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Relationship between Test Anxiety and Psychological Well-Being among Graduate Students: A Case of Daystar University, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Counselling PsychologyThe aim of the study was to establish the perception of the testing process among graduate students, to determine the prevalence of test anxiety among graduate students, examine the psychological well-being among graduate students, and to establish the relationship between test anxiety and psychological well-being. The objectives included establishing perceptions of the testing process determining the prevalence of test anxiety, examining psychological well-being, and establishing the relationship between test anxiety and psychological well-being. This study hypothesized that higher levels of test anxiety would be associated with lower psychological well-being among graduate students. The study was grounded in cognitive-behavioral and transactional stress theories. A cross-sectional study design was used, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. The accessible population was 1,098 graduate students in the School of Applied Human Sciences at Daystar University. A sample size of 293 participants was determined using Yamane's formula. The data gathered were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, correlation, and cross-tabulation analyses. The study achieved a response rate of 52.6% (154 participants). Analysis of test anxiety levels revealed that 35.7% of participants had moderate test anxiety, 32.5% had high test anxiety, 20.1% had low test anxiety, and 11.7% had extremely high-test anxiety. No significant associations were found between test anxiety levels and gender (χ² = 1.302, p = 0.729) or age (χ² = 12.690, p = 0.392). Perceptions of the testing process showed an overall moderately positive perception (M = 2.98, SD = 0.70), with exam schedule communication, professionalism of invigilators, and clarity of exam instructions being the most positively perceived aspects. Analysis of academic-related psychological states revealed that 44.2% of participants had concerning (32.5%) or poor (11.7%) psychological states. The correlation analysis showed a strong negative relationship between test anxiety scores and psychological well-being scores (r = -0.512, p < 0.01). Cross-tabulation analyses revealed significant relationships between test anxiety levels and confidence in exam performance (χ² = 31.186, p < 0.001) and perception of university support (χ² = 16.749, p = 0.010), with higher anxiety associated with lower confidence and perceived support. The study concluded that test anxiety was a significant issue among graduate students at Daystar University, with notable impacts on their psychological well-being. The study recommended that the university develop comprehensive mental health policies, expand student support services, and conduct further research to address the challenges posed by test anxiety and promote the psychological well-being of graduate students.Daystar Universit
Assessing The Effects of Internet Addiction on Self- Esteem And Academic Motivation among Undergraduate Students in Daystar University, Athi River, Kenya
No full textMasters in Clinical PsychologyThe global assimilation of the Internet into the daily human life activities has raised questions about its academic and psychological effects, specifically on among university students. Therefore, this study aims to explain the effects of Internet Addiction on self-esteem and academic motivation among 356 undergraduate students at Daystar University, Athi River Campus. In spite of the international search connecting internet addiction (IA) with both behavioral and emotional outcomes such as; anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance, restricted empirical data lives within the Kenyan Private University setting specifically concerning psychological effects such as: self-esteem and academic motivation.. Therefore, this study aims to (1)to determine the prevalence and severity of Internet Addiction among Undergraduate students at Daystar University.(2) to examine the relationship between Internet addiction and self-esteem .(3)to examine the relationship between Internet addiction and academic motivation . And (4) to examine the psychological, social and behavioral factors associated with high levels of Internet addiction the students. The study will be guided by the following theoretical frameworks: Cognitive behavioral theory (CBT), Rosenberg self-esteem theory (RSES), self-determination theory (SDT) and the use and gratification theory (UGT). A descriptive research design will be carried out in the said target population consisting of students who are in the ages of 18-25. They will be selected using the stratified and simple random sampling technique and the following tools used: Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Academic Motivational Scale (AMS), as well as a customized questionnaire. Moreover, the data was examined by implementing the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) in which the summary statistics summed up demographic characteristics and commonness of Internet addiction. Referential statistics, which include person correlation and multiple regressions, will also be used to examined the connection among Internet addiction, self-esteem, as well as academic motivation .Diagnostic tests were included as well to make sure or to be certain of the validity of regression results. This study was able to give principal awareness of internet use among Kenyan University undergraduate students as well as give insight to academic institutions, counselors, policy makers, and mental health practitioners by enabling the growth of digital wellness initiatives that will benefit the studentsDaystar Universit
Meta-Analysis of Socio-Economic Factors, Sustainability Initiatives, and Carbon Taxation Strategic Adaptation
No full textDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic Management and InnovationClimate change is an existential threat with impacts including floods, wildfires, prolonged droughts, and extreme heat. To understand efforts to contain carbon emissions and implications for developing economies, this study conducted a meta-analysis of socioeconomic factors, sustainability initiatives, and carbon taxation, anchored on Sustainable Development Theory, Resource-based View Theory, and Institutional Theory. Data were extracted from Scopus and Web of Science using the PRISMA flow; 16412 records (1990 to 2025) were screened, 56 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 137 data points across 5 study domains and 9 regions were analyzed. A random effects model revealed an overall negligible pooled effect (-0.002) with a true effect close to zero (95% CI -0.011 to 0.008), a not statistically significant relationship (Z-value = -0.377; p = 0.706), extreme heterogeneity (Q-value = 3725.706; p < 0.001; I2 = 96%), and between study variance (Tau2 = 0.002). Subgroup heterogeneity showed mixed results: competitiveness and innovation (Q = 50.15; I2 = 70.1%); macroeconomic effects (Q = 209.75; I2 = 87.6%); environmental effectiveness (Q = 1902.03; I2 = 92.7%); distributional implications (Q = 832.57; I2 = 99.0%). Pooled effects indicated statistically significant positive associations for competitiveness and innovation (Mean = 0.012; 95% CI 0.004 to 0.020), environmental effectiveness (Mean = 0.041; 95% CI 0.027 to 0.055), and sustainability initiatives (ES = 0.038; 95% CI 0.021 to 0.056). Distributional implications (Mean = -0.018; 95% CI -0.055 to 0.019) and macroeconomic effects (Mean = 0.009; 95% CI -0.004 to 0.022) showed mixed evidence, depending on contextual policies, revenue recycling, and investment of carbon taxation revenues. Moderation analysis of sustainability initiatives on the pooled effect size (ES = 0.0072; Q = 0.31; p = 0.575) revealed a small, statistically insignificant effect. The study concluded that competitiveness and innovation are feasible where regional policies promote innovation uptake; carbon taxation does not systematically hinder GDP growth and employment but depends on national economic structures and policy design mechanisms; and carbon taxation promotes environmental effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions, but efforts must not disproportionately burden low-income groups. Redistributive mechanisms and revenue recycling, including compensatory transfers, are key determinants in mitigating regressive effects, and green technologies and green energy should be anchored in policies and tax designs to promote uptake. Policies should prioritize redistributive mechanisms; practices should enhance transparent communication and regional approaches; theories should improve theoretical assumptions in the ever-changing climate change environment. Ethical considerations were fully adhered to in this study.Daystar Universit
Grapevine Internal Communication in Public Institutions: A Case of Kenya Accountants and Secretaries’ National Examination Board (KASNEB)
No full textMaster of Arts in CommunicationThis study explored the perceptions of non-management staff on the use of grapevine communication within the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB). Four objectives guided the research: 1) To investigate the prevalence of grapevine communication at KASNEB, 2) To identify motivation among employees for using grapevine communication at KASNEB, 3) To assess the effectiveness of grapevine communication at KASNEB, and 4) To explore the concerns and challenges of grapevine communication at KASNEB. The study was grounded in Sensemaking Theory and Social Network Theory to examine how informal (grapevine) communication shapes meaning-making, employee relations, and information flows in an institutional setting. The study implemented a research design aligned with a qualitative approach. Specifically, an exploratory research design was used to clarify complex or ambiguous issues and enhance understanding of phenomena that may need to be better well-defined. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 non-management staff as participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews that facilitated in-depth exploration of participant perspectives and experiences. Thematic analysis was conducted manually to identify patterns across narratives. The findings revealed that grapevine communication is not peripheral but deeply embedded in KASNEB's workplace culture. It plays a significant role in reducing uncertainty, fostering social bonds, and bridging formal communication gaps. However, it also poses risks such as misinformation, anxiety, and informal power imbalances. Digital platforms like WhatsApp were found to amplify grapevine activity significantly. The study recommends enhancing transparency in official communication, training middle managers in ethical rumor management, and integrating informal networks constructively into organizational communication strategies. Further research into digital grapevine patterns and comparative analysis across public and private sectors is also advised.Daystar Universit
Evaluating The Effects of Climate Change Adaptations on Pastoral Livelihoods and Food Security: A Case of Wajir North Subcounty, Wajir County, Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Monitoring and EvaluationThis study evaluated the effects of climate change adaptation strategies on pastoral livelihoods and food security in Wajir North Sub-County, Wajir County, Kenya. The study objectives were; to identify the climate change adaptation strategies employed by pastoral communities in mitigating environmental challenges in Wajir North Subcounty, Wajir County, Kenya, assess the impact of climate change adaptation strategies on pastoral livelihoods, evaluate the influence of climate change adaptation strategies on food security and nutritional outcomes among pastoral communities, examine the effectiveness of water resource management systems and infrastructure in supporting climate change adaptation strategies among pastoral communities and to scrutinise the interconnections between climate change adaptation, water resource management, pastoral livelihoods, food security, and nutritional outcomes in Wajir North Subcounty. The study was anchored in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF), which explained how households mobilize assets to cope with climate variability. The Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Framework guided analysis of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, while Resilience Theory illuminated how pastoral systems withstand shocks and sustain function. A mixed-methods descriptive survey design was employed, drawing on household surveys (n = 357), key informant interviews (n = 21), and secondary data from meteorological and NGO sources. Findings revealed widespread adoption of adaptation measures, with herd diversification practiced by 78.9% of households and water harvesting by 21.1%. The study concludes that adaptation strategies enhance resilience but require structural support. Recommendations include strengthening institutions, improving market linkages, supporting community-led initiatives, and integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge.Daystar Universit
Instructional Leadership Practices of Principals in Managing Change in Kakamega County Secondary Schools.
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesThis proposed study aimed to investigate the instructional leadership practices of secondary school principals in Kakamega County, Kenya, as they manage the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The CBC has introduced numerous challenges, including limited resources, resistance from teachers, and administrative burdens. The research sought to explore how principals employed instructional leadership strategies to address these issues, improve school performance, and ensure the sustainability of educational reforms. The study was guided by the Transformational Leadership Theory, the Instructional Leadership Model, and Lewin’s Change Management Model. These frameworks provided a lens to examine visionary leadership, curriculum oversight, and structured processes for implementing and institutionalizing reforms. The following objectives guided the research: to compare instructional leadership strategies used by principals, to identify anticipated barriers to effective change management, and to evaluate the potential impact of instructional leadership on school outcomes and reform success. A mixed-method case study design was adopted, involving a stratified random sample of 10 principals and 40 teachers from rural and urban secondary schools. Data collection instruments included semi-structured interview guides, structured observation checklists, and relevant document analyses. Triangulation and member checks were utilized to enhance validity and reliability. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and secure data handling, were strictly adhered to throughout the research process. The findings revealed that proactive instructional leadership is essential in aligning teachers’ practices with CBC objectives, overcoming resistance, managing scarce resources, and improving reform implementation. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, leading to the development of targeted leadership training programs. These programs will equip principals with context-specific strategies and help teachers adapt to curricular changes, ultimately contributing to improved educational reform outcomes in resource-constrained settingsDaystar Universit
Examining the Effects of Parenting Styles on the Psychological Wellbeing of Young Adults: Case of Pcea Ongata Rongai,Kajiado County, Kenya
No full textMasters in Clinical PsychologyThis study examined the effects of parenting styles on the psychological well-being of young adults within the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, Kenya. Guided by Erikson’s psychosocial development, Baumrind’s parenting style, and social learning theories, the research identified predominant parenting styles, determined their relationship with psychological well-being, and explored the influence of religious and cultural factors. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 169 young adults, with a 87% response rate (N = 147). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a one-way ANOVA. Findings revealed the authoritarian style was most prevalent (57.8%), followed by authoritative (33.3%), reflecting enduring African and Christian values emphasizing discipline and obedience. Although authoritarian parenting was dominant, young adults from authoritative backgrounds reported marginally higher psychological well-being (M = 2.43, SD = 0.61) than those from authoritarian (M = 2.19, SD = 0.63) or permissive (M = 2.18, SD = 0.60) backgrounds, suggesting that warmth and balanced control contribute to better mental health. Religious and cultural factors were found to strongly influence parenting approaches, instilling moral discipline but sometimes at the cost of emotional openness. While most young adults perceived themselves as independent decision-makers (62.6%), only 32.7% felt confident in managing stress, indicating that emotional resilience was less nurtured than cognitive independence. The study concludes that parenting styles, religious beliefs, and cultural norms collectively shape well-being. It recommends faith-based parenting programs and policy interventions that integrate moral discipline with emotional support to foster holistic youth development in similar contexts.Daystar Universit
Effect of Financial Risk on Financial Performance of Banks Listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in FinanceFinancial risk 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 Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. To achieve this aim, the research objectives guided the study were to assess the extent of exposure to financial risks faced by banks listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya, to analyze the influence of Return on Assets on Banks Listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. and to determine the Effect of Financial Risk on the Financial Performance of Banks Listed at 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, as well as 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.Daystar Universit
Digital Marketing Strategies and Organizational Performance in The Hospitality Sector in Kenya. A Case of Five-Star Hotels in Nairobi City County
No full textMASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Marketing and Strategic ManagementThe rapid growth of digital technologies has transformed the hospitality industry, compelling hotels to adopt innovative marketing approaches to remain competitive. This study examined the influence of digital marketing strategies on the performance of five-star hotels in Nairobi County, focusing on search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and social media marketing. Guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study employed a descriptive research design. Data were collected from 70 managerial staff members through structured questionnaires, of which 69 were returned, yielding a response rate of 98.6%. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used in the analysis of the data using SPSS Version 27. The results showed that five-star hotels used all three aspects of digital marketing extensively: social media marketing, email marketing, and SEO. Correlation analysis results showed that the three strategies, social media marketing (r =.735, p <.05), email marketing (r =.764, p <.05), and SEO (r =.712, p <.05), had a high positive association with organizational success. Additionally, digital marketing strategies were found to have a significant impact on performance outcomes like customer acquisition, revenue growth, and market share, as evidenced by multiple regression analysis, which found that they jointly explained 68.3% of the variance in organizational performance (R2 =.683, p <.05). The study also found that the connection between digital marketing strategies and organizational performance was significantly moderated by organizational culture (β =.287, p <.05). Compared to hotels with strict or conventional structures, those with creative, cooperative, and data-driven cultures gained more from their digital marketing campaigns. According to the study's findings, digital marketing tactics are crucial for influencing organizational performance in the hospitality industry. Social media marketing increases brand exposure and customer connection, email marketing boosts consumer engagement and loyalty, and SEO increases online visibility and direct bookings. The results also confirm that by encouraging creativity and cross-functional cooperation, a positive corporate culture increases the efficacy of digital tactics. The study recommended that hotel management should integrate analytics to track performance and make strategic investments in social media, email, and SEO. To maintain a competitive edge, hotels should also foster a culture that encourages digital innovation and ongoing learning. By empirically illustrating the moderating impact of organizational culture in the relationship between digital marketing and performance in the setting of five-star hotels in Kenya, the research adds to our understanding of the subject.Daystar Universit
Influence of Generation Z Communication Styles on Organizational Leadership: A Case Study of Zenka Digital Limited
No full textMaster of Arts in CommunicationThis study explored how Generation Z’s communication styles influence organizational leadership and management practices, focusing on Zenka Digital Ltd. The research was motivated by the challenges organization leaders face in aligning Gen Z’s digital-first, interactive communication preferences with traditional workplace practices. Guided by Social Identity Theory, Communication Accommodation Theory, and Situational Leadership Theory, the study examined how these preferences reshape organizational communication and leadership adaptation. Using a qualitative exploratory design, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with managers across different generations and focus groups with Gen Z employees. A total of 37 participants were purposively selected from Zenka’s 51 employees. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: real-time organizational communication networks, integration of digital communication tools in leadership, communication-driven team cohesion, and resistance to hierarchical communication norms. These findings highlight Gen Z’s preference for instant messaging and collaborative platforms over hierarchical, email-based, or face-to-face systems. The study concludes that adopting digital-first communication approaches is vital for enhancing engagement, team performance, and leadership effectiveness in organizations employing Generation Z. It recommends future research on cross-cultural variations and the role of organizational culture in digital tool adoption, providing a broader perspective for multinational organizations seeking cohesive communication strategies.Daystar Universit