Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Theses and Dissertations
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Item Wild herbivores enhance resistance to invasion by exotic cacti in an African savanna.(John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Ecological Society, 2022-10-11) Wells,Harry B. M.; Crego, Ramiro D.; Alston, Jesse M.; Ndung'u, S. Kimani; Khasoha, Leo M.; Reed, Courtney G.; Hassan, Abdikadir A.; Kurukura, Samson; Ekadeli, Jackson; Namoni, Mathew; Stewart, Peter S.; Kimuyu, Duncan M.; Wolf, Amelia A.; Young, Ruman P.; Kartzinel, Tyler R.; Palmer, Todd M.; Goheen, Jacob R.; Pringle, Robert M...Whether wild herbivores confer biotic resistance to invasion by exotic plants remains a key question in ecology. There is evidence that wild herbivores can impede invasion by exotic plants, but it is unclear whether and how this generalises across ecosystems with varying wild herbivore diversity and functional groups of plants, particularly over long-term (decadal) time frames. Using data from three long-term (13- to 26-year) exclosure experiments in central Kenya, we tested the effects of wild herbivores on the density of exotic invasive cacti, Opuntia stricta and O. ficus-indica (collectively, Opuntia), which are among the worst invasive species globally. We also examined relationships between wild herbivore richness and elephant occurrence probability with the probability of O. stricta presence at the landscape level (6150 km2). Opuntia densities were 74% to 99% lower in almost all plots accessible to wild herbivores compared to exclosure plots. Opuntia densities also increased more rapidly across time in plots excluding wild herbivores. These effects were largely driven by megaherbivores (≥1000 kg), particularly elephants. At the landscape level, modelled Opuntia stricta occurrence probability was negatively correlated with estimated species richness of wild herbivores and elephant occurrence probability. On average, O. stricta occurrence probability fell from ~0.56 to ~0.45 as wild herbivore richness increased from 6 to 10 species and fell from ~0.57 to ~0.40 as elephant occurrence probability increased from ~0.41 to ~0.84. These multi-scale results suggest that any facilitative effects of Opuntia by wild herbivores (e.g. seed/vegetative dispersal) are overridden by suppression (e.g. consumption, uprooting, trampling). Synthesis. Our experimental and observational findings that wild herbivores confer resistance to invasion by exotic cacti add to evidence that conserving and restoring native herbivore assemblages (particularly megaherbivores) can increase community resistance to plant invasions.Item The value of metaphors in Ken Walibora’s Kiswahili text: ‘Kidagaa Kimemwozea(European Journal of Applied Linguistics Studies, 2019) Ntabo, Victor OndaraThe novelist Ken Walibora employs metaphors in his Kiswahili text Kidagaa Kimemwozea to discuss about the subject of neocolonialism in different perspectives. Due to the metaphoric language used, meaning might be elusive to the readers because metaphor is primarily a matter of thought and action which is normally situated in a specific context. This research, therefore, uses the Cognitive Linguistics framework to objectively reveal the meaning of the metaphors in the text. In the novel, the king (Mtemi Nasaha Bora) is expressed as irrational, dictatorial, oppressive and amorous. However, the protagonist (Amani) conspires with the king’s son to exploit the father’s weakness for the benefit of the common citizens. This study establishes the metaphors in the text using the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit (MIPVU) and then classifies them into conceptual domains using the principle of Great Chain of Being Metaphor (GCBM). The conceptual mapping which is a tenet of the Conceptual Metaphor Theory is used to evaluate the identified metaphors. This study adopts a qualitative research approach. The paper reveals that animals, plants and objects are stratified source domains richly used to depict the characters in the novel. For a better appreciation of metaphors, the research recommends that it is salient to use the cognitive linguistics approach to understand contextual language against the cultural, historical and geographical backdrop. The paper concludes that metaphors are vital tools of communication and should be explained using the cognitive linguistics approach.Item A statistical analysis of gender and metaphorical conceptualization of Ekegusii pop songs.(2019) Ntabo, V.O.; Gathigia, M.G.; Nyarigoti, N. M.Gender is a vital determinant in the comprehension of pop songs. The composers of pop songs employ metaphors to express ideas through music. The goal of this paper, therefore, is to establish the association between gender and metaphorical conceptualization of Ekegusii pop songs. The study is anchored in the Conceptual Metaphor Theory and the principles of the generic Great Chain of Being Metaphor. The study adopted a mixed research method. Amasomo(Education) and Obwanchani(Love) Ekegusii pop songs by Embarambamba and Ontiri Bikundo respectively were purposively sampled for this study based on their richness in metaphoricity. An interview was conducted among the 36 participants of the study who were selected based on the dichotomy of gender.The study identified 54 metaphors using the criteria adapted from the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit. Thedata was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences in which Chi-square at a significance level of 0.05 was employed to test the statistical relationship between gender and metaphorical conceptualization of Ekegusii pop songs. The study found that gender significantly influences the conceptualization of A HUMAN BEING IS A HUMAN BEING, A HUMAN BEING IS AN ANIMAL and A HUMAN BEING IS AN OBJECT conceptual domains. However, Chi square test analysis showed insignificant association between gender and the conceptual domain of A HUMAN BEING IS A PLANT.The paper concludes that males and females conceptualize metaphors differently. The study recommends that language researchers should employ the MetaphorIdentification Procedure Vrije Universiteitin metaphor studies.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 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.