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Exploring The Role of Stigma Management Communication in Reducing Stigmatization of Adoptive Parents: A Case of Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in CommunicationAdoption offers children safe and nurturing family environments, yet in Kenya adoptive parents often face stigmatization rooted in cultural beliefs that privilege biological lineage. Such stigma leads to secrecy, exclusion, and discrimination, limiting children’s chances of permanent homes. Although communication is central in shaping public perceptions, little research in Kenya has examined how stigma management communication can reduce adoption-related stigma. This study therefore explored the role of stigma management communication in reducing stigmatization among adoptive parents in Kiambu County. Guided by Stigma Management Communication Theory (Meisenbach, 2010), the study employed a qualitative research design and conducted 13 in-depth interviews with adoptive parents selected through snowball sampling. Data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed three dominant themes: (1) stigma is communicated through cultural narratives of bloodline and inheritance, community gossip, and institutional practices that portray adoption as abnormal; (2) adoptive parents use a range of stigma management communication strategies, including concealment, disclosure, reframing, selective association, and advocacy, to navigate stigmatizing interactions; and (3) these strategies influence public perceptions by gradually normalizing adoption in interpersonal, community, and media contexts.
The study concludes that stigma management communication plays a crucial role not only in helping adoptive parents cope with stigma but also in transforming wider societal attitudes. It recommends strengthening awareness campaigns, promoting storytelling and media advocacy, and leveraging community and religious platforms to foster greater acceptance of adoption. These findings extend stigma management communication theory to the adoption context in Kenya and provide practical insights for policy, advocacy, and communication-based interventions aimed at reducing adoption stigma.Daystar Universit
Project Management Strategies, Government Regulations, and Performance of Health Rehabilitation Projects in Kenya: A Case of Gynocare
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Project ManagementHealth rehabilitation projects have become a vital component of public health systems across the globe. Despite the efforts of NGOS, government agencies, and healthcare stakeholders, many fistula rehabilitation projects in Kenya continue to face significant challenges that impact their effectiveness. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of project management strategies on performance of health rehabilitation projects in Kenya and the moderating effect of government regulations. The specific objectives of the study were; to examine the effect of project planning on the performance of Gynocare fistula rehabilitation project, to assess the effect of risk management on the performance of Gynocare fistula rehabilitation project, to examine the effect of resource management on the performance of Gynocare fistula rehabilitation project, to establish the effect of stakeholder engagement on the performance of Gynocare fistula rehabilitation project, and to evaluate the moderating effect of government regulations on the relationship between project management strategies and the performance of health rehabilitation projects in Kenya. This study was anchored on Systems Theory, Stakeholder Theory, Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, and Institutional Theory. Using a cross-sectional-explanatory research design, the study’s target population included 104 respondents from Gynocare. The research used primary data, collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0. Descriptive findings indicated strong agreement on the adoption of project management practices, with overall mean scores above 4.3, reflecting widespread implementation of structured planning, proactive risk mitigation, resource optimization, and stakeholder participation. Correlation results revealed strong positive associations between all strategies and project performance (r ranging from 0.63 to 0.67, p<.05). Regression analysis established that project planning (β=0.528, R²=0.279), risk management (β=0.520, R²=0.271), resource management (β=0.644, R²=0.415), and stakeholder engagement (β=0.669, R²=0.448) were all significant predictors of performance (p<.05), leading to the rejection of H01-H04. The moderating effect of government regulations was statistically significant (β=0.181, p=.025), improving the explanatory power of the model from 52.0% to 54.0%, thus rejecting H05. The study concludes that effective project planning, risk mitigation, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement, reinforced by regulatory compliance, significantly enhance timeliness, efficiency, and sustainability of health rehabilitation projects. It recommends institutionalizing structured planning tools, proactive risk frameworks, prudent resource management, and participatory stakeholder approaches, while strengthening supportive regulatory oversight. The findings extend the Project Management, Resource-Based View, Stakeholder, and Institutional Theories, providing theoretical and practical insights for policymakers, project managers, and NGOs in health rehabilitation.Daystar Universit
Intimate Partner Violence and Depression among Women in Low-Income Areas in Selected Rescue Centres in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Counseling PsychologyIntimate partner violence represented a significant public health challenge globally, with particularly devastating effects on women's mental health in low-income settings. This study examined the relationship between intimate partner violence and depression among women in low-income areas of selected rescue centres in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence, assess levels of depression, analyse the relationship between IPV and depression, and identify coping strategies employed by women survivors. The study was grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Ecological Systems Theory, and Stress-Coping Theory frameworks, which provided comprehensive understanding of how violence exposure influenced mental health outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, targeting women aged 18 years and above residing in rescue centers within Nairobi County. Using purposive sampling, 93 participants were recruited from selected rescue centers serving low-income populations. Data were collected using structured questionnaires incorporating the HARK screening tool for intimate partner violence and the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) for depression assessment. Additional instruments captured demographic information, coping strategies, and access to mental health services. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and chi-square tests through SPSS, while qualitative responses underwent thematic content analysis. Findings revealed high prevalence of intimate partner violence among participants, with emotional abuse being most common, followed by physical and sexual violence. Depression levels were significantly elevated, with over half of participants scoring in moderate to severe ranges on the PHQ-8. A strong positive correlation was established between intimate partner violence exposure and depression severity (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Women employed diverse coping strategies, including both adaptive mechanisms such as religious coping and social support, and maladaptive approaches including denial and self-blame. Access to professional mental health services remained severely limited, with only 29% of participants reporting availability. The study concluded that intimate partner violence significantly contributed to depression among women in rescue centers, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated interventions addressing both violence prevention and mental health treatment in Nairobi's low-income communities.Daystar Universit
Assessing The Effects of Government Security Strategies on Pastoralist for Sustainable Livelihoods in Pokot Central Sub-County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityThis study assessed the effects of governments security strategies on the sustainable livelihoods of pastoralist communities in Pokot Central Sub-County, West Pokot County, Kenya. Pastoralism, a central economic and cultural practice, has been persistently threatened by cattle rustling, banditry, and intercommunal conflicts that undermine resilience and development. Globally and regionally, pastoralists in arid and semi -arid lands (ASALs) face similar insecurity challenges, compounded by weak governance and environmental pressures. In Kenya, the government has implemented various security measures-including disarmament, military operations, community policing, and peace committees-yet their effectiveness remains contested. The study adopted a mixed -methods design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture both statistical and experiential perspectives. A target population of 400 households was set, with 340 valid responses obtained, representing an 85 per cent response rate. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and regression analysis, while qualitative data from key informant interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed thematically. The research was guided by Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (Scoones, 1998) and Social Capital Theory (Putnam, 2000), which together explained the interactions between security, assets, and social networks in shaping pastoral resilience. Findings revealed that security strategies combined coercive measures-such as disarmament and armed patrols-with participatory approaches, including National Police Reservists (NPRs), peace committees, and community policing. Coercive measures achieved short-term stability but often eroded trust, disrupted livelihoods, and weakened traditional governance. Conversely, participatory strategies enhanced collaboration, reduced livestock theft, and improved market access and community cohesion. Specifically, 71 per cent of respondents reported reduced livestock losses, 63.5 per cent cited better market access, while 34.8 per cent noted gains in livelihood diversification. The study concluded that sustainable peace and livelihoods require balancing enforcement with local participation and cultural sensitivity. It recommended strengthening community policing and peace committees, reforming disarmament into trust-based approaches, and integrating livelihood diversification within security policies. Overall, the findings underscored that inclusive, community-driven security interventions foster more lasting peace, economic stability, and resilience in pastoralist areas.Daystar Universit
The Discrepancy Between Educational Policy and Actual Practices for Gifted and Talented Students in Public Primary Schools
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesThis study investigated the systemic discrepancy between educational policy and actual practices for gifted and talented (G&T) learners in Kenyan public primary schools. The research addressed the lack of standardized identification tools, inadequate teacher training, and the exclusion of G&T learners from recognized special needs categories. The study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with a purposive sample of 20 teachers, 10 school administrators, and 7 education policymakers directly involved in G&T education in public primary schools in Nairobi, Kenya. Findings reveal a widespread lack of awareness of G&T policies among educators, a reliance on informal identification methods, and minimal use of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Key barriers identified include vague policy guidelines, insufficient training, and limited resources. The study concludes that effective G&T education in Kenya requires a dedicated policy framework, standardized identification tools, and targeted professional development for educators. The research recommends the formulation of a clear G&T policy, increased resource allocation, and providing specific professional development for teachers to ensure policy objectives are effectively implemented in the classroom.Daystar Universit
Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Substance Use Disorders among Patients at Mathari National Teaching & Referral Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
No full textMASTERS in Clinical PsychologySubstance Use Disorder is a significant public health challenge globally, with the recent report by National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse indicating one in every six Kenyans aged 15-65 years is currently using at least one drug or substance of abuse. This study examined the relationship between parenting styles and substance use disorders among patients at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The specific objectives were to examine the parenting styles experienced by SUD patients in the rehabilitation unit, to determine the relationship between parental substance use and the likelihood of SUD development, and to determine the correlation between parenting styles and the development of SUD. The study employed a mixed-methods correlational design, combining quantitative assessment through the Parental Styles Four-Factor Questionnaire (PSFFQ) and Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-25) with qualitative semi-structured interviews. The study population comprised all 46 patients admitted to the hospital's rehabilitation unit during the data collection period, representing diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds across Kenya. Quantitative findings revealed that participants predominantly experienced authoritarian (mean = 3.07) and authoritative (mean = 3.04) parenting styles during their upbringing, with lower exposure to permissive (mean = 2.77) and neglectful (mean = 2.13) styles. DAST-25 screening indicated severe substance use problems across the sample, with 68.9% scoring in the severe range (16-25 points) and a mean score of 18.87 (SD = 3.92). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that parenting styles collectively explained only 12.1% of variance in DAST scores (R² = 0.121, F = 1.37, p = 0.261), indicating that while parenting styles contributes to SUD development, other factors could also be contributing to this at higher rates that parenting styles. Critically, individual coefficient analysis revealed that neglectful parenting emerged as the sole statistically significant predictor of substance use severity (β = 1.595, p = 0.043), while authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive styles showed no significant associations. Qualitative data revealed that substance use initiation occurred between ages 13-27, primarily driven by peer pressure, curiosity, and social contexts. A minority of participants reported parental substance use, predominantly paternal alcohol and tobacco use normalized through cultural gender norms. The findings underscore that emotional neglect and parental disengagement constitute significant risk factors for SUD development in Kenya's context. These results have important implications for clinical practice, suggesting the necessity of family-based interventions, parenting education programs emphasizing emotional availability and consistent engagement, and holistic treatment approaches addressing underlying emotional deficits.Daystar Universit
Theatre as Witness: Exploring Climate Change Through Performance
No full textConference PaperThe skit focuses on the role of humans in dealing with climate change. It highlights how man, directly or indirectly, contributes to environmental destruction. The narrative unfolds with the circulation of a TikTok-originated rumor about a forced evacuation, initially dismissed by the villagers. Chaos ensues at dawn when a bulldozer and a large gang of youths arrive, compelling the community to leave under threat of violence. Displaced, the villagers settle near the forest in protest displacement and the environmental degradation caused by plans to clear trees for the construction of a heavy chemical industry. This sparks media attention. Ironically, the evacuation is masterminded by a wealthy local businessman, publicly known for advocating for environmental preservation internationally. Tensions escalate as the gang violently blocks access to the fenced forest during the protests until the local chief and the police intervene. A pivotal moment arises when a Gen-Z activist boldly comes out to present viral video evidence of the chief accepting a bribe from the businessman. The skit concludes with a powerful speech on climate change and a poignant poem, highlighting the implications of environmental and human rights.Daystar Universit
Stakeholder Communication in Borehole Drilling Projects: Dynamics, Meanings, and Implications for Sustainable Water Governance – A Case Study of Turkana County, Kenya
No full textDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in CommunicationThis study examined how stakeholder communication shaped the sustainability of borehole drilling projects in Turkana County, Kenya, a region marked by ecological vulnerability, infrastructural limitations, and complex governance relationships. Guided by a constructivist paradigm and interpretivist epistemology, the research explored how stakeholders navigated communicative dynamics, constructed meanings around water governance interventions, and contributed to outcomes with long-term implications for project legitimacy, coordination, and viability. Drawing on stakeholder theory and normative communicative frameworks such as dialogic theory of public relations, the study interrogated the ethical, relational, and rhetorical dimensions of participatory water governance. A descriptive phenomenological design was employed to capture the lived experiences of community members, project coordinators, and institutional actors. Data were generated through in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, involving a total of 35 participants. Of these, two were experts in water financing and governance; eight were key informants from Turkana County, including project implementers and community leaders; and 25 were focus group participants comprising residents drawn from Loima and Turkana Central Sub-Counties. This diverse sample enabled the study to surface intersubjective meanings across technical, institutional, and community domains. Thematic analysis was facilitated using Taguette software, which enabled the identification of patterns and interpretive depth across stakeholder narratives. Findings revealed that while communication was often presented as inclusive, it remained unevenly distributed, with community voices frequently sidelined in decision-making processes. Three core dimensions including relational legitimacy, communicative transparency, and ethical responsiveness emerged as essential to sustaining borehole projects in hardship environments. The study concluded that sustainable water governance required more than technical execution. It demanded intentional communicative practices that recognized stakeholder agency, contextual diversity, and epistemic justice. A key contribution of the research was the development of the Dynamic Stakeholder Communication Model, a conceptual framework that illustrates how stakeholder relationships evolve, how meanings are negotiated, and how governance outcomes are shaped through iterative dialogue and shifting communicative dynamics. This model offers practical guidance for implementers seeking to foster inclusive, responsive, and ethically grounded water infrastructure projects. Recommendations included institutionalising participatory briefings, strengthening feedback mechanisms between implementers and communities, and embedding ethical reflexivity in project design and evaluation. The study also proposed further research into adaptive communication strategies and longitudinal stakeholder engagement to enhance infrastructure resilience and community ownership. An illumination of the communicative dimensions of governance enables this study to contribute to both theory and practice in participatory development, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable resource management.Daystar Universit
The Use of Chatbots in an Organization’s Customer Communication: A Case of Moneza Limited
No full textMaster's ThesisThis study explored the use of chatbots in an organization’s customer communication, focusing on Moneza Limited, a Kenyan digital lending company. As organizations adopt technological innovations, like chatbots, to enhance communication, concerns have emerged around professionalism, data privacy, ethics, inclusivity, and job displacement. Despite increasing chatbot adoption in Kenya, there is limited literature on their use and impact in local organizational contexts. This research aimed to analyze how and why Moneza employs chatbots in customer communication assess their impact on customer relationships, and examine associated challenges. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research emphasized the intersection of technological acceptance and strategic communication. A qualitative, exploratory research design was used, with data collected through open-ended interviews involving managers and customer service agents. Thematic analysis revealed that chatbots enhance customer experience by handling FAQs, reducing operational costs, and enabling prompt, consistent responses. However, issues such as poor handling of complex queries, limited accessibility for users with disabilities, and data privacy concerns persist. Human intervention was found essential for maintaining trust and meaningful engagement. Although organizations value chatbot innovation, few address inclusivity in design or compliance with strong regulatory frameworks. The study contributes to corporate communication by linking chatbot use to communication strategy through TAM and DOI, and highlights the importance of human-technology interaction. Recommendations are offered to improve chatbot design, accessibility, and balance with human support.Daystar Universit