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Effectiveness of Stress Inoculation Therapy in Managing Occupational Stress and Trauma Among Morticians in Selected Mortuaries in Nairobi County, Kenya.
No full textDoctor of Philosophy in Clinical PsychologyHuman beings inherently fear death, and sustained exposure to deceased bodies exerts profound psychological strain on individuals tasked with managing death-related practices. Morticians, by virtue of their professional obligations, are continually confronted with mortality, grief, and trauma, rendering them highly susceptible to occupational stress and trauma. Recognizing the paucity of empirical inquiry into this occupational group, the study sought to determine the levels of occupational stress and trauma among morticians in relation to their socio-demographic characteristics, examine their coping strategies, explore the interrelationship between stress, trauma, and coping, and assess the effectiveness of Stress Inoculation Therapy (SIT) as a therapeutic intervention. The study was guided by the salutogenesis and empowerment theoretical frameworks, which emphasize individuals’ capacity to mobilize adaptive or maladaptive coping strategies when confronted with adversity. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, the study, through census sampling, involved 18 morticians, 10 males and 8 females, from two teaching and referral mortuaries in Nairobi, Kenya. Data collection entailed structured interviews, behavioral observations, and the administration of standardized measures: the Work Stress Screener (WOSS-13) assessed occupational stress, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) measured trauma, and the Brief COPE Inventory evaluated coping strategies. SIT was introduced as an intervention to mitigate stress and trauma. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 31, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Qualitative data were thematically analyzed using NVivo software. Findings indicated that 66.7% of morticians reported high occupational stress (M = 27.1, SD = 4.2), while 55.6% met the cut-off for clinically significant trauma symptoms (M = 22.3, SD = 5.1). Socio-demographic factors, such as age (F(2, 15) = 4.12, p < .05) and work experience (F(2, 15) = 3.87, p < .05), significantly influenced stress and trauma levels, with younger and less experienced morticians reporting higher scores. A strong positive correlation was found between occupational stress and trauma (r = .72, p < .01). Adaptive coping strategies were negatively correlated with both stress (r = –.54, p < .05) and trauma (r = –.49, p < .05). Paired-sample t-tests revealed that Stress Inoculation Therapy (SIT) significantly reduced occupational stress (pre-intervention M = 27.1, post-intervention M = 20.6; t (17) = 4.12, p < .001, d = 0.89, 95% CI [3.1, 9.9]) and trauma (pre-intervention M = 22.3, post-intervention M = 17.1; t (17) = 3.67, p < .01, d = 0.77, 95% CI [1.7, 8.7]). These findings confirmed SIT’s effectiveness in alleviating psychological burden among morticians by lowering stress and trauma levels while promoting adaptive coping. The study provides empirical evidence underscoring the mental health risks inherent in mortuary practice, while simultaneously demonstrating the therapeutic utility of SIT. The findings carry important implications for clinical practice, policy formulation, advocacy, and the urgent need to prioritize mental health interventions and institutional support systems for morticians. Ultimately, the study contributes to scholarship on occupational health psychology by elucidating stress dynamics in death-care professions and offering practical pathways for intervention.Daystar Universit
An Analysis of Child Protection Mechanisms against Incest and Abuse in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities
No full textPromoting Sustainable Social Cohesion Through Education in Refugee Camps: A Case Study of Kakuma, Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityRefugee Camps worldwide face numerous challenges, such as a lack of adequate resources and poor access to available resources, but conflict between the different refugee nationalities is the most pervasive. Despite the implementation of various interventions, sustainable solutions remain elusive. Education is considered a sustainable solution to conflicts in refugee camps; however, the information on the most effective educational strategies to address these issues is limited. This study was guided by the following objectives: to examine the current educational frameworks and practices promoting sustainable social cohesion in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, to investigate the challenges educators face in providing education and social cohesion in a multicultural setting like Kakuma Refugee Camp, and to develop actionable strategies and education policy recommendations for sustainable social cohesion in Kakuma Refugee Camp. The study employed Conflict Transformation theory by Johan Galtung and Social Identity Theory by Henri Tajfel and John Turner. This study population included teachers, students, school administrators, and policymakers from government and non-governmental organisations involved in education. Sampling was conducted using both stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Both questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. The questionnaires were administered to students and teachers, while the semi-structured interviews were conducted with government and Non-Government Organisation education policymakers, as wellanalysed using SPSS software, while the qualitative data were analysedalyzed using SPSS software, while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study's major findings showed that national and international education frameworks and policies help promote social cohesion. The frameworks include the Basic Education Act (2013), Competency-Based Education, the Refugee Convention, and the National Educational Sector Strategic Plan (2023–2027). The policies include the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the National Educational Sector Strategic Plan 2023-2027, the Teacher Services Commission Policy, and the Education for Sustainable Development policy of 2017. Regarding the barriers facing teachers, the study identified language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, as well as a lack of resources and socioeconomic problems, as the most frequently mentioned issues that hinder social cohesion. The less frequently mentioned ones were peer group segregation, bullying, parental and community influence, religious difference, psychological issues, and identity or issues of belonging. The recommended actions to promote cohesion were an inclusive curriculum, trauma-informed teaching approaches, organising intercultural activities, peer mentoring, cultural exchange programs, teachers' professional development, community and parental engagement, improving monitoring of educational frameworks and policies, and engaging in conflict resolution and restorative practices. The findings are important to refugees, educators, policymakers, and academicians, as well as address existing educational challenges in Kakuma Refugee Camp.Daystar Universit
Communication Strategies Influencing the Adoption of Electric Motorcycles among Bodaboda Operators in Nairobi County
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Development CommunicationThis study explored communication strategies influencing the adoption of electric motorcycles among bodaboda operators in Nairobi County. The bodaboda sector is central to Kenya’s urban transport system and contributes significantly to the national economy. Despite the potential environmental and economic benefits of electric motorcycles, their adoption among operators in Nairobi County remains low. While existing literature often highlights affordability and infrastructure as barriers, this study emphasized communication strategies and how they shape perceptions and influence adoption decisions. Guided by three objectives, it examined the strategies in use, how stakeholders applied them, and operators’ perceptions of their influence on adoption. Technological Acceptance Model and Diffusion of Innovations Theory informed this study. Using a qualitative exploratory design, data were obtained from 32 bodaboda operators through focus group discussions (FGDs) across three wards in Kibra Constituency and 7 key informants through in-depth interviews from sector stakeholders who were purposively sampled. The study found mass media campaigns, demonstrations, sensitization forums, road shows, and media platforms as the primary communication strategies employed by various stakeholders to influence adoption. Thematic analysis showed that while multiple communication strategies were applied, their effectiveness varied widely. Demonstration-based approaches generated the strongest interest, while peer networks remained the most trusted, though they transmitted both positive and negative experiences equally. Operators perceived economic messaging on costs, financing, and reliability as more persuasive than policy or environmental appeals. However, findings revealed weak coordination among stakeholders, limited campaign coverage, and underutilization of digital communication channels, leaving significant information gaps. The study concludes that adoption decisions are shaped less by policy incentives and more by communication approaches that align with operators’ socio-economic realities. Enhancing localized, participatory and feedback-driven communication that leverages trusted peer networks and emphasizes practical benefits is essential for accelerating electric motorcycle uptake in Nairobi’s bodaboda sector.Daystar Universit
Assessment Validity in Junior Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Case of Sabatia Subcounty
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesThe Competency Based Curriculum in Kenya has presented emerging issues more importantly raising concerns of validity in assessments conducted in the Junior Secondary Schools. Challenges faced like the lack of teachers capacity in the application of teaching and assessment methods. These are essential to make learners learn effectively thus, improving the academic achievement. This is the true measure of validity. Thus, the study examined assessment validity challenges in Junior Secondary Schools within the CBC framework in Sabatia Sub-County. The study employed a mixed-methods design using structured questionnaires administered to 329 participants comprising secondary school teachers, curriculum support officers, and education officers. Stratified Random Sampling was employed for junior secondary school teachers to ensure representation from different geographical areas within Sabatia Sub-County. Data analysis utilized SPSS for descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. The study found that regarding assessment modalities and teaching approaches, most teachers reported assessment questions are relevant to classroom instruction, though curriculum support officers indicated inconsistent use of cognitive frameworks like Bloom's Taxonomy. The study found that while teachers are aware of assessment validity principles, several systemic challenges hinder proper implementation. Teachers and curriculum support officers noted assessment biases, a lack of standardized tools, and limited application of cognitive frameworks. Implementation is further constrained by inconsistent curriculum alignment, reliance on commercial assessments, inadequate resources, and an inexperienced teaching force managing multiple subjects. The study recommends immediate, comprehensive teacher training focused on CBC assessment literacy and competency-based evaluation. Educational institutions should create and distribute standardized assessment tools and strengthen internal capacity to reduce dependence on commercial tests. Resource allocation needs to prioritize essential infrastructure such as printing facilities, technology integration, and assessment materials. In addition, policy frameworks should embed assessment-validity training in teacher preparation programs and establish quality-assurance mechanisms to monitor validity before the critical 2025 Grade 9 assessments.Daystar Universit
Communication and Mental Health in Higher Institutions of Learning: A Case of Daystar University.
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in CommunicationEffective corporate communication strategies are pivotal in enhancing mental health and resilience within organizational settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of such strategies on employee well-being at Daystar University through the lens of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. The objectives were to assess how these communication strategies promote mental health awareness among employees, examine their role in fostering workplace resilience and evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing overall well-being and organizational productivity. Employing a descriptive quantitative research design, the study surveyed all employees at Daystar University, targeting a sample size of 135 Respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires administered electronically and in person. From the findings, 61(57%) of the respondents indicated that that Daystar University's corporate communication was effective in raising awareness about mental health resources 62(58%) indicated that the university corporate communication channels were used to regularly inform the employees about mental health initiatives and that communication from leadership emphasized the importance of mental health and well-being at 55(51%). The study further found that a majority of the respondents at 54(50%) stated that the university communication provides guidance on managing work-related stress, 66(62%) stated that employees felt encouraged to seek support during challenges due to university communications, and 72(67%) respondents stated that communication at the university fosters a culture of resilience among employees. Also, 55(51%) respondents stated that current communication strategies positively impact employee overall well-being, and 53(50%) stated that there was noticeable improvement in organizational productivity due to communication about mental health. The study therefore concludes that corporate communication promotes conversations around mental health, making it easier for employees to access support and resolution of psychological challenges. That transparent communication during uncertainty or work challenges contributes to employees’ psychological preparedness, which strengthens their ability to adapt and recover from those challenges. The study recommends that organizations need to come up with a structured internal communication plan that comprises regular messaging around mental health awareness, available support services, and the importance of psychological wellbeing. This plan should be integrated into broader HR and wellness strategies. Further, organizations need to offer mental health communication training for managers and team leaders so as to equip them with the skills to talk about mental health in a respectful and confidential manner. The training needs to comprise recognizing indications of distress, beginning supportive conversations, and directing employees to appropriate resources. Also, organizations need to integrate resilience into corporate communication strategy by coming up with a communication strategy that explicitly includes resilience as a key theme. There should also be a culture of sharing messages on a regular basis, reinforcing adaptability, learning from challenges, and effective stress management.Daystar Universit
Exploring Strategic Communication Practices in Unclaimed Property Recovery Program: A Case Study of Kenya's Unclaimed Assets Authority
No full textDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in CommunicationThis study examined the impact of the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority's (UFAA) strategic communication practices on the recovery of unclaimed property in Kenya, identifying what works, what does not, and how it can be improved. Unclaimed property frameworks in countries around the world guarantee perpetual right to reclaim, often facilitated through public awareness campaigns. However, Kenya’s unclaimed property recovery program has experienced a persistent low recovery rate, despite a decade of policy and institutional interventions, raising concerns about the effectiveness of communication initiatives in bridging information asymmetries and overcoming behavioural barriers. The gaps this study fills lie in the limited understanding of how strategic communication fosters awareness, cultivates institutional legitimacy and influence or hinders reclaim behaviour among the rightful owners and UFAA’s stakeholders. Underpinned by Agency Theory and the Situational Theory of Problem Solving (STOPS), the study employed a constructivist intrinsic case study design. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants with a role within the case context. Data were generated through focus groups, interviews, and document review, and analysed using thematic and iterative qualitative strategies. The study found that UFAA lacked key strategic communication pillars, namely: structured audience segmentation, targeted messaging, a structured feedback infrastructure, and a communication measurement tool. The study revealed adaptive strategies, including image and identity strategies, corporate social responsibility initiatives, stakeholder relations, and financial literacy programs, which UFAA's recovery program utilised for strategic positioning. In addition, the study identified systemic barriers to effective organisational communication and proposes how to overcome them, offering a framework for designing communication strategies that address entrenched information asymmetries and legitimacy challenges. It concludes that while UFAA symbolic power pressures holders to surrender unclaimed property through coercive institutional isomorphism, citizens acquiesce to state power out of fear, without necessarily accepting its legitimacy and are therefore sceptical about recovering their unclaimed property. Therefore, symbolic power alone may not be sufficient to overcome the deep-seated scepticism that hinders recovery efforts. This study contributes to organisational communication theory and practice by illuminating both individual and communal agencies as fundamental catalysts in communicative actions in problem-solving situations for proactive and reactive publics. It proposes a scepticism recognition variable in public sector communication in postcolonial states. The study blends the STOPS and Agency theories into a framework contextualised for unclaimed property strategic communication situations. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and public sector organisations seeking to mobilise citizen participation in novel policy programs in a Global South context.Daystar Universit
Internal Publics’ Perceptions on Crisis Communication Preparedness at The Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya with a Focus on 2019 Crisis
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Communication StudiesIn 2019, the Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya faced three crises that had an impact on the reputation of the university and raised questions on the leadership abilities of top management. This study set to analyze internal publics’ perceptions on crisis communication preparedness at the University through how the university’s management utilized the crisis communication plan, the preferred tools of communication, and determine internal public’s perceptions of crises communications preparedness. The study which was grounded on post-positivist philosophical paradigm was guided by the Situational Crisis Communication Theory (Coombs, 2007). Through a descriptive survey design, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 267 comprising of 222 staff members and 45 students drawn from all the Universities faculties. 158 respondents representing 59.2% participated in the study. Findings indicated that many internal publics (77.8%) did not know of the existence of a crisis awareness plan, about half (49.3%) of the internal publics were not satisfied with how TUM had handled the crises. Only about 37.3% of the respondents considered the channels used to communicate to students effective. The majority of internal publics at TUM were not satisfied with the way TUM handled crisis communication with many (53.5%) having the view that TUM was not always ready to handle a crisis. The study recommended that TUM improve on its crisis communication preparedness by adopting a more proactive strategic approach to its communication. TUM should approach communication in general and crisis communications in particular as a management function.Daystar Universit
Participation of Children with Hearing Impairment in Inclusive Education: A Case of Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Child Development.Inclusive education is a schooling approach to provide quality and equal educational opportunities for all children regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, or disabilities. It emphasizes alleviation of barriers that hinder participation, equality, accessibility, and inclusivity. Children with hearing impairment go through different experiences during the implementation of inclusive education. This study aimed to; document lived experiences of children with hearing impairment on their participation in the implementation of inclusive education, examine the perception of parents of children with hearing impairment on their participation in the implementation of inclusive education, identify the barriers to participation of children with hearing impairment and their parents, and propose strategies to enhance participation of children with hearing impairment and their parents in the implementation of inclusive education. Laura Lundy’s model of participation and Mark Oliver’s social model of disability were used as a theoretical framework. The study employed a qualitative approach, specifically a phenomenological research design, to discover the challenges encountered, the opportunities, and the strategies to support children with hearing impairment. Convenient sampling was used, and the sample consisted of fifteen children with hearing impairment aged 10-17 years, and fifteen parents of the children with hearing impairment. The data was collected through structured interviews for the hearing-impaired children and focus group discussions for the parents, then analyzed through NVivo version 11. The study found that children with hearing impairment saw exclusion as a negative experience filled with emotional suffering, rejection, and isolation. However, their environment was marked by inclusion and support. The study also found that parents of children with hearing impairment believed their participation was linked to better academic performance, bridging the gap between institutional support and children’s learning experiences. Additionally, the study found that inaccessible communication was the key barrier between children with hearing impairment, their teachers, parents, and peers; thus, the need for training in sign language, hiring qualified teachers, and more Learner Support Assistants. The study recommends training more people working alongside children with hearing impairment on sign language interpretation to bridge the communication gap, which is a key barrier to their participation, hence ensuring meaningful participation.Daystar Universit
Strategic Change Management Practices, Organizational Culture and Project Implementation of ICT Projects in Kengen, Kenya
No full textMaster of Business Administration in Project ManagementThe implementation of ICT projects is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing energy production, and ensuring sustainability. However, despite the strategic importance of ICT adoption, project implementation continues to face significant challenges, leading to delays, cost overruns and suboptimal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of strategic change management practices on project implementation of ICT projects in KenGen and the moderating effect of organizational culture on the relationship between strategic change management practices and project implementation of ICT projects in KenGen, Kenya. This study adopted Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, Stakeholder theory and Schein’s Organizational Culture Model. The study used positivist paradigm. The present study employed a descriptive research design. The target population of the study included 235 employees at KenGen as at December 2024 Cochran's formula was used to calculate a sample size of 146 employees from various departments at KenGen. The stratified random sampling approach was utilized in the study. The present study employed primary and data that was conducted through the use of a structured questionnaire. A sample of 10% of the sample consisting of total of 15 employees were obtained from Geothermal Development Company was used for pilot study. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, with the aid of SPSS version 28.0. The study revealed a statistically moderate significant and positive correlation with ICT project implementation (r = .353, p < 0.05). Training and development showed a statistically moderate significant positive relationship with ICT project implementation (r = .431, p < 0.05). Leadership commitment was found to have a positive significant but weaker correlation with ICT project implementation (r = .268, p < 0.05) with ICT project implementation. The R² was 0.351 indicating that 35.1% of the variation in project implementation was explained by the combined effect of stakeholder engagement, training and development and leadership commitment. The study concludes that stakeholder engagement, training and development, and leadership commitment all had a statistically significant effect on the implementation of ICT projects at KenGen PLC. Additionally, organizational culture was found to play a moderating role, amplifying the positive influence of these practices on project implementation. The study recommends enhancing stakeholder engagement processes, investing in continuous employee development, reinforcing visible leadership involvement, and fostering an adaptive organizational culture to optimize project implementation of ICT projects.Daystar Universit