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Analysis of Youth Engagement in Economic Development Programs in Kenya: A Case of Kibera, Nairobi County.
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityKibera - an urban settlement in Nairobi, has many youth empowerment programs centred on livelihood and economic development. Within economic development programs, perceptions about the role of young people being engaged as recipients or beneficiaries of program interventions have created a cycle of systemic power dynamics between young people in Kibera and development program practitioners, which has also perpetuated dependency on aid. Meaningful youth engagement aims to foster collective decision-making, individual agency building, and national economic development by addressing young people's barriers and aspirations in any program intervention. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing meaningful youth engagement in economic development programs. Secondly, to examine the effectiveness of youth engagement approaches, and lastly to assess how youth engagement has impacted young people and their communities. In this study, modernization theory and dependency theory were used to understand power dynamics drivers within youth economic development programs. A descriptive research design approach was chosen to delve into the experiences and perceptions of young people engaged. Qualitative research was particularly effective at exploring young people's complex, nuanced realities and aspirations within their socio-economic context. The study revealed that gender and socio-economic background influence how young people engage in any program. It also found out that economic development practitioners often capitalize on Kibera young people's vulnerability in disengaging them. Last but not least, youth employability programs in the area have provided a pathway for young people to access skills and employment opportunities. The findings provided valuable insights for youth-focused development practitioners and organizations. This study recommended meaningful youth engagement strategies that have individual-level and community-level impacts. Overall, it also contributed to developing more equitable and inclusive youth engagement interventions in economic development program
A Communication Audit of Waithaka Catholic Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi.
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in CommunicationThe purpose of this study was to conduct a Communication Audit of Waithaka Catholic Parish to establish the effectiveness of the communication methods / strategies being used by the Parish. The study objectives were to find out the communication channels being used in Waithaka Catholic Parish, establish the effectiveness of the communication channels used by Waithaka Catholic Parish in communicating to their followers, determine the information needs of Waithaka Catholic Parish and to explore alternative / preferred channels of communication by the Waithaka Catholic Parish community. The study used Systems Theory. The utilization of systems theory was of assistance to the researcher in understanding and recognizing the significance of good communication in the coordination of activities at Waithaka Catholic Parish. Explanatory research approach was embraced in the study to ensure that the research on the impact of communication audit on communication in the Catholic Church in Kenya was well studied. To accomplish the study aims, both structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used. The study findings showed that Horizontal communication, which involves peer-to-peer interactions, was the most effective, with 30.82% of respondents stating it works "to a great extent" and 41.78% rating it effective "to a moderate extent." The preferred communication methods at Waithaka Catholic Parish, as highlighted by respondents, reveal a growing demand for a hybrid approach that blends modern digital tools with traditional, face-to-face interactions. In Waithaka Catholic Parish, a variety of communication channels are employed to facilitate information exchange between the Parish, its staff, and its members. Digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, email, and Instagram are highly utilized, reflecting a modern shift towards instant and widespread communication. The study concluded that the parish should adopt consistent methods of communication to avoid discrepancy, the parish should adopt a multichannel communication strategy to cater for age demographics and feedback channels should be improved to ensure effective vertical and horizontal communication are effective. Recommendations for the study include enhancing the use of social media platforms to reach a broader audience and enhancing the notice board to make it more eye-catching to capture attention of parishioners effectively. It is also recommended that the parish introduces structured feedback mechanisms. Other recommendations are introduction of a suggestion box and ensuring prompt feedback which will create channels for parishioners to share their thoughts and concerns constructively
RET 321 DAY: Christianity And Islam In Africa
No full textRET 321 DAY: Christianity And Islam In AfricaDaystar Universit
Utilization of Chatgpt for Learning at Daystar and Strathmore University: A Stakeholder’s Perspective
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in CommunicationThe study explored the utilization of ChatGPT for learning by Daystar and Strathmore University students and lecturers. Against the backdrop of growing concerns by parents and scholars in Kenya, the study probed the views of these students and lecturers regarding the incorporation of ChatGPT and its utilization for learning. The objectives that guided the study aimed: To find out the Daystar and Strathmore University students and lecturers views on the utilization of ChatGPT for learning. To determine other AI tools used in learning by Daystar and Strathmore University students and lecturers. To investigate the influence of ChatGPT on learning on Daystar and Strathmore University students and lecturers. To examine the ethical considerations used when utilizing ChatGPT by Daystar and Strathmore University students and lecturers. This study used snowball sampling. The researcher sought participants who fit the study criteria and invited them to become a study participant. When these participants consented, the researcher requested them to recommend potential and willing participants who fit the study’s criteria until the target sample size or point of saturation was attained. Furthermore, the study adopted an exploratory research design to explore the perceptions, experiences and insights of key stakeholders on the utilization of ChatGPT for learning. This study used thematic analysis method to analyze the interview data. All data which related to a particular theme was gathered and reviewed in line with the developed themes. Therefore, the researcher created a thematic map of the data analysis to help them define and making the themes. The findings of the study revealed: Embracing ChatGPT for Learning was welcomed by students and lecturers as they see this innovation as a great collaborator in the learning process. Concerns and criticisms of ChatGPT in learning raised by lecturers and students centered on the AI tools unethical and irresponsible appropriation, its ability to generate inaccurate answers and over – reliance. AI tools role in enhancing the learning process provided students and lecturers with a diverse range of tools that could perform different functions enhancing the capacity, efficiency, and productivity in the learning process. The findings revealed, the efficiency and time-saving Nature of ChatGPT boosted productivity and output of students and lecturers as they could get tasks completed at a faster rate due to the immediate support offered by the AI tool. ChatGPT as a Research tool was helpful since it served as a one - stop shop where information was easily accessed instead of being referred to multiple webpages as Google would do. Consultation of other sources and transparency of ChatGPT Utilization was vital as students were not capable of citing work generated from ChatGPT. Students could not fully rely on ChatGPT because of its limitation of generating inaccurate responses and user transparency was encouraged to lower misappropriation as students can admit when they have utilized the AI tool and receive honest feedback and guidance from their lecturers. Plagiarizing ChatGPT’s work as their own was a key ethical challenge that has presented itself to students. Not having any ethical considerations on ChatGPT Utilization provided room for ethical malpractice as there were no principles which guided utilization of ChatGPT for learning
An Assessment of The Influence of Technology on Faith-Based Development Interventions: A Case of Nairobi City County lang’ata Sub-County Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS
Community DevelopmentTechnology has in recent times become a key global factor in the planning and implementation of development interventions by various actors, including the faithbased organizations. Technology has the ability to influence decision making as well as set the conditions that development organizations as actors consider in development interventions. However, this ability has been thought of to change from developed to developing countries. It is this complex issue that this study sought to assess the influence of technology on faith-based development interventions in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: examine the influence of technology in planning for development interventions among faith-based organizations; assess the influence of technology in the implementation of development interventions among faith-based organizations, and evaluate the challenges experienced by the faith-based organizations as they apply technology in the implementation of development activities in Nairobi City County, between 2021-2023. The study capitalized on several theories that include the structuralist perspective, Liberal-pluralism and the Hypodermic needle perspective which were triangulated in order to bring a broader and conclusive view of the subject matter. Methodologically, the study used descriptive survey design, with qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. The study population involved employees working in faith-based organizations in Nairobi city county langata subcounty Kenya, which is estimated 1150 during the time of the study. The population of the study was sampled using purposive sampling technique, and the respondents was to stratified based on their job position. The study selected 115 respondents, who gave data that was to analyzed using SPSS version 23, and then interpreted to inform the study. The researcher observed the standard ethical considerations. The findings revealed that while technology significantly enhanced planning through improved mapping, data collection, and project assessment, it was not fully utilized due to limited training and technical expertise. In the implementation phase, technology played a critical role in streamlining communication and monitoring progress; however, barriers such as inadequate infrastructure and lack of financial resources limited its impact. The challenges experienced by faith-based organizations included underutilization of technological tools, insufficient funding, and technical difficulties, which hindered the full integration of technology into their development activities. Based on these findings, the study concludes that while technology has the potential to transform development interventions, its effectiveness is contingent on overcoming operational and financial constraints. The study recommends targeted capacity building for staff, increased investment in technology infrastructure, and the development of tailored training programs to enhance the adoption and utilization of technological tools. Strengthening these areas will enable faith-based organizations to maximize the benefits of technology, improve their efficiency in planning and implementing interventions, and ultimately achieve better development outcomes. This research is intended to be used by faith-based organizations (FBOs), policymakers, development practitioners, and academics. It is also available for use by community leaders and technology solution providers working within the development sector.Daystar University, School of Applied Human Science
Effectiveness of Results-Based Financing on The Provision of Maternal Care in Public Health Facilities: A Case of Sirisia Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya.
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Monitoring and EvaluationThis study addresses the challenges associated with access to quality maternal healthcare in Sirisia Sub County, Bungoma County, Kenya, with high maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Regardless of various interventions improving maternal health outcomes, gaps persist, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare resources. Some challenges include lack of transport, cultural practices, social beliefs supporting home deliveries, and inadequate health facilities. They have implications for low rates of facility-based deliveries and suboptimal maternal care, underlining the need for adequate solutions. Results-Based Financing (RBF) has emerged as a promising model to enhance maternal healthcare services in response to these challenges. There is a research gap on the application of RBF concerning maternal health in Kenya and its results for providers and recipients. This research addressed this gap by assessing medical staff's views on RBF's efficiency, its implementation to address access to maternal healthcare needs, and analysing beneficiary experiences per maternal healthcare services under the RBF framework. The Donabadian model and the Theory of Change were used in this study since the two share similar tenets that interest the researcher in this study. The study used a descriptive research design and structured and unstructured research instruments. A sample size of 47 health workers was selected through proportionate stratified sampling. To enhance the data collection exercise, focused group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted, enabling the view of how RBF has been implemented and its effects. Qualitative data was analysed using themes, quotations, and narratives, and quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 27.0. The descriptive statistics was presented in form of frequencies, percentages mean and standard deviation. The study revealed that RBF positively impacts maternal health care utilization in Sirisia Sub County. Revealing a 40% increase in facility-based deliveries post-RBF implementation. Quantitative feedback indicates that 75% of healthcare workers view RBF as a model that positively enhances motivation and quality of care. The targeted health workers expressed satisfaction with their financial incentives that would enable them to relate their remunerations to performance, thus enhancing the health services. This improvement led to increased facility-based delivery and quality of care offered to the women. Beneficiaries described satisfaction with the services received, enhanced knowledge of available maternal health services, and increased tendency to seek institutional delivery. Despite these positive outcomes, several challenges hinder the full realization of RBF's potential. Health facilities often need more resources and infrastructure for delivering quality maternal care. Continuous training for healthcare providers is essential to ensure they are equipped to meet the demands associated with increased service utilization. Community engagement remains crucial since most women still face barriers related to transportation and cultural beliefs that discourage facility-based deliveries. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing these interconnected challenges to maximize the effectiveness of RBF as a strategy for improving access to quality maternal healthcare
GRA 613W: Introduction to Graduate Studies
No full textGRA 613W: Introduction to Graduate StudiesDaystar Universit
Internal Environmental Scanning Techniques and Organizational Performance of Real Estate Firms in Kenya: A Case of Cytonn Investments Limited.
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic ManagementMany real estate firms in Kenya are in danger of near collapse due to various challenges they are currently facing, ranging from customer dissatisfaction to management issues. The latter has severely affected their performance in terms of sales volume, a situation that calls for urgent intervention measures. Internal environmental scanning techniques are one example of indispensable intervention for turning around the performance of any organization as they inform decision-making in many crucial areas. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the relationship between internal environmental scanning techniques and the organizational performance of real estate firms in Kenya with a focus on Cytonn Investment Limited. This study’s specific research objectives were (i) to determine the extent to which internal environmental scanning techniques have been implemented by real estate firms in Kenya, (ii) to evaluate the level of organizational performance of real estate firms in Kenya (iii) to analyze the relationship between internal environmental scanning techniques and organizational performance of real estate firms in Kenya and (iv) to assess the moderating effect of market conditions on the relationship between internal environmental scanning techniques and organizational performance of real estate firms in Kenya. The study was guided by three theories, including the Resource-Based View, the Dynamics Capability Theory, and the Contingency Theory. The study adopted a correlational survey research design and targeted a population of the 470 employees of Cytonn investments from which a sample of 423 was selected by stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaires whose validity and reliability were assessed beforehand using expert advice and internal consistency methods. Data was analyzed both descriptively (using frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferentially using correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings revealed that internal environmental scanning techniques at cytonn investments were applied at four levels thus; organizational structure, capability assessment, resource auditing and organizational culture. It was also revealed that the organizational performance of cytonn was low, given that majority of the respondents were non-affirmative of the statements concerning organizational performance therein, from the positively worded statements. Findings also indicated that there was a non-significant weak positive relationship between internal two internal environmental scanning techniques (capability assessment and resource auditing) and organizational performance at cytonn. Moreover, a significant moderate positive association was found between organizational structure and organizational culture with respect to organizational performance. Market conditions were on the other hand found to improve the relationship between internal environmental scanning techniques and organizational performance of real estate firms in Kenya. It is therefore recommended that real estate firms, especially cytonn investments reviews their capability assessment and resource auditing policies, so as to improve their organizational performance
Perceived Markers of Adulthood in the Peri-Urban Areas of Nairobi, Kenya.
No full textJournal ArticleResearch on emerging adulthood and markers of adulthood continues to grow worldwide. However, extensive research is yet to be conducted among African populations. The purpose of this study was to understand the markers of adulthood that young people aged 18-29 years in the Nairobi Metropolitan Region of Kenya consider to be important, to assess whether young people think that they have reached adulthood, and to explore whether there are significant differences between collegiate and non-collegiate populations in perceptions of the transition to adulthood. Data were collected using the Markers of Adulthood (MoA) Scale. Findings from this study indicate that the markers of adulthood that are most important to young people from peri-urban areas in Kenya are learning to control emotions (M=3.70, SD=.66), accepting responsibility for your actions (M=3.65, SD=.71), and making independent decisions (M=3.65, SD=.70). Nearly half (47%) of young people in this study reported that they feel they have reached adulthood in some ways and not others. This study is intended to improve the understanding of the transition to adulthood in Kenya. Understanding young people within the context of emerging adulthood will enable practitioners, parents, instructors, institutions, and society as a whole, to adequately address the unique challenges that emerging adults are facing
Lawyers, Money Laundering, and The Right to A Fair Trial
No full textDegree of Bachelors of LawGlobally, the crime of money laundering greatly affects the economic development of many countries, including Kenya. Money laundering threatens tax revenue and also undermines the state’s control over economies. For a long time criminals have sought ways to disguise their illicit financial gains. They have used financial institutions like banks but more so even lawyers have been used to disguise illicit funds due to their air of legitimacy, and certain privileges that they have. This study sought to illuminate the role of lawyers in money laundering. It also sought to highlight existing laws and institutions aimed at curbing money laundering in Kenya, to examine the challenges posed by advocate client confidentiality on anti-money laundering measures, and ultimately to formulate suggestions on how money laundering facilitated by lawyers can be curbed in Kenya. This study made use of qualitative research methodology which makes use of existing data, basically written data such as books, among others, usually referred to as secondary data. In pursuit of the same, the researcher sourced solely secondary data, especially literature, and analogous studies on lawyers, and money laundering both globally, and domestically. This study found that the challenges of money laundering facilitated by lawyers in Kenya are twofold: inadequate laws obligating lawyers to report suspicious activities, and an imbalance in advocate client confidentiality and anti-money laundering obligations. This study recommends that amendments be made to the existing anti-money laundering legislations in Kenya so that they include lawyers are reporting entities. The study also recommends further research to be done on the balance between the right to a fair trial by upholding advocate-client confidentiality, and anti-money laundering obligations.Daystar Universit