School of Applied Human Sciences

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    Covenant in Relation to Justice and Righteousness in Isaiah 42:1-9
    (The University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2013-03) Muutuki Joseph Mwasi
    This study focuses on covenant in relation to justice and righteousness in Isaiah 42:1-9. The main purpose of the study is to grapple with the idea of whether the Old Testament scholarly research on covenant is relevant for the theological-ethical understanding of covenant amongst African believing communities in general and in particular the Kamba community of Kenya. The research employs the socio-rhetorical approach, a method used to explore textures in a multi-dimensional way. In applying Robbins‘ (1996a, 1996b) textual analysis to the text of Isaiah 42:1-9, both the intra and intertextures are examined in order to gain the narrator‘s rhetorical strategy. It is possible to demonstrate that the mission of the Servant of the Lord was to establish justice and righteousness on earth. We show these terms are relational and ethical in nature. Justice restores damaged relationships in order for a community to have peace with itself. Righteousness on the other hand governs moral relationships and demands each member of the community acts right. These demands are required in order to regulate a cohesive social and cultural community that takes each other‘s social needs into account. Moreover, we show through intertexture in chapter three that texts reconfigure themselves either explicitly or implicitly. It is shown that three concepts, justice, righteousness and covenant exhibit moral characteristics when used together. Within covenant framework they have to do with taking care of the needs of the oppressed. Furthermore, in chapter four through social and cultural texture we show how the Israelites and Judah later are unable to fulfill their obligations to the poor because of the moral decay, which affected all spheres of their life. The Servant of YHWH is promised to usher in a new era of social justice. Additionally, in chapter five it is shown that the ideological texture highlights God‘s theological viewpoint characterized by the tension between the two covenants. We have attempted to show from Isaiah 42:1-9 that the theological-ethical understanding of covenant accommodates the Akamba covenant.
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    Influence Of Work Environment On Teachers’ Productivity In Selected Public Secondary Schools Within Mwatate Sub County, Taita Taveta County, Kenya
    (School of Applied Human Sciences, Daystar University, 2023-10) Maud Mulwa
    ABSTRACT The success of any organization hinges on its employees' performance, influenced by factors like training, available resources, management styles, and working conditions. Quality education is crucial for regional and national development, as it empowers students for future success, contributing to economic growth. However, schools in Mwatate Sub County, Taita Taveta, have demonstrated academic performance below the national average. This study aimed to assess the perceived impact of the work environment on employee productivity in selected public secondary schools within Mwatate Sub County. The research objectives included evaluating the influence of the physical work environment, employee relationships, management practices, and work-life balance on employee productivity. The study was grounded in the Two Factor Theory and the Affective Events Theory. The study targeted 145 teachers and 6 principals from six public secondary schools in Mwatate Sub County. Data was collected through questionnaires for teachers and interviews with principals. Analysis was performed using SPSS Version 25, and the findings showed a substantial explanatory power. The combined factors of the working environment (Work-Life Balance, Management Practices, Employee Relationships, and Physical Work Environment) jointly accounted for 69.6 percent of the variation in employee productivity among secondary schools in Mwatate. Additionally, the study found that the Physical Work Environment, Employee Relationships, Management Practices, and Work-Life Balance all had positive and significant effects on employee productivity. In conclusion, the study highlights the positive impact of the working environment on employee productivity and recommends that schools in Mwatate Sub County focus on enhancing their work environments to improve employee performance.
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    Influence Of Psychosocial Factors On Students’ Institutional Adjustment At A Public University: Case Of University Of Nairobi
    (School of Applied Human Sciences, Daystar University, 2023-10) Caroline Jepkeitany Cheboi
    ABSTRACT This study examined influence of psychosocial factors on students’ institutional adjustment at the University of Nairobi’s (UON) College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences. Three specific objectives guided the study: determining influence of self-efficacy on institutional adjustment; assessing the contribution of self-esteem to institutional adjustment; and examining the effects of help-seeking on institutional adjustment. Self-efficacy theory and theory of planned behaviour was the theoretical framework adopted. A correlational research design was adopted targeting 412 first-year students. Using a stratified random sampling, 175 respondents were selected and out of the 175 questionnaires administered, 160 were returned indicating a response rate of 91.4%. Help-seeking behaviour for both suicide ideation (r = 0.322, p< 0.05) and help-seeking for personal and emotional problems (r = 0.222, p< 0.05) had positive significant associations with institutional adjustment and this was also for self-efficacy (r = 0.025, p< 0.05). The regression output indicated that psychosocial factors influenced 12.4 percent of institutional adjustment of students with help-seeking for suicide ideation (β = 0.279, p < 0.05) had a positive and significant effect on student’s institutional adjustment. Self-esteem, self-efficacy, and help-seeking for personal/emotional problems did not have any effect on institutional adjustment. The study concludes that self-efficacy, self-esteem, and help-seeking for personal/emotional problems do not influence institutional adjustment. However, help-seeking for suicide ideation contributed positively to institutional adjustment. The study recommended revamping of guidance and counselling service and infuses life skills education into the curriculum for first-year students to aid in their integration into a new environment.
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    Analysis of child attachment behavior of domestically and internationally adopted children in Kenya
    (Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences, 2016-05) Ayuya, Caroline Vihenda
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    Evaluating the effects of climate variability on socio-economic wellbeing of pastoralists in Kenya. A case of Ngong sub-county in Kajiado, Kenya
    (School of Applied Human Sciences, Daystar University, 2023-10) Sematumba Imani Nadine
    ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of climate variability on the socio-economic wellbeing of the pastoralists in Kenya. The study was based on four objectives which are to assess the socio-economic activities among pastoralists in Kajiado County, to determine the effects of climate variability on pastoralists in Kajiado County, to examine the effects of climate variability on socio-economic well-being of pastoralist communities in Kajiado County and to provide recommendations on improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in Kajiado county. The literature review on this study was done with several extractions from authors conversant on this topic on the effects of climate variability and from publications that are online with the study objectives. This research also explained the research design that guided the study through the data collection measurement, and analysis. Also included were descriptions of the study's population, population aim, sample size, kind of data, data gathering tools, data collection protocols, data analysis plan, and ethical issues. The study's findings reveal a demographic diversity among the pastoralist community, with a significant reliance on livestock rearing as the primary source of income. Cattle were the predominant livestock, and respondents primarily acquired new livestock through breeding. Local markets served as the primary sales outlets for livestock products. Climate variability emerged as a significant challenge, impacting livelihoods, food security, migration patterns, health, and education within pastoralist communities. Mitigation measures, including selective breeding, vegetation regeneration through rotational grazing and water management, and diversification of livelihoods, were implemented to address climate-related challenges. A substantial number of respondents proactively implemented water storage facilities. Furthermore, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) played a crucial role in supporting pastoralists through various interventions, including veterinary services, training programs, and livestock feeds.
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    Effect Of Church Closure During Covid-19 Pandemic On Children’s Spiritual Nurture In Selected Evangelical Churches In Gichagi, Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya
    (School of Applied Human Sciences, Daystar University, 2023-09) Mwanzana, Mercy M.
    ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of closure of churches during the COVID-19 pandemic on the spiritual nurture of children in selected evangelical churches of Gichagi, Kajiado North Sub-county. The study objectives were to: find out children’s perceptions on the closure of churches during the COVID-19 pandemic, assess the nature of spiritual nurture experiences of children during the COVID-19 pandemic, establish sources of spiritual nurture accessed by children during the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyze ways the closure of churches during COVID-19 affected children’s spiritual nurture. The study adopted Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological and Westerhoff’s faith development theories. The study employed a transcendental phenomenological research design purposively selecting 33 participants to data saturation. Interviews conducted included 18 children recruited through snowballing and three pastors. Six Sunday school teachers and six parents had focused group discussions (FGDs). Findings revealed both negative and positive perceptions towards closure of churches. Spiritual nurture of children experiences during the pandemic included reading the Bible, praying, and listening to televangelists. Mothers were the main source of spiritual nurture of children, in addition to Bibles, televangelists, and pastoral visits. The closure of churches resulted in reduced spiritual nurture activities, reduced spirituality, increased zeal for church activities, reduced number of church attendees, missing the faith community, and increased use of technology for spiritual nurture. The study recommends the church have crisis preparedness plans to ensure the continued spiritual nurture of children during emergencies; the government should implement policies that ensure the continued spiritual nurture of children during emergencies and pandemics.
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    Assessing The Role Of Village Savings And Loans Model In Improving Livelihoods Of Self-Help Group Members In Uriri Sub-County, Migori County–Kenya.
    (School of Applied Human Sciences, Daystar University, 2023-10) Olwal, Fredrick
    ABSTRACT This study aimed at assessing the role of the VS&L model in improving the livelihoods of members of self-help groups in Uriri Sub-county. The study’s objectives were; examine services provided to members of the self-help groups (SHG) by VS&L, establish factors that motivate SHGs to adopt the VS&L and assess the role of the SHG in improving the livelihoods of household members. The study used Social Capital theory and Group Development theory. The study target population 1,285 SHG members, the study sample size 129 members’, 6 Officials of SHGs and 1 Sub-county officer. The study used structured questionnaires for primary respondents and in-depth interview guides for key informants. The data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 25. The study reported cheap credit with low interest rate, easy borrowing procedures, flexible saving habits and short cycle that is flexible the main services provided to SHG members (mean 1.00 and standard deviation 0.000). Study established that the motivating factors for adoption of VS&L were group management style, group organization, credit worthiness, regular meetings, having social interaction with others and provision of start-up money from other actors (Mean 1.00 and standard deviation 0.000). The study further reported livelihood and poverty reduction 121(93.9%), economic security 93(71.7%) and support the business enterprise 82(63.6%) the main roles of VS&L in improving livelihood. The study concluded that the services provided to members, factors that motivate and role of VS&L had an influence on the overall role of VS&L in improving the livelihood of SHG members. The study recommended SHG to strengthened attendance of VS&L transaction meetings and strong group dynamic for effective functionality and sustainability of VS&L. The study further recommended the integration of financial education and entrepreneurship skills with VS&L trainings for improvement of livelihood and economic empowerment.
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    Efficacy Of Solution Focused Therapy Among Women With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression And Anxiety Due To Intimate Partner Violence In Selected Informal Settlements In Nairobi County, Kenya
    (Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences, 2023-07-01) Njuki, Makena F.
    The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Solution-Focused Therapy when employed as a therapeutic intervention in the alleviation of symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Depression among women who had experienced IPV in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to; assess the prevalence of different forms of IPV, evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and IPV prevalence, examine predictors influencing the prevalence of IPV, establish the severity of PTSD, Depression and Anxiety and to establish the efficacy of Solution Focused Therapy among women with PTSD, Depression and Anxiety due to IPV in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used Concurrent Triangulation Research Design. Participants were women above the age of eighteen years. They were screened for PTSD, Anxiety and Depression using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). The therapeutic intervention took place on a weekly basis for a period of 10 weeks. After this, there was a midline assessment. Following the midline assessment there was no intervention for a period of three months, thereafter the end line assessment was carried out. The quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27, whereas the qualitative data was analyzed using In vivo coding. The study established that Solution Focused Therapy was an effective intervention in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD, Depression and Anxiety in women who had experienced IPV in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. The final results demonstrated a notable reduction in the means of all the disorders in the experimental group from baseline to midline to endline [Depression (34.26;16.54;15.14), Anxiety (29.13;17.28;19.24) and PTSD (43.33;27.02;27.06)], whereas there was no noteworthy change in the means of all the disorders from baseline to midline to endline for the control group [Depression (32.25;34.39;32.40), Anxiety (27.83;27.69;28.53) and PTSD (45.09;42.25;42.43)]. The researcher recommended that due to the high prevalence of IPV, more counsellors need to be trained on SFT in both the public and private sector.
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    Efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Selected Sub-County Hospitals in Murang’a County, Kenya
    (Daystar University School of Applied Human Sciences, 2022-10) Karanja, Rahab
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disease that calls for long term management. People who have T2DM are reported to experience depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who do not have. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in people diagnosed with T2DM in selected Sub-County Hospitals in Murang’a County. This study was based on Rational Emotive Behavioural Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study used quasi-experimental research design utilizing quantitative methods of data collection. The participants of the study were type 2 diabetic patients aged between 30-70 years. To sample the T2DM participants, purposive sampling method was applied. The study screened 161 patients with T2DM. The data collection instruments included socio-demographic questionnaire, Becks Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to screen for depression symptoms and Becks Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for anxiety. Out of a sample of 161 patients with T2DM, 121 exhibited mild and moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study established a high prevalence of depression and anxiety at 85.1% and 95.7% respectively. Moreover, the study found that the mean scores for depression and anxiety symptoms decreased from baseline to endline in the experimental group indicating that REBT intervention was effective in reducing the symptoms. Regular screening for depression and anxiety among patients with T2DM needs to be done and an integration of medication and REBT be provided accordingly in the Kenyan context.
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    Effectiveness of Interpersonal Therapy on Depression among Adolescents in Selected Public Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya
    (Daystar University School of Applied Human Sciences, 2022-10) Nzangi, Alice K.
    The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) on depression among adolescents in selected Public Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The study was informed by interpersonal theory and choice theory. Multiple time-series design was used. A sample size of 84 adolescents in forms1, 2 and 3, aged 14 to 19years was used, with 42 participants assigned to the experiment group and 42 the control group. The experimental group was exposed to 8 sessions of IPT treatment while the control group continued with treatment as usual during the study period. The demographic characteristics of the participants were collected using a socio demographic questionnaire. Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were the main tools used. Analysis of variance was done for data collected at baseline, midline and end line. The data revealed a general prevalence of depression at (58.9%). Depression was significantly high among the females and the form three participants (p = 0.000). Severity of depression was significant among the females as compared to the males (p = 0.000). Being day scholars, and whom the participant lived with were found to be risk factors to depression. A positive correlation at 2 tailed was found to exist between depression and PTSD (r = .336**; p = 0.000). The findings of this study showed that IPT was effective in treating depression among adolescents. Based on the findings, IPT was recommended in management of depression and improvement of mental health in adolescents in secondary school.
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    Efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Selected Sub-County Hospitals in Murang’a County, Kenya
    (Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences, 2022-10) Karanja, Rahab
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disease that calls for long term management. People who have T2DM are reported to experience depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who do not have. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in people diagnosed with T2DM in selected Sub-County Hospitals in Murang’a County. This study was based on Rational Emotive Behavioural Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study used quasi-experimental research design utilizing quantitative methods of data collection. The participants of the study were type 2 diabetic patients aged between 30-70 years. To sample the T2DM participants, purposive sampling method was applied. The study screened 161 patients with T2DM. The data collection instruments included socio-demographic questionnaire, Becks Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to screen for depression symptoms and Becks Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for anxiety. Out of a sample of 161 patients with T2DM, 121 exhibited mild and moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study established a high prevalence of depression and anxiety at 85.1% and 95.7% respectively. Moreover, the study found that the mean scores for depression and anxiety symptoms decreased from baseline to endline in the experimental group indicating that REBT intervention was effective in reducing the symptoms. Regular screening for depression and anxiety among patients with T2DM needs to be done and an integration of medication and REBT be provided accordingly in the Kenyan context.
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    Effectiveness of Interpersonal Therapy on Depression among Adolescents in Selected Public Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya
    (Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences, 2022-10) Nzangi, Alice K.
    The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) on depression among adolescents in selected Public Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The study was informed by interpersonal theory and choice theory. Multiple time-series design was used. A sample size of 84 adolescents in forms1, 2 and 3, aged 14 to 19years was used, with 42 participants assigned to the experiment group and 42 the control group. The experimental group was exposed to 8 sessions of IPT treatment while the control group continued with treatment as usual during the study period. The demographic characteristics of the participants were collected using a socio demographic questionnaire. Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were the main tools used. Analysis of variance was done for data collected at baseline, midline and end line. The data revealed a general prevalence of depression at (58.9%). Depression was significantly high among the females and the form three participants (p = 0.000). Severity of depression was significant among the females as compared to the males (p = 0.000). Being day scholars, and whom the participant lived with were found to be risk factors to depression. A positive correlation at 2 tailed was found to exist between depression and PTSD (r = .336**; p = 0.000). The findings of this study showed that IPT was effective in treating depression among adolescents. Based on the findings, IPT was recommended in management of depression and improvement of mental health in adolescents in secondary school.
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    Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Self-Help (MBCT-SH) As an Intervention for Anxiety and Depression for Older Clergy: A Study of Clergy from Selected Christian Denominations in Nairobi County, Kenya
    (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, 2020-10) Omungo, Ruth Mumo
    Anxiety and depression are common problems facing older people. They become intensified among older clergy, whose mental problems are framed not just by their age, but also by their vocational experiences. This study assessed the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as an intervention for depression and anxiety symptoms for older clergy, and focused on selected mainline Christian denominations in Nairobi, Kenya. The study used a convenient sample of n=132 participants aged 60 years and above. A quasi-experimental research design was used, with an experimental group being exposed to MBCT-SH therapy for twelve weeks and followed up for eight weeks. Data was collected via a socio-demographic questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Index (BDI). At the baseline about 90% of participants had either mild or moderate anxiety. For the control group, anxiety estimates grew by 9%, while for the treatment group they fell by 42%, hence the intervention was effective in this regard. For depression, about 52% of participants had mild or moderate depression. A significant effect was observed in relation to the interaction of the intervention and time whereby for the control group, depression estimates grew by 80% between the baseline and midline, while for the treatment group, they reduced by 40%, hence the intervention had a significant effect on depression levels. The participants found the MBCT convenient to use, informative on the contextualised causes, triggers, and manifestations of both anxiety and depression, and effective in reducing their symptoms. They however expressed reservations about the philosophical basis of MBCT, which they felt lacked biblical backing up. The findings give incipient evidence for the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing both the levels of anxiety and depression among older clergy and can help practitioners to develop integrative strategies to prevent and treat anxiety and depression.
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    Effectiveness of Multisystemic Therapy on Selected Behavioural Problems among Juvenile Girls Incarcerated In Rehabilitation Schools in Kenya
    (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, 2017-05) Mbiriri, Michael K.
    Behavioural problems have remained a critical problem among girls incarcerated in rehabilitation schools. The strategies that have been put in place by the government of Kenya seem not to be fully effective in treating adolescents in rehabilitation centers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether multisystemic therapy (MST) would be effective in treating behavioural problems of incarcerated adolescent girls in the two out of ten government rehabilitation schools in Kenya. The researcher purposively sampled the only two girls’ government rehabilitation schools at Kirigiti and Dagoretti in Kiambu and Nairobi counties respectively. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design with the two rehabilitation schools being randomly assigned into either treatment or control group. Quantitative method was used to collect the data through the use of questionnaire and Achenbach youth self-report (YSR) (11-18 years). Baseline data was first collected in the two sites. Those found with selected behavioural problems in the experimental sites were treated with MST. In the control site there was no intervention. In the third and six months after intervention, the researcher administered YSR to determine the level of selected behavioural problems in the two sites. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. T-test, Chi square, Anova as well as Ancova tests were carried. The prevalence rates for depression, anxienty disorder and conduct disorder were 66.7%, 70.5% and 55% respectively. In the experimental group the study shows statistically significance difference in mean differences scores at both post-treatment one and two (p<0.001). Therefore this is an indication that MST had an impact on post treatment one and two among juvenile delinquents in experimental as opposed to control groups. The results provide significant insights into effectiveness of MST on selected behavioral problems among juvenile girls incarcerated in rehabilitation schools