School of Information, Communication and Media Studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.rongovarsity.ac.ke/handle/123456789/608

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 28

Influence of social media on public relations practice in kenya’s banking industry: a study of chase bank kenya limited
(2020-12) Ogutu, Francis Odoyo
The banking industry in Kenya is crowded and these banks offer similar products pushing banks into cutthroat competition to entice customers. Social media platform offers these banks an effective platform to make their brands stand out, promote their products and help in crisis management communication. This study therefore aimed at surveying the influence of social media on public relations practice in Kenya banking industry a study of Chase bank Kenya ltd (IR).The specific objectives of the study were: to determine social media contribution to brand visibility of chase bank Kenya Ltd, to establish the role of social media on product promotion at chase bank Kenya Limited (IR) and finally investigate the role social media had on crisis management communication at chase bank Kenya Limited. The study aimed at advancing research and knowledge on how social media should be utilized by the banking industry in conducting their public relations practice. This will aid towards partially achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. The research design used was survey and adopted quantitative approach. A target population of 46 former chase bank employees and clients based at former chase bank branches acquired by SBM bank were investigated.28 former Chase bank employees derived from sales and customer service departments responded to the questionnaires while 16 were former chase bank clients purposively selected for the study on grounds of having interacted with the banks social media platform participated in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select former chase bank employees in sales and customer service department since their roles allowed them to intensively interact with banks clients. Data was collected using closed questionnaires. Analysis was done on Microsoft excel package where data was manipulated in form of percentages, mean, mode and median then findings presented in tables, graphs and pie charts. The findings indicated that social media contributed immensely to brand visibility (58.3%), helped in product promotion (75%) and also contributed to creating and resolving crisis at chase bank Kenya limited (70.9%). Recommendations of the researcher are banks should utilize social media alongside traditional media to promote brand awareness and brand visibility to stand out in the crowded banking industry due to its cost effectiveness. Social media should be utilized by banks in product promotion for instance by creating online competition and giving awards and using celebrity endorsement on social media to promote their products. Banks should regularly monitor their social media platforms to promptly avert crisis and also utilize their social media for crisis management communication. Finally, banks should embrace social media on all other public relations function.
The representation of intimate partner violence: an analysis of mainstream newspapers in Kenya (2016-2020)
(2023) Wagunda, Charles Okeyo
Mainstream newspapers have been criticized for routinely failing to represent intimate partner violence (IPV) in constructive ways. That means the problem of IPV is often presented shallowly as a series of isolated crime incidents without any social connections. Some previous studies- primarily focusing on broadcast media-have shown that the media can perpetuate inaccurate ideas about IPV, while others show improvements in coverage. There is, however, little research on how mainstream Kenyan newspapers represent the reality of IPV. As a result, this study purposed to analyse the representation of IPV by The Daily Nation, The Standard, and The Star from 2016 to 2020. The study’s objectives were to: analyse ways in which IPV was represented, explore the factors that accounted for the representation, and understand wider emerging meanings. Relatedly, the research questions inquired how the three newspapers represented IPV, the factors that accounted for such representation and emerging wider meanings. Philosophically, the research was informed by pragmatism employing a convergent parallel mixed methods design. Overall, the study was based on framing theory but augmented by critical feminist theory. The inquiry did not, however, look at the effects of framing on audiences, but the potency of the implications of framing through IPV message presentation. Whether or not the audiences are aware and the effects of framing on audiences was beyond the scope of this study. The content analysis results were presented in percentages, figures, and tables, followed by semi-structured interviews that were thematically analysed. From a target population of 5,475 newspaper editions, a search in the mainstream newspaper websites yielded 1,080 editions from which 70 editions containing IPV reports were selected for analysis through constructed week sampling. Nine journalists and three editors comprised the 12 participants who were purposively selected for interviews. Findings indicate that mainstream Kenyan newspapers often report IPV using episodic and murder-centric frames with catchy phrases and metaphors which tend to present IPV as discrete, isolated victim-blaming incidents. Second, despite newspaper reporters’ and editors’ best efforts to report IPV constructively, they are mainly constrained by market demands to sell copy, internal and external legal imperatives coupled with a lack of specific IPV reporting guidelines. Third, the findings also show that in subtle ways, newspaper reports not only excuse perpetrators but also perpetuate myths and stereotypes about IPV thus potentially inhibiting potent and constructive IPV messaging. IPV representation does not only excuse perpetrators but also perpetuates myths and stereotypes surrounding the issue. Such a representation inhibits the potency of IPV messaging. The study, therefore recommends that besides ‘featurising’ IPV reports, and incorporating more experts as sources, specific IPV reporting guidelines should be developed to facilitate potent and constructive IPV representation.
Role of communication in devolution towards the implementation of climate act 2016 in Mbita constituency
(2024) Tangara, Benard
Climate change is an area that is in dire need of publicity to help the public make informed decisions in its adaptation and mitigation. This research project aimed to investigate the pivotal role of communication in facilitating devolution processes towards the effective implementation of the Climate Act 2016 within Mbita Constituency. With climate change presenting significant challenges globally, the Climate Act 2016 serves as a crucial policy framework aimed at mitigating its adverse impacts. However, successful implementation at the local level, particularly within Mbita Constituency, relies heavily on effective communication strategies. Employing a quantitative research methodology, this study analyzed the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of stakeholders involved in the devolution process and climate action within Mbita Constituency. Through surveys and statistical analysis, the research objective was to seek and quantify the influence of various communication channels, including traditional media, social media, community engagement programs, and government initiatives, on the devolution process towards climate action implementation and subsequently, the researcher aimed to establish which communications approaches are effective in public participation in climate action The research also explored the extent of awareness, understanding, and engagement among stakeholders regarding the Climate Act 2016 and its implications for local governance and environmental sustainability. By examining the correlation between communication effectiveness and the progress of devolution initiatives, this study aimed to provide empirical insights into the mechanisms through which communication contributes to successful climate action implementation at the local level.
The mediatization of sino-Kenya relations by the Kenya mainstream press
(2022) Okech, Josphat Ogweno
Like all the other commercial mainstream media, the Kenya mainstream press is more often superficial in their news coverage. This was expected in their coverage of Sino-Kenya relations. This study examined the nature of mediatization of Sino-Kenya relations by the mainstream press, to investigate the meanings of emerging discourses from Kenya’s press mediatization of Sino-Kenya relations and explore the implications of the meanings of emerging discourses to broader Sino-Kenya relations. The study sought to answer the following questions: what was the nature of mediatization of Sino-Kenya relations in the mainstream Kenya’s press? What are the meanings of emerging discourses from Kenya’s mainstream press mediatization of Sino-Kenya relations? In addition, what are the implications of such meanings to the broader Sino-Kenya relations as mediatized in the Kenya’s mainstream press? An explorative research design approach was adopted which described a collection of sequential procedures which sought to elaborate the meanings of the emerging discourses and the implications, explorative research design was appropriate because the study was based on a critical discourse evaluation of the contents in the Kenya’s mainstream press on mediatization of Sino-Kenya relations. Triangulation was used in the analysis which combined the use of Qualitative and Quantitative approaches. A two-step purposive sampling method was used in first, selecting the three mainstream newspapers because they are market leaders and they are the newspapers that covered broadly the relations and then secondly the period of study the years from 2015 and 2019 because the years covered broadly many activities concerning Sino-Kenya relations. The advantage of this sampling method is that the study objects are always available and accessible. The study examined three newspapers: The Daily Nation, The Standard and The Star. The content from the three mainstream press was sampled producing a sample size of 70 newspapers, in addition, 3 journalists and 3 Chief Editors were equally purposefully sampled. Interviews were conducted with key informants and analyzed qualitatively while the coding sheet assisted in collecting data that was then analyzed quantitatively to record the frequency of occurrence of the identified nature of mediatization. Qualitative approach was used to study the meanings of emerging discourses, use of attributive words, pictures, and discussions and the implications of the meanings from the discourses. The identified nature of mediatization were found to be fused with ideological undertones that served in mediatizing the Sino-Kenya relations. The results indicated that articles adopted neutral tone whose implication was a dual beneficial relation. The study suggested that the editorial policies of publishing houses should also be points of focus in future studies and should have a deeper discussion in its contents
An adoption model for WhatsApp messaging in enhancing public participation in budgeting process: a study of Migori county government
(2024-10) Omondi, Juma George;
Globally the use of WhatsApp messaging has gained momentum. Governments and other institutions have embraced WhatsApp messaging to enhance access to information on development processes. However little is known about possible usage of WhatsApp messaging in public participation in the budgeting process. Migori County has been grappling with challenges in its journey to involve the citizen in its budgeting process as required under the Kenyan constitution 2010.Ineffective communication is among the challenges undermining the budgeting process. The purpose of the study was therefore to design an effective Adoption Model for WhatsApp messaging which can enhance the county’s public participation in the budgeting process. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine the use of WhatsApp messaging as communication tool in public participation in the budgeting making process, investigate the factors influencing the adoption of WhatsApp messaging as means of communication in public participation budgeting process and finally design an adoption model of WhatsApp messaging for public participation in the budget making process for Migori County. The study relied on participatory development theory and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) .This study was carried out in three sub counties in Migori County which are Rongo, Awendo and Suna East with a study population of 143,468 and a sample size of 399 identified using Yamane’s formula. This study used a survey design because it involved exploring people’s opinion and attitudes. Seven county staff key in public participation budgeting process were sampled purposively while the 392 member of the public from Rongo, Awendo and Suna East sub counties were sampled using stratified and systematic sampling technique. Data from 7 county government officials key in public participation process were collected using semi-structured Key Informant interviews while questionnaires were administered to 392 members of the public involved in budgeting process. Quantitative data were studied using descriptive analysis, and qualitative data were narratively presented and thematically assessed. The majority of survey participants learned about public participation in the budgeting process via WhatsApp, according to the study. Majority of the respondents in the study proposed the use of WhatsApp messaging for public participation because of the conclusiveness in WhatsApp discussions, convenience, timeliness, ease of use among others. The respondents however indicated that high cost of data bundles, non-inclusivity, poor coordination and identification of people to participate in public participation should be addressed. The study has also proposed a five staged model for WhatsApp messaging. Finally, social, political, technological; individual and organizational influence the proposed model. Based on the findings the study has recommended that the county government of Migori can consider using WhatsApp messaging as one of the communication tools for public participation while considering existing political, social, political technological, organizational and individual factors. The county government of Migori can also consider using the proposed 5 staged WhatsApp messaging model.
An m- shopping adoption model for developing economies. A study of Kisii town retail shops
(2016) Onunga, Jeremiah
Mobile shopping has been growing at a very fast pace in the developed world, but the trend has not quite picked up in the developing nations, including Kenya. It is still a relatively new trend. This study examined factors influencing m-shopping adoption and critical success factors that influence the adoption of m-shopping using extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study used descriptive survey research design as it was helpful in indicating trends in attitudes and behaviors and enabled generalization of the findings of the research study. This design was considered appropriate for this study because the quality information yielded was valid, while interviewer bias was reduced because participants completed identically worded self-reported measures. The population that was selected for the research was from Kisii Town, and a minimum sample of 384 respondents was selected to take part. The data was collected using questionnaires. An intercept personal interview approach was used to collect the data for the research. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The advancement in this research area is as a result of increased use of mobile computing technology to support new data analysis techniques and remote discovery of knowledge. The quantitative data about perceived risks, convenience, commodity prices and product variety were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data presentation was done using frequency distribution tables. The findings of the study revealed that m-shopping was a new trend in the Kisii Town and was taking root. Some of the reasons cited for adoption of m-shopping included; time saving, easy comparison of alternative products, fairer prices of online goods, expert/user review of products and access to a market without borders. Some challenges of m-shopping adoption that needs to be addressed were perceived risks, negatively influences consumers’ intentions and actual use of m-shopping. Online stores ought to introduce security mechanisms to reduce associated risks. The findings further indicated that this model can predict consumer intention to use m-shopping. Specifically, perceived usefulness, perceived credibility and awareness about m-shopping have significant effect on user’s attitude thus influence the intention toward m-shopping. The study provides relevant business advantage in terms of providing insights on how m-shopping is being embraced the challenges, and how to improve it.
The representation of intimate partner violence: an analysis of mainstream newspapers in Kenya (2016-2020)
(2023) Wagunda, Charles
Mainstream newspapers have been criticized for routinely failing to represent intimate partner violence (IPV) in constructive ways. That means the problem of IPV is often presented shallowly as a series of isolated crime incidents without any social connections. Some previous studies- primarily focusing on broadcast media-have shown that the media can perpetuate inaccurate ideas about IPV, while others show improvements in coverage. There is, however, little research on how mainstream Kenyan newspapers represent the reality of IPV. As a result, this study purposed to analyse the representation of IPV by The Daily Nation, The Standard, and The Star from 2016 to 2020. The study’s objectives were to: analyse ways in which IPV was represented, explore the factors that accounted for the representation, and understand wider emerging meanings. Relatedly, the research questions inquired how the three newspapers represented IPV, the factors that accounted for such representation and emerging wider meanings. Philosophically, the research was informed by pragmatism employing a convergent parallel mixed methods design. Overall, the study was based on framing theory but augmented by critical feminist theory. The inquiry did not, however, look at the effects of framing on audiences, but the potency of the implications of framing through IPV message presentation. Whether or not the audiences are aware and the effects of framing on audiences was beyond the scope of this study. The content analysis results were presented in percentages, figures, and tables, followed by semi-structured interviews that were thematically analysed. From a target population of 5,475 newspaper editions, a search in the mainstream newspaper websites yielded 1,080 editions from which 70 editions containing IPV reports were selected for analysis through constructed week sampling. Nine journalists and three editors comprised the 12 participants who were purposively selected for interviews. Findings indicate that mainstream Kenyan newspapers often report IPV using episodic and murder-centric frames with catchy phrases and metaphors which tend to present IPV as discrete, isolated victim-blaming incidents. Second, despite newspaper reporters’ and editors’ best efforts to report IPV constructively, they are mainly constrained by market demands to sell copy, internal and external legal imperatives coupled with a lack of specific IPV reporting guidelines. Third, the findings also show that in subtle ways, newspaper reports not only excuse perpetrators but also perpetuate myths and stereotypes about IPV thus potentially inhibiting potent and constructive IPV messaging. IPV representation does not only excuse perpetrators but also perpetuates myths and stereotypes surrounding the issue. Such a representation inhibits the potency of IPV messaging. The study, therefore recommends that besides ‘featurising’ IPV reports, and incorporating more experts as sources, specific IPV reporting guidelines should be developed to facilitate potent and constructive IPV representation.
Communication strategies in life skills education for underage pregnancy prevention : a case of rongo sub-county secondary schools
(2022) Ochola, Millicent
This study investigated communication strategies in Life Skills Education for underage pregnancy prevention among secondary school students in Rongo Sub-County. The rationale behind this study was that, underage pregnancy is on the rise despite the implementation of Life Skills Education in both primary and secondary schools in Kenya. Life Skills are psychosocial competencies which should enable an individual to effectively deal with demands and challenges in life for an active, healthy and productive life. The escalating numbers of underage pregnancies disclose that minimal attention is directed towards adolescence transfer of Life Skills to their daily lives. The study attempted to find out if the missing link was communication. This study was guided by three research objectives; to establish communication strategies used in Life Skills Education; to determine whether the communication strategies used in Life Skills education leads to underage pregnancy prevention and to examine the challenges in the use of communication strategies in Life Skills education to students in Rongo Sub-County secondary schools. This study was guided by Health Belief Model theory and adopted a qualitative descriptive design and collected data from students and teachers in Rongo Sub-County secondary schools using focus group discussions, interviews, and participant observation. A sample of fifty (50) students participated in the focus group discussion while six teachers participated in individual interviews. The sample was obtained through purposive, quota and chain sampling. Data was analysed thematically using manual open coding and NVivo 11 software. Results were presented in a narrative form, illustrated by direct quotes, mind maps and tables. The study revealed that, in the dissemination of Life Skills, teachers utilised non participatory, one directional and top bottom communication strategies which limited students‟ involvement in the learning process. As a result, there was limited Life Skills acquisition, and consequently no retention and application attested by the escalating poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes including underage pregnancy. The study also revealed that the utilisation of participatory communication strategies in Life Skills classrooms was hampered by a myriad of challenges ranging from administrative to lack of stakeholders‟ involvement. The study recommended urgent in-service training of teachers of Life Skills on participatory strategies, stakeholders‟ participation in inculcation of morals to children, provision of resources such as audio-visual aids and infrastructural developments in schools to facilitate participation.
Participatory communication approach for sustainable solid waste management: a study of Migori county, Kenya.
(2022) Akong’o, Marren Atieno
Globally, community participation and stakeholder collaboration have been proposed as a way of improving SSWM. However, little remains known on how to structure collaborative communication for SSWM. The main objective of this study was to investigate participatory communication approach to SSWM so as to design community communication network for participatory communication of SSWM. The study was guided by four specific objectives namely; to investigate community involvement in dialogic communication of sustainable solid waste management in Migori County; to determine community access to media used in the communication of SSWM; to assess strategic messages communicated for SSWM in Migori County; and to design communication network for improving community participation in the communication of SSWM. The study was grounded on Participatory Communication theory which emphasizes use of dialogic communication for peoples’ empowerment and social change. Communicative Ecology theory was used to structure community communication networks for participatory communication of SSWM. The study was informed by pragmatic philosophical paradigm and was conducted using mixed methods approach where 399 respondents from Migori, Isebania and Rongo urban areas in Migori County were sampled using Yamane’s sampling formula. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 23 key informants: seven (7) from the department of Environment and Natural Resources, eight (8) from municipalities of Rongo, Migori and Isebania and eight (8) were community representatives. 144 members of the community were sampled using snowballing while another 233 were obtained by simple random sampling. Qualitative data was collected using semi structured interview and focus groups discussion guides while questionnaires were used for quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically to produce themes and codes which were then used to construct scales and variables in questionnaires. Quantitative analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Data was presented using themes, quotes, tables, percentages and figures. Findings showed limited and uncoordinated community involvement in dialogic communication of SSWM; limited community access to media used in communication of SSWM; lack of focus on SSWM strategic messages and lack of appropriate communication structures for community participation in communication of SSWM. The study concluded that limited communication of SSWM and lack of participatory communication structures limit community participation in communication of SSWM and collaboration in SSWM. Lack of focus on strategic messages communicated for SSWM also contributes to inadequate knowledge of SSWM among the community. This thesis argues that limited community participation in communication of SSWM limits community understanding of SSWM, their involvement in decision making on SSWM, and empowerment needed for responsible SSWM. The study recommends the use of the proposed community communication networks to improve community participation in communication of SSWM. It also recommends community involvement in the construction and communication of strategic SSWM messages to make the messages more impactful.
Security control model for electronic health records
(2020) Kemboi, Lucy
Secure Electronic Health Records (EHR) is essential in provision of reliable information to support delivery of healthcare services. The adoption of (EHR) provides improved patient care that is more efficient. The use of EHR raises concerns over protection of patient’s information. Therefore, there is need of a security control model of Electronic health records in the expanded environment. This study developed a model that ensures that the Electronic Health Records is secure from any threat that will compromise the safety of patient’s information at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. The study was guided by three research objectives: To examine security controls of the current EHR system, establish the security controls requirements and to model a security control model for EHR for MTRH. This study was also guided by Systems Theory formulated on the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables on enforcing information security on Technical, Administrative and physical security controls in managing risks, internal process controls and information auditing. The study adopted a cross sectional survey study design on security of patient’s health records with a target population of 200 health records MTRH members of staff working in 8 departments and handling patient’s health information, with a sample size of 133. A three-level questionnaire with both structured and unstructured questions with five-point scale chart was used. The data collected was coded, entered and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The summarized data was presented in percentages and frequency distribution tables, charts and graphs. The study findings showed that the administrative Security controls were well articulated in MTRH (60%) compared to Technical (36%) and Physical security controls (32%). Therefore, the study recommended a security control model that secures EHR for MTRH. This is represented by the three-security control in equal measure. This model ensures a proper organized structure for enforcing information security and vital approaches, techniques, procedures and necessary policies and technologies to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability to ensure a secure EHR.
Communication strategies utilized by women principals in managing workplace conflict in the Kenyan school context
(2019) Kokeyo, Carolyne Adhiambo
Despite several conflicts experienced in secondary schools in Kenya, very minimal research has been conducted to investigate potential causes of unrests in schools related to inappropriate communication by school principals. Furthermore, it is normally assumed that women have better communication strategies and that their schools experience less conflict. However, a review of relevant literature shows that the manner in which women principals utilise communication to manage workplace conflicts has not been established through research, especially, in the Kenyan school context. Therefore, this study sought to explore how women principals utilised communication strategies to manage workplace conflicts at secondary school level. The specific research questions were: First, what is the nature of workplace conflicts in secondary schools headed by women principals? Second, what is the nature of communication strategies utilized in schools headed by women principals? Third, how do the women principals utilize communication strategies to manage workplace conflict at secondary school level? Fourth, what challenges do women principals face? This study was informed by relativist-interpretivist paradigm which is consistent with the qualitative approach. The study adopted a case study method in which semi- structured interviews, focused group discussions and document analysis were used to generate data which were then analysed thematically. Forty research participants who were sampled purposively to take part in the study included women principals, the deputy principals, HoDs, Guidance and counselling leaders, the senior teachers as well as prefects from the student council of each study school. All relevant ethical issues were addressed. Findings indicate that first, the nature of workplace conflicts such as need-based, interest-based, data-based and social-based conflicts were unpredictable. Secondly, the nature of communication strategies utilised in schools headed by women principals such as counselling, monologue, dialogue, aggression as well as grapevine-based communication were convoluted and fluid. Thirdly, the women principals‟ utilised unique communication strategies in managing workplace conflicts such as: Nurturing counselling, Mongrel and Machiavellian communication. Lastly, the major challenges faced by women principals included inadequate skills as well as insufficient and undocumented policy guidelines. The contribution this study makes is that communication strategies as utilized by the women principals in real life context has not featured anywhere in communication literature. Therefore, this study recommends that there is need for social science scholars to explore what interpretivist perspective has to offer in order to better understand people‟s unique experiences, their actual practices and needs. The study being multidisciplinary makes contribution to the body of knowledge in communication studies while offering a relevant analysis on the role of communication in managing workplace conflict within school leadership using a gendered approach.This is applicable in the twenty-first century in which effective communication is placed at the center of organizational learning. Hence, there is need for organizational leaders to desist from dichotomy thinking in managing workplace conflicts as the nature of conflicts is convoluted and unpredictable. Therefore, this study proposes a mixed-breed approach referred to as mongrel communication.
A framework for integrating radiology with hospital management information systems in selected public hospitals in Uasin Gishu County
(2020) Ogoti, Kelvin Wabwire
The main aim of integrating health information systems is more like transformation in business organizations, which is to streamline, interconnect, and compress the value chain or process. The aim of the study was to develop a framework for integrating a Radiology and Hospital Management Information System. The study had the following objective; To assess the status of the design framework of the Radiology and Hospital Management Information System in the selected public hospitals in Uasin Gishu County, to identify organizational factors that should be considered while integrating Radiology and Hospital Management Information System, to determine the capabilities of the existing infrastructure to support the integration of Radiology and Hospital Management Information System, and lastly to develop a framework for integrating Radiology and Hospital Management Information System. The study was carried out at selected public hospitals in Uasin Gishu County. The selected hospitals are Ziwa Sub County Hospital, Burn Forest Sub-County Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. The study aimed at developing a framework for the integration of Radiology and Hospital Management Information System. The study carried out an all-inclusive participatory investigation into ways of integrating Radiology and Hospital Management Information System in the selected public hospitals in Uasin Gishu County by administering questionnaires. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS v 20) and the findings presented as follows: On the design framework of the Radiology and Hospital Management information system used in the selected public hospital in Uasin Gishu county, the result showed that both Radiology and Hospital Management Information Systems used in selected hospital exist independent systems that do not exchange data; The results also showed that the Infrastructure framework in the selected hospitals contains poor communication channels, lacked proper data centers and the network infrastructure was also not up to the standards required for integration; On organizational factors to be considered in the integration framework, the study found that there was poor budgetary allocation to critical departments especially the Information Communication Technology section. The study recommended a complete overhaul of the network infrastructure in the selected hospitals, and evaluation of both the Radiology and Hospital Management Information System, and finally appropriate budgetary allocation.
Communication strategies in life skills education for underage pregnancy prevention: a case of Rongo sub-county secondary schools
(2022-11) Ochola, Millicent
This study investigated communication strategies in life skills education for underage pregnancy prevention among secondary school students in Rongo Sub-County. The rationale behind this study was that underage pregnancy is on the rise despite the implementation of Life Skills Education in both primary and secondary schools in Kenya. Life Skills are psychosocial competencies which should enable an individual to effectively deal with demands and challenges in life for an active, healthy and productive life. The escalating numbers of underage pregnancies disclose that minimal attention is directed towards adolescence transfer of Life Skills to their daily lives. The study attempted to find out if the missing link was communication. This study was guided by three research objectives; to establish communication strategies used in Life Skills Education; to determine whether the communication strategies used in Life Skills education leads to underage pregnancy prevention and to examine the challenges in the use of communication strategies in Life Skills education to students in Rongo Sub-County secondary schools. This study was guided by Health Belief Model theory and adopted a qualitative descriptive design and collected data from students and teachers in Rongo Sub-County secondary schools using focus group discussions, interviews, and participant observation. A sample of fifty (50) students participated in the focus group discussion while six teachers participated in individual interviews. The sample was obtained through purposive, quota and chain sampling. Data was analysed thematically using manual open coding and NVivo 11 software. Results were presented in a narrative form, illustrated by direct quotes, mind maps and tables. The study revealed that, in the dissemination of Life Skills, teachers utilised non participatory, one directional and top bottom communication strategies which limited students‟ involvement in the learning process. As a result, there was limited Life Skills acquisition, and consequently no retention and application attested by the escalating poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes including underage pregnancy. The study also revealed that the utilisation of participatory communication strategies in Life Skills classrooms was hampered by a myriad of challenges ranging from administrative to lack of stakeholders‟ involvement. The study recommended urgent in-service training of teachers of Life Skills on participatory strategies, stakeholders‟ participation in inculcation of morals to children, provision of resources such as audio-visual aids and infrastructural developments in schools to facilitate participation.
Communication approaches for promotion of tourism in Homabay county, Kenya
(2022-12) Bwanah, Jacinta Nonkwe
This study was conducted with the aim of finding out the communication approaches used for promotion of tourism in Homabay county. This is based on the fact that Homabay county is rich in tourists‟ attractions but continue to receive very few tourists; Kenya also aims to meet the requirements of its vision 2030 as far as the tourism sector is concerned. Promotion of tourism is necessary to enable the sector generate revenue to the county and improve the livelihood of the people around the area. The study aimed to investigate the communication approaches used in the promotion of tourism in Homabay county. The specific objectives of the study were to examine communication channels used in the promotion of tourism in Homabay county, to assess communication messages for promotion of tourism in Homabay county and to determine the communication frequency for promotion of tourists‟ sites in Homabay county. The study was guided by Media Framing theory and adopted mixed research approach. Data was collected from stakeholders of tourism in Homabay County by use of questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. The target population was 1,433 with a sample size of 100. Purposive and convenient sampling was employed. Qualitative data was analysed thematically using manual open coding and NVivo 11 software while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Four themes emerged: channels of tourism promotion, attraction points for tourists in Homabay county, promotion of tourism and the level of frequency of tourism promotion. 35 of the 80 tourists were referred by a previous tourist to visit Ruma national park, while 10 of them got the message from the internet; 39 of them stated that the tourism promotional information is convincing while 41 of them said it is not. 50 tourists stated that there is need to increase the frequency of promotion of tourism, 12 said no, while 18 did not know. The study found that the channels through which tourism promotion is done include electronic and print media as well as events such as Miss tourism Homabay. It was also established that the promotional messages contained cultural and historical information while highlighting the uniqueness of the sites. The promotion of these sites is however not done frequently and the channels used mainly reach the local tourists leaving out the potential tourists in the international arena. The ministry of tourism Homabay county attributes inadequate promotion of the sites to lack of adequate funds from the county government. The study recommends that the Homabay county government, KWS intensify promotion of the sector by using channels that target both local and international tourists. The promotional messages should be easily accessible, adequate, persuasive and convincing. The frequency of the promotional activities should also be increased and done periodically.
Effects of motivation on the performance of librarians at Rongo University Library.
(OSF, 2022-12) Ouma, Cary F. O.; Nakitare, Joel
Scholars in management aver that the success of any organization is mostly pegged on the level of its staff motivation. In spite of this reality, many organizations spend much of their resources on other pursuits while ignoring the need to motivate their staff. This reality affects libraries just like it affects other institutions, and it calls for efforts to lobby for more investment in the motivation of librarians for the greater success of the institutions that they serve. It is against this background that this study seeks to investigate factors affecting the motivation of staff and their correlation to the work performance of librarians at Rongo University. The objectives of the study were to investigate factors affecting librarians at Rongo University, assess the effect of motivation on the performance of librarians at Rongo University, and propose a framework for motivating librarians at Rongo University. The study was based on a qualitative research approach and guided by descriptive survey design. The study also adopted the census method, whereby data was collected from all employees of the library using questionnaires. According to the findings, librarians at Rongo University felt that. In conclusion, librarians at Rongo University generally feel that the employers have not provided them with most of the requirements for motivation. Further, they generally agreed that providing the requirements for motivation would make them perform better in their assignment. The study recommends that the employer should improve working conditions by improving the provision of lunch, tea, accommodation and office space; invest more on professional development of librarians, reward academic excellence, base promotions on academic achievement and provide incentives for academic advancement; address all the promotional factors associated with remuneration and invest more on their employee motivation as a means of addressing its performance challenges.
Mitigating Election Violence through social media Micro-Influencers
(Center for Media, Democracy, Peace and Security-Rongo University, 2022-06-24) Ogenga, Fredrick
There has been a growing concern about the role of social media in peaceful elections in Kenya yet very minimal evidence that demonstrates the causal relation between social media and peaceful political transitions therefore presenting a gap that is worth exploring. Contrarily, evidence is abounded on how social media contributes to chaotic elections in Kenya with 2007, 2013 and 2017 serving as excellent examples. The good news, though, is that much of this evidence is local and focuses on the double-edged sword- nature of social media as both a tool for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. So, the question that begs then, is the extent to which this evidence has been utilized to inspire or inform program intervention at the praxis level locally. The answer to this critical question would explain why there is evidence gap on the direct role of social media in peaceful elections in Kenya which implies that there could be very few local interventions that are inspired by locally produced knowledge that would compel peace researchers to initiate ground -breaking studies that would further contribute to literature in the area. This study could not clearly get hold of any good examples as reference points. However, what has remained clear is the double- edged sword-nature of social media in electoral conflict and peacebuilding. The fact that social media can be used both for escalating conflict and peacebuilding is a reminder of its technical composition. However, the fact that it has thrived more in escalating electoral conflict than peacebuilding in Kenya and beyond, over the years, as shown by scholarly evidence, is a cause for concern. It seems as if social media operates within the confines of algorithms that amplifies negativity and makes it easier for misinformation and disinformation, hate speech and propaganda to spread and thrive. Nevertheless, in Kenya, the reality is that politically motivated ethnic hate is a product that is generated or manufactured consensually offline and sustained online bringing to the fore critical discussions of the online offline dynamics in addressing social media hate speech, misinformation and disinformation as ingredients for social media weaponization and therein violence. The study that this report is based on revealed that the latter is perpetrated by politicians who work in tandem with a significant number of unemployed youths for political mileage before, during and after elections. So, in mitigating social medias potential in conflict prevention and appraising its role as a tool for peace building, this policy related research report by the Center for Media, Democracy, Peace and Security- Rongo University aims at supporting stakeholder in understanding the salience of local approaches and whole of society approach in interventions that would tap on social media affordances for peacebuilding. This would include appreciation of local produced evidence, local expertise (Southern Voices) and attendant recommendations coupled with the conceptualization of well thought out coordination mechanisms that would be able to address the online–offline triple dynamics of social media hate speech, misinformation and disinformation used as fuel for politically instigated violence going forward.
The role of community radio in anti-female genital mutilation awareness: a study of togotane fm, Migori county, Kenya
(2022) Zattu, Isabel Ziz
Community radio is acknowledged as an effective tool for awareness creation and social action and has been employed worldwide to change behavior. It is however insightful that in the case of female genital mutilation (FGM), there appears to be no evidence on the effectiveness of community radio, considering that the practice continues unabated even in communities with community radios, such as the Kuria, in which Togotane FM, a popular community radio operates. This study, therefore, sought to establish the role of community radio in anti-FGM awareness, with a specific focus on Togotane FM. The specific objectives were to: examine the role of program content, assess the role of audience segmentation; and to evaluate the role of audience participation with respect to anti-FGM awareness on Togotane FM. The literature review took a thematic approach, guided by the study objectives. The study was anchored on the democratic participant theory of communication. The study adopted a mixed research approach, whereby both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using the survey design and content analysis of Togotane FM’s programs. The target population were 305,385 listeners of Togotane FM in the Kuria region, with a sample of 399 respondents that was arrived at using Yamane’s formula. Main respondents were selected through multi-stage clustering and then random sampling, while key informants who included Togotane FM staff and community resource persons were selected purposively. Data was collected from main respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions, and from key informants using interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and presented, charts while qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. All ethical principles were observed. The study found that although three programs - Ikihita, Tabataba and Omogeka - occasionally carry anti-FGM content, there are no programs dedicated specifically to anti-FGM on Togotane FM. Furthermore, the station does not have a clear segmentation strategy, which could be contributing to the exclusion younger listeners from anti-FGM discussions. Finally, the study reveals that the audience participates in feedback only, but not in the production process. Based on the aforementioned, the study recommends that community radio should dedicate specific programs to anti-FGM content and conduct audience surveys to establish the best options for timing and content delivery strategy. It is also important to develop a scheduling policy to guide market segmentation, based on the results of audience surveys. Finally, community radio should involve audiences in all aspects, programming, including, content creation, hosting of radio shows, and providing feedback while programs are being aired.
Determinants of cloud computing adoption for health service delivery by public health facilities in Kisumu county, Kenya
(2020) Ogwel, Billy
Cloud computing has emerged as a technological paradigm to reduce Information Technology (IT) costs, foster collaboration while increasing productivity. Cloud computing if adopted would offer economic benefits (less capital expenditure, lower maintenance costs, reduced IT labor costs and energy savings), operational advantages (enhanced collaboration, improved security, unlimited computing resources and 24- hour platform) and functional benefits (easy integration because it uses standard protocols) and these would improve health service delivery. The healthcare sector has been slower to adopt cloud computing compared to other industries. Furthermore, it has been established that cloud computing adoption is sector specific due to the different features and security levels they need and as such, cloud adoption studies should be sector specific. Locally, there is limited literature concerning the adoption and benefits of cloud computing in Kenyan healthcare sector. The study was done in Kisumu County and it focused on 57 public health facilities in the county. This study was based on a conceptual framework integrated from the Technological Acceptance Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour and Technology-Organization-Environment model. The objectives of the study were to assess the extent of cloud computing adoption, determine the influence of technological factors, establish the influence of organisational factors and evaluate the influence of behavioural factors in cloud computing adoption for health service delivery. The target population was 114 healthcare personnel (facility in-charges and health records officers). The sample size was 88 healthcare personnel and it was computed using Yamane formula (1967) and sample was drawn using stratified random sampling. The study employed a cross- sectional study using questionnaires to collect data from respondents. Data analysis was done using Stata 14.0 software; logistic regression was used to establish the association of health service delivery and determinants of cloud computing adoption. The findings showed that cloud computing prevalence was at 53% and these cloud implementations were deployed as hybrid clouds with Software-as-a-Service (100%) being the most common implementation. Cloud computing adoption influenced health service delivery (Odds Ratio [OR]=7.14, p=0.016).The study found out the following factors to be predictors of cloud computing adoption for health service delivery: Technological factors (technological infrastructure OR=10.29, p<0.0001; technical competency OR=12.27, p<0.0001; security OR=7.40, p=0.0010; privacy OR=11.70, p<0.0001; expert scarcity OR=4.83, p=0.001), organisational factors (Budgetary allocation for IT OR=2.96, p=0.048; firm size OR=21.79 p<0.0001) and behavioural factors (Perceived usefulness OR=10.29, p<0.0001, perceived ease of use OR=8.48 , p=0.002; social influence OR=3.44 p=0.016). From the study findings, I recommend increased adoption of cloud computing to improve health service delivery: bottom-up systems that are unique to facility needs. On technological factors, I recommend, improvement of technological infrastructure in all facilities. On organisational factors, I recommend increased budgetary allocation for IT in health facilities. On behavioural factors, I recommend building the capacity of healthcare personnel in cloud paradigm, related skills and its benefits. I also suggest that future studies can improve on this work by diversifying the target population to include other healthcare workers to better understand use and acceptance of cloud computing for health service delivery.
A framework for adoption and integration of e-health in maternal healthcare: a case of sub-county hospitals in uasin gishu county
(2020) Kosgei, Silas Kipkurui
Electronic health has fundamentality transformed the way patient data is shared and accessed across health systems. In Kenya maternal health care still faces challenges including, inaccessibility of quality maternal health services, delivery, ante-natal, and post-natal services. Adoption and integration of e-health into maternal health are expected to contribute to the delivery of maternal health and consequently increasing life expectancy at birth. Relatively few healthcare providers of maternal health have fully adopted E-Health, in Uasin Gishu County low diffusion is due partially to the quality of data Technology investment, which works on the far side getting technology to ever-changing work processes and cultures, and guaranteeing that physicians, nurses, and different employees use it. Manual record-keeping related to medical facilities is a theme of medical debates thanks to the confusion it’s caused by medical practitioners. The study was guided by the following objectives; to review the existing e-health framework in Uasin Gishu County; to identify challenges in adoption and integration of e-health on maternal health delivery in Uasin Gishu County; to develop a framework for e-health adoption on maternal healthcare in Uasin Gishu County. This study employed a descriptive survey research design. The study was carried out in sub-county hospitals, in Uasin Gishu County. The study subject was drawn from the target population of 408 respondents from the six sub-county hospitals including Ainabkoi, Kapsaret, Kesses, Moiben, Soy, and Turbo. The sample size was 124 calculated using the 30% formula of Mugenda and Mugenda (2003). The probability sampling technique was used in this study. The study used both questionnaire and interview schedule in data collection. The analysis was done through inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 will be used to analyze collected data. Based on the study findings the study indicated that consumer health informatics as a form of e-health is commonly used and that M-health was the least used form of e-health among sub- county hospitals in Uasin Gishu County towards maternal healthcare. On forms of e- health that should be implemented in the facilities, the study concludes that Health information Systems is well entrenched in maternal healthcare provision among sub- county hospitals in the county. The study concluded that the average ICT technologies across the facilities in Uasin Gishu County are almost evenly distributed owing to a small standard deviation from the mean. Facilities were also found to be well connected to the Internet as the majority had an internet connection. On the application of e-Health achieved in the health sector, the study concludes that improved teaching methods are the most common application of e-Health achieved. There is a need to bring on board all the stakeholders in the health sector towards the implementation of e-health in maternal health. Stakeholders like the government were not found to be well involved in the process. The study also recommended that measures to improve the application of e-health need to be put in place. The study will be of importance to the management of sub-county hospitals and future scholars.
An automated interface design for student-parent interaction in secondary boarding schools: a study of schools in rachuonyo south sub-county, Kenya.
(2019) Juma, Mary Akeyo
Ministry of Education banned the use of mobile phones by students in boarding schools without replacing it with a suitable interaction interface. This situation infringes on children’s right to information, as delineated in the Convention on the Right of the Child which include the right to be heard and to be taken seriously, to free speech and information, and to maintain privacy. The situation has thus led to sneaking and illegal use of phones making students to incline towards accessing destructive pieces of information. There is need to find a suitable replacement to letter writing, and mobile phones in secondary boarding schools. The study aims at assessing student-parent interaction needs to come up with requirements interaction that would enable the development of a suitable interaction platform. The study objectives were: to examine existing students-parents interaction platform used in secondary boarding schools, to establish requirement for an automated interface design for student-parent interaction while in secondary boarding school, to design an automated interface for student-parent interaction while in secondary boarding school. The study was confined to public boarding secondary schools in Rachuonyo South Sub-County, in Kenya. A survey methodology and stratified sampling technique with sample size of 330 students, 178 parents and 8 teaching staff were used to come up with appropriate data for research. Cochran equation formula was used to determine the sample size. The data collected were descriptively and inferentially analyzed using SPSS and ms-excel applications. The findings from the data analysis and interpretation showed that bigger percentage of students use mobile phones to interact with their parents despite the ministry’s ban. The administrators preferred an interaction interface that would filter destructive information while the students preferred a speedy and reliable interaction interface. Guided by research findings and studies on other successful student–parent interaction interfaces in other parts of the world, the researcher designed an interface in which each student had an account and logged in using log in credentials. Students’ problems were categorized into three as per the research findings. The categories were social, academic and financial problems. Each category had a list of problems designed as a dropdown menu. The students select their problems from the menu which is sent to their parents’ phone numbers as short messages. The interface administrator has to login to be able to register new students and deregister absent students by updating the students’ and parents’ Database. The administrators also update the problem menus to suite the student’s need especially in addressing emerging issues. Based on these findings, the ministry of education and the school head teachers should allocate funds for provision of a special room in schools equipped with adequate computers. Each computer to be installed with interaction interface and the number should be enough to enable each student get an opportunity to interact with their parents. A teacher on duty should be charged with additional responsibility of guarding the room and supervising studentparent interaction process.

Browse

Recent Submissions