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Exploring Gender Dynamics in Attribution of Blame: A Case Study of The 2023 Multimedia University Students Protest
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in communicationStudent protests within higher education institutions are recurring crises that often challenge university governance and reputation. The attribution of blame during such crises is frequently shaped by gendered framings that determine who is held responsible and whose voices are amplified or silenced. This study examined how gender dynamics influenced the attribution of blame during the 2023 Multimedia University student protest in Kenya. Specifically, it analyzed Citizen TV’s YouTube coverage of the strike and explored how male and female students’ roles were represented in media narratives and participant accounts. Guided by Attribution Theory, Framing Theory, and Social Identity Theory, the study adopted a qualitative approach using a descriptive research design. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with fourth-year students and qualitative content analysis of televised media footage. The findings revealed that gendered framings significantly influenced perceptions of responsibility. Male students were predominantly depicted as protest leaders and aggressors, while female students were portrayed as emotional supporters or passive participants. Such portrayals reinforced existing gender stereotypes and diverted accountability from institutional and systemic issues to individualized blame. The study concludes that gender dynamics critically shape how crises are communicated and understood, influencing both media narratives and public perceptions of accountability. It recommends that universities and media organizations adopt gender-sensitive crisis communication frameworks that ensure balanced representation, equity in blame attribution, and inclusive institutional accountability.Daystar Universit
The Role of Gen Z Millenials and Climate Change Action
No full textConference PaperThe study will examine the increasing influence of generation Z and millennials in promoting climate change activism in Kenya. The twin generation is technically and digitally adept in utilizing social media in influencing mass movement through innovative communication to amplify climate related issues by pressurizing corporations and influencing policy for action. The activism entails; education campaigns, digital campaigns and promotion of sustainable action by communities that is beyond the conventional means. The methodology will review academic papers, reports and literature published from 2022 to date and focus on youth involvement in climate action in Kenya. In-depth interviews with leaders of CBOs in the climate space will be conducted. It will identify the key trends alongside strategies employed that influence of generation Z and millennials in activism on climate discourse. The research will highlight the approaches and perspectives the two generations have developed in terms of breeding the intergenerational inequality. Their activism will break social justice concerns in framing climate action that aims at realizing equality and sustainable development. The studies will underpin the effective utility of digital platforms for mobilization and accountability. Moreover, the involvement of these groups in climate entrepreneurship in green technology is a clear statement of their proactive role in climate mitigation. It is imperative to conclude that Gen Z’s and millennials are driving the narrative of environmental change activism in a tangible way in Kenya.Daystar Universit
Strategic Buyer-Supplier Relationships and Adoption of Digital Last-Mile Delivery Platforms: A Case of Twiga Foods Kenya
No full textMaster of Business Administration in Logistics, Supply Chain, And Strategic ManagementThe rapid growth of digital technologies has reshaped supply chains, with last-mile delivery platforms emerging as key drivers of efficiency and competitiveness. Yet, adoption within Kenya’s Agri-tech sector remains inconsistent, limiting digital transformation. This study examined the influence of strategic buyer–supplier relationships on the adoption of digital last-mile delivery platforms, using Twiga Foods as a case study. Guided by Relational Exchange, Technology Adoption, and Social Capital theories, a descriptive research design targeted 132 vendors, with data collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS (descriptive statistics, reliability tests, correlation, and multiple regression). The results showed that trust recorded the highest mean score (M = 3.76, SD = 0.60), reflecting strong vendor confidence in Twiga’s honesty and reliability, while joint decision-making was rated lowest (M = 2.45, SD = 0.61), showing limited vendor involvement in strategic choices. Trust and joint decision-making had a significant positive effect on adoption, while commitment and communication, although positive, were not statistically significant. The regulatory environment also showed no moderating effect, indicating that adoption decisions were driven primarily by internal relational dynamics. The regression model explained 38.2% of the variance, underscoring the central role of trust, collaboration, and social capital in vendor adoption. The study recommends strengthening trust, enhancing participatory decision-making, building vendor capacity, and shifting toward interactive communication. Future research should extend to other Agri-tech firms in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa, with longitudinal and qualitative approaches to capture evolving dynamics. Overall, the study contributes to theory and practice by demonstrating that relational strategies and social capital, rather than regulatory frameworks, are pivotal to digital platform adoption in emerging market agri-food supply chains.Daystar Universit
Employee Retention Strategies and Organizational Performance: A Case of Shalom University of Bunia/Ituri
No full textMaster of Business in Administration in Human Resource Management and Strategic ManagementEmployee retention presented a significant challenge for organizations globally, with high voluntary turnover adversely affecting performance, a problem acutely felt by universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study examined the effect of employee retention strategies on the organizational performance of Shalom University of Bunia (USB) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Social Exchange, and Institutional theories, the research employed a descriptive design targeting 63 academic and administrative staff. Data collected through structured questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS (version 23). The findings revealed that employee engagement, communication, supportive leadership, and a positive work environment significantly enhanced retention and performance, while challenges persisted in reward systems, training alignment, and workload balance. The study concluded that a holistic strategy integrating both monetary and non-monetary factors, coupled with strong managerial support, is essential for improving employee retention and institutional performance at USB.Daystar Universit
Perception and Reception of Tshisekedi’s 2023 Campaign Messages among Beni Youth Council Members in DRC
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in CommunicationThis study described how youths in the Beni region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) perceived and received President Felix Tshisekedi’s 2023 presidential campaign messages. With youth playing an increasingly significant role in democratic processes, the research seeks to understand their interpretations, reactions, and concerns within a conflict-affected context. The study addresses three key objectives: to examine youth perceptions, identify the appeals of Tshisekedi’s campaign messages, and assess the concerns raised by the youth audience. Moreover, the study examines how youths’ reactions are influenced by relevance, engagement, and message effectiveness, guided by the Situational Theory of Publics, and the Excellence Theory of Communication. Thematically, young political discourse revolves around issues like accountability, instability, and unemployment as well as appeals based on emotions, policies, and images. Key research limitations are highlighted in the literature, such as the lack of intersectional analysis, the insufficient attention paid to youth in conflict areas, and the poor incorporation of audience feedback into campaign strategy. The study uses a qualitative descriptive design and gathers data through focus groups and purposive sampling. The study location, participants, data collection tools, and protocols for guaranteeing ethical and analytical rigor are all covered in detail throughout the approach. Finally, the study provides insightful information about young people’s political communication and engagement in the developing democratic environment of the DRC. The findings from the five FGDs provide a nuanced understanding of Congolese youth engagement with President Félix Tshisekedi’s 2023 campaign messages in Beni. Overall, youth perceptions, engagement, and concerns were shaped by a complex interplay of hope, skepticism, and structural constraints. Specifically, participants recalled campaign messages emphasizing peace, security, employment, education, and infrastructure. Trust in local leaders emerged as a critical intermediary. Importantly, the findings highlight that structural constraints, including political divisions, insecurity from armed groups such as the ADF and CODECO, and weak governance, compounded youth skepticism, reinforcing a participatory paradox in which engagement is sought symbolically but limited substantively. By acknowledging situational awareness, structural barriers, and stakeholder involvement, political actors can design campaigns that foster trust, agency, and meaningful participation, thereby bridging the gap between campaign promises and governance realities in conflict-affected contexts. To conclude and emphasizing on some recommendations, political campaigns in conflict zones should integrate youth priorities, participatory feedback, and credible promises. Collaboration with local leaders, civic education, accountability mechanisms, and sustained evaluation foster trust, address constraints, and enhance two-way symmetrical communication, ensuring genuine engagement beyond tokenistic enthusiasm.Daystar Universit
Resettlement Disruptions and Major Depressive Disorder among Adolescents At Kalobeyei Settlement, Kakuma, Kenya.
No full textMasters in Clinical PsychologyAdolescents in displacement settings face heightened vulnerability to mental health disorders, with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) being particularly prevalent. However, limited empirical evidence exists on how specific resettlement disruptions, such as relocation frequency, caregiving instability, and duration of stay, shape the onset and severity of depression among displaced adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study addressed this gap by examining the influence of resettlement disruptions on the prevalence and severity of MDD among adolescents aged 12–19 years in Kalobeyei Settlement, Kakuma, Kenya. Guided by Social Support Theory, Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory, and the Stress and Coping Theory, a descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, using a stratified random sample of 389 adolescents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression modeling. Findings revealed a high burden of depression, with 18.4% of adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for MDD and over three-quarters reporting at least mild depressive symptoms. No significant differences were observed by gender or age, although length of stay in the settlement was associated with lower depression scores, suggesting adaptation over time. Living arrangements significantly shaped outcomes, with adolescents living alone reporting the highest depression scores, while those under relative or foster care demonstrated lower distress. School attendance showed only marginal protective influence, whereas relocation frequency did not significantly predict depression. Alarmingly, 40.9% of participants reported suicidal ideation in the past 30 days and 30.2% had attempted suicide. The study concludes that while some resettlement disruptions, such as relocation, may not directly exacerbate depression, caregiving environments and settlement duration critically shape adolescent mental health. These findings underscore the urgent need for community-based psychosocial support, strengthened caregiving structures, and targeted interventions for adolescents at risk. By addressing the psychosocial implications of resettlement disruptions, the study contributes evidence to inform policy and humanitarian programming for adolescent mental health in displacement contexts.Daystar Universit
Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) and Aggression among the Youth: A Case of Kamiti Youth Correctional and Training Centre, Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textMasters of Arts in Clinical PsychologyAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to behavioral risks, yet little evidence exists from Kenyan custodial youth. This study examined the prevalence of ACEs, levels of aggression, the ACE–aggression association, and coping mechanisms at Kamiti Youth Correctional and Training Centre (YCTC). A convergent mixed-methods design surveyed 90 male residents and conducted semi-structured interviews with youths and staff. Quantitative analyses reported descriptives and relationships; qualitative data were thematically analyzed using General Strain, Attachment, and Social Learning theories. Cumulative ACEs ranged 0–14 (mean 4.57); 72% reported ≥3 ACEs. Common adversities were witnessing neighborhood violence (53.3%), bullying (41.1%), and parental separation (38.9%). Aggression was moderate–high (mean 89.09); the ACE–aggression relationship was weak and non-significant (r = −0.174, p = 0.103). Coping relied on withdrawal (41.1%) and activity-based distraction (20%); help-seeking was rare (6.7%). Interviewees described somatic warning signs, provocation checkpoints around respect, and brief resets (sleep, sport) interrupting escalation. The study finds that high ACE prevalence and elevated aggression are linked in a complex, non-linear way shaped by context. Evidence shows court delays and home stress act as triggers. The pattern suggests that strain sets baseline risk, attachment sets regulation thresholds, and learned scripts steer how youths respond. The study concludes that the same ACE load can lead to different behaviours depending on ecological pressures. It also emphasizes practical fixes such as centre-wide de-escalation training, prosocial activities such as sports during high-stress periods, brief counselling with selective disclosure, consistent court-day communication, and light monitoring to track progress. The limitations include narrow generalization, including a cross-sectional design, a male-only sample, and self-report bias. Therefore, the study places ACE measurement inside its real setting and ties mechanisms to concrete support in Kenyan juvenile justice. The recommendations aim to match daily pressures with simple, repeatable actions.Daystar Universit
Effectiveness of The East African Community Common Market Protocol on South Sudan’s Regional Trade Performance
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityThis study situates South Sudan’s unique post-conflict context within the broader framework of regional integration, offering a nuanced examination of how the Common Market Protocol (CMP) interacts with the country’s structural constraints. While South Sudan’s accession to the CMP in 2016 presented a strategic opportunity for economic integration, the nation’s persistent challenges, including fragile state institutions, underdevelopment, and ongoing conflicts, raise critical questions about the protocol’s effectiveness in fostering meaningful trade growth. Therefore, this study sought to assess the effectiveness of the CMP on South Sudan’s regional trade performance 2016-2024. It was guided by the following objectives; to analyse the impact of the CMP on South Sudan's East African import and export balance, evaluate the influence of the CMP on trade-related infrastructure and logistics in South Sudan and examine the effects of the CMP on trade volume between South Sudan and other EAC member countries. The study was informed by the Regional Integration and the Institutional Theories. A mixed method research design was adopted for the study which incorporated the descriptive cross sectional and case study research design. Purposive and Convenient sampling were used to derive a sample of 78 respondents. Further, both primary and secondary data were utilised in this study. Primary data was collected through interviews and questionnaires, whereas the analysis of documents such as government documentaries, journals, newspapers, annual reports, conferences papers, published surveys, and other unpublished and published resources pertaining to the study topic yielded secondary data. Data analysis was carried out both quantitatively and qualitatively using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis respectively. This study established that the East African Community Common Market Protocol has not significantly improved South Sudan’s trade performance. Imports from EAC partners consistently and substantially outweighed exports, leaving the country in a persistent regional trade deficit. While the Protocol created duty-free market access, South Sudan’s narrow export base, dominated by oil, prevented it from leveraging these opportunities. Infrastructure and logistical barriers, particularly poor roads, inadequate border facilities, and costly transport corridors, continue to hinder competitiveness and raise the costs of both imports and exports. Furthermore, trade volumes with EAC partners have remained minimal, reflecting weak productive capacity, widespread non-tariff barriers, and administrative inefficiencies. This study concluded that the CMP in its current form has not translated into tangible gains for South Sudan, largely due to structural and institutional limitations. The country has therefore benefited only marginally from regional integration, with most gains accruing to more developed partner states. The study recommends that South Sudan and regional stakeholders prioritize export diversification, infrastructure development, and institutional reforms to unlock the potential of the CMP. Strengthening customs processes, reducing non-tariff barriers, and promoting investment in productive sectors are essential steps toward ensuring that South Sudan benefits equitably from EAC integration.Daystar Universit
Assessment of Substance Abuse Disorders and Associated Risk Factors: A Case of Selected Public Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Counselling PsychologySubstance abuse among university students is an escalating concern due to its detrimental impact on individual health, academic performance, and societal well-being. This study investigated substance use disorders and associated risk factors among students in selected public universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the prevalence of substance abuse, identify commonly used substances, assess the effects of substance use, and explore contributing risk factors. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting undergraduate students from four public universities in Nairobi County, including the University of Nairobi and the Technical University of Kenya. Data were collected from a sample of 360 students using a structured questionnaire that gathered demographic information, substance use patterns, perceived effects, and associated risk factors. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze prevalence rates and usage patterns, while inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were applied to determine associations and predictors. Findings indicated a high prevalence of substance use, with 58.6% of students categorized as “intermediate risk” and 9.7% as “very high risk,” suggesting probable substance use disorder (SUD). Alcohol emerged as the most commonly abused substance (100%), followed by marijuana (79.2%). Tobacco use was low (3.6%), and no participants reported the use of cocaine or non-medically prescribed drugs. Substance use was significantly associated with negative academic, health, psychological, social, and legal consequences. Notably, 100% of respondents experienced academic and social challenges, while 85.3% reported mental health issues. Key risk factors for substance abuse included peer pressure (100%), stress and anxiety (96.4%), curiosity (96.9%), family-related challenges (95.3%), and the easy availability of substances (97.5%). A vast majority (99.2%) agreed that the university environment contributed to increased substance use risk, yet only 79.2% were aware of existing prevention programs, highlighting a gap in outreach and institutional engagement. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening campus-based prevention programs, expanding mental health support services, initiating peer education strategies, integrating substance use education into university curricula, enhancing awareness of available interventions, regulating access to substances around campuses, and formulating data-driven policies through continuous research and monitoring. The results emphasize the urgency of implementing coordinated, multi-sectoral strategies to address the complex issue of substance abuse in higher education institutions. Future research should examine longitudinal trends, evaluate the efficacy of interventions, investigate socioeconomic and digital influences, and explore gender-specific usage patterns. This study offers a critical foundation for informed policymaking and targeted interventions aimed at fostering healthier learning environments and promoting student well-being.Daystar Universit
Project Management Practices and Success Outcomes: A Case of Safaricom PLC, Kenya.
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Project ManagementThe increasing complexity and competitiveness of the telecommunications industry has made the effective management of projects a critical challenge. In Kenya, Safaricom faces heightened competition and rapid technological changes, creating a pressing need to understand which project management practices drive project success. Despite widespread adoption of project management frameworks, there remains a gap in knowledge on the specific practices that influence project timeliness, budget adherence, quality outcomes, and stakeholder satisfaction in large telecommunications firms. This study therefore examined the effect of project management practices on project success at Safaricom, with market competition considered as a moderating variable. The study was anchored on Contingency Theory, which posits that the effectiveness of management practices depends on the fit between practices and the operating environment.The study specifically sought to: examine the influence of Agile methodologies on project success, assess the effect of stakeholder engagement on project success, establish the role of risk management practices in project success, analyze the impact of technology-based project management tools on project success, and to determine the moderating effect of market competition on the relationship between project management practices and project success. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting project managers and team members at Safaricom. A census of 90 respondents was conducted, with data collected through structured questionnaires. Pretesting confirmed the instrument’s reliability with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients above 0.70 for all constructs. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression models using SPSS version 28. Diagnostic tests confirmed the robustness of the model: residuals were normally distributed, variance inflation factors (VIF < 3) indicated no multicollinearity, and Breusch–Pagan results (p > 0.05) confirmed homoscedasticity. The findings revealed that: Agile methodologies had a significant positive effect on project success (β = 0.41, t = 7.25, p < 0.001; r = 0.72, R² = 0.52); stakeholder engagement showed a weaker but significant relationship, with role clarity and conflict resolution emerging as non-significant predictors (β = 0.29, p = 0.001; r = 0.75); risk management practices were positively associated with success, though their effect was moderated by limited training and contingency planning (β = 0.21, p = 0.004; r = 0.70); and technology-based project management tools strongly influenced success by enhancing visibility and efficiency (β = 0.23, p = 0.003; r = 0.73). The moderating analysis demonstrated that market competition amplified these relationships, raising the explained variance from R² = 0.67 to R² = 0.71 (β = 0.28, p = 0.001). The study concluded that Agile, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and technology tools significantly influence project success at Safaricom, and that market competition intensifies these effects. It recommends that Safaricom deepen Agile adoption across departments, strengthen stakeholder role clarity and dispute resolution frameworks, invest in risk management training and contingency resources, expand technology integration through advanced analytics, and align project practices with competitive market demands. These insights provide actionable guidance to enhance project success and sustain competitive advantage in Kenya’s dynamic telecommunications sector.Daystar Universit