http://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8000/xmlui The DSpace digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:09:46 GMT 2026-03-06T15:09:46Z https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/332 Exchange of Sexually Inclined Messages in Contexts of Dating and Romantic Relationships Among Young Students in Nairobi, Kenya Chege, Simon Kihiu The surge in the use of smartphones and internet has coincided with an increase in sexting among the youth. Existing studies have hardly provided comprehensive analyses of perspectives and experiences of Kenyan youth on prevailing social contexts of sexting, particularly the nexus between the practice and processes of dating and forming romantic relationships. This study aimed at analyzing how the use of smartphones interrelated with the exchange of sexually inclined messages in daily social life of middle level college (MLC) students in Nairobi, Kenya. The research question that yielded the findings of this article was: how does exchange of sexting messages relate to daily social activities among the selected MLC students? The study was guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study used a qualitative research design conducted using multiple case study. Urbanized students with diverse characteristics who used smartphones to create and share sexually inclined messages were selected for the study. Non-probability sampling techniques were employed to identify 65 students aged 18-24 years from five MLCs that were purposively selected. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to generate the data, and the ethical issues that were considered included consent, confidentiality and anonymity. The data were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematic coding procedures were used to organize the data into themes and subthemes. The findings revealed that the selected students’ sexting perceptions and practices shaped and were shaped by online and offline sexting activities of romantic partners. The study concluded that most students had misconceptions and harmful perceptions about the role of sexting in romantic relationships. Therefore, the study recommended use of responses that encourage bold and open discussion about sex, sexting and dating between children and adults, and that foster healthy parent-child relationships. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/332 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/331 Perception of Students on Delectations and Perils in Exchange of Sexually Inclined Messages in Nairobi, Kenya Chege, Simon Kihiu; Lumala, Masibo This study analyzed the nature of sexting in daily social interactions of middle level college (MLC) students in Nairobi, Kenya. It particularly assessed the delectations and perils the selected youth associated with the practice. Qualitative research approach utilizing multiple case study was adopted. Non-probability sampling techniques were employed to identity 65 students aged 18 to 24 years from five MLCs that were purposively selected. Data was generated through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The data was audio-recorded, transcribed and thematic coding procedures were used to categorize the data into themes and subthemes. Specific steps were taken to address the ethical concerns of confidentiality, privacy and anonymity. Findings showed that the selected youth were apprehensive and cautious about the perils and social sanctions of sexting but considered the practice pleasurable, thrilling and an opportunity to learn about dating and sexual related matters. The study concluded that sexting is a complex social-sexual behavior, therefore, motivations, perspectives and feelings why it is considered efficacious should form part of the scholarly and societal responses discussions. The study recommended the use of inclusive approaches to formulate strategies to deal with harmful norms and misconceptions that may surround youth negotiations and perceptions of positive outcomes of sexting. https://doi.org/10.46606/eajess2023v04i02.0285 Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/331 2023-03-01T00:00:00Z https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/330 Impact of strategic alliances on the globalization of agribusinesses: A case study of agribusinesses in Kiambu County, Kenya Wairagu, Joseph Irungu; Gitau, Geoffrey Kamau; Chege, Catherine Njoki Strategic alliances play an important role in enabling agribusinesses to access global markets, enhance competitiveness, and integrate into global value chains. This study examines the impact of strategic alliances on the globalization of agribusinesses in Kiambu County, Kenya. Using a case study approach, data were collected from 55 agribusinesses through semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess the influence of various partnership models, including horizontal linkages, forward linkages with foreign value chain buyers, cooperatives for exports, and collaborations with financial institutions and state corporations. The findings reveal that agribusinesses predominantly engage in horizontal and forward linkages, each accounting for 32.7% of partnerships, while cooperatives for exports constituted 12.7%. These alliances were reported to significantly enhance market reach, business expansion, supply chain efficiency, and profitability. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited technology adoption, and compliance issues were noted as barriers to maximizing the potential of these partnerships. The study concludes that strategic alliances are a critical driver of globalization for agribusinesses, enabling them to navigate international market complexities and achieve sustainable growth. Recommendations include fostering horizontal and vertical partnerships, promoting cooperative models, and enhancing awareness of partnership opportunities. These strategies can help agribusinesses in Kenya and similar contexts better make use of strategic alliances to access and thrive in global markets. Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/330 2025-01-15T00:00:00Z https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/329 Social Media and the Deconstruction of the Gender-Neutral Engagement in Political Activism of Generation Z Techizens in Kenya Irungu, Eric J.; Kimaita, Solomon This paper explores how social media has provided a platform for tech savvy Generation Z (Gen Z) youths to engage in the competitive world of Kenya’s political activism. It draws from the recent push by Gen Z activists to push for anti-government protests geared towards a reformation of Kenya’s political and governance landscape. It draws primarily on the ungendered dimension of these activities via a robust reliance on social media platforms for political mobilisation, organisation, political messaging and gender barrier breaking among the youthful activists. It recognises that Gen Z activism cuts beyond gender barriers and this contributes to a deconstruction of the narrative that Kenyan political activism is male dominated. The paper argues that this has been possible via the faceless and genderless medium of social media platforms that many Gen Z techizens belong to. The paper is guided by the following objectives: to assess the extent to which social media has provided a genderless platform for political activism in Kenya; to analyse how social media has revolutionised the politics of protest in Kenya; and, to evaluate the deconstructive capacity of social media in the portrayal of the gender-neutral nature of political activism in Kenya. For its theoretical framework, the paper is guided by the Framing theory as propounded by Goffman and the Constructivist theory as propounded by Wendt. The paper argues that social media is providing a critical tool towards the deconstruction of existing social constructs in the political realm of explaining Kenyan politics particularly from its gendered connotation. Social media is presenting new avenues for political activism anchored on digital platforms. These platforms have aided in the framing of political narratives that challenge the status quo and resonate with the Gen Z populace in a way that they best understand each other. The paper finds that this will refine the reframing of political messaging towards political communication in a manner that exemplifies the inherent voices of protest of Gen Zs. This will be transformative as it will introduce a new construct as Kenya moves to the upcoming 2027 political contest. The paper recommends a robust rethinking of the socio-political construct emerging from the Gen Zs in terms of the evolutionary realities emerging and how these will shape political expression in this technologically driven space. Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/329 2025-08-01T00:00:00Z