School of Communication

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A Christian Approach to the Study of Language
(School of Communication, Daystar University, 2006) Oladipo, Rebecca
A multi-national validity analysis of the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24)
(Annals of the International Communication Association, 2019-04) Croucher,Stephen M. , Kelly, Stephanie , Rahmani, Diyako, Jackson, Kelsea ,Badenas, Flora Galy , Lando, Agnes, Chibita, Monica, Nyiranasbimana, Venantie , Turdubaeva, Elira, Eskiçorapçı, Nadirabegim , Condon, Shawn Michael, Stanalieva, Gulzada & Orunbekov, Bakyt
Methodological issues abound when conducting cross-cultural research. In this manuscript we discuss three methodological issues present in many cross-cultural communication studies: lack of geographic diversity, reliability, and validity. To explore these issues the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24) is assessed. The PRCA-24 serves as an exemplar of a US-designed and -validated measure frequently used outside the US without tests of validity or measurement invariance. In fact, since 1990 less than 10 studies have reported validity results, often citing fit issues. The PRCA-24 was administered to respondents from 11 countries and failed to yield acceptable fit statistics in all samples, showing poor construct validity. Implications for crosscultural research are discussed, with particular emphasis on recommendations for increased cross-cultural methodological rigor.
A Review of Relevant Literature on Development Communication and its Implications for Kenya
(International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2014-11) Aswani, Daniel Robert
This paper traces the evolution of development communication in terms of theoretical perspectives; approaches to development planning and what these perspectives portend for Kenya. Taking a Kuhnian position, the paper looks at the paradigmatic shifts in the field and explores learning points for a country eager to be industrialized by year 2030. The study takes a historical account of the development of the field and utilizes content analysis from vivid examples drawn from African countries and specifically from Kenya. The paper holds the view that the field has evolved for the better, dropping what has been falsified and adopting new paradigms. The new paradigms explain the failures of the preceding paradigm and explain development concepts in a coherent manner. This is a review of relevant literature on development communication.
Achieving and Sustaining Evidence-Informed Policy Making: Effective Communication and Collaboration Can Go a Long Way
(Science Communication, 2017) Warira, Diana; Mueni, Eunice; Gay, Elizabeth; Lee, Marlene
Increasingly, decision makers are recognizing the value of evidence in formulating sound and sustainable policies. More researchers have also become concerned with ensuring that their evidence reaches policy makers. It is emerging that researchers and policy makers do not speak to each other as much as they should. This commentary shares examples of how population researchers and communications experts have collaborated to overcome the research-to-policy gap and to connect policy makers with research evidence.
Advancements and Challenges of Problem-Based Learning: A Case Study of Daystar University
(IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025) Eboi, Anne Anjao; Kowuor, Rosemary Nyaole; Aswani, Daniel Robert; Radoli, Lydia Ouma
The global higher education landscape is fast evolving, demanding that universities equip students with critical knowledge and 21st-century skills. Daystar University (DU) 's switch from teacher-centered models to Problem-Based Learning (PBL) reflects this shift. PBL stresses critical thinking and real-world problem-solving, essential for today's interconnected world. The chapter examined the challenges and advancements of PBL implementation at DU using qualitative methods involving interviews with 30 selected informants and document analysis. Findings show that while PBL has been integrated across various programs, challenges like resistance to change, insufficient faculty training, and resource limitations persist. However, significant progress has been made, including adopting technology-enhanced tools, increased faculty collaboration, and a growing culture of innovation among students. The study recommends targeted faculty development, improved infrastructure, and stronger support systems to enhance PBL's effectiveness in fostering more profound learning experiences.
African Media and Democratization: Public Opinion, Ownership and Rule of Law
(Ecquid Novi: African Journalism Studies, 2013-11-13) Obonyo, Levi
African Universities' Performances in Selected Global Ranking Models for the Period 2016-2021: Issues and Suggested Solutions
(IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2023) Eboi, Anne Anjao; Amunga, Hellen
Global university ranking is taking place on the background of continental disparities in higher education. A thematic literature review reveals differences in history, political environments, education, and related policies. This chapter documents the position of African universities in global ranking based on the results of three major ranking systems from 2016-2021. It compares performances in North and South universities; examines the factors responsible for poor performance in global South universities; and provides possible solutions for improved performance. The chapter proposes categorizing universities according to regions for fairness; self-evaluation and benchmarking by African universities with globally best-ranked universities; de-linking of African public universities from political sycophancy; more stakeholder appreciation and investment in universities; and more government funding. These can help improve Africa's education, especially staff capacity; infrastructure; curriculum development and implementation; teaching methodologies; research; and community development.
Africana Symbolic Contextualism Theory Authors
(Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2018) Nguru, Faith; Lando, Agnes Lucy
John S. Mbiti, a renowned African theologian, once described Africans as notoriously religious (Mbiti, African Religions & Philosophy. Nairobi: East African Educational Publishers, 1969/2011). The modern expression of their religiosity is found in the two main Christian denominations; the Roman Catholic and the various Protestant denominations as well as remnants of African traditional religions that sometimes find their way into mainstream Christianity. It is against this general background that our discussion in the Black African communication chapter, with a focus on the Africans’ religious perspective, will be anchored. The knowledge system of Christians in the Eastern and Southern regions of Africa forms the context of our study. This chapter analyzes how the religious worldview influences communication patterns and systems at the interpersonal and group communication levels.
An Analysis of Social Media Usage by Public Relations Departments in Select Private Universities in Kenya.
(East African Journal of Information Technology, 2021) Nyabera, N. Samwel; Lando, Agnes Lucy
This paper investigates the use of Social Media by Public Relations departments in two large private universities in Kenya. Social media are web-based applications where the creation of profiles and connections of people takes place. Social media use is constantly growing amongst organizations, as technology and globalization evolve, so do the role of Public Relations hence becoming inevitable in everyday practice. Despite the availability of social media platforms, little is known on how they are used to communicate. Contrariwise, the extant literature discloses that at present, there is moderately negligible research with focus on the use of social media in public relations in private organizations. This study is grounded on the outcomes of a research submitted in lieu of a Doctoral degree in Mass Communication at the St Augustine University of Tanzania involving 270 survey participants and 2 in-depth interviews. Data was generated using questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 23 whereas interviews were analysed thematically. Findings reveal that University K and St Paul University use social media to: publicize activities; send information to the public; change public opinion; enhance information value; lobby public support as well as to provide the public with a question-and-answer platform. This paper highlights need to pay more attention to the content and public’s need besides embracing other available social media tools and technologies to promote trust amongst the public and the organization. And also, need to devise means of adjusting to the inevitable changes regularly besides diverse approaches in strengthening PR practice and regulation.
An Analysis of Social Media Usage by Public Relations Departments in Select Private Universities in Kenya.
(East African Journal of Information Technology, 2021) Nyabera, N. Samwel & Lando, Agnes Lucy
This paper investigates the use of Social Media by Public Relations departments in two large private universities in Kenya. Social media are web-based applications where the creation of profiles and connections of people takes place. Social media use is constantly growing amongst organizations, as technology and globalization evolve, so do the role of Public Relations hence becoming inevitable in everyday practice. Despite the availability of social media platforms, little is known on how they are used to communicate. Contrariwise, the extant literature discloses that at present, there is moderately negligible research with focus on the use of social media in public relations in private organizations. This study is grounded on the outcomes of a research submitted in lieu of a Doctoral degree in Mass Communication at the St Augustine University of Tanzaniainvolving 270 survey participants and 2 in-depth interviews. Data was generated using questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 23 whereas interviews were analysed thematically. Findings reveal that University K and St Paul University use social media to: publicize activities; send information to the public; change public opinion; enhance information value; lobby public support as well as to provide the public with a question-and-answer platform. This paper highlights need to pay more attention to the content and public’s need besides embracing other available social media tools and technologies to promote trust amongst the public and the organization. And also, need to devise means of adjusting to the inevitable changes regularly besides diverse approaches in strengthening PR practice and regulation.
An Assessment of the Kenyan Journalism Training and Gaps Filled by Other Professionals: A Study of Selected Fm Radio Stations
(International Journal of Communication, 2017) Okumbe, Margaret Ayuma; Peel, Clayton; Adagala, Nancy; Kowuor, Rosemary Nyaole; Obonyo, Levi
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine whether gaps exist in the Kenyan journalism training thatare now filled by other professionals. Materials and methods: The three study sites were local FM radio stations - Radio Citizen, Radio Jambo, and Radio Maisha. Using a 2014 Media Council of Kenya study of radio talk shows in Kenya as a background,the thesis placed more emphasis on the radio presenters and their content. The study applied Social Responsibility Theory which posits that media should be more responsible and accountable to the society. The study employed a descriptive survey using qualitative and quantitative approaches. In this study, four presenters, two key personnel from the Media Council of Kenya were interviewed. as well as a sample of their radio talk show content. Results: The media council of Kenya lacked the capacity to ensure that only trained radio broadcast journalists were hired by media houses. In addition, despite MCK having developed a curriculum for middle level journalism training institutions, its impact in standardising training had been negligible. Recommendations: The study recommended improvement of the journalism curriculum as well as embracing of the MCK curriculum by middle level colleges.
An X-Bar Theoretic Account of Jenjo Noun Phrases
(Daystar University, 2020) Benson, Peace; Ayieko, Gerry
This paper gives a theoretic account of Jenjo noun phrase structure in an Xbar convention. The name ‘Jenjo’ is variously used to refer to the language and the ethnic group of the Jenjo people. Dza is the actual name but they are commonly known as Jenjo. Other names are Jen and Janjo. Jenjo is spoken in Taraba, Adamawa and Gombe States, North-east, Nigeria. In Taraba State, the speakers of Jenjo are found in Karim-Lamido, Lau, Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Bali, and Ibi Local Government areas. The Jenjo people are also found in Numan and Lamurde Local Government area of Adamawa while in Gombe State, they are found in Balanga and Akko Local Government areas. In Language Ethnologue written by Paul, Simons, and Fennig (2015), Jenjo is classified as a Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, and Jen.
Assessing Internal Communication and Teacher Burnout: An Empirical Study of School Administrators in Select Public High Schools in Kakamega County, Kenya
(Journal of Humanities and Education Development, 2023-03) Luhombo, Killian Kinyungu; Omondi, Daniel Onyango; Aswani, Daniel Robert
Extant literature suggests that burnout is one of the major factors contributing to declining teacher productivity. Studies have exposed a prevalence of burnout among the teaching fraternity, with administrators recording higher levels of burnout. This research study investigated the association that exists between internal communication and teacher burnout, among public high school administrators employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kakamega County as the target population. The research questions were: a) What is the perceived effectiveness of the internal communication in place based on official channels used by TSC to communicate with the administrators? b) What are the administrator burnout levels in select public high schools in the county? and, c) What is the association between internal communication and teacher burnout among the select public high school administrators? The study which utilized a correlation research design, revealed that all the respondents experienced burnout. The findings further established that there was a weak negative correlation of -.231 between internal communication and corporate burnout, with a statistical significance level of 0.016. This suggests a statistically significant relationship between internal communication and burnout characterized by a weak negative correlation. The study recommends that institutions endeavour to ascertain their employees’ communication interests in order to establish their internal communication system. Similar studies should be conducted in the different Kenyan counties so as to make comparisons as well as among administrators in private and international schools in Kenya, to provide more insight into the association between internal communication and teacher burnout.
Attitude of expectant mothers to medical practitioners ‘advice and its effect on maternal mortality in Kibera slum, Nairobi
(Journal Of Communication, 2017) Ndung’u, Stacy Wangari; Mbutu, Paul Mutinda
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the attitude of expectant mothers to medical practitioners‟ advice and its effect on maternal mortality in Kibera slum, Nairobi Methodology:The study utilized a correlation research design. The target population comprised all expectant mothers within Kibera slums who were present at the selected clinics during antenatal day at the time of data collection. The target population also constituted all the twenty eight medical practitioners working at the five selected clinics as well as all the peer professionals who listen to the expectant mothers‟ complaints. The study conducted a census for the medical practitioners and used convenience sampling for the expectant mothers and peer professionals. The sample size was 38 respondents. The study used a questionnaire, focus group discussion and a key informant interview guide as research instrumentsto obtain primary data.The questionnaires were self-administered with the help of two research assistants while the researcher conducted the focus group discussion with the expectant mothers and the key informant interview with the two peer proffessionals. The researcher analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data. Results: Based on the findings the study concluded that expectant mothers‟ in Kibera slum uphold various cultural norms which affect intercultural communication between the mothers and medical practitioners negatively. The study also concluded that expectant mothers in Kibera slum had expectations about the medical practitioners‟ intercultural communication skills. These expectationsaffect intercultural communication of health information among expectant mothers. Further, the study concluded that expectant mothers have negative attitudes towards the medical practitioners which significantly contributed to maternal mortality in Kibera slum. Policy recommendation: The Ministry of Health should take the initiative to educate the residents of Kibera slum on the importance of attending antenatal and prenatal clinics. The MOH
Between Autonomy and Solidarity: An African Woman’s Autoethnography
(International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics, 2021) Kithinji, Caroline; Maleche, Hellen; Masiga, Ann; Masiga, Julie
Abstract As an infant, my grandmother chewed my food for me because I was not capable of chewing on my own. As an adult, most African men still want to chew my food for me. So, how do African women consent to research when culturally they must surrender their autonomy? We join in solidarity and create our own collective autonomy. We know the rules of our patriarchal society and outwardly adhere to them. As an ethicist, I (Caroline Kithinji) have developed a sense of responsibility and solidarity with female research subjects; we collaborate in the full understanding of our lack of autonomy
Chamas as Stable Organisations: A Binding Proposition to McPhee and Zaug’s Four Flows
(International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 2018-05) Njeru, Wairimu B.; Mbutu, Paul Mutinda; Awiti, Jane
Purpose: Chamas are popular social collectives in Kenya. Literature suggests that one in three Kenyans belong to at least one Chama, and that though Chamas are formed for a variety of valid reasons, many often break within their formative years. The four Chamas presented in this study are between 8 and 16 years old, and in their words, are growing stronger. The study takes on a Communicative Constitution of Organisation (CCO) metatheoretical stance, to explore how communication constitutes the Chamas as such stable organisations. Methodology: The study adopted the McPhee and Zaug‟s Four Flows model, which suggests that organisations are communicatively constituted through Four flows: membership negotiation, reflexive self-structuring, activity coordination, and institutional positioning. While Chamas exhibit these flows in unique ways, we argue that a more binding, additional flow contributes to a stable Chama, creating an organisation better placed in meeting its objectives, and therefore working better for the wellbeing of its members, as well as its wider social context. This study presents findings from four purposively selected Chamas: KP, BC, UFN, and TW, which were observed over 6 months. Four in depth interviews were held with the leadership of the Chamas, in addition to four focus group discussions with members of the Chamas. Results: The findings reveal a unique Flow, which we refer to as the Intangible Fabric Flow, which arguably, smoothens the running of McPhee and Zaug‟s Four Flows, in the context of the Chamas, and adds an exclusive theoretical contribution. Unique Contribution to theory and practice: The study provides a unique contribution to theory and practice since Chamas and organisations in general will benefit from considering and nurturing an intangible fabric which helps them to hold together, beyond the work that they are doing. This stability can bring with it immense rewards brought about by a stable organisation.
Communication and the Changing Face of Terrorism in Kenya
(International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2015-06) Eboi, Anne Anjao
Over 50 well-coordinated and largely successful terrorist attacks by Al-Shabaab militants on Kenyan soil since late 2011 have inspired this study. This empirical study is premised on the realization that there is more to stemming terrorist attacks than military reaction. The paper examines the government’s communication mechanisms and how it handles communication on terrorism. The paper also examines the citizen’s preparedness in the event of an attack and what role the government should play with regard to the citizens’ information needs on terrorism. The descriptive survey methodology employed unravels the mystery of a people with dangerously very little knowledge and awareness levels about preventing and foiling terrorist attacks, making them likely victims on a large scale. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of data suggests a government that has not invested in communication strategies that could be harnessed to deter Al-Shabaab militants from carrying out their evil intentions
Communication for Mangrove Forest Conservation among the Coastal Communities in Kenya
(International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2015-06) Wekesa, Allan Siangu; Aswani, Daniel Robert
Rural communities in coastal areas depend on mangroves as their primary source of income generation, fuel, medicine and other basic necessities such as timber for housing. The wanton depletion of mangroves is a cause of serious environmental and economic concern. Wise management of these resource is therefore essential for the sustainable use and for the cultural and socio-economic welfare of the coastal inhabitants. In this connection, awareness raising through information to all relevant stakeholders is decisive in order to save the mangrove forests. The aim of this paper is to analyze the contribution of the different forms of communication in the dissemination of information. The findings of this study indicate the use of face to face communication through village meetings and seminars were found to be more effective communication channels as opposed to mass media tools like radio and TV due to the high levels of interaction and feedback opportunities.
Construction of Followership Identity among Kenyan Teachers
(Industrial and Commercial Training, 2020-06) Bett, Harry Kipkemoi; Nguru, Faith; Kiruhi, Tim Mwangi
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion on the construction of followership identity among teachers in Kenya which has had less attention. Further, as Kenya is currently implementing a new education curriculum (competency-based curriculum) which requires teachers to be more proactive in their work, an understanding of how they construct their followership identity in schools is paramount, as this is linked to the attainment of learning outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – Symbolic interactionism theory, which suggests that individuals respond to phenomena based on the meaning they give such phenomena and through interactions with others, has been used to support arguments in this paper. This theory is relevant to this paper, as it helps in understanding the meaning that teachers give to ‘followership’ through interactions with others in their schools. Findings – The arguments in the current paper suggest that as Kenyan teachers interact with colleagues, their meaning of ‘followership’ is defined and refined. The resulting identity is important for these teachers, especially as they embrace the new curriculum in the country which requires them to be more proactive, unlike the previous one. Research limitations/implications – As this is a conceptual paper, there is no empirical data to ground validate the arguments given. Originality/value – The use of symbolic interactionism in the discussion of this paper adds another dimension to the followership and identity construction among followers. Much of the literature has focused on followership in general but not fromthe lens of symbolic interactionism.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the English Prosodic Phonology Processing Test (EPPPT): A Multi-Trait Multimethod Approach
(Linguistics and Literature Review (LLR), 2022-06) Ayieko, Gerry
Most of the prosody perception tests do not capture how listeners perceive and interpret stress, tone, and intonation in the process of listening comprehension. The current study developed the English Prosodic Phonology Processing Test (EPPPT). A sample of 240 Luo speaking high school students were tested using Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) in a multi-trait multimethod matrix. Four traits were measured including word prosody, sentence prosody, juncture, and discourse prosody. Three methods were used including the picture selection task, stress assignment task, and chunking task. CFA confirmed the current taxonomy of the diverse traits of English prosodic phonology: word stress, sentence stress, open and closed junctures, and discourse. The methods yielded statistically significant differences among the discriminant validity of these traits. The model fit was better when the different prosodic traits were specified (convergent validity), while the methods of testing yielded distinguishable, unique types of information about prosodic phonology processing. Using a battery of five tests, the results of EPPPT showed that the traits are quite independent of each other and the method effect is not significant.

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