Daystar University Repository

Welcome to the Daystar University's Digital Repository. Here we preserve and disseminate the University's Intellectual output.

To register you require an @daystar.ac.ke email address

Photo by @inspiredimages

Communities in DSpace

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 5 of 8

Conference/ Workshop/ Seminar/ Proceedings/ Lecture Series
A collection of conference, workshop, seminar, proceedings, and lecture series showcasing diverse topics and cutting-edge research from faculty and staff of Daystar University.
Daystar Archives
An archival collection chronicling the institutional history, academic achievements, and diverse heritage of Daystar University.
Daystar University Publications
A collection of Publications by faculty and staff showcasing research, academic achievements, and institutional insights of Daystar University.
Lectures and Speeches
A collection of Lectures and Speeches from distinguished speakers across various disciplines of Daystar University.
Policies
A collection Policies and Operational Manuals from different departments of Daystar University.

Recent Submissions

Psychosocial Effects of Absent Fathers on The Social Behavior of Male Adolescents: Case of Selected Schools in Dagoretti South Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Psychology, 2025) Apola, Orpah Lilyan
This 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.
Portrayal of Human Visuals in Television Advertising and its Influence on Brand Reputation: Case of Unilever’s Fair & Lovely Commercials in Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Communication, 2025) Nyatichi, Nyasani
In corporate communication, brand image and reputation are strategic assets that shape consumer trust, loyalty and long-term competitiveness. TV advertising plays a central role in constructing these assets, particularly through the portrayal of human visuals. However, when such portrayals reproduce colourism, the privilege of lighter skin over darker skin within the same ethnic group, they risk undermining brand reputation. This study investigated the portrayal of human visuals in Unilever’s Fair & Lovely TV commercials in Kenya and its influence on brand reputation. Anchored in Corporate Identity Theory and Brand Image Congruity Theory, the study examined how visual representations of skin tone were used as deliberate elements of brand communication. A qualitative content analysis of twenty commercials that aired in Kenya was conducted, supplemented by one focus group discussion and one interview with advertising stakeholders. Findings revealed that lighter-skinned models were consistently framed as aspirational, successful while darker-skinned models were marginalized or relegated to subordinate roles. These portrayals reinforced colourist narratives that shaped consumer perceptions of Fair & Lovely’s (now rebranded as Glow and Lovely) brand image. The study found that such advertising practices extended beyond the product brand, affecting Unilever’s corporate brand image by raising questions about its authenticity, social responsibility and commitment to diversity. While some audiences continued to associate the brand with transformation and empowerment, others criticized Unilever for perpetuating discriminatory ideals, thereby eroding trust in the corporation itself. The study concluded that the corporate management of brand reputation cannot ignore the ethical and cultural implications of visual representation. It recommended that Unilever and other advertisers adopt inclusive and culturally sensitive strategies that align brand image with contemporary values of diversity, equity, and social responsibility, thereby safeguarding corporate credibility and strengthening consumer trust in the Kenyan beauty market.
The Role of Ethnic Identity in Prolonging Kuria-Maasai Intercommunity Conflicts in Angata Barikoi Area, Migori-Narok Border, Kenya (2010–2024)
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2025) Chacha, Ng'ariba Paul
The Kuria and Maasai communities in the southern part of Kenya have been embroiled in persistent conflicts over the years. These conflicts have often taken the form of armed clashes across the Transmara-Kuria border. The study sought to investigate the role of ethnic identity in prolonging the Kuria-Maasai intercommunity conflict in the Angata Barikoi Area, Migori-Narok border, Kenya (2010-2024). The study objectives included: exploring the nature of the Kuria-Maasai inter-community conflict, the role of ethnic identity markers in prolonging the Kuria-Maasai intercommunity conflict and developing strategies for resolving ethnic identity-based conflict between the Kuria and Maasai communities in the Angata Barikoi Area, Migori-Narok border, Kenya. The study was anchored on Ethnic Conflict Theory and Resource-Based Conflict theory. Pragmaticism philosophy was adopted to inform the adoption of explanatory concurrent designs. The main target population included 32,147 people, including residents of Angata Barikoi, the Migori-Narok counties border, Kenya. From the target population, a sample size of 190 was selected. The modified expanded Programme on Immunisation sampling technique was adopted to select the residents of Angata Barakoi to participate in the survey. Respondents to participate in the Key Informant Interview were selected using a purposive sampling method. The filled questionnaires and transcribed interview records were used in data analysis. Descriptive statistics was employed to analyse the quantitative survey data, which were further presented in the form of Tables, graphs and accompanying narrations. Additionally, content analysis was adopted for qualitative data sourced via interviews. The Maasai–Kuria conflict in Angata Barikoi is frequent and violent, involving property destruction, livestock theft, assaults, and rising firearm use, intensified during dry seasons and elections. Strong ethnic loyalty, traditional practices, and shared memories of past injustices foster internal cohesion but exacerbate inter-community tensions and mistrust. Key strategies to mitigate conflict include small arms control, regulating commercialized cattle raids, participatory land demarcation, and drought mitigation. In line with findings, it is advisable that conflict mitigation within Angata Barikoi should focus on managing the spread of small arms, limiting the commercialization of cattle raids, and executing participatory land demarcation to alleviate disputes regarding grazing territories. Furthermore, it is essential to address environmental stressors, such as drought, through sustainable resource management practices. These initiatives should be supported by hybrid peacebuilding methods that merge the cultural legitimacy of traditional practices with the efficiency of contemporary governance and technology.
Logistics Management Practices and Competitive Advantage in Clearing and Forwarding Firms : A Case of Morgan Cargo, A Kuehne+Nagel Company
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2025) Nyambura, M. Anne
It is important for companies to adapt logistics management practices inorder to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Kenyan clearing and forwarding firms are facing a persistent decline in their competitive edge,due to regulatory challenges, intense pricing competition, and the growing presence of technologically advanced multinational logistics companies. There is lack of empirical evidence as much as some studies have explored competitiveness in the logistics sector and how specific logistics management practices influence the competitive positioning of local firms within the unique context of Kenya's evolving business environment.This study sought to bridge the contextual, conceptual, and methodological gaps among clearing and forwarding firms, with a focus on Morgan Cargo. The study focused on examining the logistics management practices employed by Morgan Cargo, evaluating its competitive advantage, investigating the effects of these practices on its competitive position, and assessing the moderating role of government policies in the study.Additionally,it explored how specific logistics management practices contribute to competitive advantage while adopting a mixed-methods approach to incorporate qualitative insights into strategic decision-making.The Competitive Advantage, Supply Chain management, and Resource-based View theories formed the theoretical framework.An explanatory research design with mixed-methods and quantitative and qualitative data was collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews.250 employees of Morgan Cargo Limited is the target population.Stratified random Sampling was adopted and a sample of 150 participants was drawn. A pretest was conducted using a sample of 10% respondents, totaling 15 participants to refine the research instruments, while validity and reliability tests ensured data accuracy and consistency. Construct and content validity were applied, and Cronbach’s α coefficient was used to assess internal consistency, with an α value above 0.70 considered acceptable.Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables ,standard deviation, mean ,inferential statistics such as regression analysis was utilized for quantitative data analysis.Thematic content analysis and open coding was used to analyze qualitative data from interview responses. The study revealed that Morgan Cargo use of key logistics management practices;customs modernization, warehouse management, inventory and supply chain management ,significantly contributes to it’s competitive edge by enhancing customer satisfaction ,operational efficiency and delivery performance.Government regulations were shown to moderate this relationship by influencing how effectively these practices translate into strategic market positioning. The study concludes that effective logistics management practices are essential in strengthening Morgan Cargo’s competitive advantage.It recommends that the company adopts customs modernization while sustaining investments in customer-centric strategies such as strategic market positioning,service differentiation and customer fulfillment .
Examining The Influence of Community of Practice as a Knowledge Sharing Tool: A Case of The State Department for Social Protection, Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Communication, 2025) Libwob, Chario J.
The study explored the role of Communities of Practice (CoPs) as a tool for knowledge sharing within the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, focusing on how participatory communication fosters community engagement, collaboration, and inclusivity. The objectives were to examine the extent to which the Community of Practice was used as a knowledge-sharing tool in the State Department for Social Protection, to identify the factors that contributed to learning and sharing knowledge within the Community of Practice in the State Department for Social Protection, and to investigate the importance placed on the Community of Practice as a knowledge-sharing tool in the context of participatory communication within the State Department for Social Protection. The study addressed the problem of limited structured knowledge-sharing mechanisms in government institutions, which hinder learning and innovation. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory, the research aimed to investigate factors that facilitate learning and knowledge exchange in CoPs, assess their contribution to participatory communication, and evaluate their impact on social protection outcomes. A descriptive research design was employed to establish statistical relationships between CoP participation and improved knowledge sharing. The study targeted a population of 438 employees involved in or impacted by CoP activities, including technical staff, decision-makers, and support personnel. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 100 respondents was determined and selected through simple random sampling to ensure equal representation. Data was collected using structured online questionnaires distributed via Google Forms, integrating Likert-scale, open-ended, and closed-ended items to yield both measurable and contextual insights. Prior to full deployment, the questionnaire was pre-tested with 10 participants to ensure validity and reliability. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 29, employing descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that 89% of respondents viewed CoPs as effective platforms for fostering knowledge exchange, while 78% agreed that CoPs enhanced collaboration across departments. The study concluded that CoPs are effective vehicles for enhancing participatory communication and knowledge-sharing in the public sector. It recommended strengthening CoPs through continuous training, inclusive engagement strategies, leadership support, and the creation of centralized knowledge repositories. Additional recommendations included integrating CoP participation into staff appraisals, allocating equitable resources, and organizing sector-specific events to sustain relevance and participation.