Browsing by Author "Nkonge, Dickson K."

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CHANGING TRENDS IN MALE INITIATION RITE OF CIRCUMCISION AMONG THE AMERU OF IMENTI SOUTH SUBCOUNTY (1950-2016)
(Chuka University, 2021) Kathio, Isaac.; Nkonge, Dickson K.; Kithinji, Caroline M.
Male initiation rite of circumcision has been a subject of discussion but the truth has been concealed because it was often presented as an unpenetratable topic by the Ameru because of the secrecy of the rite. The Bukusu, the Maasai, the Pokot, the Agikuyu and the Ameru have over the years carried out the rite traditionally. Changes in male initiation rite of circumcision from traditional to modern among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County began way back before 1950s. The changing trend has left the Meru people of Imenti South Sub County in a dilemma on the ideal form of male initiation rite of circumcision. This study investigated the changing trends from traditional to modern in male initiation rite of circumcision among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County between 1950 and 2016. The objectives of the study were to examine the changes in male circumcision practices, to establish the causes of the changes and the effects arising from changes in male initiation rite of circumcision among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County. The significance of this study is that it contributes to social historiography of the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County. The study covers the period between 1950 and 2016, the peak of colonial domination and the climax of changes respectively. Literature presented is on male initiation among the Ameru, changes in male initiation rite, causes of changes and effects arising from the changes. The study was guided by Modernization Theory in exploring avenues of transition of male initiation rite of circumcision from traditional to modern. Descriptive research design was used. The location of the study was Imenti South Sub County of Meru County. The target population was 61,091 from three divisions in the Sub County namely Nkuene, Abogeta and Igoji. Simple random sampling method was used in this study. Research instruments used were interview schedules, focus group discussions and observation. Data was collected from oral, secondary and archival sources. Data from oral sources was corroborated with data from archival and secondary sources to ensure validity and reliability of the study. Qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive narratives while quantitative data got was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and tables. Data got through observation was presented in pictorial form. This study established that changes in male circumcision can be traced from the time of colonialism. The major findings of this research were that traditional practice involved use of same knife on the initiates; the people were superstitious and that interaction between the indigenous people, colonialists and missionaries as early made the Ameru to embrace modern male circumcision. Changes were noted in the education offered, tools used, seclusion, commercialization of circumcision and method of circumcision. Changes were facilitated by urbanization, formal schooling, health facilities and colonization all of which were intended to Christianize the operations. The factors leading to change included Christianity, western formal education, individualism, high cost of living, health concerns, advocacy and urbanization. It was established that effects of changes included but not limited to social disorder, rivalry among groups, HIV protection and bad neighborliness. The study established drastic changes in male initiation rite of circumcision such as involvement of women and documentation of the process. The effects of changes are being dealt with by the government, the church and the civil society through advocacy and blending of traditional and modern aspects of male rite of circumcision. This study will bridge the knowledge gap on male initiation among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County and provide empirical data that can be of use to other scholars carrying out related studies.
Colonial policies against female circumcision among the Nyakoe people from Kenya between 1907 and 1963
(Journal of history and cultural studies, 2022-08-05) Ongeri, Dennis O.; Kithinji, Caroline M.; Nkonge, Dickson K.
The purpose of this study was to establish the colonial policies against female circumcision among the Nyakoe people, Kisii County, Kenya, between 1907-1963. This study used Cultural Attraction Theory (CAT) as a tool for analysis. Methodologically, qualitative research was applied; hence, the study used the descriptive study design. This study was carried out in the village of Nyakoe, south of Kisii County, because of the continued female circumcision among the Nyakoe people. Fifty Respondents were purposively sampled using snowball techniques. The data was collected from primary, archive, and secondary sources that were corroborated to ensure the reliability and objectivity of the study. This survey collected data through oral interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed and presented by qualitative data analysis. The main research findings were that Christian missionaries and the African chiefs in the local native councils, the building of schools, forced labour of Gusii men, the narrative of European superiority, taxation, prosecution of the participants, trade and evangelisation used to protest against female circumcision. Female circumcision continued in the study area despite the colonial government's efforts to stop it.
Colonialism and its implication on the African family stability in Embu north sub-county of Kenya from 1895 to 1965
(Edition Consortium Publishing, 2022-07-31) Kaaria, Lizza N.; Kithinji, Caroline M.; Nkonge, Dickson K.
This study sought to explore the colonialism and its’ implication on the African family stability in Embu North Sub-County of Kenya from 1895 to 1965. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data were obtained from oral, archival and secondary sources. The researcher interviewed 50 respondents who were purposively sampled using a snowballing technique. The study corroborated data from oral, archival and secondary sources to ensure the validity and reliability of the study. Cultural Evolution theory was used to examine colonialism and its implications on the African family stability in the area of study. The study findings indicated that the family values among the Aembu were authentic and ensured a well-organised rhythm of life before the advent of European imperialism in 1895. However, there was a disruption in the traditional religion of the Aembu with the establishment of the Kigari mission station in 1910, the modes of dressing, eating, language and education were changed to suit a western value system. This study has contributed to the colonial historiography of the Aembu of Embu North Sub-County, Kenya.
The level of youth involvement in church-initiated programmes in Methodist church in Kenya, Nyambene synod
(Journal of philosophy and religion, 2022-09) Maitai, Elizabeth Kathuure; Nkonge, Dickson K.; Bururia, David
The study aimed to examine the youth involvement level in Church initiated programmes in the Methodist Church in Kenya, Nyambene Synod. Methodist Church in Kenya has come up with Church-initiated programmes to assist the youth struggling with different life issues. However, the problem continues to persist in Nyambene Synod, where the youth have kept migrating from MCK to other churches, despite the significant role church-initiated programmes play in church. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data were obtained from questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview schedules. Functionalism theory was used to establish the level of youth involvement in church-initiated programmes. The study found that not all youth participate in church-initiated programme, and Circuit ministers and circuit leaders were not offering church-initiated programme effectively. This study recommends that the church ought to embrace modern ways, including technology, to involve more youth in the programmes and give the youth more room to express themselves through different youth activities, which should be carried out more often to retain them in church.
The modes of agricultural practices embraced by the people of Abogeta Sub County before the period 1937-1980
(Journal of humanities and social sciences, 2022-08-30) Kaburu, Lydia Gaceri; Kithinji, Caroline Mucece; Nkonge, Dickson K.
Agricultural activities are very crucial part of a people’s economic engagements. This study is about a history on the transition from subsistence to cash crop farming in Abogeta Sub-County in Meru County, Kenya, from 1937-1980. The main economic activity of the people in Abogeta Sub County is farming and keeping livestock. Before 1937 farming practices were mainly for subsistence. Crops grown included millet, sorghum, peas, arrowroots, yams, beans and cowpeas. However many changes have occurred in the agricultural sector by 1937. The purpose of this study was to examine the transition from subsistence to cash crop farming and its effects on food production in Abogeta Sub County of Meru from 1937 to 1980. The study aimed at investigating the modes of agricultural practices embraced by the people of Abogeta Sub County from 19371980. The study employed descriptive research design to describe the events as they occurred systematically. The target population was 179608 as per 2019 census. A total of 30 respondents were randomly sampled and interviewed from Abogeta Sub County. The instruments of data collection were interview schedules, focused group discussions and observation schedule. The study revealed that traditionally people from Abogeta Sub County engaged in subsistence farming. The study also noted that the transition had both positive and negative impacts on people of Abogeta. Policy makers in the government may use the study to find solutions to food insecurity in Abogeta Sub County of Meru-County.