School of Education and Social sciences
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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 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 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 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 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.Item GENDER DIMENSION OF DRYLAND FARMING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA(University of Eldoret, 2019-10) MWENZWA, EZEKIEL MBITHAAgriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and hence its importance in enhancing foreign trade, food security, poverty alleviation, national development and revitalizing human welfare. Despite the importance of the sector, more than three-quarters (¾) of the country’s and area is dryland in the form of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), in which rain-fed agriculture is largely unviable livelihood option. In the drylands of Kenya therefore, livestock rearing and dryland farming are the most important livelihood options for resident communities given the climatic conditions. The adverse natural weather conditions are compounded by anthropogenic activities that degrade the environment, making local residents high disadvantaged in matters livelihood. As a result, food insecurity remains the greatest challenge in the ASALs of Kenya. While weather patterns are responsible for food insecurity, other factors come in to escalate want in these areas such as gender-based division of labor and cultural dictates that limit food production. This study investigated the gender dimension of dryland farming practices in the drylands of Embu County and the attendant implications on food production and security at the household level. It used both qualitative and quantitative methods of social investigation, while giving more emphasis on the former as data collection procedures. In addition, the study utilized both qualitative and quantitative data analysis procedures, while putting more emphasis on the former. It henceforth pointed at implications of gender-based division of labor in dryland farming on food production and security at the household level. Such findings have been generalized not only for the dryland areas exhibiting similar socio-economic and climatic conditions, but also on a national scale. From this study, it was determined that women faced several challenges in their food production efforts and these had more to do with culture than natural weather and and structural problems. In the same vein, they were arguably the hands-on food producers although returns to them were not in line with their efforts. On their part, men had several opportunities in food production, although they were not fully utilized. This has implications for below potential food production and possibility of household food insecurity. As a result, a gender inclined framework of the best practices was the outcome, which is expected to bring a positive difference in food production to assuage household food security. From the findings, policy recommendations were made regarding dryland farming to enhance household food security in semi-arid areas of Embu County and other areas with similar climatic, socio-cultural and economic conditions. It is the implementation of the recommendations which is expected to enhance dryland farming and agricultural productivity in order to alleviate food insecurity and stimulate community welfare as well as national developmentItem INFLUENCE OF FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND MARKET ACCESSIBILITY ON FOOD SECURITY IN THARAKA SUB COUNTY, KENYA(Karatina University, 2022-11) KIBETU, DICKSON KINOTIFood distribution and market accessibility impact food security and development of rural economies. About 30% of Kenya’s population live in the country’s food insecure rural arid and semi-arid lands. Semi-arid Tharaka sub county suffers from insufficient and inefficient food distribution due to problems of physical accessibility to food markets which constitute main source of food items (86.95%) consumed here. These have led to sporadic and acute food insecurity across the sub county. The purpose of this study was to examine influence of local food distribution systems and market accessibility on food security in Tharaka sub county. Maize (96.6%) and millet (54.1%) are important staple food crops widely consumed by households in the study area. The objectives of this research focused on identifying biophysical and climatic factors that determine optimal maize and millet production for the realisation of food security; to determine how marketing models for maize and millet influence distribution and retention of food stock by households in Tharaka sub county; to examine efficiency of physical accessibility to existing open air markets and its effect on food security in Tharaka sub county, and finally to examine spatial distribution and utilisation of open-air markets in Tharaka sub county and its influence on food security. It was hypothesized that no significant relationship existed between agro-climatic suitability and maize and millet production, marketing models and food stock retention, markets physical accessibility and food security and how open-air markets spatial distribution influenced utilisation of the markets. A sample of 395 households selected using cross-section survey and a multi-purposive cluster sampling technique from the 31,556 households in the studt area were considered. Primary data was collected through observation, semi-structured questionnaires and 5 key informants’ interviews. GIS based modeling, Kendall’s multiple correlation analysis and Tobit regression techniques were used to analyse the data. Results of GIS agro-climatic suitability analysis in Idris Selva software showed that 4,189.31 hectares of land were suitable for optimised production of maize and millet. Identified suitable areas felled within the rainfed cropping zone (RFC) and mixed farming (MF) livelihood zones. Kendall’s multiple correlation analysis revealed that households living close to the markets (<5km) sold most of their food stocks retaining up to two bags for 3-4 weeks compared to those living away(>10km) who kept three to five bags for the same period or longer. Tobit regression analysis indicated education levels of household head and market price as important determinants in the choice of market models by a household. Lastly, ease of accessibility and service functional value influenced open-air markets preferential use by farmers and consumers alike. Conclusively, food security in Tharaka sub county is largely influenced by marketing models used by households to procure and sell foodstuffs, ease of physical accessibility to markets and the bio-physical and climatic conditions of the given livelihood cluster zone. In future, there is need to consider food distribution and market accessibility as determinant components of food security and nutrition improvement in the study area. Major recommendations from this study emphasize desire to promote food trade and market-based interventions to address food security. Furthermore, improving open-air markets’ physical infrastructure and construction of missing-link roads connecting villages to markets would address the problem of low food markets utilisation.Item BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AND MEN’S RESPONSE TO PROSTRATE CANCER SCREENING IN CENTRAL KENYA(Karatina University, 2022-11) NDUNG’U, SAMUEL KAHURAEffective communication has been proven to influence people’s attitude and approach towards an issue that affects them. The use of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) has been recommended as one of the strategies that can help create awareness of Prostate Cancer (PCa) and encourage its early screening and treatment. However, there is little evidence that this strategy has been used in Central Kenya region to address the PCa problem. The main objective of this study therefore was to investigate the influence of BCC strategies on men’s response to PCa screening in Central Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to: investigate the influence of interpersonal communication on men’s response to PCa screening in Central Kenya, determine the influence of message framing on men’s response to PCa screening, examine the influence of mass media campaigns on men’s response to PCa screening and to identify the influence of participatory communication on men’s response to PCa screening. The study further sought to determine the moderating influence of culture and gender on men’s response to PCa screening. The study was guided by Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action and Health Belief Model. It was anchored on the Pragmatist philosophical paradigm and it used the Exploratory Sequential Mixed Method design. The target population of the study was 700,010 men aged 40 years old and above from Central Kenya. A sample of 384 men was selected using the Finite Population Correction for Proportions (n0) formula by Kothari. Quantitative data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire while qualitative data was collected using interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented in both non-linear and narrative forms. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data to show the relationship between variables and their significance. The findings indicated that interpersonal and participatory communication, message framing and mass media campaigns have a statistical significant influence on men’s response to PCa screening. The values for each objective were: Mass Media, R2=0.654, p-value=0.000<0.05, Message Framing, R2=0.644, p-value=0.000<0.05, Participatory Communication, R2=0.714, p-value=0.000<0.05, and Interpersonal Communication, R2=0.605, p-value=0.000<0.05. It was further established that culture has a statistical significant moderating influence on men’s attitude to PCa screening, it had R2=0.572, p-value=0.000<0.05. The study concludes that although mass media was used to disseminate information about PCa, it was not adequate and the PCa messages were poorly framed and ineffective. The study therefore recommends the use of participatory and interpersonal communication to equip community and health workers, and peer counsellors with basic education on PCa and communication skills to supplement efforts by health and communication officials. There is also need for use of intensive mass media campaigns and correct message framing for effective PCa screening awareness.Item AT THE PERIPHERY IN MAU MAU DISCOURSE: A CASE OF THE MBEERE OF EMBU COUNTY, KENYA, 1952-2014(Karatina University, 2022-11) KANYINGI, BENSON WAIGANJOThe ambiguity of Mau Mau discourse led to multiple narratives about the movement. The elusiveness was evidenced by voices of the past mixing with current views, discovery, access to migrated archives and reparation cases. The reparation case ignited debates on participation in the Mau Mau struggle. In the Mau Mau discourses, the movement was considered Kikuyu, Embu and Ameru affair, disregarding communities’ contribution on the fringes of Mt. Kenya like the Mbeere. To show the contribution of peripheral communities, there was a need to deconstruct the pedagogy of misinformation and represent an accurate picture for collective memory. This study sought to examine the missing narrative of the Mbeere in Mau Mau discourse. The following specific objectives guided the study: to establish the role of the Mbeere chiefs in colonial penetration and administration; to assess the evidence of the contribution of the Mbeere in the Mau Mau struggle; to examine the reasons for exclusion of the Mbeere in Mau Mau discourse and lastly to evaluate the recognition and compensation of the Mbeere Mau Mau veterans by the Kenya government and the British government, respectively. The Post-colonial theory informed this study that critically examines the post-colonial experience of Third World societies. Both primary and secondary data were sourced and used in the study. Archival data was obtained from the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Centre in Nairobi, Nakuru and The National Archives in the United Kingdom. Oral data was collected from informants in Kyeni South, Mbeere North and South in Embu County. This study used focus group discussions and in-depth interviews for data collection, where 59 participants were interviewed. In interviews, purposive sampling was employed where the chiefs pinpointed Mau Mau veterans in their wards. Then snowball sampling strategy was used to identify more respondents knowledgeable about the Mau Mau movement. Respondents for focus group discussions were selected through purposive sampling based on the participation of those above 70 years and who participated in the insurgency. Data were analysed using NVIVO 12 to extract themes that answered the research questions. Selected secondary sources informed the theory, while others complemented data from the primary sources. The proposed study provided a counterpoint to literature that lauded the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru as key participants in the Mau Mau struggle for independence by identifying the Mbeere as (active or passive players) in the war of decolonisation. Additionally, the study findings noted that the Mbeere were left out in the reparation process, but they are hopeful for reparation and memorialisation. The Mau Mau debates will not end soon with the growing attention of the marginalised narratives. The Mbeere involvement in the Mau Mau insurgency as seers was deeper than assumed; they utilised an unmarked villagisation process by scavenging food for the Mau Mau insurgency. They used non-KEM status to evade detection as a tactic of war for insurgency’s sake. These two areas need further research for posterity. Thirdly this study can be replicated in other peripheral communities in Kenya to retell their past. Also, there is a need to rewrite the history of the Mbeere and show nuances of the Mbeere marginalisation in resource allocation and how it intersects with the history of decolonisation. Lastly, review the state of non-Embu (the Kikuyu ahoi and the Kamba) who claimed to have been born into the Embu tribe while the colonial government, the Embu elders and ADC members expressed in 1961 that there was no place for them in the District.