School of Arts and Human Resource Development

The Role of Non-State Actors in Enhancing Peacebuilding Among Women in Mount Elgon Region, Kenya

2025-04-25T11:07:44Z

The Role of Non-State Actors in Enhancing Peacebuilding Among Women in Mount Elgon Region, Kenya Mung’ou, Cherotich

Kenya Red Cross Society: Opportunities and Capacity Building in Use of ICT in Disaster Management

2025-04-25T10:45:39Z

Kenya Red Cross Society: Opportunities and Capacity Building in Use of ICT in Disaster Management Mung’ou, Cherotich The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has been at the forefront in disaster management in Kenya. In the recent past, the society has diversified and invested in the use of modern information communication technologies in addressing disasters. This paper therefore sought to explore the opportunities and capacity building in ICT by Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) for disaster management. Key informant interviews, structured interviews and secondary data analysis (content analysis) were the sources of information used. The results indicated that KRCS has received support from the Kenya Data Network, and networked its three regional offices out of eight regions. Plans were also underway to complete the networking of other regional offices to enhance the use ICT in disaster management and general administration. The Kenya Red Cross Society had established the EOC in Nairobi, and build capacity in three regions to use ICT for disaster management. The study recommends that a further research be carried out on the Capacity of local institutions in use of ICT in disaster management.

The Role of State, Non-State Actors and Information Communication Technologies in Peace-Building in Mt. Elgon Region, Kenya

2025-04-25T09:45:32Z

The Role of State, Non-State Actors and Information Communication Technologies in Peace-Building in Mt. Elgon Region, Kenya Osodo, Joseph; Kibirige, Israel; Mung’ou, Cherotich Intra-state conflicts in the African continent pose a threat to stability and security of the region. The conflict pitting Soy and Ndorobo clans in Mt. Elgon erupted when members of the Soy clan rejected an attempt by the government of Kenya (GoK) to resettle the landless members of the Ndorobo in Chebyuk settlement scheme. The conflict had great socio-economic impacts like loss of lives, massive destruction of property, population displacement and feelings of hatred and animosity amongst the residents. While there is a plethora of literature on causes and effects of intra-ethnic conflicts in Kenya, there is a dearth on peace-building endeavours and the potential of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in conflict resolutions. This study was designed to assess the potential role of state, non-state actors and ICTs in peace-building. The study was based on the conflict transformation theory and diffusion of innovations theory. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews using local inhabitants, state and non-state actors purposively sampled. Data were analysed based on the interpretive approach. The results show that ICTs such as mobile telephones, the Internet and radio-phones had a great potential in peace-building but were seldom (20%) employed. The paper contributes to the on-going dialogue on peace building efforts in Mt. Elgon and other regions experiencing similar conflicts and recommends more use of ICTs in peace-building efforts than was the case in this study

Use and Effectiveness of ICT Tools in Disaster Management: A Case of Kenya Red Cross Society

2023-04-24T07:25:09Z

Use and Effectiveness of ICT Tools in Disaster Management: A Case of Kenya Red Cross Society Mung‘ou, Cherotich Information and communications technology (ICT) can potentially play a pivotal role in disaster prevention, mitigation and management. For instance, remote sensing for early warning is made possible by various available technologies, including telecommunication satellites, radar, telemetry and meteorology. Enhanced early warning systems especially at national and community levels can save many lives and property if managed and implemented well. The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has been at the forefront in disaster management in Kenya. In the recent past, the society has diversified and invested in the use of modern information communication technologies in addressing myriad disasters. The KRCS investment in ICT for disaster management has been achieved through networking at the headquarters, regional and branch offices countrywide. This paper therefore sought to explore the use of ICT tools in disaster management and its effectiveness in Kenya Red Cross Society. Questionnaires, key informant interviews, structured interviews and secondary data analysis (content analysis) were the sources of information used. The overall research design was mainly qualitative in nature; adopting a case study approach. Purposive sampling was used to select Kenya Red Cross society for this study due to its participation in ICT based disaster management. The findings indicated that ICT facilities used by the Kenya Red Cross Society in disaster management are mainly HF radios and butterfly cameras, located in Nairobi. HF radios are the most effective tools used in disaster management; however there is inadequate investment in ICT tools for disaster management by the Kenya Red Cross Society. The author recommends more government support and more investment towards the use of ICT in disaster management

Factors That Determine the Nature of Relationship between Mothers and Their Daughters In - Law: A Content Analysis of the ‘Mother In - Law’ Tv Drama Series

2023-04-24T06:43:18Z

Factors That Determine the Nature of Relationship between Mothers and Their Daughters In - Law: A Content Analysis of the ‘Mother In - Law’ Tv Drama Series Orawo, Akech Doreen; Kutotto, Patrick Lumumba; Kafu, Joyce The relationship between mothers and their daughters inlaw remains of a strained nature despite the negative impacts it has on communication routines of families. While existing studies focus more on the dyadic relationships, there is a need to determine why this relationship has to be strained. This study therefore examined factors that determine the nature of the relationship between a mother and her daughter’s in-law as portrayed in family drama. Critical content analysis was used to analyze eight episodes of the ‘Mother-in-Law’ TV drama series aired on citizen TV. The episodes were sampled purposively basing on their composition of mother and daughter in-law scenes. Two coders conducted partial transcription of the episodes by playing back, recording and writing the content of the episodes. The summarized transcripts were then analyzed for content. Scott’s pi inter coder reliability value of 0.82 revealed that there was high agreement among the two coders on transcription. Content analysis revealed that independence, family identity, supportive communication, sense of belonging, accommodation, and cultural orientation are critical factors in the relationship between a mother and her daughters- in-law. Provision of an environment that can support these factors could therefore go a long way to improving the strained relations and hence communication routines of families.

CHALLENGES FACED IN USING SPORT AS A MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION TO CHANGE COMMUNITIES’ PERCEPTION TOWARDS INTER-COMMUNITY CONFLICT

2023-04-19T08:39:54Z

CHALLENGES FACED IN USING SPORT AS A MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION TO CHANGE COMMUNITIES’ PERCEPTION TOWARDS INTER-COMMUNITY CONFLICT Mutheu Paul, Virginia; Ong’ondo, Charles Ochieng This paper is extracted from a PhD research thesis “Sport as a medium of Inter-community communication in peace building. A study of one Peace Foundation in Kenya”. In development communication, sport as Edutainment has been used in tackling social issues such as health, conflict resolution and peace building. This falls within the emerging discipline of sports for development and peace building. In Kenya armed conflict between the Pokot, Turkana and their neighbors has existed over the years and sport-marathon is one intervention strategy used to resolve the armed conflict. Cattle‟s rustling has been a cultural practice for the Turkana and the Pokot for generations and was seen as a way of life. This practice has contributed to protracted conflict between the two communities in Northern Kenya that has claimed lives in thousands and brought about untold suffering to the region over the years. This paper assesses the challenges faced in using sport as a medium of communication in peace building between the two communities of Northern Kenya. The study adopted a social constructivist-interpretive philosophical worldview and a qualitative-case study design. The target population comprised government representatives, communities‟ elders (both men and women), marathon participants, youth leaders, reformed warriors and the organization staff and marathon organizers. A sample size of 56 participants was selected. Purposive, quota and snow ball sampling techniques were employed. Data generation techniques employed were: in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observation and document analysis. The collected data was analyzed thematically. From the study findings, it emerged that during the implementation of the sports- marathon initiative as a medium of communication in peace building among the two warring communities, several challenges were identified as, communication related challenges, political, cultural and social- economic challenges and security challenges. The study recommends that there is need for engagement of professionals in communication based initiatives in the communities. In regard to political challenges, with the introduction of county governments through the new constitution, there is need to focus on policy advocacy to deal with the structural inequalities that exacerbate the conflict. Finally cultural context and environmental factors should be factored in for the benefit of both communities while implementing sport based initiatives. The major contribution of the study is that sport-based peace initiatives contribute to inter-communication in peace building, challenges notwithstanding. However, being proactive in identification of the nature of challenges expected to factor in ways of mitigating them will go a long way in increasing the effectiveness of such initiatives in peace building.

Sport as a Medium for Inter-community Participatory Communication in Peace Building: A Literature Review

2023-04-19T08:31:19Z

Sport as a Medium for Inter-community Participatory Communication in Peace Building: A Literature Review Mutheu Paul, Virginia; Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo, Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo This paper reviews literature on sport as a medium for intercommunity participatory communication, especially in the context of peace building. It begins by first defining participatory communication; then, it situates participatory within the field of Communication Studies and the discipline of Development Communication. It then zeroes into the review of literature on sport as a medium for inter – community participatory communication in peace building. Also reviewed is literature on previous research on participatory communication in the context of peace building. The review concludes with identification of potential gaps in the literature that could be considered for future research on the subject

Role of Dynamic Capabilities on the Relationship of Social Capital and Research Productivity of Academic Staff in Kenyan Universities

2023-02-08T07:42:39Z

Role of Dynamic Capabilities on the Relationship of Social Capital and Research Productivity of Academic Staff in Kenyan Universities Mureithi, Grace Wairimu; Kiflemariam, Abraham; Omwenga, Vincent The quality and quantity of research publications by academic staff play a major role in determining the performance of universities. In addition, research output is expected to provide solutions to challenges facing the society at large. Moreover, research productivity is a key measure of achievement as well as a key instrument in improving the quality of teaching and knowledge creation. This implies that a key priority for the academic staff in Kenyan universities is how to increase their research productivity. However, research productivity of academic staff in Kenyan universities is characterised by limited publications. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of dynamic capabilities on the relationship of social capital and research productivity of academic staff in Kenyan universities. This study adopted a correlational research design and sampled 392 academic staff members. Both regression and bootstrap analyses were used to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that, social capital has a significant influence on research productivity of academic staff in Kenyan universities; however, the influence is not direct, but is partially mediated by dynamic capabilities. The study concluded that while social capital is a key knowledge-based resource necessary for improving research productivity, dynamic capabilities are also needed to deploy and reconfigure these resources. The study findings enlighten the academic staff on the importance of investing seriously in both social capital and dynamic capabilities to improve their research productivity. Additionally, the study outcomes inform the university management on significant antecedents of research productivity of academic staff.

Moderating Effect of Firm Size on the Relationship between Joint Marketing Alliances and Firm Performance of Retail Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya

2023-02-06T08:33:43Z

Moderating Effect of Firm Size on the Relationship between Joint Marketing Alliances and Firm Performance of Retail Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya Muange, Rosemary Muvinya; Ng’etich, Willy Kiptoo The study investigates the Moderating effects of firm size on the relationship between joint marketing alliances and the firm performance of retail firms in Nairobi County. The aim of the study was to evaluate the direct influence of joint marketing alliances on firm performance and the moderating effects of firm size on the relationship between joint marketing alliance and firm performance Resource Dependency Theory was used to guide the study. The study adopted explanatory research design. The target population of the study consisted of 490 top management officials working in the 47 retail firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used stratified and simple random sampling technique to select a sample of 216 respondents. Data is quantitative and was collected using a questionnaire. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics so multiple regression was used as it is the most applicable in this study. Correlation analysis was used to determine the strength of linear relationship between the variables being analyzed in the research. Study findings indicated that joint marketing alliance, has significant effect on firm performance. Based on the findings creating a joint marketing enhances firm performance. In addition, findings indicated under high firm size increase on firm performance. Furthermore, the study found out that firm size has a moderating effect on the relationship between joint marketing alliance and firm performance. The study recommends that firms need to share research and development resources with its strategic partners, shares manufacturing cost to develop marketable products. Firms have to engage in joint marketing alliances with firms that have well-established customer relationships so as increase their market and thereby enhance performance. Finally, It is necessary for firms to engage in joint marketing alliances with others and joint promotion services and product with other firms in order to enhance firm performance.

Effects of CEO Duality and Board Tenure on Corporate Social Responsibility of Firms Listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

2023-02-02T06:56:24Z

Effects of CEO Duality and Board Tenure on Corporate Social Responsibility of Firms Listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya Muange, Rosemary Muvinya; Ngetich, Willy Kiptoo Abstract:-CSR refers to voluntary managerial “actions that appear to further some social good, beyond the interests of the firm and that which is required by law. Board tenure and CEO duality are seen as potential determinants of corporate social responsibility but have not been fully explored in developing countries like Kenya. The research was to find out whether Board tenure and CEO duality have effects on corporate social responsibility investment of firms listed in Nairobi securities exchange in Kenya. The objectives for this study were to determine the effect of board tenure on corporate social responsibility and effect of CEO duality on corporate social responsibility. The study was guided by upper echelon theory which postulates that executive' experiences, values, and personalities greatly influence their interpretations of the situations they face and, in turn, affects their choices. The study employed explanatory research design. The research utilised secondary data derived from document analysis mainly from companies’ annual reports. The study targeted 65 firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange for the period ranging from 2005 to 2015. The study utilised data from 11 companies. The study adopted descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, fixed effects and Random effects regression models. Hausman test was carried out and Random effect model was found to be the best model for predicting the change in CSR. Study findings indicate that CEO duality had a negative significant effect on CSR,(β=- 34173, p = 0.004), p<0.05) and board tenure had a negative significant effect on CSR. (β=-0.11066, p = 0.012), p<0.05). In conclusion the study found out that when a company is led by a dominant personality, shareholders’ interests are likely to be maltreated. It is therefore crucial for the board to have outside board member as the chair of the board because this will take care of shareholders’interests which include CSR. Furthermore the study found out that the longer the experience of managers, the more knowledgeable they become hence they are more capable of managing CSR. Therefore the study recommends organizations to have a balanced board size-one that is not too small or too large so that there is no time wastage and will better CSR performance. It is therefore necessary for firm to retain managers that have a vast wealth of experience since they are knowledgeable and more capable of managing CSR. Further the study recommends companies to separate the position of CEO and chairman because Stakeholders view those companies that separate the two positions to be more reputable.