient capital allocation. Additionally, it was supported by the exogenous economic growth theory by Solow-Swan (1956), endogenous economic growth theory by Paul Romer (1986), and Keynesian theory by John Maynard Keynes (1936). This study was guided by a positivist philosophical underpinning. A correlational research design was adopted. The research focused on all indicators of financial depth and economic growth for Kenya from 1980 to 2024, as compiled by the World Bank. Specifically, the researcher collected annual time series data for Kenya on private sector credit, broad money supply, stock market capitalization, and GDP per capita growth, resulting to a sample covering the years 1980 to 2024. An SVAR model was employed to analyze data using descriptive statistics, trend, correlational, causality, IRFs, and FEVD analyses. The research findings established that the effects of PSC, BMS, and SMC on Economic growth in Kenya were significant in the short run. However, the effects were insignificant in the long run. This showed that the targeted financial depth variables did not strongly explain changes in GDP. These results are crucial in guiding the development of effective policies that elevate both financial depth and economic growth. To ensure PSC, BMS, and SMC strongly boost economic growth, it will be essential for Kenya to create credit guarantee programs for encouraging long-term loans in productive sectors, improve tools for managing liquidity, such as reverse repos and standing for better market rates control, proper coordination of fiscal and monetary activities to match credit support with public investment projects, simplification of the requirements for SMEs to list on the market by reducing fees for early-stage, and improve corporate governance to increase market activities and investors trust.Daystar Universit
Analysis of Mater Misericordiae Hospital’s Use of Facebook for Corporate Communication Between January 2020 and December 2024
No full textMaster of Arts in Corporate CommunicationThis study explored how Mater Misericordiae Hospital (MMH), a Level 5 private faith-based hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, utilized Facebook for corporate communication. It addressed a notable gap in academic literature regarding social media adoption in Kenya’s healthcare sector, particularly the limited research on Facebook’s role in fostering interactive engagement between healthcare institutions and their audiences. The primary aim was to analyze MMH’s Facebook usage patterns to understand how healthcare organizations in Kenya employ social media for corporate communication. Specific objectives included assessing posting frequency, categorizing message types, and examining the relationship between follower count and audience interaction. The research was guided by two theoretical frameworks: Social Presence Theory, which evaluates communication effectiveness through metrics like likes, comments, and reactions; and Dialogic Communication Theory, which emphasizes two-way, interactive dialogue over one-directional messaging. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzed 520 Facebook posts made by MMH between January 2020 and December 2024. Data collection involved manual content analysis of posts, images, and interactions. Qualitative analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s thematic framework, while quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 26. Findings showed MMH posted an average of 104 times annually, with peak activity in 2020 (197 posts) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Posts were primarily informative (62.69%), followed by marketing (22.88%) and promotional content (14.42%). Despite having 22,000 followers, engagement was low 71.92% of posts received only 1–50 interactions indicating limited two-way communication. The study concluded that while MMH effectively used Facebook for disseminating health information, especially during crises, it fell short in leveraging the platform’s interactive capabilities. The hospital maintained consistent posting but lacked responsiveness to audience comments and failed to apply dialogic principles. These insights contribute to the broader understanding of social media use in Kenya’s healthcare sector. The study underscores that mere presence on social platforms does not equate to meaningful engagement and calls for more strategic, interactive communication approaches to strengthen patient-provider relationships in developing healthcare contexts.Daystar Universit
Exploring The Crisis Communication Preparedness of Public-Private Partnerships in Kenya: A Case of Konza Technopolis
No full textMaster of Arts in CommunicationPublic-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have become an important model for infrastructure development globally, especially in Kenya, where they play a significant role in achieving Vision 2030 objectives. Konza Technopolis, the first smart city in Kenya, is a key PPP initiative that integrates both public and private sector efforts to develop a sustainable technology and innovation hub. However, the complex nature of PPPs makes them vulnerable to crises that can damage stakeholder trust, delay project timelines, and threaten overall project success. These crises may include financial, political, and operational risks. Despite this, research into the crisis communication preparedness of PPPs remains limited, particularly for Konza Technopolis and similar projects in Kenya. The specific objectives were to: (1) establish the crisis communication strategy employed at Konza Technopolis; (2) find out how Konza Technopolis managed crisis in the past; and (3) assess the effectiveness of the communication strategies used during those crises. The study was guided by Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) and the Contingency Theory of Strategic Conflict Management, which provided a framework for analysing crisis response strategies and stakeholder engagement. The research employed a qualitative case study design, collecting data through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with communication officers from the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy (MIC&DE) and the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA). Using purposive sampling, 12 participants were selected, 8 from KoTDA and 4 from MIC&DE, based on their roles in crisis communication. Thematic analysis was used to code and interpret the data, supported by MAXQDA software. The findings indicate that KoTDA’s crisis communication is anchored in the National Communication Policy and the National Government Communication Strategy, particularly Chapter 5 on Crisis, Emergency, and Risk (CER) Communication. Alignment with national messaging through joint committees and performance contracting emerged as a key strength, enhancing credibility and reach. However, the study identified a critical gap: neither policy contains provisions specific to PPP crisis communication, limiting responsiveness in multi-stakeholder crises. Past crisis episodes, including the “White Elephant” narrative, land acquisition disputes, and perceptions of elitism, highlighted KoTDA’s reliance on coordinated Ministry support and targeted media engagement to restore public confidence. While strategic alignment with government messaging enhanced legitimacy, operational weaknesses were evident, notably the absence of pre-approved communication toolkits, a formal Crisis Communication strategy and a systematic community engagement framework. The study concludes that strengthening PPP crisis communication preparedness requires proactive community relations, the development of PPP-specific crisis manuals, and accessible rapid-response communication kits. It recommends policy reform, internal operational readiness, and the institutionalisation of inclusive stakeholder communication practices to enhance crisis resilience in PPPDaystar Universit
Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Self-Esteem among Adolescents in Selected Public Secondary Schools within Dagoretti Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Counselling PsychologyACEs, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are linked to long-term psychological challenges. In adolescents, ACEs can impair emotional health and self- esteem, affecting resilience, academics, and relationships. This study explored ACE prevalence, self-esteem levels, their correlation, and coping strategies among students in Dagoretti Sub-County public secondary schools. Using Attachment, Resilience, and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem theories, a convergent parallel mixed-methods design was applied. Quantitative data came from a survey of 309 randomly selected adolescents (13–17 years), while qualitative insights were drawn from four gender-based focus groups. Data collection used the ACEs Questionnaire and RSES; analysis involved SPSS 21.0 and thematic coding. Findings showed 74.8% had at least one ACE— emotional neglect (32.5%), physical abuse (35.0%), and household dysfunction (63.4%) were most common. High ACE exposure affected 21.4%. Self-esteem was high in 90.6% and low in 9.4%. ACEs negatively correlated with self-esteem (r = .17, p < .01), with neglect (r = .37) and household dysfunction (r = .30) as key predictors. Coping strategies included adaptive (prayer, peer support, teacher help) and maladaptive (withdrawal, substance use) responses. Recommendations include trauma-informed counseling, parental education, and cross-sector collaboration to support adolescent well-being.Daystar Universit
Framing of Covid-19 News in Kenyan Print Media: A Case of Front Pages of Nation and Star Newspapers
No full textMaster of Arts in CommunicationThe COVID-19 pandemic was declared a global health crisis that affected economies worldwide. The lack of clarity, consistency, and responsibility is evident in how Kenyan newspapers framed the crisis, fuelling fear and misinformation. In Kenya, the media was essential in shaping public understanding and responses to the pandemic. The research analysed the different ways COVID-19 news was framed on the front pages of the Daily Nation and The Star, from July to September 2020. The study was guided by three objectives: to examine aspects of COVID-19 news covered in the front pages of The Daily Nation and The Star newspapers, to identify the major framing techniques used, and to establish the sources of COVID-19 frames. This research is grounded in Framing Theory and Agenda-Setting Theory and shows the role of media in selecting and shaping public perception of issues. It identified which frames dominate coverage, the sources of information, and assessed how these frames influenced public discourse and behaviour during the pandemic. This research used a descriptive design, utilising content analysis to examine 46 front-page articles from the two newspapers published during those peak months. The articles were chosen using simple random sampling from a target population of 152 front pages. The data was collected using a coding sheet to categorise articles based on framing techniques, source of information, and thematic focus. Quantitative data was analysed using frequency counts and percentages, while qualitative analysis was thematic. The findings revealed that the most dominant frames used in COVID-19 coverage were conflict (21.7%), fear/uncertainty (17.4%), and human interest (15.2%). Government officials were the most frequently cited sources, followed by healthcare organisations and experts/academic research. The study concluded that media framing is a powerful tool for communication during health emergencies, with implications for public health campaigns, media accountability, and policy development. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Kenyan newspapers diversify their sources of information beyond government officials, collaborate with public health experts for evidence-based reporting, and strengthen crisis communication practices to promote ethical and balanced health journalism. Areas for further research include the role of digital platforms in crisis communication and the long-term impact of media framing on public health. Consequently, the study highlighted the importance of ethical journalism in managing public health crises.Daystar Universit
Radio Theatre for Development (RTFD) As A Communication Tool for Nurturing Entrepreneurial Intention (EI) Among The Daystar University Youth
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in CommunicationRadio Theatre for Development (RTFD) is an effective communication tool that has been used in the past to address other social issues, such as family planning uptake, gender inequity, and governance, among many other social issues. Although RTFD has been used to address other social issues, there is little evidence of its use to nurture and develop Entrepreneurial Intention (EI) to address youth unemployment in Kenya. This study sought to determine the potential of RTFD in developing and nurturing EI among the Daystar youth to address the high youth unemployment rate in Kenya. The main objectives of the study were to determine how the RTFD messaging can affect the Daystar youth’s attitude, appeal to the Daystar youth’s subjective norms, and influence the Daystar youth’s Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) towards developing EI. The theory that guided this study was the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), as the key elements of attitude, subjective norms, and PBC informed the objectives of the study. The study was conducted online as the RTFD messaging was uploaded on the Rumble website for the Daystar experimental group’s access. The questionnaire for this study was also administered online using Google Forms. The study population was Daystar University students in their final year of undergraduate studies. The sample size for this study was 276 respondents divided into two groups: one represented the experimental group, while the other represented the control group. The study used the experimental research design, which falls under the quantitative research design, which was used to identify the causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables within a population. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis, and an independent samples t-test was used to illustrate the data, summing up observations and drawing suitable conclusions. The major findings obtained from the data analysis revealed that the RTFD messaging did not alter the attitudes and subjective norms of the sample population, but the messaging statistically altered the PBC of the Daystar youth. This study recommends that the Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, should adopt RTFD as a communication tool that could strengthen entrepreneurship education and training. This would be necessary in helping the youth gain entrepreneurial skills to create job opportunities that could help reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.Daystar Universit
The Effectiveness of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) in Enhancing Public Safety in Kenya: A Case Study of Makadara Constituency, Nairobi County
No full textDegree of Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Development and International SecurityThis study sought to assess the effectiveness of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in enhancing public safety, with a focus on Makadara Constituency, Nairobi County. Despite IPOA’s mandate to investigate police misconduct and promote accountability, challenges persist in translating oversight into tangible public safety outcomes. The specific objectives for this study were: to evaluate the extent to which IPOA has helped reduce cases of police misconduct; to examine the impact of IPOA's core strategies on the involvement of citizens in reporting police misconduct; and to evaluate the challenges IPOA has in carrying out its mandate of ensuring public safety. This study holds considerable significance, as its findings will be expected to deepen our understanding of how IPOA impacts police conduct, public trust, and the overall legitimacy of security institutions. By evaluating IPOA’s effectiveness in curbing police misconduct, enhancing public awareness, and highlighting operational challenges, the research sought to offer evidence-based recommendations for improving oversight mechanisms. The scope focuses specifically on IPOA’s interventions within Makadara, examining their influence on the incidence of police misconduct, the reach and success of core strategies, and the institutional challenges that constrain IPOA’s mandate. Ultimately, this work aimed to generate actionable insights to strengthen the framework of independent oversight. The study is anchored in three theoretical theories: The Principal-Agent Theory, Democratic Policing Theory and Deterrence Theory. Major themes covered in the literature review include: role of police independent oversight bodies and police conduct; core strategies and oversight activities; and challenges faced by police independent oversight bodies and public safety. The study was grounded in the pragmatist paradigm and adopted a convergent mixed methods approach, combining descriptive and cross-sectional research designs. The target population included IPOA officials, police officers, civilian oversight groups, and residents of Makadara. Sampling involved purposive, stratified proportionate, and simple random techniques to ensure inclusivity and representativeness. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Ethical protocols, including informed consent, confidentiality, and institutional approvals, was strictly observed. The study revealed mixed public perceptions regarding police performance and IPOA’s oversight effectiveness in Makadara. A majority of respondents (73.1%) reported that delays in police response time undermine their confidence in law enforcement. However, most participants (73.6%) felt safe engaging with police officers, reflected by a mean score of 3.814 (SD = 0.634). Confidence in IPOA was notably high, with 82% believing that the authority takes appropriate action against officers found guilty of misconduct (mean = 3.912, SD = 0.686). Additionally, 77.3% agreed that IPOA’s monitoring has improved police treatment of citizens (mean = 3.939). Nonetheless, resource constraints remain a critical challenge, as 72.6% cited inadequate funding and staffing, and 76.8% highlighted insufficient facilities and equipment, limiting IPOA’s capacity for effective oversight and investigations. The study shows that Strengthening IPOA’s oversight role through policy and legal reforms is crucial. Its mandate should be revised to make recommendations binding and enforceable, with safeguards against political or police interference.Daystar Universit
Stakeholder Engagement Practices and Sustainability of AMREF Health Africa Funded Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Project ManagementSustainability has become a critical concern in the implementation of development projects, particularly in the health sector, where long-term impact is essential for improving community well-being. The sustainability of donor-funded health projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya, remains a major challenge, despite continued financial support from international donors. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of stakeholder engagement practices and sustainability of AMREF Health Africa funded projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect of stakeholder participation on the sustainability of AMREF Health Africa funded projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya; to assess the effect of stakeholder communication on the sustainability of these projects; to investigate the effect of stakeholder collaboration on sustainability; and to evaluate the moderating effect of regulatory compliance on the relationship between stakeholder engagement practices and the sustainability of AMREF Health Africa funded projects in Nairobi City County. The study was anchored on Stakeholder Theory, Participatory Development Theory, Sustainability Theory and Institutional Theory, providing a comprehensive theoretical foundation for understanding the dynamics of project sustainability. An explanatory research design was employed on a census of 176 participants. Findings demonstrated that stakeholder participation, communication, and collaboration all had significant positive effects on project sustainability. Pretest was done on 18 respondents from AMREF funded projects in Kiambu County, representing more than 10% of census. The study targeted a census of 176 respondents, out of which 144 successfully returned completed instruments, representing a response rate of 81.8%. The findings revealed that the effect of stakeholder participation, communication and collaboration was statistically significant, p=0.000, respectively. Stakeholder communication was the strongest predictor of the sustainability of AMREF Health Africa funded projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. NGO Board regulations independently reinforced sustainability and, when combined with engagement practices, raised explanatory power to 50.4%. However, the interaction term was insignificant (p=0.887, p>0.05), indicating that regulations complemented but did not moderate the engagement sustainability relationship. These results refine institutional theory by clarifying that regulatory frameworks strengthen accountability and transparency but do not alter stakeholder practices’ intrinsic effects. The study concludes that participation, communication, and collaboration are fundamental drivers of project sustainability, while regulatory compliance plays a complementary governance role. It recommends institutionalizing participatory frameworks across project cycles, strengthening multi-channel communication systems, and fostering collaborative structures that build trust and resilience. Policymakers should integrate NGO Board oversight with capacity-building to ensure compliance enhances, rather than constrains, sustainability outcomes. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advance the social pillar of Kenya Vision 2030, which emphasizes equitable and community-driven healthcare, and support Africa’s Agenda 2063 (Vision 2050), which prioritizes resilient health systems, participatory governance, and institutional accountability as pathways to long-term continental transformation.Daystar Universit
The Relationship between Parentification and Psychological Wellbeing of Typically Developed Siblings of Individuals with Autism in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Counseling PsychologyThis study examined the psychological impact of parentification on typically developing siblings (TDS) in households where a child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on Nairobi County, Kenya. It explored how TDS perceived their familial roles and how these perceptions related to the degree of parentification they experienced. Additionally, the study investigated the coping mechanisms these siblings adopted in response to their experiences and identified interventions that effectively mitigated the mental and emotional effects of parentification. Participants were recruited from clinics and autism support groups across Nairobi County. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being (RPWB) to provide a multidimensional understanding of the phenomenon. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes: Loss of the Self, Coping Behind Closed Doors, Support as a Turning Point, and Negotiating Selfhood Amid Responsibility. These themes captured the emotional displacement often felt by TDS, the blend of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies they employed, the transformative influence of external and familial support, and the complex process of identity negotiation while managing caregiving responsibilities. Findings demonstrated that prolonged emotional and practical caregiving responsibilities significantly shaped TDS’s self-concept and emotional regulation, often resulting in both resilience and psychological strain. This research addressed a crucial gap in the Kenyan context, where little attention has been paid to the psychological well-being of siblings in ASD-affected households. The study’s insights informed recommendations for tailored mental health interventions, family-centered support systems, and inclusive policy frameworks that recognize and respond to the hidden emotional labor of typically developing siblings.Daystar Universit
Knowledge and Perceptions Towards Usage of Digital Interventions for Mental Health Promotion among Daystar University Students
No full textMaster of Arts in CommunicationMental health has become a significant concern among university students due to academic demands, social pressures, and personal adjustment challenges. Digital mental health interventions, including mobile applications, online counseling platforms, and peer-support spaces, have emerged as alternative options for promoting mental well-being, yet their use depends on students’ awareness and willingness to adopt them. This study examined the knowledge and perceptions of Daystar University students regarding digital interventions for mental health support. Guided by the Health Belief Model, the study employed a quantitative descriptive research design and used a stratified random sample of undergraduate day students. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that while many students experienced emotional stress and recognized the importance of mental well-being, their awareness of available digital mental health tools was limited and often based on informal sources rather than structured guidance. Students expressed both positive and cautious views toward digital interventions: many valued their privacy, flexibility, and ease of access, while concerns were raised about confidentiality, cultural fit, and the perceived emotional limitations of digital platforms. The study concludes that digital mental health interventions can complement traditional counseling services if efforts are made to increase awareness, build trust, and integrate digital support more visibly into the university’s wellness framework. The study recommends increased mental health education, institutional endorsement of credible digital platforms, and culturally sensitive implementation strategiesDaystar Universit