Kibuspace
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The Role of Mathare FM in Fostering Social Inclusion within Mathare Slum, Nairobi, Kenya
(American Journal of Engineering Research, 2024-06-10) Maina, Stephen Ndirangu; Simiyu, Kennedy Njasi
This study probes the influence of Mathare FM on promoting social inclusion within the Mathare slums. The significant problems addressed are underrepresentation and minimal awareness of marginalized groups, which contribute to social exclusion in the larger urban fabric of society. The main objective of the research is to explore how Mathare FM offers representation to marginalized groups, raises awareness about social issues, rights, and opportunities, and examines the insight of Mathare FM listeners on the station's influence on their social inclusion. The study lays ground through cultivation theory and social identity theory, which help analyse
the impact of Mathare FM in fostering visibility, creating awareness of social issues, ensuring inclusivity and giving a voice to Mathare slum residents. A descriptive research methodology using qualitative data collection and analysis methods sought to provide an understanding of the role of Mathare FM radio in fostering social inclusion among the residents of the Mathare slum. The study findings reveal that Mathare FM has a significant stake in the Mathare slum community. The data reveals that a massive percentage of the residents, 88%, feel that Mathare FM represents them and amplifies their voices. The findings indicate that 34% of the listeners tune in to get informed, solidifying the ability of Mathare FM to raise awareness of the issues of the Mathare community. 92% of the respondents indicate satisfaction with the efforts made by Mathare FM in promoting social inclusion. The recommendations on these findings include engagement through interactive events and activities to promote community engagement, building on local content to ensure cultural relevance, and making use of digital platforms to improve on reach and associated impact. Implementation of these recommendations will solidify the vital responsibility of Mathare FM as a tool for social inclusion and representation of marginalised groups. The study indicates that community radios are significant players in
social inclusion efforts and a voice for marginalized groups, serving as a model for comparable setups.
Role of Community Radio in Demystifying Climate Change Concepts; the Challenges in Disseminating Information at Tulwoob Koony (TK) Radio in Mt Elgon, Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025-06-10) Simiyu, Kennedy Njasi; Odera, Isaac Otieno
Climate change has been a pressing global issue, and Kenya, in particular, is highly vulnerable to its effects. Even though there are many forums where climate change is being discussed and debated, the discussions remain among the elites. A significant percentage of people from rural areas still lag in understanding the concept of climate change because of the complexity of scientific information about climate change. This paper examines the role of community radio in demystifying these concepts and terminologies during the dissemination process. It first examines the presenters’ knowledge and ability to explain climate change concepts clearly and accurately in local dialects. Secondly, it also evaluates the listeners' knowledge of the targeted climate change concepts disseminated by Tulwoob Koony Radio and lastly, establish the major linguistic and communicative barriers in passing climate change information to Tulwoob Koony radio listeners. The paper adopts the linguistic and communicative theories of translation and the knowledge-gap theory. These theories are relevant because they point out the need to package content to local contexts and Language well understood by the audience to bridge the existing knowledge and use storytelling and relatable examples. The paper employes use qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data. Tulwoob Koony radio is purposively sampled because Mt. Elgon is the primary water catchment area and the source of many rivers that flow downwards through Western parts of Kenya to Lake Victoria. The findings will help community radios to address challenges associated with disseminating scientific information in their local languages.
The Significance of Epic Features in Ngu͂Gi͂ WA Thiong’o’s the Perfect Nine
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 2025-06-10) Wanyonyi, Geoffrey; Orina, Felix; Simiyu, Kennedy
This paper explores the significance of the epic form in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s The Perfect Nine (2020), with the aim of examining how the author repositions the epic as a vessel of pre-capitalist wisdom. It argues that Ngũgĩ employs the form not only to re-institutionalize orality but also to address the crises confronting contemporary humanity. The study identifies the poetics of the African epic within The Perfect Nine, employing a qualitative research design grounded in library research and textual analysis. These methods support an inquiry into whether a societal realignment—attuned to the demands of nature—is necessary to mitigate ongoing human crises. The analysis is guided by Ngũgĩ’s postcolonial philosophy of globalectics and Victor Shklovsky’s formalist theory. The Perfect Nine was purposively selected for its postcolonial engagement and its emphasis on indigenous knowledge systems. The findings contribute to scholarship on Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s oeuvre and reinforce key aspects of his postcolonial thought. Ultimately, the study underscores the vital role of the past in shaping the present and its potential in addressing contemporary human challenges. This research will be of particular interest to students and scholars of postcolonial African literature and those engaged in broader postcolonial
discourse.
Contribution of New Media in the Reconciliation of Post-Genocide Rwanda: A Case Study of Selected Non-Governmental Organizations
(African Journal of Empirical Research, 2024-06-10) Ishimwe, Theodore; Simiyu, Kennedy; Ong’ong’a, Daniel Oloo
The 1994 Rwandan Tutsi genocide profoundly impacted social cohesion, highlighting the need for sustained reconciliation. Guided
by Social Identity Theory, this study examines how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) leverage new media to promote
reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research identifies the primary media platforms
NGOs employ for reconciliatory messaging and assesses their influence on community perceptions. Data were gathered through a
structured questionnaire of 395 respondents, aged 35 and above, from both urban and rural areas, who rated reconciliatory
messages on a five-point Likert scale. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, while
semi-structured interviews with NGO program managers and youth leaders provided qualitative insights, analyzed thematically.
The findings reveal a notable positive correlation (r = 0.596, p < 0.01) between interaction on new media platforms, especially
Facebook and Twitter, and reconciliation outcomes. Approximately 88.6% of respondents reported that these platforms positively
contributed to dialogue and mutual understanding. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, the study presents a wellrounded
view of how NGOs apply digital tools to connect generations and promote social unity. The study concludes that strategic
use of new media by NGOs can significantly support reconciliation in Rwanda. Recommendations include further investment in
digital literacy programs to broaden access and specific assistance for NGOs to enhance their digital strategies. This research
offers practical insights for NGOs and policymakers aiming to use digital platforms for fostering peace, unity, and social rebuilding
in post-conflict settings. Ethical practices, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly observed throughout the
study.
Evaluating the Role of Public Relations in Communicating Legislative Processes to the Public in Embu County
(Daizy Wawira Rutere1 Kennedy Njasi SimiyuDaizy Wawira Rutere1 Kennedy Njasi Simiyu, 2024-06-10) Rutere, Daizy Wawira; Simiyu, Kennedy Njasi
This study evaluates the role of public relations (PR) in communicating legislative processes within Embu County, Kenya,
focusing on how PR practices influence public awareness. The primary objectives were to identify the communication channels
utilized by the PR office, assess public engagement during legislative processes, and evaluate the effectiveness of these PR
strategies. The target population included Embu County residents aged 18 and above, encompassing diverse socio-economic and
demographic backgrounds to capture varied perspectives on PR effectiveness. A descriptive research approach was employed,
utilizing both random and purposive sampling to select participants for questionnaires and interviews, resulting in a sample size
of 400 respondents, including county officials and members of the general public. Grounded in Stakeholder Theory and Agenda-
Setting Theory, this research analyses the impact of social media and traditional media on public communication efforts. Data
collected from questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative insights were derived from the content
analysis of interviews. The study revealed a significant gap in awareness regarding legislative processes among stakeholders,
with 58% of respondents indicating a lack of information about how and when these processes occur. Additionally, 55.5% of
participants reported being only somewhat or moderately aware of legislative activities, with some confessing to limited
participation. Factors contributing to this stakeholder ignorance include inadequate communication from the county government
and insufficient public sensitization efforts. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced communication strategies to educate
the public effectively. This study recommends improving the website's functionality, leveraging traditional media for broader
outreach, establishing robust feedback mechanisms, and implementing public sensitization campaigns. Furthermore, capacity
building for PR practitioners and comparative analyses with other countries are suggested to identify best practices in fostering
public participation in governance.