Daystar University Repository
Welcome to the Daystar University’s Digital Repository. Here we preserve and disseminate the University's Intellectual output.
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- A collection of Class Projects and Student articles showcasing innovative ideas and diverse perspectives from our talented student community at Daystar University
- A collection of conference, workshop, seminar, proceedings, and lecture series showcasing diverse topics and cutting-edge research from faculty and staff of Daystar University.
- An archival collection chronicling the institutional history, academic achievements, and diverse heritage of Daystar University.
- A collection of Publications by faculty and staff showcasing research, academic achievements, and institutional insights of Daystar University.
- A collection of Lectures and Speeches from distinguished speakers across various disciplines of Daystar University.
Recent Submissions
Exploring Online Discourses on Sustainable Food Practice: A Case of Members of Sacks and Container Gardening Tips Facebook Group
(Daystar University, School of Communication, 2024) Wesonga, Anet
Increasing productivity of small-holder farmers to achieve sustainable food practices amid climate change and global population growth is a concern to many individuals, governments and non-governmental agencies. Social networking sites (SNS) like Facebook play a critical role in providing avenues for online discourses that result in observational learning and peer support about sustainable food practices. This study examined the types of sustainable food practice information sought by members of Sacks and Container Gardening Tips (SCGT) Facebook group, the types of discourses of sustainable food practice that farmers are exposed to, how farmers determine credibility of the discourses posted on SCGT and the challenges of using Facebook discourses as a source of agricultural information. The research employed the use of Social Cognitive Theory developed by Albert Bandura. 241 posts from SCGT Facebook Group from 1st June 2023 to 30th June 2024 for objective 1 and 2. 6 members of SCGT from Nairobi County were also interviewed to generate data for objective 3 and 4. Thematic analysis was conducted by Atlas.ti which generated codes and themes according to commands by the researcher. The themes were then refined manually to identify the major themes for both the online discourses and semi structured interviews. The findings established that members of SCGT seek information such as how to deal with pests and diseases, general agricultural related information and where to get seeds and seedlings. It also emerged that members are exposed to instructional posts, promotion and advertising of agricultural related information, and success stories. Findings show that members of SCGT determine credibility by replication, other people’s experiences and trust. Members of SCGT also demonstrated possession of digital skills, smartphones and laptops coupled with access to stable network and internet which enabled them to access information from SCGT. However, the findings revealed a decline in vibrancy of SCGT Facebook group in 2024 compared to previous years due to members’ low engagement with content.
The Impact of The Kenya Refugee Act 2021 on Socioeconomic Inclusion of Refugees in Kenya: A Case of Kakuma Refugee Camp
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2024) Ogonya, Belinda Aluoch
Kenya Refugees Act 2021 proposes initiatives and measures aimed at improving the socioeconomic livelihoods of the refugees residing in camps across the country. The global focus increasingly shifting towards refugee intergration and management, necessitates the need to gain an understanding on how national legal frameworks impact refugee livelihoods.The study aimed to examine the impact of the Kenya Refugee Act 2021 on socioeconomic inclusion of refugees in Kenya with the focus on Kakuma Refugee Camp located in the Northwestern region of Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to; assess the impact of Kenya’s Refugee Act 2021 on socioeconomic lives of refugees in Kakuma camp, examine the extent of implementation of Kenya Refugees Act 2021 to impact socioeconomic lives of refuges in Kakuma Refugee camp and develop solutions for effective implementation of the Kenya Refugee Act 2021 to impact socioeconomic lives of refugees in Kakuma Refugee camp. The study was guided by two theoretical frameworks that is Liberal International Theory and Social Action Theory. The Liberal International theory provided a lens through which to examine the role of international legal instruments and national legal frameworks in fostering refugee socioeconomic inclusion, while Social Action Theory offered insights into how individual actions and social structures within Kakuma refugee camp interact to shape socioeconomic outcomes. The study adopted descriptive research design. The study targeted EAC refugees to yield the needed data. The study used purposive sampling technique to select participants, ensuring that the sample size was representative of the target refugee population in Kakuma. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires that were distributed to respondents within the Kakuma Refugee Camp. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyse the collected data whereby data was coded, entered, edited and analysed to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. Pretesting of the questionnaires was conducted to improve on reliability and validity of the research tool. The researcher adhered to ethical consideration by seeking approval from relevant institutions, ensured voluntary participation and ascertained informed consent from all respondents. The findings of the study revealed that the implementation of Kenya Refugees Act 2021 impacted positively on the socioeconomic livelihoods of the refugees in Kakuma refugee camp. The key areas of improvement of the Act were noted in the acess of socioeconomic rights such as employment opportunities, social services and eductaion. The study however, highlighted the existing gaps in the realization of the Acts provisions due to challenges in implemetation. Based on the findings, the study recommended enforcement of more laws and policies in supporting refugees socioeconomic inclusion in society, conducting of further research on related variables and consistency in developing solutions regarding refugees.
Assessment of Cross-Border Security on Economic Development in East African Community: A Case of Busia Kenya-Uganda Border.
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2024) Malinda, Caroline
This research investigated the intricate and dynamic interplay between cross-border security measures at the Busia border and the broader economic development of the East African Community (EAC). The EAC, comprising Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, is marked by vibrant economic activities and significant cross-border interactions. However, the region's economic potential is closely intertwined with the effectiveness and efficiency of its cross-border security measures, making it a critical area of study. The study was anchored on three key objectives: First, to assess the state of cross-border security at the Busia border; second, to evaluate the impact of Busia’s cross-border security on economic development; and third, to develop strategies to enhance cross-border security at the Busia border. Additionally, guided by the Political Economy Theory, which explored the interaction between political institutions, economic systems, and security mechanisms. This research adopted a mixed-methods design to analyze the topic comprehensively. Quantitative data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to a purposive sample of government representatives, customs officials, cross-border traders, and security specialists. The data provided measurable insights into the perceptions, experiences, and impacts of cross-border security on economic activities. Complementing this, qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key informants and stakeholders. This allowed for a deeper exploration of the nuanced and often complex issues surrounding cross-border security and its economic implications. Additionally, observational methods and document analysis provided further context and corroborated the primary data. The study's findings included an analysis of various trade statistics and reports on crossborder security measures and their impact on the East African Community's economy. It also encompassed the data collected from questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations of Busia town. In June 2024, the researcher and research assistants distributed questionnaires to Busia town residents and interviewed key informants from business associations and cross-border traders. The research team interviewed sixteen key informants: five from Kenya’s and Uganda’s border security patrol, two members of civil society organizations, five customs officers, three government officials, and one expert on trade patterns within the East African Community. The research team held one focus group discussion that comprised seven Respondents from various business associations and cross-border traders from Uganda and Kenya and issued twenty-two questionnaires. The study identified multifaceted issues that cross-cut and negatively affect cross-border security; therefore, as a resolve to develop strategies, respondents in the study identified the following as possible solutions: infrastructural development and investment in more technology that would aid in tracking cargo and an automated clearance system. Harmonizing trade tariffs by member states of the EAC would also further enhance economic development. Based on the data analyzed, it can be concluded that addressing issues leading to insecurity would strengthen cross-border security in Busia, thereby positively contributing to economic development. The research aimed to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on cross-border security and economic development by offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the EAC region.
Ethical Issues Arising from Crowdfunding by Kenyan Citizen Journalists: An Analysis of Tiktok as A Crowdfunding Platform
(Daystar University, School of Communication, 2024-10) Gitari, Sussy K.
Citizen journalism has emerged with the rise of social media, where anyone with information can disseminate through these platforms, often bypassing traditional media regulations. Citizen journalists, with their creative abilities in creating material or news, have incorporated concepts like crowdfunding, whereby they seek funding from their audiences. This study used qualitative methods of in-depth interviews and qualitative content analysis to gather data from 17 crowdfunding citizen journalists on TikTok, and two media ethics experts, and analyzed 70 videos and photos from crowdfunding campaigns on TikTok. It focused on ethical dilemmas from Kenyan citizen journalists crowdfunding on TikTok, particularly those without formal journalistic training and sharing public interest stories. The study examined how principles like independence, objectivity, and fairness could be incorporated into crowdfunding posts to maintain media integrity and public trust. Interviews offered insights into participants' views on ethical issues in crowdfunding, while content analysis highlighted concerns like privacy violations, misrepresentation, lack of transparency, and sensationalism. Through thematic analysis, challenges in maintaining accuracy, privacy, and accountability were identified. Issues like bias, manipulation, and exploitation were prevalent, largely due to insufficient training and the absence of regulation. Other key findings included public perception of crowdfunding, proposed guidelines for its regulation, and the impact of crowdfunding on the media. These findings established a need for ethical guidelines to govern crowdfunding activities conducted by citizen journalists. The study recommended implementing ethical guidelines and training for citizen journalists, along with establishing regulatory frameworks to improve the integrity of crowdfunding on social media.
Stakeholder Engagement Strategies and Project Outcomes of The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2024-10) Okeyo, Stephen Otieno
Effective stakeholder engagement strategies are crucial for the successful execution of projects at KNCHR. However, insufficient stakeholder support often leads to project delays, scope creep, and budget overruns, hindering successful project outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of stakeholder engagement strategies on project outcomes at KNCHR enhanced by the moderating role of organizational culture. This study was grounded in Stakeholder Theory, Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, and the Theory of Constraints (TOC). The study utilized a descriptive research design and census methodology to target 96 staff from KNCHR. The collection of primary data involved the use of closed structured questionnaires. The reliability of the data was verified by calculating the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, which yielded an overall score of 0.886, suggesting a good level of internal consistency. The analysis of the data was carried out using SPSS Version 25, utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings demonstrated that stakeholder analysis, communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution had a significant impact on project outcomes at KNCHR. Together, these strategies explain 54.8% of the improvement in project outcomes. Moreover, the inclusion of organizational culture as a moderator resulted in an increase in the effect, emphasizing its significance in improving the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement strategies. The study concluded that stakeholder engagement strategies, particularly when supported by a conducive organizational culture, were critical for achieving successful project outcomes. The study recommended that KNCHR should actively improve its stakeholder analysis by thoroughly assessing stakeholder needs and addressing concerns. In addition, collaboration and conflict resolution should be strengthened in order to promote stakeholder participation and foster inclusivity as well as teamwork. Efficient communication strategies and plans should be optimized by implementing strong communication structures throughout the organization.