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The Impact of Public Participation on Climate Change Mitigation Initiatives at The Community Level in Thika Constituency, Kenya
No full textConference PaperClimate change threatens livelihoods, ecosystems, and sustainable development in several communities in Kenya. While global and national climate policies are in place, their success often hinges on meaningful public participation at the local level. Community involvement enables inclusive decision-making, effective implementation of mitigation initiatives, and improved monitoring of environmental outcomes. Despite its importance, it remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by investigating how community involvement shapes and sustains climate change mitigation efforts in Thika Constituency, Kenya, with the aim of informing more effective and inclusive climate governance strategies. The objectives that guide the study are; to examine nature and extent of public participation in community-based climate change mitigation initiatives in Thika Constituency, and to assess the impact of public participation on the effectiveness and sustainability of these initiatives. The study is anchored on participatory approach theory which emphasizes inclusive decision-making and the role of citizens in shaping and implementing public policies and how it influences the uptake and impact on mitigation initiatives. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research draws on both qualitative and quantitative data collected from community members, local leaders, and environmental officers through surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews within four residential areas: Kamenu ward, Hospital ward, Ngoliba ward, and Gatuanyaga ward. The study will utilize stratified random sampling to select the citizens from the four residential areas and purposive sampling to select participants actively or passively involved in environmental initiatives. Data analysis will involve thematic coding for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative inputs. This paper aims to guide local policy development by emphasizing the value of inclusive climate governance, with the goal of fostering more equitable and sustainable environmental solutions in Kenya.Daystar Universit
Mental Health Issues and Associated Coping Strategies among Caregivers of Children and Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease: Case of Siaya County Referral hospital
No full textMASTERS in Clinical PsychologyCaring for children and adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) can impose substantial psychological, social, and emotional burdens on caregivers, which, if unaddressed, may significantly affect their mental health. Despite this, limited localized data exist on the psychosocial impact of SCD and the coping mechanisms employed by caregivers in the study area. This study, therefore, sought to assess mental health issues and associated coping mechanisms among caregivers of children and adolescents with SCD at Siaya County Referral Hospital. The study was anchored on the ABC-X model, Double ABC-X model, Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, and the Family Systems Theory. A cross-sectional descriptive design employing a mixed-methods approach was adopted. Sampling integrated census and convenience techniques, targeting 74 caregivers for quantitative data and 10 for qualitative interviews. Data were collected using an instrument that combined the standardized DASS-21 and Brief COPE tools, complemented by semi-structured interviews to gain deeper insights into caregivers’ lived experiences. Ethical approvals were obtained from DU-ISERC, NACOSTI, and Siaya County Referral Hospital, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, applying descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests to examine associations between variables. The results indicated that the majority of caregivers experienced symptoms of depression, with anxiety being the most prevalent, while stress symptoms were relatively less pronounced. Demographic variables demonstrated statistically significant associations with mental health outcomes, with age showing the strongest relationship, followed by marital status and living arrangements. In terms of coping mechanisms, caregivers predominantly employed problem-focused strategies over emotion-focused and avoidant approaches. A strong statistical association was found between mental health outcomes and coping mechanisms, suggesting that psychological well-being and adaptive capacity functioned as interdependent systems. Qualitative findings yielded five major themes: (1) overwhelming caregiving responsibility with gradual adaptation, (2) family disruption and economic strain, (3) medical complexity and social isolation, (4) limited formal support coupled with strong religious foundations, and (5) faith-based coping integrated with practical problem-solving. The study concludes that although caregivers demonstrate resilience through problem-focused and faith-based coping approaches, substantial mental health challenges persist, particularly depression and anxiety. It recommends the implementation of comprehensive mental health screening during routine SCD clinic visits, integration of counseling and psychosocial support services, and the development of coping skills training programs that reinforce existing adaptive strategies while promoting emotion-focused coping. Policy frameworks should prioritize integrating mental health services into SCD care to prevent the escalation of psychological distress among caregivers.Daystar Universit
Assessing The Impact of Devolved Healthcare Provision on Health Security: A Case Study of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Kayole Slums, Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityHealth inequalities remain a major concern in Kenya’s devolved healthcare system, particularly in informal settlements such as Kayole in Nairobi County. Although the 2010 Constitution devolved health functions to county governments with the aim of improving accessibility, equity, and quality of healthcare, residents in underserved urban areas continued to face persistent challenges. Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, the main public health facility serving Kayole, experienced issues such as staff shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and weak accountability, raising critical questions about the effectiveness of devolution in promoting health security. This study sought to assess the impact of devolved healthcare provision on health security in Kayole, with a specific focus on accessibility, quality, equity, and residents’ experiences. The study was guided by decentralization theory and human security theory to examine the effectiveness of devolved systems in meeting the health needs of vulnerable urban populations. A mixed-methods case study design was employed, targeting a sample of 140 Kayole residents, 19 healthcare workers, and 10 Nairobi County health officials. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to residents across four county assembly wards, while qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews and focus group discussions involving both service providers and community members. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed both strengths and limitations in the implementation of devolved healthcare as experienced in Kayole. The study aimed to generate evidence-based insights to inform health policy reforms and contribute to the broader discourse on health equity and urban governance in Kenya. The study established that while devolution improved healthcare accessibility at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital through expanded infrastructure and localized management, significant challenges persisted in service quality, governance, and resource management. Most residents sought medical care only during emergencies due to dissatisfaction with long queues, drug shortages, poor staff communication, and limited emergency responsiveness. Although devolution brought decision-making closer to the people, its implementation was hindered by financial instability, delayed salaries, inadequate supervision, and political interference. Governance weaknesses, including favoritism and lack of accountability, further eroded public trust and limited equitable access to care, particularly among low-income groups. The study concluded that devolution’s success in achieving health security depended not only on decentralization but also on effective governance, adequate funding, and strong institutional capacity. It recommended that county governments strengthen accountability mechanisms, enhance supervision, ensure consistent funding, and promote merit-based staffing to improve efficiency and service quality. Additionally, greater community participation, transparent financial management, and investment in staff motivation and capacity building were proposed as critical steps toward achieving equitable, efficient, and people-centered healthcare in Kenya’s devolved health system.Daystar Universit
Topics, Trends, and Sentiments in Software Testing: An Analysis of Developers’ Engagement on Stack Overflow
No full textjournal articleThis study investigated software testing discussions on Stack Overflow from 2020 to 2024 to uncover key trends, topics, and developer sentiments. 14 key topics, including unit testing, machine learning testing, mobile testing (especially Flutter), and Docker testing were identified. The study revealed a decline in developer engagement, as the number of posts answered and with accepted answers decreased, particularly after 2022. Sentiment analysis showed a predominance of negative sentiments across most topics, especially in mobile and machine learning testing. While some topics like machine learning testing initially saw positive sentiment, this shifted toward frustration as the years progressed. These findings suggest that the rise of AI-based tools, such as ChatGPT, has affected the way developers engage with traditional forums like Stack Overflow. The decline in engagement and the prevalence of negative sentiments highlight the challenges developers face in software testing. This research points to the need for further investigation into how AI tools influence developer behavior and their reliance on peer support platforms. Additionally, it suggests exploring how sentiment analysis can be integrated into software testing tools to better address developer frustrations and improve support for testing emerging technologies. The study provides insights that could guide the development of more effective tools and frameworks to enhance the software testing process
Effects of Parental Substance Abuse on Adolescents’ Psychological Well-Being in Kibera, Kenya
No full textMASTERS in Counseling PsychologyThe main aim of the study was to analyze the effects of parental substance abuse on adolescents’ well-being in Kibera, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to investigate the psychosocial effects of parental substance abuse (PSA) on adolescents’ well-being, determine the levels of psychological well-being among adolescents, establish the correlation between the psychosocial effects of PSA and the psychological well-being of adolescents, and identify the coping strategies adopted by adolescents affected by PSA.
The study was guided by the Family Systems Theory developed by Murray Bowen (1974), recognized as the first comprehensive theory of family systems, and the Social Learning Theory. A mixed-method research design was employed to collect, analyze, and integrate both quantitative and qualitative approaches within a single study to enhance understanding of the research problem. The study population comprised households in Kibera affected by parental substance abuse, and the target population consisted of adolescents from these households. The sample size was determined using the Yamane formula. Systematic random sampling was used to select a sample of 254 respondents for questionnaire administration, while purposive sampling was used to select participants for interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Ethical standards were maintained and applied throughout data collection, analysis, and dissemination. The results were presented using tables. The findings of the study are intended to inform policy review on parental substance abuse and the safeguarding of children in affected households. Key findings revealed significant psychosocial effects of PSA on adolescents, including strained relationships, bullying, and overwhelming responsibilities, with 56% reporting experiences of bullying and 57% feeling overwhelmed at least sometimes. Levels of psychological well-being were found to be mixed, with 62% agreeing that they had a sense of purpose, while 65% perceived life as unfair. A strong negative correlation was established between psychosocial effects such as loneliness and psychological well-being indicators such as happiness and trust. Coping strategies identified included religious activities (32.9%), counseling (27%), talking to friends (21.9%), and recreational activities (18.1%). The study concluded that PSA has profound psychosocial and psychological impacts on adolescents, necessitating targeted interventions to mitigate these effects. Recommendations include expanding counseling services, implementing community-based support programs, and promoting awareness campaigns to address stigma and provide support for affected adolescents.
Key Words : Parental Substance Abuse (PSA)Daystar Universit
Prevalence of Anemia and its Association with Nutritional, Reproductive Health, and Antenatal Care Factors among Pregnant Women in a Peri-Urban Health Facility in Kenya
No full textJournal articleBackground: Anemia in pregnancy, defined by WHO as hemoglobin below 11 gm/dl, is a major public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, its prevalence stands at 67%, contributing to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. In Kajiado County, food insecurity and low ANC uptake persist, yet the exact burden and
associated maternal factors remain poorly documented.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ngong Sub-County Hospital, Kajiado County, among pregnant women aged 16-35 attending ANC clinics. Sample size of 108 was calculated using Cochran’s formula, and participants were recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used, with significance set at p<0.05 and the data was presented in tables and pie charts.
Results: The study revealed that 5% of the women were anemic ( 1.9% mild and 2.8% moderate cases). No severe anemia was recorded. Significant associations were found between anemia and pregnancy trimester (p=0.013) and IFAS compliance (p=0.000).
Conclusions: The study found a low prevalence of anemia (5%), with pregnancy trimester and compliance with iron and folic acid supplementation significantly associated with anemia (p=0.013 and p=0.000 respectively). It
recommends targeted antenatal programs to enhance awareness and adherence to IFAS, especially in early and late pregnancy, along with strengthened nutritional counselling, routine anemia screening, and timely interventions for improved maternal health outcome
Two Sample Calibrated Imputation in Surveys: A Methodological Framework for Secondary Data Analysis
No full textjournal articleNonresponse at the item level and other forms of missingness—arising from editing rejections, confidentiality requirements, or the treatment of extreme values—remain central obstacles in survey sampling and valid inference. To address these difficulties, we introduce a two-sample calibrated imputation approach that ensures consistent estimation of population and domain totals, together with their variances, while relying exclusively on variance formulae designed for complete data. Notably, the method does not depend on detailed survey design metadata or replication-based variance estimation procedures. The proposed framework combines data from the original survey with an auxiliary reference sample. This integration of information improves efficiency and reduces bias compared with methods based solely on a single survey sample. For continuous survey variables, the procedure can be carried out either through calibration-based reweighting or through imputation methods. Robust extensions are also available to limit the effect of outliers. The generality of the framework allows it to be applied in multivariate contexts, permitting the joint estimation of covariances acros
Growth Strategies and Market Performance in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Industry in Kenya: A Case Study of Unilever Kenya Limited
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Marketing and Strategic ManagementThe FMCG industry is volatile with rapid changes which necessitate strategic innovation and adaptability in order to stay afloat. The study investigated the impact of growth strategies on market performance of the FMCG industry with a focus on Unilever Kenya Limited. The objectives of the study included assessing how diversification strategies, product development strategies, market development and market penetration impact key outcomes such as market share, customer acquisition, and sales volume. The statement of the problem highlights the challenges faced by the sector due to increased competition despite the enabling factors such as urbanization and technological advancements such as closure, bankruptcy and dwindling market share. The study was guided by three theories, including the Ansoff model, the Balanced Scorecard Model, and the anchor theory- Resource-Based View Theory. This study adopted an explanatory and descriptive research design and quantitative methods in data collection with the use of structured questionnaires. The target population of this study was 500 employees of Unilever who comprise marketing managers, brand managers, and sales executives. To find the sample of 222, this study used the stratified random sampling technique. Reliability assessment was done using Cronbach's alpha and content validity assessed through the review of experts to ensure items comprehensively cover the construct. Correlational and regression analysis was utilized using SPSS version 28 and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics, including tables. The findings revealed that growth strategies positively and statistically significantly influence the market performance in the FMCG industry. Specifically, diversification strategy and market penetration strategies showing the strongest correlations (r=.732 and r=.714, p=.000). The study further found that 33.9% of the variance in market performance could be explained by the growth strategies adopted by this study. The study recommended that FMCG firms must continually embrace growth strategies to enhance market performance. Industry practitioners should pursue innovative marketing techniques and comply with relevant government regulations. The study further recommends that policymakers should contribute through the creation of an environment that supports new business entry, fosters innovation, and maintains market competitiveness. The study also recommends that generally, the study contributed to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the relationship between growth strategies and market performance in Kenya’s FMCG scene, offering practical solutions for industry stakeholders.Daystar Universit
Investigating The Impact of Crisis Communication on The Perceived Image of Safaricom among M-Pesa Agent Fraud Victims in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in CommunicationCases of mobile money fraud are prevalent in Kenya, with majority of users having experienced mobile network fraud. Victims who experience this crisis expect Safaricom as the owner and custodian of M-Pesa platform to take some responsibility and help in loss prevention and recovery. Safaricom itself acknowledged rising cases of fraud and escalating levels of sophistication as an ongoing challenge. M-Pesa fraud incidents thus threaten both the reputation of the M-Pesa brand and Safaricom’s corporate image. Safaricom has put in place crisis communication measures to mitigate escalation of M-Pesa fraud and protect its image. This investigation aims at determining the impact of crisis communication on the perceived image of Safaricom among M-Pesa Agent fraud victims in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was guided by Situational Crisis Communication Theory and Corporate Image Theory. The research utilized embedded mixed methods research design. The target population was 13,000 M-Pesa agents. Questionnaires was administered to a purposive sample of 388 M-Pesa agents who have been victims of M-Pesa fraud. Data gathering was undertaken by means of a structured questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using Chi-square technique in SPSS while qualitative data were analysed using thematic technique through Atlas.ti software. Results showed that most prevalent forms of fraud was fake M-Pesa reversals (74.1%). Majority of respondents (72%) did not recover any of the lost funds. However, while most respondents (57%) did not blame Safaricom for their losses, a significant proportion (43%) still held Safaricom at least partially responsible. Nevertheless, a large majority of respondents (93.0%) held a positive perception of Safaricom’s image. Chi-square results indicated a statistically significant relationship between perceived image and stakeholder engagement (χ² = 20.57, p< .01), feedback integration and perceived image (χ² = 8.73, p< .01), empathy and perceived image (χ² = 11.76, p < .01), and proactive (χ² = 9.26, p < .01). Thematic analysis revealed mixed views. Positive sentiments were that Safaricom’s approach to managing M-Pesa fraud emphasizes structured communication, accountability, and procedural support for affected customers, attentive listening and empathy as well as politeness, respect, and professionalism emerged as pervasive themes. However, some respondents expressed dissatisfaction with Safaricom’s response and call-handling, sense of powerlessness in the M-Pesa risk management ecosystem, minimal direct assistance, and procedural and communication flaws. Conclusion was drawn that all four dimensions of crisis communication namely stakeholder engagement, feedback integration, empathy, and proactive communication, enhance perceived image of Safaricom among M-Pesa agents. It was recommended that Safaricom should strengthen crisis communication systems by ensuring faster, more responsive, and empathetic engagement with M-Pesa agents and customers during fraud incidents. Safaricom’s fraud risk management strategy should focus on prioritizing strengthening internal control systems and employee vetting procedures to address insider-related data leaks highlighted by M-Pesa fraud victims. Inter-agency coordination between communication authorities and law enforcement should be enhanced to create a seamless fraud response ecosystem.Daystar Universit
Reverse Logistics Strategies and Operational Efficiency of Beverage Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: A Case of East African Breweries Limited
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Supply Chain Management and Strategic ManagementThere is growing interest in reverse logistics strategies globally, driven by their potential to enhance sustainability, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and strengthen operational performance. In the manufacturing sector, firms are increasingly adopting reverse logistics to minimize waste, recover value, and comply with environmental regulations. This study examined the effect of reverse logistics strategies on operational efficiency in the beverage manufacturing sector in Kenya, using East African Breweries Limited (EABL) as a case study. Specifically, the study sought to evaluate the influence of product return, recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing strategies on operational efficiency, and assess the moderating role of the legal environment. The study was anchored on Institutional Theory, Theory of Constraints, the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, and Stakeholder Theory. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires targeting a sample of 212 respondents drawn from key departments including supply chain, logistics, sustainability, and production. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 28, applying descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and moderation analysis. Findings revealed that product and remanufacturing strategies had a statistically significant positive effect on operational efficiency. Conversely, product return and recycling strategies also showed strong significant effects. Moderation analysis indicated effectiveness of reverse logistics strategies on operational efficiency is strengthened when the legal environment is more supportive or strictly enforced. The study concluded that reverse logistics strategies particularly reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing contribute positively to operational efficiency when properly integrated into supply chain processes. However, regulatory compliance alone does not guarantee efficiency gains unless aligned with internal operations. It is therefore recommended that EABL scale up its investment in reuse and remanufacturing infrastructure, adopt advanced recycling technologies, streamline return systems, and digitize reverse logistics processes.Daystar Universit