PHD-School of Visual and Performing Arts
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This collections contains bibliographic information and abstracts of PHD theses and dissertation in the School of Visual and Performing Arts held in Kenyatta University Library
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Item Item An analysis of musical and theological meaning in the hymnody of legio maria of african mission church in Kenya.(2011-07-25) Ol'leka, Shitandi WilsonReview of available literature showed a paradoxical hybridity in the hymn singing of Legio Maria of African Mission Church in Kenya, abbreviated herein as LMC faithful (jolejo). were viewed as preferring a community of their own that stood opposed to certain aspets of traditional and modern world systems. Yet on the one hand, they embraced and appropriated hymn from Roman Catholicism, musical expressions that they had earlier objeted to and on the other, explored songs that exhibited Luo traditional misical idioms. It was out of this paradoxical hybridity that the study sought to analyse the musical and theological meaning in the LMC hymnody to ascertain among other issues the role the hymnody played in shaping and informing the religious and social- cultural life of jolejo. The study employed ethnographic research design in which descriptive techniques were used. Study population comprised choir singers (n=20), the clergy (n=9) and lay leaders (n=2) drawn from three districts in Luo Nyanza namely; Migori, Kisumu and Siaya.Descriptive investigations were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires which were administered with the help of research assisstants. In addition, formal interviews and field observations were conducted. The study found out that musical meaning in LMC hymnody ranged from varying musical attributes inherent in the hymns and how the attributes were appropriated by jolejo, to different liturgical and social-cultural roles the hymnody played in the lives of the faithful. The hymnody constituted musical forms and categories that accrued from structural organisation of melodies, rhythms and harmonies. It was found that message in the transcribed hymns accounted for Christological motifs appearing in the hymn-texts and, which ascribed to Jesus Christ as potrayed in the Bible. Fewer hymns accounted for Christological appellations ascribed to Baba Mesia Ondeto and mama. It was also found that LMC objected to utilization of instrumental accompaniment, dancing, and other gesticulations associated with traditional and contemporary music cultures. These musical expressions were viewed as distractive and belonging to world circus. It was ascertained that LMC blended continuity and discontinuity of familiar and unfamiliar music traditions. This blend was seen as a way of confronting the challenges posed by the conflict between on one hand, the age-old RCC and Luo traditional music expressions preferred by the old generation and on the other, the neo-traditional and contemporary African idioms identifiable with the young people. It was ascertained that LMC hymnody exhibited a nature that was both eclectic and to a lesser extent syncretic. The innovations of the study in the study in the context of syncretic interactional model of African hymnody (SIMAH) were viewed as important insights into the dilemma of validating which hymns should not be considered appropriate for the LMC worship. The innovations were seen as significant step to a fuller understanding of the kind of hymns to be employed in African Christian Church settings. Essentially, the study of LMC hymnody revealed a model of an African hymnody that could be used as a benchmark for other African Christians churches that are seeking to create a hymn singing traditional that balances and blends old and new, cultural and contemporary expressions with limited theologican and social-cultural strain. The study, however, recommended that for the purposes of comparison, a similar study be conducted for other Christian movements in Kenya.Item Assesment of the properties of silk fibre and fabric produced by bivoltine silkworm, bombyx mori L.(Lepidoptera: bombycidae) in Nairobi, Kenya.(2011-08-09) Nguku, K. EverlynConcern about global warming has led to renewed interest in the more sustainable use of natural fibres. Among the natural fibres, silk indeed commands considerable respect. Silk is a proteinaceous polymer secretion in the form of a cocoon, consisting of a continuous filament. Although it has been in use for centuries worldwide, Bombyx mori silk is one of the least researched fibre in Kenya. It has many unique physical advantages and properties which make it the highest priced natural fibre. The purpose of this experimental study therefore, was to evaluate properties of silk fibre, fabric and cocoons produced by the B. mori silkworm, through the rearing of six selected silkworm strains. Two locations, the Commercial Insects Programme (CIP) laboratory (S 1) and the CIP farm (S2) W ere set up in order to study the performance of the selected strains during two seasons, the long rains (LR) and short rains (SR). This study revealed that there was a significant difference in the means of cocoon, pupa and shell weight in the two locations and seasons. ICIPE I had the highest cocoon and pupa weight, in the two locations and the highest mean shell weight in location S I. Results established that the longest silk filament length, 1183.35m, was obtained from ICIPE I during the LR season, and weighed 0.355gms. Silk winding breaks varied amongst the different strains, with ICIPE I having the least counts. Average tenacity and elongation for the raw silk analysed was 3.93g/d and 18.5% respectively and differed between the seasons and strains. It was further observed that silkworm strains with high elongation had the least number of winding breaks due to increased elasticity. Cleanliness and neatness percentages differed among the strains, and notably ICIPE I's cleanliness and neatness percentages were higher than the other silkworm strains during the two seasons, 96 and 93% respectively. There was no significant difference in the fabric mass per unit area in the two locations at P < 0.05 (P = 0.0001) and during the two seasons (P = 0.0001). Evaluation of the influence of the various silkworm strains had on the breaking load revealed that there was no significant difference on the warp and weft at P < 0.05 (p=0.0188) and (p=0.0006) respectively amongst the six strains. Auxiliary indications established that the different silkworm strains used in this study were significant in the tearing strengths of both warp and weft (P < 0.05) (p=0.989) and (p=0.776) respectively. ICIPE I recorded the shortest . larval development period in S1 during SR and it was significantly shorter (F = 12.61; df = 71; P = 0.05) compared to the other strains. From the research findings, it can be concluded that there is a link between the silkworm strains and ecological conditions during rearing, which determine the larval performance. Consequently, the larval performance characteristics significantly influence the silk cocoon, fibre and fabric properties. In addition, the cocoon properties, collectively with fibre production processes play a major role in determining the fibre properties, which when combined with fabric production processes influence and determine the fabric properties. W major outcome of the study was the establishment of a silk fibre quality control laboratory. Further ICIPE I silkworm strain was identified as having the most economical traits and most suitable for field rearing in Kenya, compared to the other five strains. This study recommends the Kenya Bureau of Standard (KEBS) together with the relevant textile stakeholders should draft a standard method against which silk fabric in Kenya can be tested and graded. In addition, further research on suitable silkworm strains and training in silk production processes at all levels for production of quality silk products.Item Assessment of Adoption of Teachers’ Service Commission Dress Code by Female Tutors in Public Teacher Training Colleges in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2019-06) Munyua, Dorothy M.In an effort to maintain clothing styles within the teaching fraternity, Teachers Service Commission came up with design sketches for incorporation in dress code in 2006. The TSC manual of code of conduct and regulations, states that tutors should dress decently and be presentable. Numerous studies have been done in Kenya on clothing selection among teachers and other groups; however, there is limited documentation regarding dress code for tutors. This gap inspired a study to assess the extent of adoption of TSC dress code among female tutors in Teacher Training Colleges in Kenya. The purpose of the study, therefore, was to establish factors influencing clothing preference and adoption of dress code. The following objectives guided the study: to identify the socio-demographic characteristics of tutors, to establish the level of awareness of the TSC dress code, to identify functional, expressive and aesthetic garments elements that female tutors consider, and to establish the relationship between selected variables and adoption of TSC dress code among others. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed where a mixed method design was used to collect and analyze the data. Cluster and random sampling methods were used to select from a target population of 613 female tutors in all twenty-four public teacher training colleges in Kenya. The sample size comprised of 184 female tutors. Data was collected using questionnaires and observation checklists. Data were analyzed, and results presented using tables, frequencies, and percentages. Chi-square test of independence was used to establish the relationships among independent variables and the dependent variable. Qualitative data were summarized by grouping the responses of open-ended questions thematically based on each question. The results revealed that majority (62.8%) of the respondents in this study were lecturers, with a master’s degree and the average age of 47 years old. Most of the tutors were married (79.8%), with between one and three dependents and 56 percent earned up to Kshs 55,000 monthly. The study established that a higher percentage of those who were aware of the TSC dress code requirement was conforming. However, observation revealed that the majority of female tutors had close-fitted garments, 51.7% had clothes exposing cleavage, and 3.3% wore transparent garments. In terms of hypothesis testing, there was a significant relationship between the net monthly income (Chi-Square value 8.336 and p-value of 0.004), levels of awareness of TSC dress code (Chi-Square value of 18.878 and p-value of 0.000) and adoption of the TSC dress code. In conclusion, factors that influenced clothing preference and adoption of TSC dress code were the age of respondent, net income, and the level of awareness. Functional, expressive, and aesthetics garment elements were a comfortable garment, well- constructed garment and one’s personality. A manual of clothing styles was developed based on the clothing styles most preferred by female tutors that could be incorporated into the TSC dress code. The study recommends that the Teachers’ Service Commission should put into account the views of tutors and fashion trends when revising and implementing a formal dress code.Item Cinema as Cultural Discourse: A Study of Cultural Symbols in Selected Contemporary Gĩkũyũ Comedies(Kenyatta University, 2019-02) Njoroge, Stanley MbũguaThis study examined how cultural symbols are deployed in selected contemporary Gĩkũyũ vernacular comedies. The study sampled the following comedies; Mũici na Kĩhĩĩ (He who steals with uncircumcised man), Kĩrĩro kĩa Mwana (A Cry for a Child) by Wandahuhu; Mũtikũnyarira (You will not torment me) and Nganga Mbute (A featherless guinea fowl) by Kĩhenjo and Mũndũrũme nĩ Mũgambo (A Voice confers authority to a man) and Mũthuri nĩ Mĩtugo (Character makes a man) by Machang’i. The study is conducted through reading and analysing the filmic texts, Focused Group Discussions, detailed content analysis and analysis of both primary and secondary data. This study investigated cultural symbols in Gĩkũyũ vernacular films by using film semiotics that assisted to investigate and explicate the film as cultural narratives, where the dialogue is a site for defining cultural voice, ideology, identity formations and individual sensibilities. The study concludes that emergence of Gĩkũyũ vernacular films is expediting cultural paradigms by documenting and exposing hitherto inert cultural nuances and discourses to light, predominantly among the young urban dwellers and educated Gĩkũyũ speakers. Some of themes that are identified and discussed; rites of passage, gender relations, religion, social stratification, cultural expressions, and material culture. This thesis has also endeavoured to bring out salient observations arising from the study and accompanying recommendations as well as areas of further research in this academic front. Thus, this study contributes, in a modest way, to suggesting a systematic approach to the study of Gĩkũyũ vernacular films to appreciate and evaluate their symbolic and aesthetic impact as a powerful mass medium using semiotic discourse practices.Item Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing Training, Competency and Usage in Textile Industries of Northern Nigeria(Kenyatta University, 2020-03) Gausa, SolomonComputer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is the use of technology to design and produce textile goods with greater productivity at low cost. It s usage demands some level of training and competency. The purpose of the study was to assess CAD CAM training, competency and usage in textile industries of Nor thern Nigeria in order to develop a CAD CAM training model. The objectives of study were to identify the level of CAD-CAM training received, to examine the competencies of textile staff, to determine the relationship between work experience and CAD-CAM usage, to establish the relationship between the availability of CAD-CAM program and CAD-CAM usage, to determine the organizational leadership and financial influence on CAD-CAM usage, and to develop a CAD-CAM training model Purposive sampling was used in se lect ing the states and industries. Stratified sampling was used to divide the unit of analysis into strata such as CEOs, designers, and technologists. Census sampling was used in selecting eight CEOs. A sample size of 152 was selected from a population of 196. Self-administered questionnaires were shared to CEOs, designers, and technologists. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey to collect quantitatively data with a response rate of 96.1% (146), then analyzed it, using statistical package for social science (SPSS) 20. Descriptive statistics were used to generate, group and summarize the data in terms of tables, percentages, means and standard deviation. Pearson‟s correlation was also used to determine associations between availability of CAD-CAM program, work experience, CAD-CAM training, staff CAD-CAM, staff competency, leadership style, financial status, and CAD-CAM usage. The study findings revealed a low level 44.2%) of CAD CAM training training; this was significantly related with CAD-CAM usage. Similarly, 76.0% of the staff lack competency in CAD-CAM technology, this was significantly related with CAD-CAM usage. Lack of leadership support and financial investment in CAD-CAM technology are some of the key issues impeding CAD-CAM usage. Leadership style in textile industries is weak, and does not have any mediating effect on CAD-CAM usage in the industries. Additionally, financial status has no significant influence on CAD-CAM usage. Multiple linear regressions were performed in determining the independent variables that were related to the dependent variables and to infer the correlational relationship. Six hypotheses were tested at p<0.05 alpha index, four out of the six were statistically significant; (availability of CAD-CAM program, t=2.508, p< 0.014; work experience, t=4.524, p< 0.010; CAD-CAM training, t=13.179, p< 0.020; and staff competency, t=2.145, p< 0.039), hence the study rejected them, while the two, leadership style (t=0.083, p< 0.934) and financial status (t=0.249, p< 0.804) were retained because they were not statistically significant. Finally, a CAD CAM training model was developed from the result of the findings for the textile industries. The study recommends tthat textile industries, stakeholders and government should use the developed training model to improve workers‟ training and re-training capacity in CAD-CAM through Public Private Partnerships, (PPPs), with software developers through promotion and after-sale training. Industries leaders and government should invest in CAD-CAM technology to make it available for use.Item Configuration of Kenyan Film Acting: A Study of Eight Selected Drama Films(Kenyatta University, 2019-03) Azangalala, Shapaya BeneahActing is one of the most obvious items that one observes in a play or film. Indeed, when one goes to watch a play or film, one usually observes the characters acting so as to tell the story dramatically. However, it ought to be appreciated that actors/actresses perform differently according to their abilities, creativity, social contexts and culture. Hence, this study aimed at analysing the techniques of acting as employed in selected Kenyan films by establishing their characteristics and comparing them to established theoretical frameworks. This research analyses eight films, namely: Killer Necklace (2008) by Judy Kibinge, Weakness (2009) by Wanjiru Kairu, Maisha (2010) by Andrew Odera, Taharuki (2011) by Ekwa Msangi-Omari, Pulse (2011) by Erick Wanyama, Madam Chief (2011) by Joan Kabugu, Blurred Birth (2011) by Victor Ogolah and My Faith (2014) by Bruce Makau. This is a descriptive study, which employed System Acting, External Acting Method and Speech Act Theory as its base theories. The study employed the theories with the aim of verifying the effect of the social environment on the actor/actress and identification of patterns inherent in the acting techniques. The first Chapter of the study acts as an introduction, with the second Chapter analysing the actor’s/actress’ use of voice. The third Chapter examines the actor’s/actress’ use of facial expressions, gestures and postures. The fourth Chapter deals with the actor’s/actress’ use of movements, stage business and proxemics. The final Chapter forms the conclusion and it observes that there are discernible patterns employed in acting and although most of the actors and actresses interviewed had attended short topical workshops conducted by various directors and academicians on performing, they were not grounded in acting theory. Hence, most of the time they performed their roles through their understanding and observations of how individuals operated in society. Finally, the study notes that acting techniques employed by the actors/actresses had a communicative value as focus group participants were able to accurately identify the facial expressions, gestures, postures, movements and proxemic elements in the frames and short video clips derived from the selected films.Item A critical analysis of indigenous Kenyan music procedures: developing the embedded pathway approach model for interactive learning for secondary schools in Kenya(2011-07-25) Mushira, N. EvelyneThis study was carried out against a backdrop of current educational process in Kenya which (the process) is heavily grounded on Western education models. These models, unfortunately, were not known for including African music in the general music curriculum, to say nothing of apportioning adequate time for music on the time-table. Such practices have not been successful in yielding musicianship that is vibrant and practical. The aim of the study, therefore, was to explore the instructional promise of' selected indigenous Kenyan music processes as possible models for curriculum design and implementation with the objective of developing a formal approach for secondary schools in Kenya. The study was prompted by the need to confirm AFT can music, an oral art, in contemporary formal music education. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive change in music expectancy scores when students are instructed through indigenous Kenyan music processes. The theoretical framework constituted of the socio-cultural and music learning theories. The study was conceived upon a music learning process illustrated as concentric circles learning pyramid model (CCLP model) A combination of documentary and experimental strategies provided the overall study design. The study was piloted and necessary adjustments made on field logistics as well as research instruments. Documentary procedures through literature review identified and reinterpreted indigenous Kenyan music processes. A total of 6 out of 29 articles on indigenous Kenyan music authored from 1954 to 2005 were reviewed, having been drawn out through a process of theoretical sampling. Call and response, through content analysis, emerged as the most prevalent process of indigen a Kenyan music (33; 52.38%). An experiment was designed to test the study hypothesis. Key variables were identified as a) music expectancy achievement (dependent), and b) call and response instruction method (independent). Variables that were manipulated for control purposes included: gender; region; and teacher/learner preparedness among others. Schools from two out of the eight provinces in Kenya constituted the study sample, the population having been defined as students attending secondary schools that offer music as an examinable subject under the 8-4-4 system. Results from both control (n=81) and experimental (n=87) groups yielded t-values of 0.355 and 8.927 respectively. These results upheld the key study hypothesis which had predicted a positive relationship between music expectancy achievement and the call and response a process of instruction. The second hypothesis having focused on a gender based differentiation with regards to music expectancy performance by reason of the new instruction method was similarly upheld. On the contrary, data did not support the third hypothesis that had conjectured the same outcome but with a differentiation between rural and urban regions. Although a positive change in music expectancy scores was noted, the overall differentiation in performance between the two regions was negligible. Interestingly, supplementary data emerging out of the study yielded notable differentiation in tone and rhythm perception with regards to gender and region. On the whole, implication is showed that indeed, indigenous Kenyan music processes have substantial pedagogic value which is either untapped or used sporadically without appropriate instructional guidance. A proposed instructional method based upon the call and response procedure was consequently developed to supplement current music instruction practices. Such an instructional method however, would need to be continually evaluated to maintain currency and appropriateness. The study recommends that universities and teacher training colleges review their music education programs so as to appropriately address indigenous Kenyan music.Item Developing strategies for teaching aural musicianship in Kenyan secondary schools(2011-07-25) Mbeche, Gesare ClenieceMany scholars, for example Kodaly, Dalcroze and Campbell would argue for the important role of aural musicianship in Music Education. One of the purposes of Music Education is the creation of an environment in which the human potential is nurtured to bring forth and understand a variety of musical experiences. Music is a phenomenon that is experienced through the ear so the basis of all instructional programmes should be the cultivation of an acute musical ear, which is developed when emphasis in music is focused on auditory discrimination and analysis. The ability to discriminate aurally between sounds leads to aesthetic growth and sensitivity, which enables one to respond to music aesthetically, intellectually and emotionally, thereby gaining deeper meaning from musical experiences. The main aim of this study was to develop strategies for teaching aural musicianship in Kenyan secondary schools. It was noted that a majority of candidates taking the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (hereafter KCSE) consistently perform poorly in aural musicianship, a situation that warrants further investigation to determine the causes. Purposive sampling was used to select schools offering music as a subject. Out of twenty schools, six were selected to form the sample. The study was conducted using quasiexperimental method of research. Selected experimental groups were exposed to newlydeveloped teaching strategies while the control group continued with the current methods used by teachers (described later in the document). In terms of data organization, the randomized pre-test post-test control group experimental design was used for generation of appropriate data. Among data collection instruments used were interview schedules, questionnaires, attitude scales and non-participant observation. Data from the questionnaires were coded using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used; descriptive statistics used were tables, graphs and charts while inferential statistics used included the T-test for independent means. Analysis of Covariance, effect size index and the Null Hypothesis Statistical Technique. Findings from the study revealed that systematic teaching or sequential instruction has great potential for improvement of aural musicianship performance. Established teaching strategies employed by the teachers gave little empowerment to the students to do aural work on their own. A variety of teaching resources for aural musicianship were available but teachers lacked essential skills for their use in teaching aural skills. Unfortunately, data showed that some of the teachers did not understand the importance of, or what aural training entailed. This may have led to their negative attitude towards aural training, which in turn spread to some students. To counter this, the study generated a learning sequence based on readily available song material for teaching aural musicianship to secondary school learners in Kenya but the approach is applicable in similar circumstances elsewhere. Some of the recommendations made after the study were that methods used should be informed by current research trends and approaches; that curriculum developers should design the course in a way that music knowledge acquired in other areas of the curriculum is synthesized; and above all, since music education develops in the social, cultural and economic context within a society, the rich cultural heritage of available folk music should be used consistently to teach music concepts and procedures in the classroom, commensurate with modern trends in music education. While music is no longer being offered as an examinable subject at KCSE level, it is critical for those music teachers who have the opportunity to participate and teach aural musicianship with the serious approach it deserves, to have this as a mind set and a way of conducting instructional activity.Item Drama as a literary response to Africa’s social and political realities: a comparative study of selected Kenyan and Nigerian dramas(Kenyatta University, 2016-07) Tengya, Pomak FrankThis study investigates the roles and functions of drama as an instrument of social commentary in Nigeria and Kenya. Drama has been widely acclaimed as a positive medium for mirroring society' hence the popular belief that drama is a representation of life. This powerful attribute of drama has been deployed by playwrights across different epochs to make constructive commentaries on the happenings within their various societies with the view of effecting positive change. As a result of the significant role of Drama in the society, it has become • increasingly important to write and act drama using a method that is understood by the people. The study sought to investigate how Francis Imbuga's The Successor, Ngugi wa'Thiongo's The Trial of Dedan Kimathi, David Mulwa's Redemption, in comparism to Wole Soyirika's A Play of Giants, Ola Rotimi's If.. .Tragedy of the Ruled and Ken Saro-Wiwa's Madam No Go Quench Again serve as utility carriers of literary responses to the problems concerning the African continent. This study was premised on the supposition that social, historical and. political realities in Kenya and Nigeria form a creative reservoir of the two countries' drama. A close examination of the leading playwrights from the two countries reveals the socio- political temper in the two societies. The research sought to highlight the extent to which the playwrights successfully use drama as a means of communication, even though there are different forms of literature in existence. This is important because! the work of an artist in whatever form usually has a universal appeal. The theoretical framework for this' research was based on the Theory of the Avant- Garde and Political Theatre Theory; The theories added impetus to the work as it aligns with the concept of social drama. The methodology that was employed in this research basically revolved around the analyses of the primary texts and library and internet research to add depth to the line of thought. The choice of the playwrights is purposive and is based on fact that three of the playwrights are Kenyans and the other three are Nigerian. The choice was also on the fact that all the' playwrights had experienced colonial and post-colonial governance in both countries. The period of the writings also is a factor that influenced the choice. The methodology also included systematic application of content analysis of related literatures.Item The dramatic and theatrical aesthetics of Izara traditional initiation festival of Amo people of North Central Nigeria(Kenyatta University, 2016-07) Yamma, Solomon ObidahAfrican traditional theatre is caught up within the vortex of Western inferiorization, the need for documentation, and a conflict of opinions between African dramatic scholars (the evolutionists and the relativists). The indigenous festival traditions in Africa have been described by Finnegan (1970) as ‘quasi-dramatic’ and they lack the dramatic structure of the West. This view by evolutionists is against that of the relativists who claim that traditional festivals in Africa are fully dramatic and theatrical and should not be judged strictly by Western canons. The problem is further complicated by the lack of documentation of these festivals resulting in the disappearance of vital aspects of them. African traditional performance modes, as earlier practised by Africans, were affected by imperialistic activities of the West during colonialism and by today’s globalized mediation. These traditional dramatic forms still retain their value and relevance as pointers to the identity of Africa and are a source of artistic production. This study attempts to establish and analyze the dramatic and theatrical aesthetics (elements) in the Izara festival of Amo people of North Central Nigeria. The study employs the analytical binoculars of performance theory, myth/archetypal, as well as the structuralist/semiotic frameworks to describe and analyze the festival. The study has adopted a qualitative research approach for data collection and analysis in communities of Amo in North Central Nigeria. This involved the researcher using interview schedule, focus group discussion (FGD) and observation schedule. Findings of this research confirm the existence of drama which is indigenous to African people, and that is not necessarily the same as that of the West. This is due to Africa’s peculiarity in worldview and the history of evolution of the African people. The study is an addition to the corpus of critical texts on African traditional drama and theatre, and is significant to film makers, ethnographers, anthropologists, sociologists, and historians. It also serves as a reference for further academic research.Item The effect of docudrama films on psychological distress among urban women refugees in Nairobi County, Kenya.(Kenyatta University, 2018-03) Situma, Eliud K.The study sought to investigate how docudrama film could be used as a psychotherapeutic tool among traumatized women refugees. The objectives of the study were: to establish the levels of psychological distress, establish whether cinematic techniques affect psychological distress, and investigate the effectiveness of docudrama films on the levels of psychological distress among urban women refugees. The study employed mixed method research design which covered both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A population of 48 participants was purposively sampled for this study. Participatory action approach, observation and Interview methods were used in data collection. The study used questionnaires, psychological distress scale, Beck‟s depression inventory, interview guide, observation guide and content analysis guide as research instruments. Paired T-test was conducted in order to establish the significance of relationship between the two groups. The major findings resulting from the analysis show that cinematic techniques and enactment greatly play a role in reducing psychological distress levels as well depression. Also, the study establishes that docudrama films help to reduce both psychological distress and depression levels among female refugees. Consequently, the study concludes that protagonists, if portrayed positively, help the viewers recover from their psychological distress and depression. It also concludes that cinematography techniques hold healing and therapeutic value if utilized in psychosocial supportive environment. In its recommendations, the study points towards further research on using docudrama film on male refugees and use of other genre of films, besides docudrama, as a therapeutic tool on traumatized groups. The study also recommends use of comparative analysis to determine how film impacts differently on other groups of refugees like Somalis and those who stay in camps. On the industry, it further recommends film to be used together with other traditional methods in helping recover traumatized refugees. Finally, it recommends that film makers and institutions offering film studies should train their students‟ crew on the correct choice of cinematography when making docudramas meant for therapeutic use.Item Effects of Drawing Approach and Class Setting on Symbolism of Children's Drawings on Conflict Experiences: A Study of Primary School Pupils in Nairobi County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2014) Wambugu, J. WThough drawing is one of the methodologies of teaching conflict resolution within Peace Education, the structured drawing approach within group setting currently in practice is limiting in free expression of emotions by children on subjective experiences. This is due to the restrictive nature of this drawing approach and the distractive nature of group work that inhibits children's ability to concentrate on feelings. This denies the teacher access to affective data that can assist in transformative behaviour of the learner. In order to determine the most appropriate drawing approach and class setting that would enable children to express this affective data, this study investigated the effect structured and unstructured drawing approaches and individual and group class settings on symbolism expressed in children's drawings on conflict experiences. The theoretical framework guiding the study was a confluence of the emotionalist theory of art, micro theories of conflict and Piaget's theory of cognitive and affective development whose convergence was on symbolism as a means of expressing emotive information from the sub-conscious mind. Since the drawing tasks were experiential in nature, the research adapted an ex posta facto design within the framework of quasi-experimental study design to find out the effect of the independent variables upon symbolism, which was the dependent variable. Social cultural environment, drawing approach and class setting were the independent variables while symbolism expressed in the drawings was the dependent variable. Age, gender and socio-economic regions formed the framework for categorically analyzing data from the drawing contents. The study population was primary school children aged 7-12 drawn from low, middle and upper middle income regions of Nairobi County. Normal chi-squares were used to test the data since it was in nominal values. The findings of this study indicated that the social cultural environment influenced thematic expressions of conflicts and the kinds of aggressive behaviour depicted in the symbolism. Literal expression through physical modes and metaphorical characterization of the negative valence of conflict was significantly higher in unstructured drawings while individual class setting had the least peer influence on the expressed symbolism. The results indicate the need for teachers to consider the social cultural background of children when extracting affective data since it informs the symbolism. Results also showed that for free expression of feelings and ideas, children need an unrestrictive (unstructured) drawing approach and an individual class setting free from distractions. It is the recommendation of this study that draw-telling through unstructured drawing activities should be encouraged not just in art classes but across all subjects in the primary curriculum as a channel for children to express their feelings on conflict and other issues. Alongside this, teachers should consider individual class setting for purposes of creating an appropriate atmosphere for free expression of emotive content.Item An exploration of the creative performance of secondary school and the implications for the teaching of art in Kenya(2012-01-04) Oludhe, David OwuorThe contribution art can make towards the personal development of pupils has been curtailed in Kenyan schools by a variety of factors internal and external to the subject. This study attempts to illuminate the teaching/learning of art in secondary schools in Kenya with the view to offering practical suggestions for possible improvements. The study is grounded on a premise supported in literature that, of all values of learning art, creativity is the key value and one through which all other values are realized. In this regard, then, the creative performance of pupils is conceived as indicative of the efficacy-level of school art programmes. This study was designed to explore the relationship between the domains of art and the domains of creativity. Four factors of art were identified as: 1. Subject matter/Theme (F1), 2. Expressive quality (F2), 3. Composition (F3) and 4. Choice and use of media (F4); While, the domains of creativity included: 1. Flexibility, 2. Fluency, 3. Originality, 4. Elaboration. The study shows that creative expression in art derives motivation from exposure, practice and an enabling environment. Based on this inference, a framework for teaching has been synthesized. The study recommends that pedagogic approaches should emphasize opportunities for creative expression through adequate exposure and practice. The enabling environment should provide for materials and ideas within a cultural context.Item Exploration of the Interface between Korean and Kenyan (Maasai) Ink-Painting Techniques in the Creation of New Intercultural Art Through Painting(kenyatta university, 2023) Wha, Kim Myung; Kamau Wango; Khadi Jessica GimodeThis study sought to explore the hybridization of the Korean and the Maasai art painting in order to create an artistic interface that translates into new painting or what can be described as ‘new art’. Historically, Korea is a highly literate society, therefore, ink was an automatic ingredient and readily available resource. In contrast, the Maasai have had a non-literate culture for the longer part of their history and hence their painting is more practical in orientation. Moreover, the philosophy behind the perception and appreciations of colours by the two art communities under study are also different. Scholars on paintings have observed that new and authentic art paintings could be accomplished when at least two societies' ways of life are hybridized in a painting. Hybridization in art happens when material culture or other ways of life such as rites of passage from two communities blend to make new artistic forms. The main objectives of this study are to: identify the tenets of ink-painting techniques and subject matter in Korean and Maasai mainstream artwork; determine the aesthetic approaches such as use of colours, form, textures and compositional principles of Korean and Maasai in ink-painting art; establish hybridization of painting approaches and renditions by combining Korean and the Maasai painting images; and to create an artistic interface between Korean and Maasai painting by fusing their major artistic tenets to yield new inter-cultural art. This study is anchored on three theories namely: Harrington's (1990) ecological theory, Saussure’s 1878 in Chandler (2002) semiotic theory, and Csikszentmihalyi's (1988a) systems theory. This study employed exploratory research design to collect data for analysis. The questionnaire was an important tool that was used to recruit professional artists who produced ink-painting artwork that were examined by a team of experts. The outcome is fusion of the matter featured in paintings that show hybridized new art forms. The new art shows wavelengths that depict different combinations of colour region, which is also known as isotropic aesthetic through brushstroke that determined the new art form. The hybridization is a contribution to artistic knowledge in addition to serving as a reference point for students who wish to carry out comparative studies in art. It is envisioned that this study shall be a catalyst towards a new artistic revival among diverse communities in Kenya and abroad.Item Exploring Role of Media Convergence in Intrusion of Privacy: Experiences of Regular Internet Users in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Nancy Wanjiru, Kungu; George Ngugi King’ara; John MugubiMedia convergence has triggered unlimited production and consumption of the Internet content by embracing novel smart devices and interactive tools that permit users, including audiences, to create and to share massive information on the cyberspaces; hence, raising unprecedented online privacy concerns. This study therefore explored role of media convergence in intrusion of online privacy based on the experiences of regular Internet users in Nairobi City County in Kenya. The theoretical framework adopted in the study comprised the Theory of Media Convergence by Henry Jenkins and the Privacy Theory of James Moor. The study used four FGDs drawn from four selected universities in Nairobi City County and eight key expert interviewees from government organizations related to communication. FGD discussion and Interview guides were used in data collection. Data was analyzed qualitatively based on related thematic concepts. Findings depicted a proliferation of unrestricted user-generated information where online players, who are not journalists, were constantly creating and distributing information of private nature, news of shock, acts of violence, crime, sexual assault, and messages of bereavement and grief. Infringement issues isolated by the key expert respondents included harvesting of personal data, disclosure of information, data breach, identity theft, impersonation, and fake news. Susceptibility of social sites to cyber-attacks, the proliferation of unregulated social sites, user vulnerability, Internet tracking tools, Internet penetration, searchability, and online anonymity were deemed to challenge regulation of the IP. The study concluded that: Internet users were divulging vast amounts of private information on the IP; privacy violations were being witnessed and; an array of mitigation strategies was adopted including legislation and policy-making, enforcement of compliance, incidents response, capacity building, consumer education and outreach programmes. The study made the following recommendations: media regulation and policy-making to continually focus on reviewing of cyber regulatory environment; to consider making a law that would, primarily, focus on online privacy; to explore the possibility of collaborations among nations in dealing with Internet violations; to encourage data minimization and; to consider extending consumer outreach programmes to university students. Recommendations made for further research include: investigating implications of privacy infringements on the cyberspaces and; exploring user-awareness of cyber privacy risks.Item Exposure to Digital Paintings on Male Sex Offenders’ Attitudes towards Sexual Crimes: Case of Nairobi West Prison, Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Adhiambo, Benta G; George Vikiru; Christine WasangaCrime is an act in violation of the criminal law. Global statistics indicate that sexual offending is among the leading crimes in many countries, with close to one billion people falling victim. The high prevalence of sexual offending is an issue of concern considering the significant negative effects on the victims, their families and the larger society. In Kenya, the high numbers of sexual offending are attributed to re-offending, where previous convicts revert to their criminal behaviour. Whereas global studies estimate rates of sexual re-offending to be as low as 5-25% over periods of 5-10 years, in Kenya the rates are above 40% yearly, leading to overcrowding in prisons. Stiff criminal penalties prescribed against sexual offences and the existing rehabilitation programs have not deterred the perpetrators. This is despite the fact that consequences of sexual offending undermine the fulfillment of the national goals encompassed in Vision 2030, the National Health Sector Strategic Plan II and global development goals embraced in Millennium Development Goals. Arising from this data has been the need to develop offence-focused interventions intended to lower the possibility of re-offending. Unlike Kenya, Canada, Australia and the USA have successfully implemented the use of art-based programmes to minimize re- offending. Attitudinal impacts of these art-based programs among incarcerated offenders however remain largely unexplored. Studies in the cited countries have focused on active participation with minimal emphasis on passive participation, including Mere Exposure. This study therefore sought to examine the place of visual art in reducing cases of reoffending by investigating the effects of exposure to digital paintings on male sex offenders’ attitudes towards sexual crimes. The study targeting incarcerated male sex offenders in Kenya was conducted in Nairobi West prison, a male offenders’ facility in Nairobi City County. A mixed method research approach with a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was employed. Sixty-one study respondents were selected by stratified random sampling from male convicts of defilement and rape, aged 18-45 years. The respondents were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions involving viewing the digital paintings in exhibition and via projection in Rapid Serial Visual presentation respectively. An attitude questionnaire was used for pretest and posttest attitude measures, while a five-point Likert scale was used to measure the responses to the digital paintings. A Paired T- Test was used to determine the differences in attitudes towards crime at pretest and posttest. Significant differences were found between posttest1 and pretest (t=-3.117, p-value=0.003) and between posttest 2 and pretest (t=-2.161, p-value=0.035). The R-squared of the regression models linked improved attitude scores to repeated exposure to digital paintings. Regression analysis based on Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) was done and the results showed that painting style (p-value = 0.047), colour schemes (p-value = 0.000) and exposure frequency (p-value = 0.002) significantly influenced the sex offenders’ attitudes towards sexual crimes. The study findings were ultimately used to recommend a model for utilizing digital paintings to foster negative attitudes towards sexual crimes among male sex offenders. This was envisioned to reduce cases of re-offending, decongest prisons and have a large workforce out of prison to drive the government’s development agenda.Item Film and Social Change: Ideology, Class, and Pluralism in Selected East and West African Films(Kenyatta University, 2018) Mungai, Anne G.This study examined contemporary African cinema narratives with a view to guiding a socio-ideological reading of the narratives. Specifically, it has drawn connections between the film’s diegesis and the non-diegetic space to which the film addresses. The study addressed three key issues; social and ideological narratives, class struggles, and pluralism of narrative voices. The films analyzed were selected from East and West Africa. From West Africa, the study analyzed Kwaw Ansah’s Love Brewed in the African Pot (1981), Abderrahmane Sissako’s Bamako (2006), and Veronica Quarshie’s A Stab in the Dark (1999). From East Africa, the study analyzed Wanuri Kahiu’s From a Whisper (2008), Judy Kibinge’s Killer Necklace (2009), Bob Nyanja’s Malooned (2007) and Gavin Hood’s Eye in The Sky (2015). The main thesis is that films empower people to alter their social and ideological positions by influencing their consciousness about their lives. Since this was a study of films, this research concerned itself with the signifying process of film elements. Consequently, the main theory was Semiotics that proposes the analysis of textual elements as signifiers, often with hermeneutic references outside the film. It was a qualitative study, using quasi-comparative approach to combine cross-cutting ideas into coherent arguments about film and social change. The study is significant in that it provides a template that can be applied in studies of cinema and the many social situations of national importance such as; negative ethnicity, governance, family, religion, modernity and tradition, and terrorism to name just a few. These are exemplary of what the study refers to as social change.Item Indigenous Music and the communication of selected innovative social concerns: synchronic analysis of Dodo and Nyatiti songs in Siaya district, Kenya(2012-01-05) Digolo, B.A.; Akuno, Emily Achieng; Kidula, J. N.This study investigated the communicative viability of Dodo and Nyatiti music among the rural population of Siaya District. Specifically, the study sought to: 1. Analyze the structural, melodic and rhythmic attributes of selected Dodo and Nyatiti songs in order to determine their indigenous epithet; 2. Determine whether the texts of the selected Dodo and Nyatiti songs embodied any aspects of messages related to modern health, literacy and family planning; 3. Ascertain whether respondents selected among the study population perceived Dodo and Nyatiti songs as viable modes of communication; 4. Establish factors that influenced the growing recognition of the indigenous songs as media of communication in the district; and 5. Ascertain whether the messages transmitted through the selected indigenous songs would resulted in acquisition of knowledge on issues concerning modern health, literacy and family planning. The study targeted male and female adults in the district, the traditional musicians, and personnel from Departments of Information and Culture. The techniques used in selecting a working sample from the study population included simple random, purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data was collected from the respondents using various types of instruments including structured interview schedules, opinionnaire schedules, observation schedules, and also through participant observation and unstructured interview. The data was analyzed using an inferential statistical procedure namely, T-test for related samples, and through description and explanation of qualitative features of the data. The findings of the study revealed that a substantial number of people in Siaya District concurred with the claims that indigenous music forms like Dodo and Nyatiti are viable modes of communication. Structural, melodic and rhythmic attributes of Dodo and Nyatiti were found to have significant bearing on the communicative viability of the genres. The communicative capacity of Dodo and Nyatiti songs was authenticated based on the fact that the texts of the music genres were found to embody messages on the specified social concerns including health, literacy and family planning. Through the pre-test and post-test measures, it was verified that the messages propagated through the song texts resulted into acquisition among some study respondents. This further portrayed the communicative viability of Dodo and Nyatiti. In light of the above study findings, the recommendations made for possible implementation by relevant authorities included the need for; strengthening the formal integration of indigenous media including music within the set up of communication media in Kenya; formulation of a mass media strategy that would involve the development of an Indigenous Media Division to deal with the organization and evaluation of indigenous media activities throughout the country; practical applications of research findings of studies such as the present one, so as to be used as references in policy/decision making processes; promotion and support for the indigenous music performance, particularly at grass root levels where the genres serve as useful sources of information. Finally, suggestions were made for possible areas for further investigations. These included: comparative study on the level of mass media preferences among the rural population in Kenya, with regards to the print, electronics, music and other types of indigenous media; a study to determine the communicative capacity of various types of indigenous media including music, drama, poetry and stories in order to ascertain the most favourable local media for rural communities in Africa; study on compatibility of various indigenous media contents in relation to the prevailing social-cultural situations; assessment of the audience impact of the indigenous media such as music with regards to their capacity to enhance change in attitude and behaviour; and a study to determine relationship between preference of a specific type of indigenous media among a particular African community and the communicative efficacy of the genresItem Influence of Opinion Leadership Communication Strategies on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Meru County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2020-02) Kalangi, Susan KiambatiThis study investigated the influence of opinion leadership communication strategies on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Meru County, Kenya in order to improve the Exclusive Breastfeeding practices for better maternal and infant health. To enable an effective appraisal, the study was carried out in Igembe North Sub County of Meru County. The study was guided by four specific objectives as follows: to establish which opinion leaders are engaged in Exclusive Breastfeeding campaigns in Igembe North Sub County; to examine which opinion leadership communication tactics are used in influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding in Igembe North Sub County; to evaluate the communicative attributes of opinion leaders influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding practices in Igembe North Sub County and to determine what socio-cultural factors influence the effectiveness of opinion leadership communication strategies for Exclusive Breastfeeding practices in Igembe North Sub County. The Two Step Flow and the Uncertainty Reduction theories of communication were used to guide the collection and interpretation of data. The study adopted the mixed research design: qualitative and quantitative. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a quantitative sample of 384 breastfeeding respondents that was determined using Fischer and Krejcie and Morgan’s standard sample size calculation formulae. Ultimately, 372 respondents were surveyed, which was 96.8% response rate. Purposive sampling was used to select 32 respondents for the qualitative sample: 24 FGD participants and 8 Key Informants. A total of 31 qualitative data respondents were available for interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The survey method was used to collect quantitative data from four purposively sampled sub-locations of Igembe North Sub County. Interviews with all eight Key Informants were used to collect qualitative data. In addition, four focus group discussions were held comprising a total of 23 male and female participants. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mainly percentages) with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and the results presented using tables. Qualitative data was analyzed using emerging themes and presented as narratives that were triangulated with the quantitative data. Study findings indicated that fellow mothers, mothers-in-law and healthcare workers were the most influential EBF opinion leaders. Secondly, the study concluded that Breastfeeding mothers in Igembe North Sub County rated EBF opinion leaders as more influential if they were highly knowledgeable on EBF, social and friendly, trustworthy and if they were their role models. Thirdly, although EBF opinion leaders in Igembe North Sub County had used the highly rated face-to-face communication methods and proper (local) language to communicate EBF information, the rate of EBF information adoption still remained low due to inapplicability of the message to the physical and social–cultural environments of the breastfeeding mothers. The study concluded that socio-cultural factors such as maternal occupation and workload, cultural infant feeding practices and pressure from relatives led to early EBF cessation. The study recommended that expert EBF opinion leaders should be supported to identify and empower many lay opinion leaders in order to ensure more frequent communication of positively influential EBF information at the community and house holdlevels.