PhD in Social Transformation

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Societal Perceptions and Attitudes towards Disability, Sexuality and Pregnancy of Disabled Women from Kibra Sub County, Nairobi
(Tangaza University, 2024-12-03) Brezhnev Henry Otieno
Despite the existence of robust global and national frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Kenya Persons with Disabilities Act, which promote disability inclusion, disabled women in Kenya still face prejudice and stigma in society. The purpose of this study was to examine societal attitudes and perceptions toward the disability, sexuality, pregnancy, and childbirth of disabled women in Kibra, Nairobi. The study utilized the critical disability theory and the Utu conceptualization of disability to understand how attitudes and perceptions contribute to the (de)stigmatization of disabled women. A convergent parallel mixed method design was employed in the study, and fourteen disabled women were interviewed using an interview guide. A perception questionnaire and an Attitude Towards Disabled Persons (ADTP) tool were also administered to 420 non-disabled women and men and 145 healthcare staff. The study findings cited birth complications (37.1%) and genetic factors (40.2%) as the most common cause of impairment. The majority of respondents believed that disabled women have normal sexual organs and feelings, that they can engage in sexual relationships, that they can become pregnant, and that their pregnancy is not unusual. The findings also show that to overcome negative societal stigma and prejudices, disabled women adopt aggressive behavior, avoidance, self-stigmatization, and solidarity with one another. Nondisabled women and men had a combined mean ATDP score of 117.55 (SD = 24.21), with scores ranging from 26 to 174. The average ATDP scores for females (118.76) and males (116.36) were higher than the suggested threshold values of 110 and 113, respectively, indicating a high positive attitude toward disabled people. Except for gender and age group (p > 0.05), all sociodemographic characteristics for non-disabled women and men were statistically significant for positive attitudes toward disabled women. The mean ATDP score for healthcare workers was 118.77 (SD = 19.25), with the highest and lowest values being 54 and 165, respectively. Only the health facility type (F (3, 141) = [3.517], p = 0.017) was statistically significant for healthcare workers attitudes. The mean ATDP differed significantly between public and private healthcare facilities (p = 0.017, 95% confidence interval = [-38.38, -2.66]). Eliminating beliefs, attitudes, and actions that perpetuate and sustain prejudice and stigma against disabled women is essential to enhancing their agency, social standing, dignity, and human rights. This is possible through applying Utu principles and values like interconnectedness, interdependence, tolerance, fairness, solidarity, respect, compassion, and self-sacrifice.
IMPACT OF EDITORIAL POLICIES ON NEWS COVERAGE FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION: A CASE OF KENYA’S NATION MEDIA GROUP
(TUC, 2024-03-20) GITAU ANNIE
The social transformation of media houses' consumers, and eventually of their nations, is important. They encourage and direct national discourse on these topics from the grassroots of homes in the community to the offices of those in power by shedding light on challenges impacting society. But for this to happen, journalists should ideally operate in an environment free of pointless restrictions. Journalists regrettably have to deal with a constantly contracting field of operation because of, among other constraints, editorial regulations. This study's goal was to investigate how editorial guidelines affected media outlets' portrayal of Kenya's socioeconomic development. with reference to the NMG which has two major departments: print and broadcasting. Print focuses on all published newspapers, while broadcasting incorporates television, radio and social media. The study focused largely on the print area. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the effects of editorial policies on demand for comprehensive research on the coverage of news in the print and social media channels in Kenya; investigate the effects of editorial policies on choice of words on the coverage of news in print and social media channels in Kenya and; determine the extent to which policies on requirement for geographical responsive news affects the coverage of news in print and social media channels in Kenya. The study adopted the Gatekeeping Theory, Priming Theory, Agenda Setting Theory and Political Economy Theory. A mixed methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative research was employed for this study. The population was 110 participants and the sample size was 66 comprising journalists 36, editors 15 and 15 sub-editors purposively selected. Both questionnaires and interviews were utilized to gather data, and the outcomes were visualized using tables and figures. To examine relationships among variables and predict media house news coverage based on independent factors, statistical analyses such as Pearson correlation and multiple regression were employed. Content analysis was applied to the interview data and document analysis on NMG's editorial guidelines. The results revealed that the NMG's Editorial Policy Guidelines reflect a commitment to journalistic integrity, independence, social responsibility, and continuous improvement. The study also noted that journalists operate within set editorial norms in media organizations, influencing their ability to acquire, develop, and circulate news. Consequently, some news stories may be omitted, diminishing media's potential to support societal change. Given the interplay between editorial policies and social media's impact, a re evaluation of gatekeeping and editorial guidelines is imperative. Additionally, the study highlighted the influence of editorial policies on societal change in Kenya, as media shapes social capital and individual perceptions. While media heightens public awareness, the study indicated variations in the NMG's coverage of news across print and social media platforms, thereby impacting their role in social transformation. Recommendations include refining editorial policies to encompass news with transformative potential. Moreover, print media should clarify and expand word choice guidelines to eliminate ambiguity and foster social change. On geographical reach, the print media should give pre-eminence to societal issues irrespective of the location. They should emphasize on covering issues of societal importance which could go on to contribute to social transformation
Economic Reconversion in the Zem Industry to improve Zem Operators' Socio-economic Well-being, in Cotonou, Benin.
(Tangaza University College, 2023-10-10) Iroukoura Jean Philippe Kabo K.
The informal motorcycle transport sector plays an essential (pivotal) role in the economy of developing nations. In Benin, where the sector of motorcycle transport locally known as Zemidjan or Zem accounts for 75% of transport services, providing livelihoods for about 90% of informal workers, many such supply-side workers still face significant socio-economic hardships that undermine their overall quality of life. This study examined economic reconversion approach aiming at facilitating social transformation by broadening occupational choices and resilience for informal workers, in order to reshape life trajectories of Zem operators, in Cotonou (Benin). Anchored in a pragmatic philosophical paradigm, a concurrent mixed methods design was employed with a survey (N=420) using simple random sampling and semi-structured interviews (N=15 key informants), informed by the theoretical frameworks of contestable markets, mechanism design, and developmental interventions. Five objectives investigated the influence of market entry into Zem business, education level, existing regulations, finance access, and willingness for reconversion, on operators' socio-economic well-being. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data. Results found ease of entry negatively influenced income (β=-.477, p<.05). Higher education positively impacted well being (β=.105, p<.05). Regulations showed a negative association (β=-.134, p<.05) while finance access correlated positively (β=.377, p<.05). Quantitatively speaking, the results revealed mixed reactions regarding occupational reconversion among Zem operators. A substantial majority (84.6%) expressed their willingness to transition, with driving motives including dissatisfaction, health problems, work-life balance, and economic uncertainties, notably with regard to retirement benefits. On the flip side, a minority (15.4%) were either indifferent or had explicitly expressed their intention to continue working as Zem service providers. The study recommends human capital development programs to equip Zem operators with marketable skills. It stresses the implementation of sound economic policies to improve microcredit schemes and access to finance, as well as the creation of stable and enabling business environment, free from excessive taxes and regulations. Furthermore, national and local political bodies should explore viable job opportunities in sectors currently under-optimised. The implication for policymakers is to create operational frameworks that provide for intra- and extra-sector economic reconversion, geared towards improving income levels and diversifying occupational opportunities.
Christian-Muslim Dialogue for Sustainable Peace and Development in the Oromia Region Ethiopia from 1991-2022
(Tangaza University College, 2022-10-11) Weldu, Abraham Hailu
This study set out to explore the role of Christian-Muslim dialogue in enhancing sustainable peace and development in the Oromia region in Ethiopia. In relation to the knowledge gap, researchers had not critically and empirically explored the issue of Christian-Muslim dialogue to find out how dialogue can enhance sustainable peace and development from the Ethiopian Christian perspective. The following objectives were set for the study: to analyse the historical Christian-Muslim relationship in the Oromia region of Ethiopia; to examine the importance of the religious values enshrined in Christianity and Islam for enhancing constructive dialogue in Oromia, Ethiopia, and to assess the impact of the Christian-Muslim dialogue on sustainable peace and development in Oromia, Ethiopia. The research used phenomenological design among the qualitative research methods to reach the participants' salient perspectives. The research utilized an integrated theoretical framework: Intergroup Threat Theory and Critical Social Theory. From Nairobi, the research was carried out online in Ethiopia, particularly in Addis Ababa. It used the snowball sampling technique. There were 23 individual key informants and five focus group discussions with five participants in each focus group; thus, the number added totalled 43 participants. The study also utilised secondary data. The data was analysed using narrative data analysis and thematic data analysis. The study came up with the following findings: the history of peaceful coexistence has remained stronger than the conflicts. Hence the religious values of compassion, love, peace, reconciliation and mutual respect emanating from both religions are strong instruments of dialogue and can enhance sustainable peace and development. The theological reflection section highlighted this aspect from a social transformation perspective. It also emerged that Christian-Muslim dialogue enhances collaboration, mutual respect and working for common purposes. These are geared towards addressing historical injustices and eradicating poverty. They take the road map with economic, political, and social inclusivity, justice, and good governance. In addition, the study found that the Muslim and Christian dialogue alone is insufficient to ensure sustainable peace and development, necessitating the government and Abba Gada, the traditional actors need to be included. The study’s recommendation is crucial for social policy transformation and building a more just, inclusive, peaceful, prosperous Oromia and Ethiopia
INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PERFORMANCE OF CATHOLIC PARISHES IN KENYA
(Tangaza University College, 2022-09-27) KARIU, DAVID NGIGI
Measuring organizational performance has been a major preoccupation of many organizations in the modern times. Traditional indicators of performance have been largely financial such as profitability and return on investment. However, with the help of Balanced Scorecard model, organizations both profit and not-for-profit, are adopting performance measurement techniques that go beyond financial performance to cover non-financial indicators of performance. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of strategic management practices on the performance of Catholic parishes in Kenya. This study was anchored on Resource Based View theory, Dynamic Capabilities theory, and the Balanced Scorecard model. Independent variables of the study were; strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, while performance of Parishes was the dependent variable of the study. The research employed mixed methods approach using convergent design. Quantitative data was collected by use of survey questionnaire, while qualitative data was collected through interviews. Target population was 90 members of parish council and nine parish priests from nine parishes found to be applying strategic management practices at the time of this study. Internal consistency technique using Cronbach Alpha method was used to test reliability while content validity technique was applied to test the validity of the research tool. In analyzing and interpreting the quantitative data, inferential and descriptive statistics techniques were employed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Study findings revealed a positive correlation between strategy formulation, implementation, evaluation and performance of parishes. The parish priests who were interviewed reported that strategy enabled the parishes to have a sense of direction and helps in promoting the collaborative ministry between the priests and the lay Christians. Strategy also helps in managing transition in case the parish priest is transferred thus enabling completion of on- going projects in the parishes. The study concluded that strategy formulation and strategy implementation play an important role in enhancing performance of Catholic parishes in Kenya. The study restricted itself to Catholic parishes and therefore, further research on influence of strategic management practices on performance of other churches is recommended

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