Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Theses and Dissertations
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Item Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation using Information and Communication Technology(2022-08-17) Ajwang, Stephen O.; Nambiro, Alice W.Purpose- This study aims to determine how ICT can be used to address climate change by enhancing adaptation and mitigation measures. Methodology - The research looked at the existing literature on ICT use in climate change adaptation and mitigation. The findings of the literature review were divided into three categories: the role of ICT as an adaptive and mitigating factor, as well as a contributing factor to climate change; role of global ICT companies in combating climate change; and the course of action for increased adoption of ICT to fight climate change. Findings - According to the study, technological advances driven by cutting-edge innovation in ICT have been recognized as effective means of combating climate change by revealing signals of changing climate, analyzing and modeling climate change, and implementing mitigation and adaptation measures that improve human resilience. The study also found that, while ICT has been hailed as a game-changer in combating climate change and its variability, a few limitations remain, as ICT may contribute to some extent to the ongoing climate change. The study also discovered that major ICT companies such as Google, IBM, and Microsoft have increased their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conclusion - As an essential component of mitigating the effects of climate change, ICT provides new opportunities for knowledge discovery and real-time information exchange. The application of ICT in conjunction with appropriate laws and regulations has the potential to drive the fundamental transformation required in the global fight against climate change. Recommendation - The study recommends that Kenya and the rest of the world embrace and use ICT to mitigate and adapt to climate change to accelerate the achievement of SDGs and other national economic blueprints.Item MAU MAU PRISONERS CONTRIBUTION TO THE CONVERSION OF DESOLATE MWEA INTO KENYA’S LARGEST RICE PRODUCTION SETTLEMENT SCHEME 1952 -2018(KARATINA UNIVERSITY, 2024-09) CHIERA, PETER MAINAIn the 1950s in Kenya a nationalist uprising against colonial rule erupted in Kenya. The Mau Mau prisoners were detained in detention camps spread in the whole country. In Mwea detention camps hardcore prisoners provided labour in the rice fields started by British colonialists in Kirinyaga County. After release from detention camps some of the Mau Mau prisoners became tenants in Mwea Irrigation Scheme. The purpose of this study was to examine the role played by the Mau Mau detainees in Mwea to the growth of the rice irrigation scheme. The objectives of the study were: to examine the British colonial land policies that led to the establishment of Mwea Irrigation Scheme, to analyze how Mau Mau prisoners labour transformed Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme and finally to assess how settlement of Mau Mau prisoners in Mwea Rice Irrigation transformed their social economic status. The study was informed by the political theory of decolonization and post-colonialism advanced by Margaret Kohn and Keally MacBride. The theory holds that understanding of colonialism and decolonization can help to understand contemporary politics. The study used historical research design which employs document analysis and validated with oral interviews from participants. The design is appropriate to establish facts in order to arrive at conclusions concerning past events. The sample population comprised of thirty nine key informants. The study used interview guides as research instrument to generate qualitative data. Information was taped and later transcribed. The study used snowballing and purposive sampling techniques to collect information. Data was analyzed qualitatively. The study demonstrated that Mau Mau prisoners detained in Mwea prison camps contributed to the establishment of Mwea rice irrigation scheme. The prisoners constructed water canals, furrows, residential houses, and growing of rice. It is noted from the study that some of the prisoners were rejected after rehabilitation by their own people. They were taken back to Mwea and became tenants, thus contributing to the growth of Maurice Irrigation Scheme. The study recommends that policy makers initiated programs to address some of the challenges facing ex-Mau Mau prisoners and other farmers in Mwea Irrigation Scheme. The study findings will contribute to Mau Mau historiography.Item BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION INTERVENTIONS AND ROAD SAFETY AMONGST BODA-BODA MOTORCYCLISTS IN KENYAN CITIES(KARATINA UNIVERSITY, 2024-09) NTHOKI, BARBARA; WANJUKIBehavior change communication (BCC) interventions have been used globally to address challenges in several sectors. The successful use of interventions has been reported in the transport sector, education, health agricultural sectors amongst others. These interventions have also targeted road safety challenges among road users. Road safety has become a major concern, with over 1.3 million people losing their lives worldwide annually and over 4,000 in Kenya. Human behavior on the road causes 90 percent of deaths and injuries among road users, with Boda-boda motorcyclists contributing 58 percent of all road accidents in Kenya. Against this backdrop, this study sought to establish the influence of behavior change communication interventions on road safety among Boda-boda motorcyclists in Kenyan cities. The specific objectives of this study were to establish the influence of media campaigns on road safety among Boda-boda motorcyclists in Kenyan cities; establish the influence of participatory communication on road safety; to determine the influence of traffic visual communication on road safety; to determine the influence of information, education, and communication on road safety among Boda-boda motorcyclists. In addition, this study sought to determine the moderating influence of attitude on the relationship between behavior change communication and road safety among Boda-boda motorcyclists in Kenyan cities. The study was anchored on the Social Cognitive Theory, Safety Culture Theory, and Uses and Gratification Theory. The study used a pragmatic philosophical paradigm with a convergent parallel design of mixed-method research. The Yamane (1967) formula was employed to determine the target population of 399 Boda-boda motorcyclists from four cities in Kenya—Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru—leading to a final sample of 387 respondents. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling were used to draw the sample. Interviews were conducted with nine key informants, purposively sampled from each city, drawn from the NTSA office, the Boda-boda association, and senior traffic police officers. A pilot study was carried out in Machakos to test the data collection instruments. Quantitative data was collected from the motorcyclists by use of semi-structured questionnaires, while qualitative data was gathered through key informant interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings were presented using narratives and graphics. The findings indicate that there was a positive relationship between behavior change communication and road safety. The results for each objective were as follows: mass media showed R² = 0.504, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05; participatory communication, R² = 0.609, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05; information, education, and communication, R² = 0.586, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05; and traffic visual communication, R² = 0.608, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05. Attitude as a moderator demonstrated R² = 0.801, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05, indicating a significant impact on predicting road safety and showing a potential synergistic effect between the two factors. In conclusion, behavior change communication interventions aimed at Boda-boda motorcyclists significantly contribute to road safety. The study also contributes to academic discourse by highlighting the need for integrating BCC theories into practical applications in road safety initiatives. The study recommends the need for innovative multifaceted communication interventions to enhance safety and promote responsible behavior among Boda-boda motorcyclists in Kenyan cities. The findings will aid road safety stakeholders in crafting BCC interventions that elicit positive behavior among motorcyclists.Item EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMMES, CREDIBLE LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN FAITH BASED HOSPITALS IN NAIROBI METROPOLITAN, KENYA(KARATINA UNIVERSITY, 2024-09) WAIRIMU, BEATRICE KARANJADespite the essential role of faith-based hospitals in provision of quality health services, they continuously face challenges, including workforce-related issues such as poor working conditions such as working for longer hours, seeing more than 8 patients in a day, high rates of absenteeism, lack of critical services, depression and other mental illness as well as drug and substance abuse. These occurrences affect service delivery. The main objective of the study was to investigate the influence of employee wellness programmes on service delivery in faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan. Specific objectives were; to assess the influence of employees’ emotional wellness programmes, intellectual wellness programmes, occupational wellness programmes and employee physical wellness programmes on service delivery in faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan and examine the moderating role of credible leadership on the influence of employee wellness programmes on service delivery in faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan. The study adopted descriptive survey and correlational research designs. The study targeted 1154 employees in the faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan. The study used stratified random sampling to select the respondents. The study sample size was 297 respondents. The study obtained primary data using a questionnaire. The descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse data. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, mean, standard deviation and percentage. Correlational analysis was used to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The study also carried out a regression analysis to determine the level of association of the study variables. Results were presented in graphs and tables. The study established that there was moderate emphasis on employee’s emotional wellness programmes among the faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan area, there were employee’s intellectual wellness programmes, there was agreement among the respondents on the adoption of employee’s occupational wellness programmes and that there existed employees’ physical wellness programmes in the faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan. The study further established that hospital leadership demonstrated moderate credibility. Correlation analysis results showed that a significant weak positive correlation existed between service delivery and employee’s emotional wellness programmes (r=0.324), while a significant moderate positive correlation existed between service delivery and intellectual wellness programmes (r=0.519), occupational wellness programmes (r=0.666) and physical wellness programmes (r=0.539). The study determined that emotional wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery (R2= 0.101; β=0.324; P=0.000), intellectual wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery (R2= 0.267; β=0.519; P=0.000), occupational wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery (R2= 0.442; β=0.666; P=0.000), physical wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery (R2= 0.288; β=0.539; P=0.000). The study also established that credible leadership had a significant moderating influence on the relationship between employee wellness programmes and service delivery. The study thus concluded that employee wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery. The study further concluded that credible leadership had a significant moderating influence on the relationship between employee wellness programmes and service delivery. The study recommends that the management of hospitals should ensure that there are employee wellness programmes for emotional, intellectual, occupational and physical wellness. The study results would be relevant to the management of faith-based hospitals, the government of Kenya, particularly the ministry of Health, and county governments because it would enlighten them when developing policies aimed at improving the quality of health care and working environment for their healthcare workers.Item Resources, external environment, innovation and performance of insurance companies in Kenya(University of Nairobi, 2014) Ombaka, Beatrice ElesaniIn spite of a growing body of literature on firm performance, explaining why firms in the same industry and markets differ in their performance remains a fundamental question within strategic management field. Researchers have attributed differences in firm performance to resources owned by a firm. However, other researchers have argued that resources alone cannot be a source of competitive advantage. Therefore, the debate is still open. This study sought to contribute to knowledge and was premised on the view that resources influence performance both directly and indirectly through intervening effect of innovation and moderating effect of external environment. The study was anchored on the resource based theory, dynamic capabilities theory, knowledge based theory and the open systems theory. The main objective of the study was to establish the influence of external environment and innovation on the relationship between organizational resources and performance of insurance companies in Kenya. The study employed a positivist research paradigm and a cross-sectional survey design. Both primary and secondary data were collected from 46 insurance companies. Primary data was collected using a 5 point Likert type questionnaire and an interview guide. Secondary data on financial performance was collected from Association of Kenya Insurers annual report of 2011 and 2012. The study was guided by six specific objectives. To achieve these objectives, eight hypotheses were formulated and tested. Descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data. The findings established that both tangible and intangible resources had a statistically significant influence on non financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya. However, there were mixed findings as regards the individual influence of resources on various firm performance indicators. Intangible resources evidenced statistically not significant results individually but when combined, they had a statistically significant influence on non-financial performance. The study also revealed that intangible resources had a statistically significant positive moderate correlation with innovation. Tangible resources evidenced a weak positive correlation with innovation that was not statistically significant. Innovation had a statistically significant intervening influence on the relationship between resources and non-financial performance. There was a statistically not significant relationship between organizational resources, external environment and innovation. The external environment did not have a statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship between organizational resources and performance of insurance companies in Kenya. Finally, the joint effect of organizational resources, innovation and the external environment on non-financial performance was found to be greater than that of the individual variables. In the joint influence, innovation had the highest contribution followed by organizational resources. The contribution of the external environment was statistically not significant. The findings of this study lend partial support to previous studies. The results support the resource based view which proposes that resources are a source of a sustainable competitive advantage for the firm. The results of the study are significant for theory, policy and practice. The findings adds to the knowledge in the field of strategic management by establishing that organizational resources influence firm performance both directly and indirectly through intervening effect of innovation. The moderating effect of the external environment was statistically not significant.Item MEDIA COVERAGE, CONTENT FRAMING AND AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DISCOURSE IN KENYA(2023-10) MBURU, JINARO PAULA THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONFERMENT OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES OF KARATINA UNIVERSITYItem MEDIA COVERAGE, CONTENT FRAMING AND AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DISCOURSE IN KENYA(Karatina University, 2023-10) MBURU, JINARO PAULAudience perception of wildlife conservation discourse in Kenya has been negative as evidenced in the results of conservation efforts. The general objective of the study was: to investigate the influence of media coverage, content framing and audience perception of wildlife conservation discourse in Kenya. The specific objectives were to: examine the influence of the choice of media channel on audience perception; evaluate the timing of media messages on audience perception; investigate the effects of frequency of media messages on audience perception; assess the combined influence of choice of media channel, timing of media messages, and frequency of media messages on perception; and to investigate the moderating influence of content framing on the relationship between media coverage and audience perception of wildlife conservation discourse in Kenya. The study was anchored on framing and semantic meaning theories using a pragmatism philosophical paradigm. It employed a convergent parallel mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive analysis. The target population consisted of 297 individuals, with a sample size of 133. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select 6 environmental journalists, a census identified 12 park managers, and through simple random sampling, 115 human-wildlife conflict resolution committee members joined the sample. Data collection tools comprised of interview guide for media practitioners and park managers, Focus Group Discussions guide targeting human-wildlife conflict resolution committee officials and a questionnaire administered to the other committee members. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed and presented in narrative form, while quantitative data underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, with findings presented through linear texts and graphics. The study findings showed that there was lack of effective communication channels for wildlife conservation initiatives, which led to community resistance and jeopardize conservation efforts. The relationship between media channel choice and audience perception showed an R-squared value of 0.656, indicating that media channels explain 65.6% of the variation in perception. Timing of media messages had an R-squared value of 0.779, explaining 77.9% of perception variation. Frequency of messages had an R-squared value of 0.856, explaining 85.6% of variation. In each case, the calculated F-values were significantly greater than the critical F-values. Content framing was found to moderate the relationship between media coverage and perception, with a significant ANOVA result (F = 240.355; p-Value<0.05). This emphasizes the need for strategic communication approaches in wildlife conservation. The study concluded that when framing wildlife conservation messages, the target audiences were not satisfied with the manner in which these messages were communicated. The study findings will assist media practitioners in formulating guidelines for media coverage and content framing of wildlife conservation discourse. The study therefore recommended that practitioners should use correct media channels and effective content framing strategies in order to change audience perception of wildlife conservation.Item Bioecology of thrips in French bean growing: agroecosystems in Kenya.(1999) Gitonga, Gitonga, Linus MuthuriStudies on the bioecology ofthrips on French beans were carried out at Machakos, Kaguru and JKUAT. The general objectives of this study were twofold, namely to study the biology and population dynamics of thrips on French beans and to identify and evaluate indigenous natural enemies of the thrips. Two thrips species, M sjostedti and F occidentalis were found throughout the year on French bean crops in all localities of the study. Their population peaks occurred at different times in the course of the year. Populations of M sjostedti peaked after the rains while those of F occidentalis occurred during the hot and dry months of the year at all the localities. Studies on the movements of thrips, into and out of the French bean crops showed that colonization by both species begins soon after germination and that both species preferred the flowers to other plant parts. F occidentalis was found to thrive equally well on the leaves, unlike M sjostedti which only inhabited flower buds and flowers. During the pre-flowering phase ofthe crop, M sjostedti were found on the terminal buds from where they moved to the flowers immediately after the onset of flowering. Most first instar larvae emerged from the pods and flowers. Petioles, leaves, flower buds, flowers and pods were used as oviposition substrates by the thrips.to varying extents. Analysis of the spatial distribution showed both species to be significantly aggregated in the respective plant parts. Laboratory studies indicated that developmental period decreased with an increase in temperature for all the stages of M sjostedti and F. occidentalis. Developmental threshold temperatures were calculated as 9.6 and 9.0 for M sjostedti and F. occidentalis respectively. Development from egg to adult required 212.0 and 256.8 Degree Days for M sjostedti and F. occidentalis respectively. However, at 15?C and 300C, mortality rates for all the developmental stages were higher for M sjostedti than F. occidentalis. The highest mortalities were recorded for the first instar larvae for both species, ranging from 15% to 42% and 11 % to 30% for M sjostedti and F. occidentalis respectively. Pre-pupae and pupae had the lowest mortality rates. An indigenous anthocorid bug, Orius albidipennis was found throughout the year in all the three field sites. Studies on the functional responses of 0. albidipennis to M sjostedti showed that more second instar larvae than adult M sjostedti were killed at all the temperature profiles and densities. With increase in temperature, more second instar larvae and adult M sjostedti were killed. High f2 values shows that both Types I and IT functional responses provided good fit for the data at 15?C, 25?C and 28?C. Attack rates also increased with an increase in temperature. Mortality rates of the 0. albidipennis nymphal instars decreased from the first to the 5th instar at all the temperatures. The mortality rates at 25?C were lower than at 20?C and 30?C for all the nymphal instars except the first instar. Temperatures had a significant effect on the pre-oviposition period, which decreased with an increase in temperature. The eggs took long to hatch at 20?C. Developmental periods of each of the nymphal instars decreased with an increase in temperature. An indigenous larval endoparasitoid of thrips, Ceranisus menes, was found throughout the year in the three localities and its population peaks occurred in the late and early months of the year, from October to April. A closer correlation was found between C. menes and F. occidentalis than with M sjostedti. At JKUAT, percentage parasitism, over the entire crop cycle, ranged from 3.5% to 19.5% and peaked in the months of Marchi April. The lowest percentage parasitism coincided with the period of the highest M sjostedti infestation on French beans. Linear regression analysis showed a density dependence relationship between parasitism and larval density. Laboratory experiments showed that C. menes successfully parasitized and completed development in both M sjostedti and F. occidentalis. Developmental times of C. menes in M sjostedti and F. occidentalis were not significantly different.Item STRATEGIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP, LEAN-GREEN PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF MEDIUM HOTELS IN KENYAN CITIES(Karatina University, 2023-11) NGUNGA, JOSEPH KARIMIStrategic entrepreneurship has been associated with adopting technologies, products, and administrative innovations which culminate in better firm performance. The current rapidly changing and highly competitive market has put companies under great pressure to adopt sustainable practices, in terms of keeping a healthy balance among economic, environmental, and social performances. Studies done in the hotel industry have not addressed the contribution of strategic entrepreneurship on performance and competitiveness. The general objective of this study was to determine the influence of strategic entrepreneurship on performance among medium hotel enterprises in Kenyan cities. Specifically, the study examined the influence of entrepreneurial mindset on performance, established the influence of innovations on performance, analyzed the influence of capital mobilization on performance, examined the effect of networks on performance, and established the moderating influence of lean-green practices on the relationship between strategic entrepreneurship and performance of medium hotel enterprises in Kenyan cities. The study was anchored on Schumpeterian Innovations Theory, Natural Resource Based-View Theory, and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. The study adopted the pragmatic research philosophy and employed a mixed-method research design. The study population was 534 managers of medium sized hotel enterprises in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nairobi. The sample size was determined using the Yamane (1967) sampling formula, resulting in a sample of 229 respondents. A proportionate stratified sampling technique was applied to get a representative sample of each city. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A pilot study was carried out in Nanyuki and Embu towns among medium hotel enterprises to test the reliability and accuracy of the research instruments. Construct validity was determined by calculating average variances extracted (AVEs) for each construct, then reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha internal consistency index. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used as the main software for data analysis. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson’s correlation and regression models were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The hypothesis testing used structural equation modeling. The hierarchical multiple moderated regression model was used to measure the strength of the relationship between strategic entrepreneurship , lean-green practices and performance of medium hotels in Kenyan cities. From the joint effect model the results established that strategic entrepreneurship had the most significant influence on performance of medium hotels in Kenyan cities (Regression coefficient .751, p = .000) followed by lean-green practices (Regression coefficient .417, p = .000), and positively and significantly moderate the relationship between strategic entrepreneurship and performance (Regression coefficient .937, p = .017) with R2 change 1 percent additional variance. The study concluded that lean-green practices positively moderate the relationship between strategic entrepreneurship and performance of medium hotels. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancement of designing, implementing, and utilizing strategic entrepreneurship with lean-green practices in medium hotels production matrix. The findings are beneficial to the management and stakeholders in the hotel industry and academia.Item INTEGRATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN MANAGING TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN NAIROBI AND NYERI COUNTIES, KENYA(Karatina University, 2023-11) GATEMBU, RICHARD MWANGIInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) is acknowledged as a key driver for the worldwide economy, particularly in the progressively digitized era of the 21st century. Educational institutions can no longer effectively prepare students to function competently in the global economy without properly integrating ICT into their curriculum. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of integration of ICT in Technical Training Institutions (TTIs) in Nairobi and Nyeri Counties in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: to evaluate the level of integration of ICT in performing administrative functions in Technical Training Institutions in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties, to examine the level of integration of ICT in conducting financial management, to assess the level of integration of ICT in instructional processes and to examine the level of ICT integration in assessment practices in Technical Training Institutions in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties, Kenya. The study was guided by the Adaptive Structuration Theory and Technical Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) model. The research design utilized in this study was a mixed methods design. The target population consisted of 1026 respondents. The sample size was 310 respondents, who included; 290 lecturers, 10 bursars and 10 principals from the 10 TTIs in the counties of Nairobi and Nyeri. The lecturers were selected using stratified random sampling, whereas the bursars and principals were selected using purposive sampling. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. Reliability was tested using Cronbach alpha coefficient. The questionnaire's reliability was calculated and yielded a Cronbach's alpha (α) of 0.903 in the measurement of ICT integration while validity was ascertained through factor analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using both the descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.1. The qualitative data was analyzed in terms of the themes expressed by the respondents. Results of the study revealed a statistically significant difference in the level of ICT integration in administrative functions (t=0.077, p=0.000), financial management (t=0.072, p=0.000), instructional processes (t=0.0731, p=0.000) and assessment practices (t=0.0724, p=0.000) in TTIs in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties. This highlights the varying levels of ICT integration in TTIs in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties. The null hypothesis was hence rejected. The study recommends the need for the government to strengthen its ICT policy to facilitate enhanced resource allocation by both the government and respective institutions, aiming to further deepen the integration of ICTs in TTIs in Kenya.