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Sustainability Communication Role in Attracting Funding for Startups: A Case of Agra Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Corporate CommunicationSustainability communication has emerged as a critical corporate communication strategy for organization across the globe, particularly in influencing stakeholder perceptions and securing funding. This study explored how startups in Kenya can leverage sustainability communication to attract investment and funding from stakeholders, using the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA Kenya) as a case study due to its established sustainability communication practices and success in funding Agri-tech startups. The study was guided by three research objectives: 1) to identify the key sustainability communication strategies employed by AGRA to attract funding from stakeholders, 2) to examine how AGRA tailors these strategies to align with stakeholder investment priorities, and 3) to assess the perceived effectiveness of AGRA’s sustainability communication in influencing stakeholder investment decisions. The study was informed by Stakeholder Theory, which emphasizes aligning organizational communication with diverse stakeholder interests to enhance trust and engagement. A review of the literature revealed a gap in understanding how sustainability communication can be leveraged by startups in developing countries like Kenya to secure funding, despite its recognized role in corporate settings in global North countries. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology, utilizing an intrinsic case study design to explore AGRA’s practices. Data were collected through semi-structured online interviews with eleven purposively selected AGRA employees from the communication, marketing, grants, and fundraising departments. Thematic analysis approach was done using MAXQDA, a qualitative software, and Otter.ai, an audio transcriber tool which converted the audio interviews to scripts. Data saturation was reached on the ninth participant. Key findings revealed that: 1) AGRA employs multi-channel storytelling and evidence-based, policy-aligned communication to engage stakeholders effectively, building trust and credibility; 2) AGRA tailors its messaging to align with stakeholder priorities, such as environmental impact and economic scalability, while leveraging high-profile platforms to amplify its sustainability narratives; and 3) AGRA’s communication is perceived as effective due to its stakeholder-centric feedback mechanisms and data-driven transparency, which enhance stakeholder trust and investment decisions. The study concluded that AGRA’s sustainability communication strategies significantly influence funding outcomes, offering valuable lessons for startups. Recommendations include: 1) developing a formal sustainability communication framework for all internal staff, 2) incorporating local languages and culturally tailored content to broaden stakeholder reach, and 3) providing regular training for staff engaging with stakeholders to enhance communication effectiveness. This study contributes to the literature by providing a developing nation’s perspective on sustainability communication as a tool for startup funding, addressing a critical gap in corporate communication research.Daystar Universit
Assessing the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Marital Satisfaction among Married Christian Individuals in Selected Catholic Churches in the Central Deanery, Nairobi, Kenya
No full textMasters in Clinical PsychologyChildhood trauma significantly impacts adult intimate relationships, yet limited research examines this relationship within African Catholic contexts where cultural values, religious beliefs, and community support systems may influence outcomes.
Purpose: This study assessed the relationship between childhood trauma and marital satisfaction among married Christian individuals attending selected Catholic churches in the Central Deanery, Nairobi, Kenya. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was employed with a sample of 297 married Catholic individuals selected through random sampling from three churches. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, Brief COPE inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and reliability analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26.0. The study achieved an 82.8% response rate, yielding 246 valid responses. The analysis showed that Childhood trauma prevalence was substantial, with 51.6% of participants experiencing moderate-to-severe adversity in at least one domain. Physical Neglect (31.3%) and sexual abuse (23.6%) were most prevalent. Overall marital satisfaction was moderate-to-high (M = 45.68, SD = 5.43). Emotional Neglect showed a significant negative correlation with marital satisfaction (r = -.181, p = .004), while other trauma domains showed non-significant associations. Avoidant coping demonstrated the strongest negative correlation with marital satisfaction (r = -.438, p < .001). Participants predominantly employed adaptive coping strategies, with Planning, Active Coping, Humor, and Religious Coping most frequently used. Childhood trauma, particularly emotional neglect, affects marital satisfaction among Catholic individuals in Nairobi. However, adaptive coping strategies and religious resources appear to buffer trauma effects. Findings support implementing trauma-informed approaches in Catholic marriage preparation programs, pastoral care, and therapeutic interventions to address underlying childhood adversity while strengthening marital relationships.Daystar Universit
Strategic Agility and Project Performance of Intergovernmental Organizations in Kenya: Case of Au-Ibar
No full textMaster of Business Administration in Strategic Management and Project ManagementIntergovernmental organizations (IGOs) headquartered and operating in Kenya are mandated to deliver cross-border public goods under high uncertainty, yet independent evaluations repeatedly flag shortfalls in project performance, especially around timeliness, stakeholder satisfaction, and achievement of stated objectives. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of strategic agility on project performance of intergovernmental organizations in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to establish the effect of adaptive planning on project performance of AU-IBAR, to assess the effect of resource flexibility on project performance of AU- IBAR, to examine the effect of environmental sensing on project performance of AU- IBAR, and to evaluate the moderating effect of institutional factors on the relationshsip between strategic agility and project performance of AU-IBAR. The study was grounded on the Dynamic Capabilities Theory as the anchor, as well as Real Options Theory, Goal- Setting Theory and Institutional Theory. A crossection-explanatory research design was adopted. The target population comprises 71 senior, mid and entry level managers at AU- IBAR. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. To ensure validity and reliability, a pretest was conducted among eight managers from ICAO Regional Office, in Nairobi City County. Data was summarised descriptively using mean and standard deviation, as well as inferentially using pearson correlation and regression analyses. Findings revealed that adaptive planning had a moderate and significant positive effect on project performance (R²=.365, p<.05), indicating that proactive planning and iterative adjustment enhance project efficiency and timeliness. Resource flexibility exhibited a strong positive effect (R²=.369, p<.05), underscoring the value of agile resource reallocation in improving project adaptability and outcomes. Similarly, environmental sensing showed a strong and significant effect (R²=.256, p<.05), suggesting that continuous environmental scanning and information use strengthen project responsiveness and sustainability. However, institutional factors such as leadership and organizational culture did not significantly moderate the relationship between strategic agility and project performance (β=–.110, p=.512, p>.05), implying that agility operates independently of institutional conditions in AU-IBAR’s structured environment. The study concluded that strategic agility, manifested through adaptive planning, resource flexibility, and environmental sensing is a critical determinant of project performance in intergovernmental organizations. It recommends that AU-IBAR institutionalize iterative planning frameworks, strengthen flexible resource systems, and enhance environmental monitoring to improve project execution and sustainability. The findings contribute to both theory and practice by extending the dynamic capabilities and strategic agility paradigms to intergovernmental contexts characterized by procedural rigidity and cross-border mandates.Daystar Universit
The Role of Social Media in Protest Communication: A Case of Gen Z Demonstrations in Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in CommunicationThe 2024 Gen Z demonstrations in Kenya marked a turning point in youth-led activism, where social media became the primary tool for mobilization, coordination and communication. Despite widespread recognition of digital activism, limited empirical research exists on how different platforms functioned as instruments of protest communication in Kenya. This study sought to examine the role of social media in protest communication during the Gen Z demonstrations, focusing on three objectives: to explore the range of platforms used by youth, to analyze the factors influencing their choice and to assess how online engagement facilitated offline mobilization. Guided by Network Society Theory and Social Movement Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods convergent parallel design. The research was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, the epicenter of the demonstrations, targeting university students as the primary population due to their high engagement in digital activism. A total of 377 respondents participated in the quantitative survey, while 30 in-depth interviews provided qualitative insights. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, pretested for validity and reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed that youth employed a multi-platform strategy, where X served as the coordination hub, TikTok provided immediacy and immersion, while WhatsApp and Telegram enabled secrecy and trust. Platform choice was shaped by credibility, speed, safety and privacy considerations, with fears of surveillance and abduction pushing sensitive communication toward encrypted platforms. Importantly, social media not only facilitated information dissemination but also played a decisive role in protest logistics, reassurance through live streams and resilience through platform switching. While not all participants attended protests physically, many contributed through digital amplification, verification and logistical support, demonstrating a hybrid model of activism. The study concludes that social media bridged digital communication with physical mobilization, empowering youth to bypass traditional hierarchies and sustain decentralized protest movements. These findings expand the understanding of digital activism in high-risk political environments and highlight the evolving dynamics of protest communication in Kenya.Daystar Universit
Loss of Tangible Resources and Post-traumatic Growth among Survivors of the Solai Dam Disaster, Nakuru County, Kenya
No full textJournal ArticleDisasters occur frequently around the world, causing significant socio-economic, infrastructural, physical, and mental health impacts. In Kenya, disasters are a regular occurrence and often lead to severe psychological consequences. Existing literature on the mental health outcomes of disasters in the country has largely focused on negative effects, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is limited understanding of the potential for psychological growth among disaster survivors. This study investigated the Posttraumatic growth experiences of survivors of a dam disaster at Solai in Nakuru County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to establish the relationship between demographic characteristics of the survivors and the extent of posttraumatic growth and, assess whether tangible loss of resources would have any effect on the posttraumatic growth of those affected. The study applied a mixed methods approach Quantitative data were collected using standardized psychological tests of Posttraumatic Growth Inventory- Expanded (PTGI-X), and Loss of Resources scale (LOR scale). An interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize data while inferential statistics were employed to determine the association between the loss of
non-tangible resources and posttraumatic growth. Overall participants reported high scores of posttraumatic growth with the majority (83.8%) indicating having experienced growth to a great extent with qualitative findings also corroborating the quantitative results. A chi-square analysis was done to determine if there
was a significant difference in the relationship between the loss of tangible resources and extent of posttraumatic growth. There was a significant association between the extent of tangible resource loss and the extent of Posttraumatic growth (X2 = 18.017; p = 0.000). The findings of this study indicate the need
for continued provision of mental health services to disaster survivors and highly recommend the development of new strategies to support affected individualsDaystar Universit
Comorbidity and Temporal Associations Between Mental Disorders among College Students in The World Mental Health International College Student Initiative
No full textJournal ArticleBackground: Mental disorders are highly prevalent among students worldwide. This study aims to examine co-morbidity and temporal associations between mental disorders among students. Methods: The study included 72,288 students from 18 countries as part of the World Mental Health International
College Student (WMH-ICS) Initiative, with cross-sectional data collected between 2017 and 2023. Screening for common DSM-5 disorders was conducted using validated screening measures. Latent variables were examined using exploratory principal axis factor analysis on a correlation matrix among the lifetime mental disorders. Based on age-of-onset information, multivariable poisson regression models were used to examine associations of prior disorders with the first onset of other disorders. Results: 27.0 % of students screened positive for only one lifetime disorder, 17.1 % for two, 10.9 % for three, and 10.6 % for 4+ disorders. In the factor analysis, three latent variables were found, comprising: internalizing disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive episode, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder), substance use disorders (drug use disorder and alcohol use disorder), and externalizing disorders (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and mania/hypomania). Prior internalizing and externalizing disorder
HIV and Sustainable Development: Integrating Religion, Culture, and Science Infrastructure for a Holistic Treatment Acceptance and Adherence in Kenya
No full textJournal ArticleThe achievement of sustainable development in Kenya has been hindered by the prevalence of HIV. The effects of HIV on sustainable development have been given less academic attention. HIV prevalence prevents people from achieving good health and wellbeing, which then makes them unable to conduct activities that lead to sustainable economic growth. The paper found that the prevalence of HIV causes economic hardship, destroys human capital development and human resources by reducing life expectancy and increasing mortality rates. It was equally found that the prevalence of HIV undermines social stability and mobility, reduces economic investments, influences food insecurity and makes people vulnerable. The
paper found that the prevalence of HIV reduces labor supply and productivity, increases the
cost of health services, promote inequality and poverty. The paper found that the prevalence of
HIV was caused by the failure to integrate religion, culture and science infrastructure to achieve
a holistic treatment acceptance and adherence that would overcome all misconceptions people
have towards the disease. The paper found that while science provides effective HIV
treatments, religious and cultural perspectives often shape community attitudes toward the
disease. It was found that engaging religious and cultural as well as health workers or health
advocates can help reduce stigma and promote ART adherence by aligning treatment messages
with faith-based principles. The paper found that the integration that incorporates religion,
culture, and science into HIV interventions would promote a more inclusive healthcare system
that respects diverse beliefs while ensuring evidence-based treatment is accessible and widely
accepted. The study was conducted through a qualitative methodology. Data was collected
from secondary sources that included published articles, books and occasional papers as well
as reports. Collected data was interpreted and analyzed through document analysis technique
An AI-Driven IoT Framework for Aquaculture Management
No full textConference paperAquaculture is a rapidly growing food production sector globally thatprovides fish protein to millions worldwide. However, the sector faces manychallenges, including water quality management. Most small-scale aquaculture farmers, unlike commercial farms, rely on experience in managing water qualitychallenges. The limitation of real-time monitoring tools has contributed tosignificant economic losses at the aquaculture fish production level. This studyexplores existing water quality monitoring technologies in small-scale aquaculture todevelop an IoT-based framework for improved efficiency. It also provide srecommendations to enhance adoption and sustainability in aquaculturemanagement. The framework adopts IoT and machine learning with a further integration of LLMs to automate aquaculture management. Water quality parameter-specific sensors are key components of the framework and their interlinkage to systems operator devices such as mobile phones and computers. The framework can be scaled and commercialized upon successful testing and refinement, benefiting a
wider range of stakeholders, including large-scale fish farmers and caged aquaculture operations. This expansion would further enhance sustainability andresilience in the aquaculture industry, ensuring broader adoption of data-driven fish farming solutions.Further, other supply chain stakeholders, such as suppliers, canmonitor the feed supply in real time. The framework aims to enhance water qualityin aquaculture production systems, thus sustainably upscaling farmed fishproduction, productivity, and quality. Implementing this plan can provide several advantages. Small-scale fish farmers can enhance their decision-making processes by automating the monitoring and management of water quality. By utilizingadvanced technology, they can observe key parameters such as aquatic turbidity,dissolved oxygen, ammonia, alkalinity, and acidity, enabling them to assess thesuitability of water for fish farmin
The Impact of Military Reforms in Post Conflict Reconstruction: A Case of Jonglei State in South Sudan Between 2018 And 2023
No full textMaster of Arts in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecuritySouth Sudan has been characterized by a history of protracted conflict and instability that demands an in-depth assessment of military reforms and their impacts on the post conflict reconstruction. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of military reforms on post-conflict reconstruction of South Sudan between 2018 and 2023 using the case study of Jonglei State. The specific objectives included assessing the impact of military reforms on post-conflict reconstruction in Jonglei State, South Sudan between 2018 and 2023, evaluating the challenges experienced in implementing military reforms in post-conflict reconstruction in Jonglei State, South Sudan between 2018 and 2023 and exploring alternative military reform strategies in post-conflict reconstruction of South Sudan. The study was underpinned by Democratic Peace Theory and Galtung Peace theory. Democratic Peace theory posits that democratic governance structures contribute to peaceful behavior in international relations. On the other hand, Galtung Peace Theory offers insights into strategies for achieving sustainable peace through structural change, nonviolent conflict resolution and the promotion of positive peace. Exploratory mixed methods research design was adopted with stratified sampling and purposive sampling being used to select personnel form SPLA, local government staff, UNMISS, UN agencies and I/NGO personnel. Key informant interviews and questionnaires were used to source data. The qualitative data was analyzed based on content analysis while quantitative data collected via questionnaire and statistics from documents was analyzed based on descriptive statistics with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study established that even though alternative military reforms such as re-integration, unifying of army factions, hybrid command restructuring, disbarment, demobilization and professional training have been undertaken in Jonglei State, military reforms had not contributed significantly to post conflict reconstruction. This was evidenced by the vast areas of Jonglei State that have remained volatile with very little security and continued proliferation of dangerous weapons among the civilians. The dismal contribution of military reforms to post conflict reconstruction is linked to varied challenges the government of South Sudan is facing in instituting military reforms. The major challenges included inadequate resources to support the reform processes such as the re-integration and unification of army factions, resistance from factions within SPLA in opposition for various reasons such as mistrust, political instability and fragmentation among political elites in the country, lack of local ownership of the military reform processes with the processes being dominated by external partners. The study recommends Government of South Sudan to source and allocate adequate financial resources towards alternative military reforms. Fast-tracking unification of the SPLA into one unified army that is devoid of affiliation to ethnic groups and political class should also be prioritized. Finally, the government of South Sudan should also institute raft economic reforms in the areas of employment, currency, infrastructure among others.Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Science
LLB 310 P1: Electronic Commerce and the Law
No full textLLB 310 P1: Electronic Commerce and the LawDaystar Universit