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Assessment of Occupational Stress and Job Satisfaction among Teachers in Public Secondary Schools: Case of Athi River Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya
No full textMasters in clinical psychologyThe main goal of this study was to assess occupational stress and job satisfaction among teachers in public secondary schools in Athi River Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the prevalence of occupational stress, assess the levels of job satisfaction, examine the correlation between occupational stress and job satisfaction, and analyze the coping strategies adopted by teachers. The study was anchored on Bakker and Demerouti’s Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) Theory and Maslach’s Multi-Dimensional (MMD) Theory. A descriptive research design was employed. The participants comprised 156 TSC-employed teachers from public secondary schools in Athi River Sub-County, selected through a combination of stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising sections on demographic characteristics, the Occupational Stress Index (OSI), and the Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS). Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The findings revealed that 72 (55.4%) of the teachers experienced moderate occupational stress, while 58 (44.6%) reported high occupational stress. None of the respondents fell within the low-stress category. Regarding job satisfaction, 16 (12.3%) reported low satisfaction, 43 (33.1%) indicated moderate satisfaction, and 71 (54.6%) experienced high satisfaction. Thus, more than half of the teachers were generally satisfied with their jobs, while about one-third were moderately satisfied, and a smaller proportion expressed dissatisfaction. A strong positive correlation was found between occupational stress and job satisfaction levels (r = .740, p = .000), which was statistically significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). This indicates that as occupational stress increases, job satisfaction tends to vary correspondingly. The analysis of coping strategies revealed a moderate to high level of internal consistency among the 14 identified coping items (OS1–OS14), with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.76, suggesting that these items reliably measure a common construct related to how teachers manage occupational stress. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) ensure sufficient staffing, adequate resource provision, and conducive working environments to maintain high levels of job satisfaction. Additionally, regular in-service training, mentorship programs, and career development initiatives should be implemented to enhance teachers’ professional growth and motivation.Daystar Universit
The Role of Vernacular Radio Journalists in Demystifying Climate Change Concepts to Targeted Communities in Central Kenya
No full textConference PaperThe role of vernacular radio journalists in demystifying climate change concepts to targeted communities in Central Kenya Abstract Many local communities who speak vernacular languages are often marginalized from prevailing climate change dialogues, despite their daily interactions with the land and other natural resources. Vernacular journalists play a crucial role in agenda setting by translating information into local languages understood by their communities, thereby emancipating them from previous marginalization. Climate change, a global concept, is being communicated by vernacular journalists to their targeted audiences. Often perceived as intangible, complex, and opaque, climate change information can lead to feelings of hopelessness and fatigue, causing many to avoid or distance themselves from it. To make climate journalism more relatable, it needs to connect with the daily experiences of its audiences, which require reporting of local issues, showing their relationship to national and global aspects of climate change. The Media Council of Kenya has trained journalists on covering climate change, but it remains unclear how vernacular journalists are making this concept relevant and comprehensible to their audiences while maintaining focus on the broader scales of the problem. This paper aims to investigate how vernacular radio demystifies climate change. The study will employ a descriptive design, interviewing selected journalists from Kikuyu radio stations. Results will demonstrate how journalists frame climate change to make it relevant to their audiences, particularly in ways that reflect the local communities lived experiences and socio-cultural lives. Findings will enhance the promotion of climate change awareness among local communities and assist the Media Council in evaluating the outcomes of their trainingDaystar Universit
Commercialization of Intellectual Property Rights in Kenyan Universities
No full textJournal ArticleThis study examined the commercialization of intellectual property (IP) rights within Kenyan universities, focusing on the level of IP awareness among university staff, as well as the current state of institutional IP policies. With declining government funding and an increasing demand for innovation-driven revenue, universities faced mounting pressure to transform research outputs into commercially viable products. However, several challenges, such as limited awareness, inadequate policies, and weak institutional linkages, continued to hinder this process. A mixed-method research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered via the KoboCollect Toolbox. A total of 52 respondents from both public and private universities participated, resulting in a 94.5% response rate. Findings revealed that 59.6% of staff reported the existence of Technology Transfer or IP offices and formal IP policies within their institutions. Regular IP seminars were uncommon (21.2%), and only half of respondents rated their IP knowledge as “good.” Commercialization activity was modest and skewed toward books (28.8%) and software sales (30.8%). Private universities outperformed public counterparts in securing patents, trademarks, and copyrights, whereas public institutions showed relative strength in industrial designs and traditional medicine protections. Among the recommendations is the need for a longitudinal study to assess the developmental trajectory of universities towards embracing IP fully
Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Equipment Manufacturing on Planetary Health
No full textConference PaperThis paper explores the environmental implications of manufacturing renewable energy equipment on planetary health, particularly focusing on the procedures and waste materials involved. While renewable energy is often celebrated for its role in mitigating climate change, this research investigates the overlooked environmental costs of its production processes. The objective is to critically assess how the creation, use, and disposal of components like solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, thereby influencing planetary health. The study will employ a qualitative methodology, utilizing case studies, literature reviews, and interviews with environmental scientists and manufacturers. Data will be gathered on the lifecycle of renewable energy equipment—from raw material extraction to endof-life disposal—to understand the net environmental trade-offs. Preliminary findings are expected to reveal that while renewable energy reduces emissions during use, the manufacturing and disposal processes can offset some of these benefits if not properly managed. The conclusion will emphasize the need for innovation in cleaner production methods and the integration of circular economy principles to ensure that renewable energy truly supports planetary health.Daystar Universit
Climate Change Media Coverage in Kenya: Is Bioeconomy Coverage an Orphan by Commission or Omission?
No full textConference PaperCoverage of climate change and mitigation issues across all mediums and platforms in Kenya has been on the increase with newsrooms both print and electronic establishing Climate Change desks and dedicating pages as well as more airtime and programmes focusing on the topic(s). Whereas the quality of coverage of climate change issues has equally improved tremendously with a wide number of topics and areas given attention, coverage of the impact of climate change from the prism of bioeconomy is underwhelming. For instance, there is little coverage on the effect of increased heat on bees’ lives and how it impacts the current state of Kenya’s food systems or even the impact of heat on Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria in the soil that play a key role on the yields of crops. The objective of this paper to explore why Kenyan Climate Change journalists are challenged in generating stories about nature’s capacity in climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as on the role of bioeconomy in ensuring sustainable livelihoods through nature-based solutions. It will depend on secondary data as well as interviews with and panel discussions with journalists who cover climate change and affiliated to the Kenya Environment and Science Journalists Association (KENSJA). The expected findings and conclusions will inform whether there is need for capacity building and who the resource people are, and tools or if there is need for dedicating more coverage of bio-economy issues in KenyaDaystar Universit
Growth Strategies and Organizational Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya: A Case of Family Bank
No full textMASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic ManagementDespite significant efforts to enhance competitiveness and market share, there remains limited understanding of how various growth strategies impact the overall performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The banking sector is experiencing intensified competition, driven by the entry of microfinance institutions and mobile financial service providers who are targeting unbanked and underbanked populations. This study sought to evaluate the influence of growth strategies on the organizational performance of Family Bank, a mid-tier commercial bank in Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the extent to which growth strategies including market penetration, product development, market development, and diversification are being implemented, and their effects on organizational performance. The study was grounded in the Theory of the Growth of the Firm, Organizational Development Theory and the Resource-Based View. The research adopted a positivist philosophy, emphasizing objectivity and quantifiable evidence to examine the relationship between growth strategies and bank performance. A descriptive research design was employed, allowing for an in-depth examination of real-world dynamics without manipulating the research environment. The study population consisted of 142 employees drawn from the strategy, operations, finance, and accounts departments at Family Bank’s Nairobi headquarters. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather primary data. A pre-test was conducted to ensure clarity and reliability of the research instrument, and necessary adjustments were made based on feedback received. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 24. Descriptive statistics, including means, percentages, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the data. Inferential analysis was performed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation to assess the strength and direction of relationships between growth strategies and organizational performance. Furthermore, hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine the moderating role of organizational culture on the relationship between growth strategies and performance. Organizational culture was measured using Likert-scale items aligned with Denison’s (1990) framework, capturing values, norms, leadership, and employee involvement. The regression was conducted in three stages: (1) growth strategies were entered, (2) organizational culture added, and (3) the interaction term (growth strategies × organizational culture) tested. A statistically significant increase in R² and beta coefficients confirmed the moderating effect. Findings revealed that all four growth strategies had a positive and significant influence on organizational performance. Market penetration emerged as the most impactful, indicating the value of strengthening current markets and customer relationships. Product development, while showing a moderate effect, supported performance by introducing or enhancing financial products. Market development had a strong correlation, validating the importance of exploring new regions and customer segments. Product diversification also showed a strong positive relationship with performance, emphasizing the need to offer a variety of financial products to remain competitive and profitable. Based on these findings, the study recommends that Family Bank and other commercial banks in Kenya prioritize market penetration strategies while also investing in product and market development. Additionally, diversification should be pursued through innovation and digital transformation to address evolving customer needs.Daystar Universit
Amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole-driven dysbiosis disrupted blood cell levels, cytokine balance and induced oxido-nitrosative stress in young mice
No full textJournal ArticleAmoxicillin and cotrimoxazole are among the most frequently prescribed antibiotics, yet their impact on gut microbiota and systemic physiology, particularly during early life, remains a critical
concern. This study investigated the effects of these antibiotics on the gut microbiome and associated physiological and biochemical responses in young male Swiss mice (5 weeks old),
serving as a model for infant exposure. Five experimental groups were employed: control, amoxicillin (9.62 mg/kg), cotrimoxazole (15 mg/kg), cotrimoxazole + amoxicillin, and cotrimoxazole + amoxicillin followed by probiotic administration. Parameters assessed included gut microbial composition, hematological indices, organ weights, liver and kidney function, cytokine profiles, oxidative stress markers, and histopathological alterations. Both antibiotics induced marked gut dysbiosis. Cotrimoxazole significantly increased leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts, while amoxicillin caused thrombocytosis and cotrimoxazole induced thrombocytopenia; probiotic treatment normalized these effects. Amoxicillin reduced brain glutathione (GSH) levels, whereas cotrimoxazole decreased GSH in both liver and brain. Combined antibiotic exposure exacerbated GSH depletion and elevated nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, effects mitigated by probiotics exposure. Co-exposure to cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ and increased serum markers of hepatic and renal injury (alanine-transaminases, alkaline phosphatases,Aspartate transaminases, creatinine, urea, uric acid). Histopathological analysis confirmed aggravated hepatic and renal damage under combined antibiotic exposure, which was markedlyalleviated by probiotics. These findings demonstrate that amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole disrupt gut microbial balance, eliciting systemic oxidative, organ damage and inflammatory responses. Probiotic intervention confers significant protection, underscoring the need for cautious antibiotic use and microbiota-restorative strategies
Leveraging on Eco scenic Design for Environmental Conservation
No full textConference PaperWith the dire need for climate action and environmental conservation, Kenyan Theatre Industry is slowly adopting waste reduction practices. Scenic installation and fabrication for productions mostly use a lot of materials that generate a lot of waste, if proper sustainability measures are not taken. Scenic design requires creativity and innovation to develop ideas that are later transformed into realistic builds. Despite environmental campaigns, some productions still lack sustainable production practices, with use of non-recyclable products or set dressings, props and set décor discarded or kept under poor storage after production, thus contributing to ecological harm. Nonetheless, Musical productions like Dedan Kimathi, produced by Woodcreek school in 2024, employed sustainable set design with use of organic materials as props, set dressing and set décor such as palm leaves, bamboo, sisals, paper pots, calabash, and wood among others. Some of these props were later recycled, repurposed, and used in 2025 in the play, In the Name of the Father produced by KCA University and East Africa’s New Groove by Daraja. This paper therefore, examines the pros of using sustainable scenic design in Kenyan Theatre. Qualitative approach was used to examine the sustainability of scenic design, in two Kenyan theatre productions with in-depth interviews conducted with the directors and production designers of the play. Sustainable sets have a lot of pros as follows; creativity enhancement, whereby scenic designers must be innovative, to create aesthetic pieces out of the recycled materials, to avoid duplication. Since In the name of the father was a student project, with limited budget, repurposing helped in cost cutting, and thereby reducing negative environmental impact, due to less wastage. Repurposing was also time saving, the time that would have been used for purchase of materials was put constructively into rehearsals. This was a good trend set for other productions, to also be at the forefront in mitigating negative impacts on the environment. To foster sustainable scenic design in theatre, there should be lasting collaborations between production designers, theatre directors and environmental agencies.Daystar Universit
Effect of Financial Risk on Financial Performance of Banks Listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
No full textJournal articleFinancial risks associated with the banking industry encompass a range of components, including credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, and operational risk. These risks have the potential to have a substantial impact on a bank's profitability, stability, and overall performance. Shifting economic conditions make these banks' financial risk more difficult. The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of financial risk on the financial performance of banks listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. To achieve this aim, the research objectives that guided the study were to assess the extent of exposure to financial risks faced by banks listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya, and to analyze the influence of return on assets on banks listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. and to determine the effect of financial risk on the financial performance of banks listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. The study was anchored with the agency theory, modern portfolio theory, and the theory of financial intermediation. This research used a descriptive and correlational research design and a stratified sampling approach to describe both the independent and dependent variables for the study. The financial performance of banks was assessed in terms of return on assets (ROA), where secondary data was gathered using a data collection sheet over five years from 2018 to 2022. With a population of 38 banks, the sample size of 10 listed banks' quarterly financial reports served as the source for the data. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive and correlational research designs. Multiple regression analysis was conducted after diagnostic tests were conducted. The data were coded, entered, cleaned, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23. The study found that liquidity risk has a positive and statistically significant effect on return on assets, and bank size has a positive and statistically significant effect on return on assets. While credit risk has a positive and statistically insignificant effect on return on assets, market risk has a negative but statistically insignificant effect on return on assets. Further, operational risk has a negative coefficient, showing no statistically significant effect on the return on assets. The study recommended that banks at NSE should adopt a proactive approach to liquidity risk management and consider leveraging advancements in technology for better predictive analytics. For market risk, investment in staff training on risk assessment and management can also enhance the decision-making process, leading to improved financial performance, and focus on strategic growth to increase bank size while maintaining prudent risk practices, as size is shown to correlate positively with performance. Also, monitoring operational risk continuously by investing in advanced technologies for operational processes can help mitigate inefficiencies and reduce the risks associated with operational failures. To increase their profitability, banks should prioritize credit risk management with an emphasis on lowering non-performing loan levels and enhancing lending practices
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy Implementation in High Schools in Kakamega County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesChild protection and safeguarding are critical components of education, yet persistent cases of abuse, neglect, and violence in Kenyan schools highlight a major gap between policy formulation and implementation. Despite comprehensive frameworks such as the Children Act (2022), the Sexual Offenses Act (2006), and international conventions like the UNCRC (1989), evidence indicates that learners continue to face sexual harassment, corporal punishment, and bullying. Kakamega County, which accounted for 17.6% of reported child abuse cases nationally in 2018, presents a particularly concerning case. This study therefore examined the implementation of child protection and safeguarding policies in secondary schools, focusing on three dimensions: institutional capacity, government involvement, and stakeholder participation. The study was guided by Stakeholder Theory (Freeman, 1984), which emphasizes collaboration among institutions, government, and communities to achieve organizational goals. Using a descriptive research design, the study targeted 384 respondents drawn from high schools across Kakamega County, including teachers, administrators, and support staff. Stratified random sampling was employed to ensure representativeness across school categories. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, complemented by document reviews to capture institutional practices and policy alignment. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means, while inferential analysis, including regression and correlation, tested the influence of the independent variables on policy implementation. The findings revealed that institutional capacity moderately influenced safeguarding practices. While roles and responsibilities were well defined and leadership commitment was evident, significant gaps persisted in teacher training and resource allocation, limiting effective implementation. Government involvement emerged as critical yet inconsistent. Although policies were disseminated and some training provided, many schools lacked clear reporting frameworks and regular support from government agencies, reflecting fragmented oversight. Stakeholder participation showed a positive but underutilized role. Parents actively engaged in safeguarding activities, but collaboration with NGOs, community leaders, and sponsors was weak, and resource mobilization remained inconsistent. Overall, the study concluded that safeguarding policies in Kakamega County were moderately effective but fragmented, with variations depending on institutional strength, government support, and stakeholder collaboration. The study recommended: (i) continuous professional development for teachers on safeguarding principles and child rights, (ii) dedicated institutional systems with budgets for safeguarding activities, (iii) improved government policy dissemination, standardized reporting frameworks, and stronger collaboration with enforcement agencies, and (iv) structured partnerships with parents, NGOs, and community groups to enhance awareness, resource mobilization, and accountability. A holistic, multi-sectoral approach integrating institutional strengthening, government oversight, and stakeholder collaboration was emphasized as essential for sustainable safeguarding outcomes. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on child protection in Kenya by highlighting contextual challenges and offering evidence-based recommendations to ensure that schools serve as safe, supportive environments where learners’ rights are upheld.Daystar Universit