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Decolonizing Diplomacy: The DRC's Response to Belgian Political Influence from 2000 to 2025
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityThis research investigates the strategies adopted by the DRC to counter the political pressure of Belgium from 2000-2025. DRC-Belgium relations are typified by long term unequal power relations and neo-colonialism. The analysis is concentrated on Belgian diplomatic leverage, the strategies of resistance followed by the DRC and articulated in the framework of the bilateral processes of decolonisation. The study has a constructivist orientation and it is based on a post-colonial and dependency theoretical framework. Methodologically, single case study research design is used, interconnected by questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. Findings reveal that the state-level posturing is upheld through the use of conditionalities on aid and diplomatic coercion at a country level. Nonetheless, the DRC is continuing the democratization of its institutions, diversifying partnerships, and continuing to employ the principles of cultural diplomacy in a sovereign reassertion of its independence. Those strategies have not removed the structural impediments to development although they have reduced the Belgian international leverage and enhanced the autonomy of the DRC. The paper concludes that post-colonial states need to pursue multilateral convergence, diaspora citizenship and engagement and enhance international relations to consolidate sovereignty and advance the discourses of decolonisation into their foreign policy and thereby contribute to the evolution of African diplomacy.Daystar Universit
Determinants of Vicarious Trauma among Health Workers: A Case of Murang'a Level 5 Hospital, Murang'a County, Kenya
No full textMasters in Clinical PsychologyVicarious trauma refers to the emotional and psychological effects experienced by professionals repeatedly exposed to traumatic experiences of others. The purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of vicarious trauma among health workers at Murang'a Level 5 Hospital, Murang'a County, Kenya. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of vicarious trauma, examine personal factors associated with vicarious trauma, assess workplace factors influencing vicarious trauma development, evaluate organizational support systems' role in mitigating vicarious trauma, and examine personal coping mechanisms in managing vicarious trauma. This research was grounded in three theoretical frameworks: Constructivist Self-Development Theory, Conservation of Resources Theory, and Job Demands-Resources Theory. A descriptive cross-sectional design targeted health worker with at least one year of experience. Stratified random sampling selected 139 participants from 147 across different professional cadres, achieving a 94.6% response rate. Data were collected using validated scales: Vicarious Trauma Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, Workplace Violence Scale, Perceived Organizational Support Scale, and Brief COPE Inventory. The study revealed high vicarious trauma prevalence with 95.7% experiencing moderate to high levels and 56.1% experiencing high levels. No significant associations were found between personal factors and vicarious trauma levels, with demographic variables explaining only 3.0% of variance. All participants experienced workplace violence showing negligible correlation with vicarious trauma. Organizational support was perceived as moderate by 99.3% but demonstrated weak positive correlation with vicarious trauma. Coping mechanisms showed that workers employed adaptive strategies, but these explained only 3.3% of variance. Findings indicated vicarious trauma was primarily driven by systemic factors. The study recommended establishing comprehensive occupational mental health support systems, trauma-informed care training, peer support networks, workplace violence prevention programs, and enhanced organizational support policiesDaystar Universit
Strategic Management Approaches and Implementation of Circular Economy among Small and Medium Size Manufacturers in Kenya: Case of Africa Collect Textiles
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic ManagementCircular economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative model in addressing the negative impacts of linear production and consumption, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite this relevance, most SMEs in Kenya continue to struggle with embedding circular economy principles in their business models, leading to suboptimal waste management, missed opportunities in remanufacturing, and reduced competitiveness. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of strategic management approaches on implementation of circular economy among Small and Medium Size Manufacturers in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to examine the effect of strategic direction on the implementation of circular economy in Africa Collect Textiles, to assess the effect of resource allocation on the implementation of circular economy in Africa Collect Textiles, to establish the effect of capability development on the implementation of circular economy in Africa Collect Textiles, and to evaluate the moderating effect of organizational factors on the relationship between strategic management approaches and the implementation of circular economy in Africa Collect Textiles. The study was anchored on the Resource-Based View (RBV), Strategic Choice Theory, Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Institutional Theory. This study employed a cross-sectional-explanatory research design. The study target population included 65 senior, mid, and entry-level managers at Africa Collect Textiles Ltd. The research used primary data, collected using a structured questionnaire. To ensure reliability and validity, a pretest was conducted on 10 senior and mid-level managers at Sunflag Textile & Knitwear Mills. Descriptive analysis indicated strong agreement across constructs, with mean scores ranging between 4.18 and 4.30 and standard deviations between 0.97 and 1.10, reflecting consistent alignment of CE practices with strategic and operational frameworks. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships among all constructs (r= 0.54-0.78, p<0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated that strategic direction (R² = 0.312, p < 0.05), resource allocation (R²=0.205, p <0.05), and capability development (R²=0.299, p<0.05) significantly predicted CE implementation. The moderating role of organizational factors was partial: while they improved explanatory power (R² = 0.394), the interaction effect was marginally significant (β=0.187, p=0.090). The study concludes that strategic direction, resource allocation, and capability development are critical drivers of CE implementation, while organizational factors act as enabling but not uniformly moderating influences. Beyond its academic contribution, the study aligns with global and national development priorities. At the global level, it advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9, SDG 12, and SDG 13). At the national level, it supports Kenya Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable industrialization. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and manufacturing SMEs to embed CE practices in strategic, financial, and capability-building frameworks for long-term sustainability.Daystar Universit
Growth Strategies and Performance of Student Housing Sector in Kenya: A Case of QWETU
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic ManagementOver the past decade, Kenya’s higher education sector has experienced significant growth, with student enrollment in universities increasing from 361,379 in 2013 to over 562,100 in 2022. However, this expansion has not been matched by a corresponding investment in quality and affordable student accommodation, resulting in a persistent and widening housing deficit. Despite the growing demand, Student housing sector such as Qwetu continue to face challenges in maintaining optimal performance in terms of occupancy rates, revenue growth, and expansion. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of growth strategies on the performance of Student housing sector in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to; examine the effect of market penetration strategy on the performance of Qwetu hostels; assess the effect of market development strategy on the performance of Qwetu hostels; establish the effect of product development strategy on the performance of Qwetu hostels and to evaluate the moderating effect of organizational factors on the relationship between growth strategies and the performance of Qwetu hostels. The study was anchored on the Resource-Based View (RBV) as the anchor theory, as well Ansoff’s Growth Matrix, the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), and Institutional Theory. A cros-ssectional-explanatory research design was adopted. The target population comprised 76 senior, mid-level, and junior managers at Qwetu Hostels. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and a pretest was conducted among eight managers from Kejani Hostels. Data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS version 29.0, using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as regression and correlation analysis. Findings demonstrated that all three growth strategies had statistically significant positive effects on performance. Market penetration explained 51.0% (R²=.510, p<.05) of variance in performance, while market development accounted for 50.2% (R²=.502, p<.05), and product development explained 42.9% (R²=.429, p<.05). Collectively, the growth strategies index explained 55.0% (R²=.550) of performance, which increased to 63.7% (R²=.637) upon inclusion of organizational factors. Moderation analysis confirmed that organizational factors significantly strengthened the relationship (β=.195, p=.058), raising explanatory power to 67.7% (R²=.677). The study concludes that penetration, development, and innovation strategies are indispensable drivers of PBSA performance, and their effectiveness is magnified when reinforced by supportive organizational cultures and leadership. It recommends intensification of targeted promotions, geographical expansion, continuous product innovation, and alignment of organizational values with strategic objectives. The study contributes to strategic management scholarship and offers practical insights for policymakers and industry leaders seeking to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the student housing sector.Daystar Universit
An Examination of Faculty and Students Perspectives on the Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing or Hindering Educational Experience in eLearning
No full textJournal ArticleThe study explored student and faculty perspectives on using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, like ChatGPT, in eLearning. Understanding stakeholder views is essential for the effective integration of these technologies in education. The research highlighted opportunities and challenges, with faculty expressing concerns about GenAI's impact on critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic integrity, including plagiarism. Despite this, faculty acknowledged its potential to enhance personalized learning and instructional practices, noting the need for formal training. Students viewed GenAI as a valuable tool for simplifying concepts, generating ideas, and improving learning experiences, reporting higher adoption rates for assignments and research. Ethical concerns, like overreliance on AI and reduced independent learning, were shared by both groups. The study emphasized the importance of clear guidelines, responsible usage, and training programs to address these challenges. By fostering ethical integration, educational institutions can harness GenAI's potential to enhance engagement and learning while preserving educational integrity
An Assessment of Public Participation and Its Influence on Budget Outcomes in Machakos County, Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Monitoring and EvaluationParticipation is the process of interaction between an organization and the public with the aim of making an acceptable and better decision. Even though public participation plays a critical role in good governance and better budget outcomes, there have been several inconsistencies in implementing the same across counties since 2013. When there is no public participation in the budgeting process, it hinders accountability and optimization of resources. Machakos County scored low on providing information on public participation from the budget documents. The purpose of the study was to assess public participation and its influence on budget outcomes in Machakos County. The objectives were to: establish the level of public participation on budget formulation, assess public participation and its influence on budget outcomes and investigate the barriers that impede public participation in budget formulation in Muvuti/Kiima Kimwe and Machakos Central wards in Machakos Town Constituency, Machakos County. The study was guided by Stakeholder, Ladder of Citizen Participation and Participatory Democracy theories. The target population was 271 sampled residents aged over 18 years, 1 staff from the Department of Devolution and 2 staff Department of Finance, Revenue Management and Economic Planning and 2 members from the civil society. The study applied systemic random sampling and expert sampling to select participants of the study. Quantitative data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire while qualitative data was collected through FGD and interview guide. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative through thematic analysis. The study found that 75.7% of the respondents were not familiar with the budget formulation process. Spearman’s rank correlation revealed that there was a moderate, positive and significant correlation between attendance of budgeting forum and prior access to information (rs = .47, p=0.001) and weak positive and significant correlation between attendance and having received budget materials before the meeting from the ward administrator (rs = .28, p=0.001). This means that those who attend public forums are likely to have better access budget materials. However, there was a weak, positive and significant correlation between attending budget forums and the extent to which projects are developed in accordance with local needs (rs = .22, p=0.000) as well as inclusion of voices of women, youth and minorities (rs = .18, p=0.002) and perception whether the proposals are adopted by the county government (rs = .25, p=0.001). This means that all the anticipated budget outcomes were less pronounced. The barriers impeding effective public participation in budget formulation included ineffective communication and feedback mechanisms, inadequate civic education on planning and budgeting processes and poor design of public participation forums. The study concluded that public participation has resulted in limited budget transparency, weak accountability, inequitable and inadequate resource allocation and exclusion of marginalized and minority groups. The study recommends multisectoral collaboration in promoting civic engagement and education, strengthening existing communication and accountability mechanisms, equitable resource allocation across the wards and design public participation processes with the community for the achievement of quality and transformative budget outcomes.Daystar Universit
Strategic Innovation Practices and Performance of Commercial Irrigation Projects in Kenya: A Case of Sunripe LTD.
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic Management and Project ManagementPerformance of irrigation farming projects in Kenya has been poor despite its importance to development of socio-economy. Inconsistency in existing research findings trigger the need for further study. It was against this backdrop that the current study sought to establish the relationship between strategic innovation practices and performance of commercial irrigation faming projects; case of Sunripe Limited, Kenya. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between strategic innovation practices and performance of a commercial irrigation project in Kenya: A Case of Sunripe Limited. The objectives of the study were to: find out the innovation practices adopted by Sunripe Farm limited, examine the performance of Sunripe Limited irrigation project; evaluate the relationship between strategic innovation practices and performance of Sunripe Limited commercial irrigation project in Kenya and establish the moderating effect of government interventions on the relationship between strategic innovation practices and performance of Sunripe Limited commercial irrigation project in Kenya. The study was underpinned by Schumpeter’s Theory of Innovation, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and the Contingency Theory. An explanatory research design was adopted to examine the relationships among the study variables. A census approach was employed, targeting all 128 management staff of Sunripe Limited. This included 18 top-level managers, 36 middle-level managers, and 74 lower-level managers. The findings reveal that 80% of the respondents agreed that Sunripe Limited irrigation project utilizes strategic innovation practices. The performance of Sunripe Limited irrigation project varies linear wise with the adoption of strategic management practices. The regression model yielded an R² value of 0.729, indicating that these practices collectively account for 72.9% of the variance in project performance. Among the predictors, adoption of modern ICT emerged as the most influential (β = 0.727, p = 0.002), followed by research and development (β = 0.555, p = 0.001) and collaboration (β = 0.412, p = 0.003). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between each strategic innovation practice and performance, with coefficients of 0.456, 0.433, and 0.455 respectively, all statistically significant at p < 0.01. The mean scores for research and development (3.45), adoption of modern ICT (3.56), and collaboration (3.55) further reflect the participants’ strong perception of the effectiveness of these practices. The study recommends: (i) strengthening research and development through increased investment in agricultural innovation; (ii) enhancing the adoption of modern ICT by improving digital infrastructure and access to smart technologies; and (iii) fostering collaboration through multi-stakeholder engagement platforms and public-private partnerships. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of leveraging government interventions by aligning strategic innovation practices with national food security initiatives, accessing input subsidy programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. These findings directly contribute to the realization of Kenya Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable agricultural productivity. They also support Africa Agenda 2063 and 2050 by advancing inclusive growth, technological innovation, and agricultural transformation. For future research, it is recommended to explore additional moderating variables, such as organizational culture, and to conduct longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of strategic innovation practices on performance.Daystar Universit
Participatory Communication in Infrastructure Project: A Case Study of Lokichar-Nadapal Road Corridor in Turkana County
No full textMaster of Arts in Development CommunicationParticipatory communication in development projects has evolved to emphasize strategies such as trust-building, stakeholder dialogue, and risk assessment to foster inclusive decision-making in order to achieve long-term objectives and sustainable goals. Empirical evidence supports the effectiveness of these strategies when they are properly implemented. This research therefore sought to interrogate the role of participatory communication in road corridor infrastructure with a keen focus on the Lokichar-Nadapal Road Corridor in Turkana County, Kenya. The key objective was to interrogate the availability, absence, or inadequacy of participatory communication approaches in the conceptualisation and construction of the Lokichar-Nadapal Road Corridor in Turkana County, Kenya, and its contribution to enabling the project achieve the desired outcomes. The researcher looked at the Participatory Communication Theory (PCT) and previous studies to find four main ideas of the participatory approach: dialogue, participation, cultural identity, and empowerment. The researcher then created a framework with three important parts: dependent, independent, and intervening variables. The researcher employed a mixed-method research design by considering quantitative and qualitative data to achieve the set goal and enable the researcher to triangulate the findings to enhance the data's validity and results. Quantitative data was collected using a structured standard questionnaire, and qualitative data was collected through structured interviews with key informants of the project. The target population was a total of 378 Turkana residents aged 25 years and above, and the researcher employed stratified sampling to divide the heterogeneous population into several groups, ensuring a representative sample. Stratified sampling strategy was employed in data collection. The findings of this study demonstrate that the conceptualization and construction of the Lokichar-Nadapal Road Corridor was successfully implemented and underscored the importance of participatory communication in infrastructure projects. Public meeting forums, community-driven dialogue by the leadership, and internet and social media platforms, as well as traditional modes of communication, enhanced awareness of the project, encouraged community buy-in, and promoted dialogue, inclusivity, participation, trust, and transparency. Emphasis on cultural sensitivity and collaboration in decision-making enhanced ownership and project sustainability. However, the study identified several key gaps: limited reach through traditional media platforms, such as television and print media; a scarcity of public meeting forums, held only once a month, which did not allow enough time for dialogue and feedback; and language barrier.Daystar Universit
The Socioeconomic Effects of Infrastructure Development on Local Communities: A Case of Nairobi Expressway
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityInfrastructure development is regarded as an essential prerequisite to socioeconomic development worldwide as it streamlines mobility, enhances access to social amenities, augments income distribution and creates employment directly and indirectly. Cognizant of this, successive governments in Kenya have heavily invested in constructing mega road, railway and energy projects in a bid to spur the country’s economic growth. The Nairobi Expressway, a 27-kilometre elevated road cutting cross the country’s capital city is a prime example of an infrastructural project that was developed for this purpose. Although it has been praised for enhancing connectivity, easing the city’s congestion and creating employment, it has equally been blamed for its negative socioeconomic effects on the local population living in close proximity. Despite these concerns, studies that highlight the socioeconomic effects of the project on local communities are scanty, with the available research on the Expressway majorly focusing on its environmental effects, legal mechanism and macroeconomic implications. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the socioeconomic effects of the Nairobi Expressway on local communities. Using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions, the study analysed the project’s effects on fundamental socioeconomic aspects of the local communities’ lives such as employment, businesses growth, and perceptions of equity employment. The findings discovered two main perspectives regarding the infrastructure project. On one hand, the Expressway delivered significant time efficiency, drastic reduction in commute times and enhanced accessibility to economic hubs. Concurrently, the project catalysed local economic activity with a majority of the businesses reporting increased revenue as well as rising property values for landowners. On the other hand, the benefits were highly unevenly distributed. The study found strong evidence of increased cost of living that disproportionately affected low-income renters and informal businesses. The statistical analysis confirmed a direct correlation between the rising property values and a widespread perception of inequity, with a majority of the respondents asserting that the benefits of the project were not fairly distributed. This study concludes that while the Nairobi Expressway has been a successful engineering project and driver of economic activities, its local socioeconomic impact is characterised by clear difference between efficiency and equity. The project highlights how mega-infrastructure can generate economic value while exacerbating the existing social inequalities. The findings of this study contribute significantly to scholarly work, as well as supporting policymakers, development partners and urban developers to conceive and implement socially-sustainable, equitable and inclusive mega infrastructure projects.Daystar Universit
Psychosocial Effects of Absent Fathers on The Social Behavior of Male Adolescents: Case of Selected Schools in Dagoretti South Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Counseling PsychologyThis study explored the psychosocial effects of father absence on the social behaviors of male adolescents aged 15-18 in selected public secondary schools in Dagoretti South Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya. The main objective was to determine how father absence influenced adolescents’ emotional and behavioral outcomes and to propose evidence-based strategies to address these effects. The specific objectives were to: find out the prevalence of absent fathers, examine the psychosocial effects experienced by male adolescents, analyze the relationship between father absence and social behavior, and identify and rank strategies to reduce its negative impacts. Guided by Attachment Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods research design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population comprised approximately 4,372 male students and 189 teachers in public secondary schools within the sub-county, with a calculated sample size of 142 participants drawn from Lenana School and Dagoretti High School. Quantitative data were collected using the standardized Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which demonstrated high internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = .82). Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions (FGDs) with students and semi-structured interviews with guidance and counseling educators. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, while qualitative data were examined thematically. Of 142 targeted participants, 132 valid responses were collected, yielding a response rate of 97.05%. The findings showed that paternal absence was prevalent, affecting about 60% of male adolescents, mainly due to parental separation, economic migration, divorce, or death. Around 40% of respondents reported emotional problems like sadness, worry, and low self-esteem, while 27-30% showed behavioral issues such as restlessness, distractibility, and temper loss. Despite these issues, many students demonstrated prosocial behaviors and resilience, using faith, mentorship, and self-reflection as coping strategies. Educators confirmed these results, highlighting the importance of alternative male role models and school-based guidance in supporting emotional adjustment and discipline. The study concluded that father absence significantly affects adolescents’ emotional stability, behavior regulation, and identity development. However, these effects can be alleviated through structured mentorship, counseling initiatives, faith-based programs, and community support networks. It recommended enhancing school counseling services, increasing awareness of co-parenting, and including father-engagement metrics in education and youth development policies. Overall, the research provides new empirical and contextual evidence on the psychosocial implications of father absence in urban Kenya, underscoring the importance of multi-systemic interventions to foster emotional well-being, resilience, and positive masculinity among adolescent boys.Daystar Universit