Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Theses and Dissertations
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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 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.Item MEDIATING ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP ON SENIOR TEAM ATTRIBUTES AND ORGANIZATIONAL AMBIDEXTERITY OF COFFEE MARKETING COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KENYA.(Karatina University, 2023-11) KIURA, HESBON MBUTHIAEntrepreneurial leadership is crucial for cooperative organizations as it involves taking risks, driving growth as it encourages creativity and innovation. Ambidexterity refers to the ability of an organization to both exploit and explore implying to deliver efficiency, control, and incremental improvements, while embracing flexibility, autonomy, and experimentation. Organizational ambidexterity has the ability of firms to pursue and synchronize exploratory and exploitative innovation simultaneously it not only helps firms overcome structural inertia that results from a focus on exploitation, but also refrain firms from accelerating exploration without deriving benefits from these activities.Coffee has been an important cash crop in Kenya’s agricultural sector. It is one of the greatest foreign exchange earners of the country and a main source of employment in rural areas, providing food security and income for the rural areas. This success has been achieved through coffee cooperative societies management that process and market coffee for the farmers. In recent years, there has been a decline in coffee production in Kenya. The decline of coffee export earnings has been attributed to inefficient and ineffectiveness of coffee marketing cooperative societies management operations and therefore the need to refocus their approach. The general objective of this study was to examine how entrepreneurial leadership mediates the relationship between senior team attributes and organizational ambidexterity among coffee marketing cooperative societies in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine how shared vision influence organizational ambidexterity, to establish whether social integration affect organizational ambidexterity and to find out how contingency rewards influence organizational ambidexterity of coffee marketing cooperative societies in Kenya. The study also established the mediating role of entrepreneurial leadership between senior team attributes and organizational ambidexterity for coffee cooperative societies in Kenya. This study was anchored on two major theories which were Collective Entrepreneurship Theory and Path Goal Theory of Leadership and supported by other theories mentioned in the study. The study used cross-sectional survey design. The target population was coffee marketing cooperative societies registered in Kenya as at 31st December 2019. The study target population was 436 managers from coffee marketing cooperative societies while the sample size of this study was 242 managers. Primary data was obtained by the use of as elf-administered semi-structured questionnaire. A pilot study was done to check the reliability and validity of the research instrument. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The formulated hypotheses were tested using Baron and Kenny’s approach to validate the relationships between the study variables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used to assist in analysis and findings were presented using cross-tabulations, charts and path models. The study found that entrepreneurial leadership partially mediates the relationship between senior team attributes and organization ambidexterity (R2 change from 11.1% to 16.6%). This study concludes that entrepreneurial leadership is a critical approach for coffee marketing cooperative societies in Kenya. The findings of the study will help managers to maximize their efficiency and achieve their strategic goals during their operations especially when they want to internationalize. The findings of this study will be of interest to coffee marketing cooperative society’s board of directors, government officials, academia, financial institutions and agropreneurs.Item EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE ON SOIL PROPERTIES IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA(Karatina University, 2023-11) KINYUMU, DANIEL MWANGANGIConservation agriculture (CA), defined by three principles of; minimum soil disturbance, use of cover crop and crop rotation/diversification was introduced in Laikipia as alternative to conventional farming (CF) systems, to improve soil properties and resilience to climate change and soil degradation. The study investigated practice of CA by farmers and carried out in-situ and laboratory analysis of soil moisture, bulk density, texture, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations and microbial diversity. The study area was purposively selected to include areas where CA had historically been practised. A population of 2,000 farmers registered as practising CA were interviewed. For the collection of soil samples, 332 farmers were sampled based on; (i) farmers who received training on CA curriculum (ii) farmers who were actively practising all the three principles of CA (minimum soil disturbance, crop rotation and soil cover); and (iii) farmers who were practising CA alongside conventional farming. Thirty (30) farmers were sampled according population in each through proportionate stratified random sampling. 270 composite soil samples were collected from 3x3 m plots at a depth of 0-20 cm (rooting zone) of annual crops, from 30 farms, during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Soil sampling for analysis soil bulk density, moisture) while soil sampling for the analysis of chemical and microbial properties was done using core ring sampler of 5cm diameter and 10cm height and metallic soil augers of 5cm diameter, respectively. The analysis of soil physical and chemical properties were done according to protocols in soil and plant analysis and national agricultural research laboratories (NARL) manuals. The analysis of microbial diversity was done according to functional gene analysis pipeline (www.mrdnalab.com). Findings describing significance differences in soil properties between farming systems were done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at (p ≤ 0.05), followed by post-hoc family-wise comparisons of means between experimental plots. Tukey’s honest significance difference (HSD) tested mean separation when analysis showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The DNA from environmental samples was extracted using PureLinkTM Microbiome DNA Purification Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Amplicon generation and sequencing was done using the next generation (NGS) Illumina’s MiSeq technology platform (bTEFAP)®. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS ver 22, R-program and MS-Excel for Windows. Findings of CA farming practices indicated that 67% of farmers employed all the three principles of conservation agriculture (crop cover/residue + crop rotation + no tillage). Majority (62%) of farmers were largely subsistence farmers, growing mainly; maize (Zea mays L.) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Silt clay loam (SCL) was the most abundant at 60%, while 67.47% of farmers employed all the 3 principles of CA. Farms adopting CA had the highest soil bulk density at 1.78 ±0.04 g/cm3. Soil moisture levels in farms declined significantly from ‘25” to “75” days after seeding (DAS) under different farming systems. Soil carbon was significantly higher in farms adopting CA, which is postulated to be due to the high use of organic biomass on soil. The study found important rhizospheric bacteria and fungi that affects soil properties. The findings can be used for developing a holistic soil improvement strategy for improving soil properties and enhancing farmer resilience to climate change effects in rain-fed farming systems in Laikipia.Item CAPITAL STRUCTURE, BANK SIZE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LOWER TIER COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA(Karatina University, 2023-11) KINYUA, PATRICK KARUKIThe banking sector is recognized as the most visible source of finance and key to global trade and economic growth. Banking institutions play a notable role in building both domestic and global economies by ensuring credit is available to finance businesses and households. However, the performance of banking sector from global, regional and local perspective has been deteriorating with small banks being affected the most. The phenomenon has been linked to the manner banks of different sizes finances their operations (capital structure), but remains debatable among scholars. It is argued that a properly designed capital structure defines the manner in which a bank seeks funds from various sources to finance its operations without risking high costs of capital that may jeopardize its performance. In Kenya, the capital structure has been in the center of operational performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The Kenyan banking sector is categorized into three tiers, tier I, II and III based on bank size. However, the profitability of the tier II and III have been declining resulting to an enquiry to whether, the size of the bank has any influence on capital structure and performance of the banks. This study therefore sought to determine the moderating influence of bank size on the relationship between capital structure and profitability of lower tier commercial banks in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to assess the influence of internal equity capital; the influence of short term debt capital; the influence of external equity capital and the influence of long term equity capital on profitability of lower tier commercial banks in Kenya. Appropriate null hypotheses were developed for each objective. This study was anchored in pecking order theory, Modigliani and Miller Capital Structure Theory, trade-off theory of capital structure, the net income approach, Dynamic Trade-off Theory and Agency Cost Theory. Pragmatism research philosophy was adopted where the study concurrently employed descriptive and explanatory research design. The study population was 37 commercial banks in Tier II and III in Kenya that were fully operational from 2016 to 2020 and a census of all the 37 banks was conducted. The main data of study was secondary data; whereby primary data was also collected for triangulation purposes. The validity of the secondary data was enhanced by collecting data from audited and certified sources while the reliability of the questionnaire was ascertained through use of Cronbach Alpha coefficient. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics entailed percentages, means, standard deviations, minimums, maximums, Skewness and Kurtosis. The inferential statistics comprised of multilevel mixed model analysis and hierarchical multiple linear models. A range of model and data diagnostic tests were conducted before estimating the study’s regression models and included the Mixed ANOVA, utocorrelation, normality tests, heteroscedasticity tests, multicollinearity tests and stationarity tests. The results were presented using tables and figures. The study found that internal equity had a positive and significant effect on net profit margin of lower tier commercial banks (β=.429, p=.000<0.05) but bank size did not moderate the effect of internal equity on net profit margin of lower tier commercial banks in Kenya (β=.148, p=600>0.05). External equity had a positive and significant effect on net profit margin of lower tier commercial banks (β=.229, p=.036<0.05). Bank size positively and significantly moderates the relationship between external equity and performance of lower tier banks in Kenya (β=2.350, p =.000<0.05) and has an enhancing effect on external equity. Long term debt had a negative and significant effect on the financial performance of lower tier commercial banks (β=-.966, p=.029<0.05). Bank size moderates the effect of long term debt on financial performance of lower tier commercial banks in Kenya (β= .695, p-value=.024<0.05) and has an antagonistic effect on long term debt capital. Nonetheless, short term debt had a positive but insignificant effect on the financial performance of lower tier commercial banks (β=.067, p=.625>0.05). Bank size moderated the effect of short term debt on financial performance of lower tier commercial banks (β=.127, p=.019<0.05) with strengthening effect. Thus, the study concludes that bank size moderates the effect of external equity, short term debt and long term debt on financial performance of lower tier commercial banks but does not moderate the effect of internal equity on financial performance of lower tier commercial banks. The study recommends that lower tier commercial banks need to encourage xxii its shareholders to re-invest back their earnings rather than consuming them as dividends as internal equity is affordable and readily available when the bank is in urgent financial need. The study further recommends that a bank should keenly evaluate when to use external equity funding though external equity funding may be costlier. Lower tier commercial banks may also employ long term sources like equity shares, debentures, preference shares and public deposits as they are usually less prone to short term shocks as it is secured by formally established contractual terms. In addition, lower tier commercial banks may also need to diversify their product and service portfolio to expand their aggregate asset base and competitiveness in the market so that they can withstand financial and market shocks. The study offers great value to the management of lower commercial banks and other players in the sector. The regulators including the CBK may get insightful information that would assist in formulation of policy on ideal financing structures for lower tier commercial banks. The study also provides a worthy benchmark to future research work on capital structure and profitability of small and medium sized commercial banksItem INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE OF CHARTERED PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA(Karatina University, 2023-11) KARIUKI, PETER WANDURUAThe performance of public universities is a global concern over the last few decades. In Kenya, this has been demonstrated by challenges such as financial constraints evidenced by inability to meet their debt obligations and statutory remittances; poor academic quality marked by low global ranking; inadequate research funding and limited community engagements. Universities have in the past intervened through Institutional management practices with little improvement in performance. The specific objectives of the study were to determine influence of transparency; adherence to management guidelines; level of public participation and to establish the moderating influence of sustainability strategies on the relationship between Institutional management practices and performance of public universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on resource based and social network theories. The study used a pragmatic philosophy and mixed research method with a target population of 31 chartered public universities. This was a census study and the respondents were 230 university top managers. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings revealed that Institutional management practices had a statistical significant influence on performance of public universities in Kenya (adjusted R 2 0.37, P 0.000) with level of transparency adjusted R 2 0.307, P 0.000; adherence to management guidelines R 2 0.309, P 0.000 and level of public participation adjusted R 2 0.226, P 0.000. The study also established that sustainability strategies moderated the relationship between Institutional management practices and performance of public universities in Kenya. The regression analysis revealed that Institutional management practices alone accounted for 52% of the variation in performance of public universities (adjusted R 2 =0.52). Sustainability strategies accounted for 39% (adjusted R 2 =0.39). The interaction term (Institutional management practices and sustainability strategies) accounted for 72 % of the variation in performance of public universities. These results were in agreement with the findings of qualitative data analysis. The study concluded that implementation of sustainability strategies combined with adherence to good Institutional management practices are essential strategies that public universities can adopt to improve their performance. The study recommended that public universities should implement sustainability strategies alongside good Institutional management practices so as to remain competitive and relevant.Item STRATEGIC RENEWAL, SOCIAL MEDIA ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND PERFORMANCE OF YOUTH OWNED AGRO-PROCESSING SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN SELECTED COUNTIES IN KENYA.(Karatina University, 2023-11) KARIUKI, FRANCIS K.Strategic renewal emphasizes on establishing a set of activities that an organization undertakes to alter its resource pattern and strategic course. In Kenya, despite the critical role played by SMEs in the country, research has shown that 90% of most business startups fail in their third year and especially those owned by the youths. The general objective of the study was to establish the influence of strategic renewal on performance of the youth-owned agro-processing SMEs in Kenya and to determine the moderating effect of social media entrepreneurship on the same relationship. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of organization structure, examine the influence of capacity building, determine the influence of entrepreneurial networking on performance of youth owned agro-processing small and medium enterprises in selected counties in Kenya. Further, the study sought to examine the moderating role of social media entrepreneurship on the relationship between Strategic renewal and performance of youth owned agro-processing small and medium enterprises in selected counties in Kenya. The study was anchored on strategic management, social exchange, resource mobilization and social network theories. To achieve these objectives, the study adopted a positivist philosophy and a descriptive research design. The target population of the study were 287 owner/manager youth owned agro-processing SMEs in Kenya registered by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in the four (4) County governments of Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Nyandarua. All 287 owner managers participated in the study thus it was a census as the whole population was used. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSSV23. The study established that organizational structure R 2 =0.136 and P=0.000, capacity building R 2=0.498 and P=0.000, and entrepreneurial networking strategies, R2= 0.092 and P=0.000, all had a statistically significant influence on performance of youth-owned agro-processing smss in Kenya. On the moderating influence of social media entrepreneurship, R2 changed by 23.2% (from 50.9% to 74.1%), indicating that social media entrepreneurship had moderating effect on the relationship between strategic renewal and performance of youth owned agro-processing SMEs in Kenya. This study concluded that social media entrepreneurship has a moderating influence on the relationship between strategic renewal and performance of youth owned agro-processing smes in Kenya. SME owners have thus to seek and establish networks outside their business circles and that, youth owned agro-processing smes develop mechanisms that enable them to review and renew their operational strategies. Further, the government and other stakeholders should develop policies that will enable youth smes adopt new strategic alliances with large organisations.Item ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP, AFFECTIVE COMMITMENT AND INDUSTRIAL HARMONY IN KENYAS’ DEVOLVED PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR(Karatina University, 2023-11) WAWERU, BEAUTTAH MWANGIA harmonious workplace that guarantees satisfaction of workers and employers’ aspirations is essential for enhanced services provision in Kenya’s devolved public health sector. Since the devolution of healthcare services in 2013, the devolved public health sector has been affected by frequent and often localized health workers’ industrial actions. These industrial actions have an effect not only on the citizens well-being but also affects the economic growth of the country. The general objective of this study was to determine the influence of adaptive leadership on industrial harmony mediated by affective commitment in Kenya’s devolved public health sector. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the influence of collaborative stakeholder engagement, employees’ involvement in decision making, continuous organizational learning and leaders’ relational authenticity on industrial harmony and to examine the mediating influence of affective commitment on the relationship between adaptive leadership and industrial harmony in the Kenya’s devolved public health sector. The study was guided by three theories namely; Attitudinal Commitment Theory, Experiential Learning Theory and Social Exchange Theory. To achieve these objectives, the study used pragmatic research paradigm. The study research design was concurrent mixed methods research methodology. The target population for this study was 3,355 health workers in level 5 County referral hospitals, in the Central Economic Regional Bloc (CEREB). The study selected 351 respondents using stratified random sampling. In addition, 10 Medical Superintendents (MS), 10 Secretary Generals from Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) were selected for participation in the study through purposive sampling. The research instrument was tested for validity using content validity, criterion validity and construct validity and for reliability, using Cronbach alpha coefficient. The pilot study was carried out at Karatina Level 4 Hospital in Nyeri County as the cadre of staff employed in level 4 hospitals are similar and with almost similar facilities as those of level 5 hospitals. Data analysis involved both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative data collected through the interview guide was analyzed using content analysis technique. Quantitative data collected using the questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics comprised means and standard deviation while inferential statistics comprised simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis. The study established that collaborative stakeholder engagement had a positive and significant influence on industrial harmony (β=1.255, p-value=.000); that employee involvement in decision making had a positive and significant influence on industrial harmony (β=.939, p-value=.000); that continuous organizational learning had a positive and significant influence on industrial harmony (β=1.093, p-value=.000); that leaders’ relational authenticity had a positive and significant influence on industrial harmony (β=.703, p-value=.000). Collaborative stakeholder engagement had the highest influence explaining 18.5% of industrial harmony. It was followed by continuous organizational learning at 14%, employee involvement in decision making at 10.3% and finally leaders’ relational authenticity at 5.8%. Affective commitment was found to have a positive and significant mediating influence on the relationship between adaptive leadership and industrial harmony (β=.141, p-value=0.018). The study concluded that collaborative stakeholders’ engagement, employee’s involvement in decision making, continuous organizational learning, leaders’ relational authenticity and affective commitment enhanced industrial harmony in the Kenya’s devolved public health sector. The study recommends the expansion of the workplace stakeholders engagement systems, strengthening of suggestion schemes and brainstorming sessions and that more efforts be put in creating, retaining and transferring knowledge within the sector. It further recommends setting up of high moral and ethical standards among managers and that employees should be part and parcel of the team(s) that develop strategic plans and policies in the sector so as to encourage co-ownership of sector goals and objectives. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a model of determining the level of industrial harmony given the influence of affective commitment and adaptive leadership.