Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Colonialism and The Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Food Crop Production in Kiambu, Kenya, 1902-1963.
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Muraya, Martha Wanjiru
The interaction between the European colonialist in Kenya and the Agikuyu people influenced the indigenous Knowledge systems related to food crop production. Particularly, the introduction colonial policies and practices undermined the vital role of the Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AWIKS) on food crop production and instead they viewed them as uncivilized and backward. Therefore, the purpose of study was to analyze the implications of colonialism on the AWIKS on food crop production in Kiambu County from 1902 to 1963. The main objectives of the study were; to explore the Agikuyu women’s indigenous knowledge systems on food crop production in pre-colonial Kiambu upto 1902, to examine the implications of European colonial policies and practices on the AWIKS on food crop production, and further to find out the effect of disregard of AWIKS on the availability of food in Kiambu. The study employed descriptive research design and it was also guided by the Neo-Marxist theory that looked at the relationship between women and the process of colonial capitalist development. The study was done in three sub-counties of Kiambu West, namely, Limuru, Lari and Kikuyu. The sample size was guided by the concept of data saturation in an interview based research. The main source of information was oral interviews, archival records analysis and secondary data. Oral interview data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and reported using basic simple descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, and tables. The study established that in pre-colonial set up, the Agikuyu women of Southern Kikuyuland (present Kiambu County) commanded detailed indigenous knowledge on weather observation and prediction, quality seed selection, indigenous farming methods, harvesting, storage and preservation in order to ensure enough food crop production in the households. In addition, the European colonial undermined the AWIKS on food crop production during the establishment of commercial crop production, land alienation and forced labour policies. Sixty (88.2%) of the respondents mentioned that between 1902 and 1963 most of the Agikuyu people were moved from their indigenous land and were pushed to poor, marginal and unproductive reserve areas where they did not have enough experience and accumulated indigenous knowledge system of the new agro-ecosystem. In addition, 29 (42,6%) of the respondents felt that the Europeans neglected most of the drought tolerant food crops in favour of fast growing commercial crops. Women were also forced to provide cheap labour in the European plantations and projects, a move that led to neglect and undermining of AWIKS on food crop production. The study also found out that during the period of political instability food crop cultivation was very little and this led to marginalization of AWIKS on food crop production. The research concluded that the integration of the Agikuyu women in colonial policies and practices undermined, neglected and pushed to the periphery the important role of AWIKS on food crop production. Therefore, the integration of AWIKS and western scientific agricultural knowledge on food crop production could be an effective way of ensuring food security.
Ad-Theatre Techniques: Motifs of Orality and Popular Culture in Kenya’s Radio
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Njogu, Jackson Gikunda
This is a study of theatre by its persuasive function in commercial contexts. Specifically the study is a critique of the influences of orality and popular culture on audiences in commercial set ups as evident in dramas of radio advertising. It begins from the awareness that the drama genre has been at the heart of Africa’s rich literary heritage, and that it still finds use in contemporary spaces through mass media. Since the advent of radio in Africa drama has been a preferred technique of radio advertising in Kenya, yet scholarly research on drama as a persuasive genre through the radio medium remains scant. This is in spite of the fact that advertising communities are already aware of its marketing potential. The purpose of this study is thus to examine some of the techniques that drama uses in radio advertising, based on the assumption that because advertisements are made to woo buyers, the genre possesses strong rhetorical elements that can render for scholarly analyses. The study demonstrates the awareness that drama has been a cultural production in Kenya, and that orality has always punctuated dramatic practice at every phase of its development both in form and motif. Secondly, it demonstrates the eternal presence of oral leitmotifs in contemporary use especially in advertising discourses. The study uses a qualitative design. Data is in the form of audio records of advertisements that use the technique of drama in radio which have been transcribed, translated and analyzed to arrive at conclusions about the persuasive strategy of orality and popular culture in the radio medium. Since radio is a purely audio-acoustic media just like primary orality, Walter Ong’s theorizing about transiting from primary orality to typographical forms has been employed to enable us understand the psychodynamics of audio-acoustic messages, and what makes them click so easily with audiences. His views about ‘imagined audiences’ have also been used. In the first chapter we have established a background to the study. The second chapter deals with the literature review and theoretical framework. In chapter three we discuss the study methods while in chapter four we analyze selected data in terms of the oral motifs used using Walter Ong’s structural-functional theorizing in Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word. In chapter five the thesis analyzes the use of popular culture as a marketing strategy, while chapter six deals with thesis summary, conclusions and recommendations for further study. The study finds that aspects of indigenous theatrical forms based in primary orality feature prominently in drama-mediated advertisements, and that these features illuminate on the psychology and philosophy of radio listeners, and that advertisers prefer modeling their content on trendy topics adorned in literary stylistics. These findings are important because they affirm the enduring nature of orality in modern times. They also point to practical applicability of orality in modern discourses on one hand, and on the other, awareness that adverts strongly suggest the ways in which Kenyan consumers understand their world.
Non-Equivalence in The Kĩkamba Bible Translation Eunice Nthenya Mũsyoka
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Mũsyoka, Eunice Nthenya
Translation is encoding the meaning and forms in the target language by means of the decoded meaning and form of the source language. It involves the rendering of a source language text into the target text so as to ensure that the surface meaning of the two will be approximately similar and the structures of the source language will be preserved as closely as possible in the target text. Translators are faced with challenges of non-equivalence since languages present ideas and information differently. Translation strategies are used to overcome the challenges of non-equivalence and other inherent problems of translation. Non-equivalence occurs when a lexical item or an expression in the source language lacks an equivalent item to translate it in the target text. The objectives of this study were; to investigate the types of non-equivalences in the Kĩkamba Bible translation, to analyse the translation strategies used to handle non-equivalence in the Kĩkamba Bible translation and to suggest alternative strategies to handle non-equivalence in the Kĩkamba Bible translation. In investigating these objectives, the Equivalence Theory proposed by Nida and the Relevance Theory by Sperber and Wilson were used. The Equivalence theory discusses equivalences at different levels of the text by comparing it with the source text, for example, at word level and above the word level. Relevance Theory was also used to explore the translation strategies. The Relevance theory can be divided into two sets of assumptions, assumptions relating to cognition and assumptions about communication. Both sets were relevant to the study in analyzing the strategies used to handle non-equivalence in the Kĩkamba Bible translation. A descriptive research design was used to obtain information from a sampled population. The Bible is divided into two sections that is the Old and the New Testament, it is further categorized into seven categories which include; Pentateuch books, historical books, poetical books, prophetic books, the gospels, the early church (Acts) and the epistles. Purposive sampling was used to select one book from each category except the early church category which has only one book forming a total of seven books which included Genesis, Judges, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Mathew, Acts of the Apostle and Hebrews. One chapter was purposively selected from each book to form a total of seven chapters. Data was collected through careful study of the English Bible, the Revised Standard Version to identify non-equivalence and the Kĩkamba Bible to analyse the strategies that were used to handle non-equivalence. The study established two types of non-equivalences; non-equivalence at lexical/word level and non-equivalence above the word level. The study reveals that non-equivalence is difficult to handle at lexical /word level mostly due to culture-specific words. Above the word level, translation is hampered by the use of figurative language in the source text and in this study, metaphors were the most difficult to translate. The non-equivalence at the grammatical categories was adequately handled. Fifteen translation strategies that the translator used to handle non-equivalence were identified and discussed. They include; amplification, explicitation, literal translation, hyponymy, naturalization, descriptive equivalent, synonymy, reduction, compensation, borrowing, unit change, use of paraphrase, addition and omission. The study suggests that the translator needs a good background on the culture of the two languages and the metaphorical language use in the Bible. It is hoped that the research will be a contribution to applied linguistics in the area of translation, specifically on non-equivalence and translation strategies.
Assessment of Peace Building Strategies Employed by The Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Enhancing Inter-Ethnic Harmony in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Mwamba, Julius Guantai
Ethnic conflicts remain the biggest setback to the development of many African nations and Kenya is not an exception. The Church has a mandate to make use of her divine mission in building peace and fostering reconciliation in the society. In response the PCEA initiated several peace building strategies aimed at enhancing inter-ethnic harmony in Kenya. Despite the Church in Kenya playing a great role in the promotion of harmony, ethnic conflicts continue to escalate in various parts of the country. This study therefore investigated the efficacy of peace building strategies of Presbyterian Church of East Africa in enhancing inter-ethnic harmony in selected in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study target population was 1,624,345 PCEA members in Nakuru west, Nakuru east, Njoro, Elburgon, Laikipia, Eldoret and Mombasa presbyteries where inter-ethnic conflicts are dominant. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 384 respondents comprising of 342 church members, 38 church elders and 14 church ministers. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires for the Church elders and members, structured interview guide for Church ministers and focus group discussions for inter-ethnic violence victims. Piloting involving 76 respondents was done in from Nakuru East presbytery. Using Spearman Brown Prediction formula by split half technique, a reliability coefficient of 0.71 and 0.74 were realised for the questionnaires for church members and church elders, respectively. This was accepted because an alpha value of 0.7 and above is considered adequate for making accurate group inferences. Religious studies and other experts from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Chuka University ascertained the validity of the instruments. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics with help of the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 for windows and presented in frequency distribution tables. This study found that radicalization, imperialism; ideological polarization and inter-communal violence being increased by competition over the fruits of devolution and elite manipulation of local communities were the major emerging issues responsible for inter-ethnic conflicts. It also established that the use of sermons, pastoral care and counselling, Bible study, peace building workshops, prayer movements, mainstreaming of Church standing groups; policy development by the General Assembly, lobbying and having a peace desk have seldom achieved much in fostering inter-ethnic harmony in Kenya. The study suggested the church needs to intensify recruitment and training of peace agents through seminars and workshops to enhance their competency and hence enhance effectiveness. The study concluded that that the PCEA’s involvement in peace building had Biblical, pastoral and theological justification. The findings of the study will assist policy makers to develop effective community-based programmes to mitigate ethnic conflict and also contribute to knowledge in the area of morality and religion. The findings may also be used by religious bodies keen to promote religious teachings aimed at advocating sound moral values and ethics among members of the society. The findings may provide valuable empirical data to Non-Governmental Organizations working in collaboration with the Church to provide community based tailored approaches to fight ethnic violence.
Influence of Family Life Knowledge on Marriages in Meru County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Maigallo, Agnes Karambu
A satisfactory marriage is desirable but studies indicate that many people are dissatisfied in their marriages as reflected by broken families, single parent homes, violence in marriages and widespread misery in families. Various studies have given attention to marital satisfaction and they have found that couples with high levels of marital satisfaction have higher levels of life satisfaction in general. Despite the attention that has been given marital satisfaction, there is prevalence in divorces and separations in Meru County as reflected in the 2009 population census. Studies indicate that more young people are experiencing instability in marriages than old people. There is limited information on why there are differences in marital satisfaction between the older and younger generations. Studies have established a link between Family Life Knowledge and marital satisfaction but little has been done on the influence of family life education on marital satisfaction. The objective of this study was to establish; the levels of marital satisfaction, the influence of content of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction, differences in influence of sources of knowledge on family life on marital satisfaction and differences in the influence of age of delivery of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction. The study adopted a mixed method research design. The target population of the study was 474,263 married people in Meru County from whom a sample of 384 respondents was drawn using multi-stage sampling. Data was collected from repondents using questionnaires, interviews schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The validity instruments were checked by faculty members and other experts in Psychology. The reliability of the instruments was done using split-half method. A reliability co-efficient of 0.89 was obtained indicating that the instrument was reliable. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science for both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included percentages and medians while inferential statistics include t-tests, ANOVA and Chi-square. Qualitative data was thematically analysed. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in marital satisfaction among married. This was attributed to differences in the content among the age groups with the three older age groups having a curriculum on family life education, while the youngest age groups did not have a curriculum. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the influence of sources of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction. Peers, school teachers, parents and sponsors at initiation were the most influential sources of Family Life Knowledge. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed with respect to age of delivery of knowledge of family life among married people. Most of the married people in Meru County got Family Life Knowledge at the age of 11-20 years. It was also observed that there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in the influence of age of delivery of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction. The information obtained from this study is expected to benefit counseling psychologist, sexologists, family therapists, sex therapists, parents, married couples, religious leaders and educationists. The information from this study is also expected to guide policy formulators in formulating a family life education curriculum for schools that is tailored towards marital satisfaction.
Social Media Discourse of Chuka University Students on Whatsapp Platforms
(2019-09) Miriti, Gervasio
Social media influences the way people communicate with one another and it is gaining popularity owing to the technological milestones made in the world of communication. As people communicate via social media interaction platforms, language naturally and inevitably experiences some changes. Therefore, there was a need to undertake a linguistic study to account for such changes and developments in language use. The main concern of this study was to analyse the university students’ social media discourse. The discourse analysed sprang from WhatsApp interaction platform. The WhatsApp groups utilized were those formed by Chuka University students in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Particularly, the following objectives guided the study: analysing the politeness strategies used in social media discourse, describing the unique features of language inherent in the university students’ social media discourse and explaining how identities are marked in the social media discourse. The study employed an eclectic approach whereby three theories; Genre Theory by Macken et al, Social Identity Theory by Tasfel and Politeness Theory by Brown and Levinson were used in analysing data. Genre theory was used to examine the distinctive features of language, Social Identity Theory analysed the data on how linguistic identities are marked through language in social media while Politeness Theory shed light on politeness strategies used in the social media discourse Some of the features that the study sought to analyse included phonological and morphological conditioned word formations, the nature of sentences, code switching and mixing, how paralinguistic and suprasegmental features are represented in social media discourse. A descriptive research design and the qualitative technique was employed to analyse data. Both Snowball and purposive sampling procedures were used. Snowballing was used to establish the WhatsApp groups that were used by the students, while purposive sampling procedure was used to selectively collect texts from WhatsApp groups. The texts that were purposively selected were those that showed politeness strategies, indicated how the university students created identities and those with linguistic features that characterized university students’ social media discourse. The researcher collected a total of 116 texts and this sample was adequate for this study. The rationale for choosing WhatsApp was the fact that there was a paucity of linguistic studies based on this interaction platform despite its popularity. This document contains seven chapters; chapter one, two and three which comprise the introduction, the review of related literature and research methodology respectively. Chapter four presents the features of language at the phonological, morphological, syntactic and semantic levels. The study findings revealed that social media discourse is a hybrid between written and spoken discourse that uses language in a distinctive manner and it is characterized by such features as phonographic, semasiographic, logographic, prosodic, paralinguistic, word formation processes, code switching and mixing and these features are depicted in a peculiar manner. Chapter Five entails the creation of identities by the university students. The study findings in chapter revealed that identities are created by using a special register/ jargon, multimodality, and through indexicality. Chapter Six deals with politeness in social media and the findings indicated that four categories of politeness strategies as postulated in the politeness theory were manifested in social media discourse of the university students. Chapter seven provides the summary of the findings, conclusions and recommendations. This study sheds light on the language usage and its dynamics. It will hopefully enrich knowledge on the various tenets of the three theories used: Genre Theory, Politeness Theory and the Social Identity Theory.
Consumers’ Uses and Gratifications of Commercial Websites Advertising in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Nabea, Henry Nkoru
Commercial websites can be considered as ways of promoting businesses whereby companies use online advertising in order to focus on ways of increasing the sales of a service or a product. Practitioners and researchers are in unison by indicating that such websites have many potentials in the business arena. Numerous studies done on purposes and gratifications are in traditional media and internet general use. The knowledge relating to usage and gratifications of commercial websites advertising in Kenya remains scanty. This research addressed this gap by applying Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) as a structure to analyze usage and gratifications of business websites in Nairobi, Kenya. Therefore, this study aims at analyzing consumers’ usage of commercial websites, gratifications gained from these websites and the challenges experienced by the users while online. This study applied descriptive research approach to gain knowledge of underlying consumers’ usage and gratifications of Kenyan commercial websites advertising. It focused on Nairobi the capital city, which was purposely selected and preferred because of its well-developed communication infrastructure; electricity supply, fibre optic cable internet connectivity and has the highest number of internet (4G) users with 85% of all Facebook users in Kenya residing in Nairobi. This study used selective purposive sampling procedure as it allowed a deeper understanding of the research objectives. The sampling frame consisted of Nairobi’s commercial websites users with a sample size of 384 respondents from a target population of one million users. Structured questionnaires were used in collecting primary data distributed to commercial web users in cyber cafes, academic institutions, and offices in the Central Business District. Descriptive statistics was used to evaluate collected data using categories based on research objectives using SPSS. This study established that the most common reason users offered for visiting commercial websites was to share media such as pictures, videos, music and blogs. Six categories of reasons for using commercial websites were identified as socialization, information seeking, convenience, entertainment, relaxation and passing time. This research also found that the most widely held gratification obtained from using commercial websites was to share media content, such as pictures, videos, music and blogs. This is classified under socialization. The other gratifications obtained were categorized as information, convenience, entertainment, and relaxation and passing time. The challenges faced by commercial websites users identified in this study were slow loading, clutter, high costs, fraud, identity theft, and complexity of use. The reasons as to why consumers avoid certain commercial websites were found to be immorality, addiction, risk of loss of money, manipulation and poor advertisements. The research findings suggests useful guidelines and commendations for companies in search of establishing a presence on the web, as well as web-based businesses. It also offers an understanding of consumers’ usage and fulfilments of commercial web advertising. This study will benefit online businesses, online researchers, webmasters, e-entrepreneurs and e-marketers on how best to persuade and serve clients through management of online advertising platforms.
AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF VERNACULAR TELEVISION CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF BAITE TV IN MERU, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2019-09) NKANATHA, JOHN KIMATHI
Television is today the most pervasive mass medium worldwide. The contribution and influence of mass media in the daily lives of audiences cannot be gainsaid. Vernacular television channels are a new phenomenon in the Kenyan media landscape having been introduced in 2011. While mainstream media use the two official languages, and target a bigger national audience, vernacular TV stations are unique in the content of programmes and the choice of language used in their broadcasts. The TV stations’ are community based where the indigenous language is used. Other than the traditional roles of media, the contribution of vernacular TV in social development especially in Kenya, has barely been studied. The study examined the audience perception of the role played by Baite TV, a vernacular TV station based in Meru County, Kenya, in the social development of the community. It examined how and whether the station is an effective means of fostering development within the community that it serves. The study focused on four objectives: to assess the role played by content in Baite TV Station programmes, to examine the strategies used by Baite TV Station to effect social development to assess the coverage and reach of Baite TV programmes, to establish how the audience perception Baite TV programmes. A descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study. Questionnaires and an interview schedule were used to collect data from adult viewers aged 18 years and above and from media practitioners and owners. The study was conducted in four purposively selected sub-counties in Meru County. Purposive sampling was used to get the respondents. The study was grounded on the Agenda Setting and Uses and Gratification theories. The key findings were that besides the primary functions of television, vernacular television can be used to mobilize the community to pool their resources and implement projects that can improve the social development of the community. Other findings were that vernacular television is accessible to viewers across socio-economic barriers. Unlike mainstream media which are urban based, vernacular TVs are rural based and provide grassroot support to communities in their villages. Due to their proximity, they are in constant contact with the community, they are accepted by the community and the community participates in implementation of projects. The community values vernacular TVs for their direct involvement in the community’s social development. Vernacular TVs reach the communities in their localities and using the local language, identify their needs and prioritize the projects that will improve the living conditions of the people. This study contributes to knowledge by showing other functional roles of vernacular TVs including promoting social development, upholding culture and uniting the people. This study focused on the role played by vernacular television medium in social development. Further research can be conducted to ascertain roles other than the four that the media play and other aspects of involvement by vernacular television. This study focused on one vernacular television station based in Meru County due to its unique approach to solving problems afflicting the society. Studies can focus on other stations and in other counties to ascertain their contribution to social development. During this study it emerged that vernacular television stations have many operational challenges when compared to state funded and mainstream media. A study can be done to bring out all the challenges and propose possible mitigations to surmount the challenges. There is need to find out the reason for the low intake of technology in the Meru area yet the emphasis today is on information communication and technology for development.
Strategies of Water Resource users Associations in Promoting Sustainable Water Projects: A Case of Tana Catchment Area, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Mworia, Kirimi Lilian Mukiri
Sustainability of Water Supply initiatives have been launched around the world with the aim of managing water resources. In Kenya, the enactment of the Water Act 2002 and its subsequent revision in 2016, introduced the involvement of Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) in water resource management in the Tana Catchment Area. The WRUAs are community based associations for collective management of water resources and resolution of conflicts concerning use within a river basin. Information from the Water Resource Authority show that although WRUAs have been in existence for a long time, equitable water distribution has not been achieved in rural areas and water flow in the river basins shows decreasing trends. Previous studies conducted on water in Tana Catchment Area mainly examined water governance, water utilization and participation of users but did not focus on the effectiveness of strategies used by WRUAs in the promotion of sustainable water projects. This study sought to assess the strategies used by WRUAs in promoting sustainable water projects. Specific objectives of the study examined the relationship between resource mobilization strategies, infrastructure maintenance strategies, conflict management strategies, and catchment management strategies in promoting sustainable water projects. The study also examined the moderating effect of institutional support on the relationship between WRUA strategies and the sustainability of water projects. Five hypotheses in line with the five specific objectives were tested to determine the relation between the variables. The theoretical framework to guide the study were: the theory of common pool resource management and institutional analytical framework. The study used convergent research design and mixed methods approach to conduct the study. A sample of 377 respondents comprising of 5 officers of the Water Resource Authority, 48 WRUA committee members and 324 water users were selected using cluster, purposive and random sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interview schedule were used in data collection. Cronbach‟s Alpha Co-efficient test of reliability from 0.621 to 0.901 was applied for all variables. The data obtained was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics aided with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 19.0). Chi-square test for independence was used to determine the significance of relationship between each WRUA strategy and sustainability of water projects. Binary logistic regression models constructed at a 5 % level of significance was used for testing the moderation effect of institutional support. The study‟s findings revealed that there was a significant association between three WRUA strategies (resource mobilization, infrastructure maintenance and conflict management) and sustainability of water projects. Water catchment management strategy was found to be insignificantly associated with sustainability of water projects. Institution support had a positive significant moderation effect on the relationship between water catchment management and sustainability of water projects. These study concludes that WRUA strategies should be adequately implemented to augment the sustainability of water projects. The study recommended that WRUAs should leverage on mobilizing support from all stakeholders to mobilize resources in order to promote sustainable water projects.
LIFE INCARCERATION AND PSYCHO-SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF INMATES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MALE AND FEMALE LIFERS IN SELECTED PRISONS IN KENYA
(Chuka University, 2020-12) CONNY KAARI, KIBAARA
Life incarceration is a way of confining a lawbreaker in prison, to separate them from the society. This ensures societal security, and the offender’s chance of rehabilitation. Although the number of life-incarcerated inmates is on the rise worldwide, there is scanty information in records concerning the psychological and social plight of lifers, based on gender in Kenya. The total isolation from one’s environment, society and family is likely to impact on the mental health and social relationship of the male and female life-sentenced inmates. The inmates may portray behaviours related to stress and rejection such as distress, withdrawal and violence, and this is likely to be influenced by gender. Therefore, this study intended to investigate the effect of life incarceration on the lifers’ psychological well-being and social relationships, by a comparison based on gender. The study was guided by four objectives, and four hypotheses. The study adopted the causal-comparative research design, which allowed for the comparison of the male and female lifers. The study was carried out in selected prisons in Kenya covering four geographical regions. The prisons of study included Nyeri Main Prison, Naivasha Maximum Prison, Lang’ata Women’s Prison and Kisumu Main Prison. The study population was 2816 life-imprisoned inmates in the four selected prisons. A sample size of 172 respondents was obtained from the population of study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 86 female respondents, while proportionate sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 86 male respondents for comparative purpose. The male respondents of the study were selected using simple random sampling technique. In addition to the lifers, one prison counsellor and six prison constables were purposively selected from each of the selected prisons to participate in the study. Therefore, the total number of respondents was 202. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview schedule. A pilot study was conducted at Embu prison to establish the reliability of the research instruments. The reliability was estimated by use of Cronbach Coefficient Alpha. Reliability coefficients of 0.902 and 0.750 for lifers and constables questionnaires respectively were obtained. The validity of study tools were ascertained through the help of the expert judgment of the university supervisors and other research experts. The analysis of the data was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The researcher also used descriptive statistics to analyze qualitative data thematically. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used for data analysis. Research hypotheses were tested at α=0.05 level of significance using regression and correlation analysis. The findings of this study indicated that life incarceration influences on the inmates psychosocial wellbeing, leading to deprivation, stress, identity loss and trauma. The lifers social relationship is also influenced at the family, inter-prisoners and staff-lifers level. The study established that there was a statistically significant difference on the effect of life incarceration based on gender. It was recommended that the prisons department should provide appropriate counseling services through professional counsellors to deal with lifers psychosocial needs. The ministry of defence needs to facilitate the organization of programmes tailored specifically for the life incarcerated inmates. These programmes should also address the issues of gender in order to take care of their unique plight. The society needs to be sensitized on the plight of the lifers to expand their knowledge and understanding of their experiences. This may help restore and enhance the social relationships.
READING THE ROMANCE MOTIF IN NARRATIVE CONSTRUCTION OF SELECTED GĨKŨYŨ POPULAR SONGS
(Chuka University, 2020-12) KANGANGI, WANJA EUNICE
READING THE ROMANCE MOTIF IN NARRATIVE CONSTRUCTION OF SELECTED GĨKŨYŨ POPULAR SONGS
INFLUENCE OF LAND USE ACTIVITIES ON GEOMORPHIC PROCESSES IN RUPINGAZI WATERSHED, EMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2021-11) NYAGA, PAUL NJUE
Landforms are part of every part of the earth. The study aimed at finding ways by which land use activities contribute substances which effectively influence changes in landform along the Rupingazi watershed in Embu County, Kenya. The main objectives of this study were to assess the influence of agriculture, urban settlements, mining and abstractive activities on landform dynamism in the context of geomorphic parameters of denudation, and to determine their impacts. This was done by considering geomorphic processes such as weathering, erosion, deposition and mass movement. The study was guided by the theoretical framework of the nine-unit slope model suggested by Doornkamp and King; that an initial landform in a climatic and geological region evolves through geomorphic dynamism on varying slope forms. From this notion, the conceptual framework was developed on the assumption that the same denudational processes are operational on Rupingazi watershed and form the relevant variables: Crop farming, livestock rearing, urban settlements, abstractive and mining activities were the independent variables; climate and rocks as the intervening while the geomorphic processes were the dependent variables. Applied Research design, both quantitative and descriptive was adopted for the study. Data was collected from 21 sampling stations (SS) fixed through stratified systematic point sampling. Observations and field measurements on various land uses were used to obtain data. Satellite data and images were also used to compare with field observations. In addition, water and soil samples were collected for further analysis to corroborate field observations. The soil samples were tested for soil pH, porosity, organic contents and main chemical elements. Farming practices influenced geomorphic processes in that there was a very strong positive correlation (coefficient of 0.91) between the angle of farm slope and the distance of soil moved downslope when tilling. On average soils moved the furthest (123 cm) when tilling was done on farms with slope of 260 while tilling on farms with a slope of 6 0 caused soil to move by about 70 cm. Further, use of hand hoe moved about 800 kgs of soils materials in one season per acre. An African mole rat (mainly found where there was farming of napier grass and sweet potatoes) loosened about three kilograms of soil materials. On less steep paths (8 0 ), 1.8 m3 of soil was moved while 9.36 m3 of soil materials on slopes of about 220 was moved as result of livestock. All urban centers are located less than three kilometers from the Rupingazi river. Organic and solid wastes associated with urban settlements were found in sampled waters of the Rupingazi river. An increase of 50% of PO4 and NO3 was observed in sampled waters. The Mg was no increases by 92.3%. Surface run off from these settlements accelerated the impact of erosion and weathering. More than three quarters (76.7%) of the abstractive activities are in the lower reach of the River Rupingazi between SS 16 and 21. Mining and abstractive activities breakdown rocks, thereby accelerating geomorphic processes. Regolith development on any slope plays an important role in the slope evolution because it affects such bedrock characteristics as the strata dip (angle and direction) rock joints, and the effect on the weathering rates and amounts. The study recommends concerted effort and environmental education to control human activities along the watershed to ensure the landform equilibrium in the Rupingazi watershed. Further studies can be carried out to examine and determine the influence ecological zones on the geomorphic processes.
IMPACT OF KARATINA SEWER STABILIZATION PONDS ON BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER ALONG RIVER RAGATI IN NYERI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-04) Marangu, Carlos
River Ragati is an important habitat for diverse species of organisms, plants and micro-organisms. The larger Ragati ecosystem is surrounded by a rural and urban setting that has a population of more than 158, 960 people. The ecosystem is located in an area with intensive agricultural activities and with the largest open-air market in East Africa which produces heterogeneous wastes that may contaminate Ragati River. Though there is a sewerage treatment plant at Karatina Town in Nyeri County, there is scanty information on the efficiency of stabilization ponds and the impact of the sewer discharge on River Ragati. The study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of Karatina sewer treatment plant and its impact on physico-chemical and biological parameters along River Ragati during dry and wet seasons using quasi-experimental design. Data was analyzed using Scientific Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4. Wastewater parameters such as heavy metals. Nutrients and fecal and total coliform improved as they moved from one sedimentation to the next towards discharge. The pH during the wet season ranged from 6.54 to 7.96 and from 6.41 to 7.53 during the dry season. Temperature range of 20.17◦C to 25◦C and 23.9 to 25.7 ◦C was observed during wet season and dry seasons respectively. Concentrations of nitrates, phosphates, Zinc across sedimentation ponds differed significantly (p < 0.05). Nitrate concentrations range of 2.06 mg/l to 20.17 mg/l and 8.27 mg/l was observed during wet and dry season respectively. Phosphate concentrations ranged from 2.06 to 52.2 mg/l and 10.7 to 41.7 mg/l in wet and dry season respectively. Lead was below detection limit in this study in both seasons. The concentration of iron ranged from 0.56 to 30.42 mg/l and 0.06 to 22.1 mg/l during wet and dry season respectively. Total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by seasons of the year. The levels of total coliform in the sewerage treatment plant ranged from 7.61 to 774.16 cfu/100ml and 10.453 to 1500 cfu/100ml during dry and wet season respectively. On the other hand, levels of faecal coliform bacteria ranged from 3.91 cfu/100ml to 74.19 cfu/100ml and 7.23 to 105.87 cfu/100ml in dry and wet season respectively. The pH, temperature, phosphate, iron and copper of water from River Ragati differed significantly (p < 0.05) between upstream, effluent discharge point and downstream. The pH in River ranged from 7.1 to 7.5 and 8.03 to 8.37 during the dry and wet season respectively. The temperature ranged from 23.16 to 23.61◦C and 21.18 to 22.55◦C during wet and dry season respectively. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 11.47 to 14.06 mg/l and from 14.83 to 18.05 mg/l during dry and wet season respectively. The concentrations of iron ranged from 0.41 to 0.63 mg/l while that of copper ranged from 0.85 to 0.11 mg/l. Nitrates were higher 16.82 mg/l in the river during the wet season. Phosphates were higher in the river during the wet season at 11.45 gm/L. Iron was higher in the river during the wet season at 0.69 gm/L. Levels of total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria was not significantly (p > 0.05) different in different sampling points of River Ragati during dry and wet seasons. However, the level of total coliform bacteria significantly (p < 0.05) differed with seasons. Based on the findings, Karatina sewerage treatment plant effectively improved quality of wastewater in terms of physico-chemical and coliform aspects sampled in the study and could further be improved using duckweeds and sand filtration methods in future studies. Further, Karatina sewerage treatment plant had no effect on River Ragati in terms of Physico-chemical and coliform constituents. Seasons of the year significantly affects the levels of chemical and physical parameters. Levels of total coliform and feacal coliform bacteria did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) by seasons in different sampling points of River Ragati. Levels of faecal coliform bacteria in different sampling points did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) in River Ragati. This study bridges the knowledge gap on the performance of Karatina sewerage treatment plant and its impact on River Ragati.
EFFECTS OF SELECTED INORGANIC AND ORGANIC NPK FERTILIZER SOURCES ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CELERY IN CHUKA SUB-COUNTY, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Kathuruh, Jackline
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a highly prized herb that is grown all over the world for salads. It has become more well-liked in Kenya, where it is mostly farmed for export. The influence of soil nutrient sources on the development and quality of celery is not well understood. The quantity, quality, safety, and shelf life of celery are all impacted by high nitrogen levels, necessitating more fertilizer use. In addition, the type of fertilizer used has a significant impact on the antioxidant buildup in celery. This study examined how fertilizer applications of NPK and mazao bora affected celery growth, production, and quality. NPK, an inorganic source of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, was used as part of the treatments, and Mazao. The Chuka University Horticultural Research Farm served as the site of the investigation. Between January and August 2020, there were two trials that were done. Three replications of the experiment were set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Seven treatments were used, including 0, 100, 200, 300 kg/ha of NPK fertilizer (15:9:20) and 0, 423.28, 634.92, and 846.56 kg/ha of organic fertilizer (2.5:4.7:2.4) from Mazao. Throughout the growth period, measurements of the plant's height, the number of petioles, and the number of branches were taken every 14 days. While yield, quality, and postharvest data were collected after harvest in Chuka University Laboratory. The collected information was put via Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) utilizing Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.3. Significant means were separated using the Least Significance Difference at α = 0.05. The results showed that organic and inorganic fertilizers significantly (p< 0.05) affected the plant height with NPK 300 kg/ha having the highest height in both trials at 52 days after transplanting (DAT). They recorded mean of 6.4 and 5.9 respectively. There was no significant effect between organic and inorganic fertilizer on internode length in both cultivations except at 80 days after transplanting in trial 1 and 52 days after transplanting in trial 2. The lowest was 0.35 in control and 3.7 organic 846.56 kg/ha. The number of stalks, number of branches and total soluble solids were significantly (p< 0.05) affected by the quantity of fertilizers applied. The 300 kg/ha of synthetic fertilizer recorded the highest number of stalks at 52 DAT 5.42 in both trials while 846.56 kg/ha of organic fertilizer recorded the highest in all days in both trials. The 300 kg/ha of inorganic fertilizer and 846.56 kg/ha of organic fertilizer showed the highest number of branches in both cultivations though at 80 DAT in both trials it was inconsistent. 300 kg/ha of organic fertilizer recorded the highest levels of total soluble solutes 9.51. When compared to the control, fertilizer rates had a substantial impact on yields, shoot and root dry weights, and plant biomass, all of which dramatically increased. According to the study, organic fertilizer produced the best growth, yields, and high levels of vitamin C, whereas inorganic fertilizer performed best in terms of quality criteria (total soluble solutes, total nitrogen, and crude protein) and the majority of postharvest metrics. Based on this study, organic fertilizer (Mazao bora) should be adopted gives high yields at 846.56 kg/ha and high levels of vitamin C (423.28 kg/ha), longest shelf life at 634.92 kg/ha. Also, norganic fertilizer (NPK) should be used for the production of celery as it gives high total soluble solutes at 300 kg/ha, crude protein and total nitrogen at 100 kg/ha. These properties are essenital to human health since they reduce chances of disease infection.
NAMNA NYIMBO ZA TOHARA ZA JAMII YA WAIGEMBE ZILIVYODENGULIWA NA NYIMBO ZA DINI YA KIKRISTO
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Eliud, Josphat
Igembe community is found in areas around North East of Mount Kenya. Igembe community has traditions which are associated with songs. This is that focuses to Igembe community is a descriptive study which investigates how circumcision songs have been deconstructed by religious songs in Igembe community that is found in Meru county. This study was guided by three objectives which were: to investigate themes from songs which have been deconstructed by religious songs, secondly, to explain styles used during deconstructions of religious songs as well as to investigate functionalism of deconstructed songs in Igembe community. This study was guided by Deconstruction theory as advanced by Jacques Derrida (1967) and Stylistic theory as advanced by Coombes (1953) and Leech (1969). Data for this study was collected from the field. Four male adults were targeted to help in understanding the message in circumcision songs as well as four artist who are well versed with Christian songs which have been deconstructed. Eighteen songs were used to analyse data for this study. The contexts which were used in data collection was male gatherings during circumcision mostly in months of April, July, October and on religious gatherings mostly in churches. The tools that were used for collection of data were tape recording of circumcision songs in circumcision ceremonies, dialogue and video. Each local song was written and the message was translated in Kiswahili and analysed in details through explanations. The songs that are sang before circumcision were analysed into three that is the traditional songs being three and the deconstructed songs three. The research analysed the deconstructed songs in thematic content, styles and its functionalism. Boys passed eight stages in their age set which includes: Kiramunya, Ithalii, Michubu, Ratanya, Lubetaa, Miriti, Buantai and Gichunge. In every age set, there was sub age groups which were three that is Ndinguri, Kobia and Kaberia. This study found that singers of religious songs used themes such as power of holy spirit as well as encouragement. Additionally, it as found that singers uses styles such as rhetorical questions, metaphor and repetitions amongs others. This study has given proposals on the area where other study can be carried in Igembe and on oral literature as whole. The study will be of benefit to future elites and researchers who will be interested in the field of oral literature mostly in songs. Data for this study will be used in preserving the oral literature of Igembe Community and that of Africa as whole. Data for this study was analysed through explanation and presented through writing.
DYNAMICS OF ANGLICAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN ENHANCING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA PETER
(Chuka University, 2022-09) WAMBUGU, PETER
The purpose of the study was to investigate the dynamics of Anglican Development Services (ADS) of the Anglican Church in enhancing Community Development (CD) in Kenya. The ADS since its inception has been involved in sectors such as agriculture, education, climate change, environment, healthcare, gender, human rights, poverty alleviation, peace building and justice, food security, economic empowerment, advocacy, water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS, capacity development and governance with the aim of improving the livelihood of the community. However, despite mitigation programs by the ADS in enhancing CD in Kenya, the community has consistently experienced the problem of inequalities, depraved governance, corruption, poverty, tribalism, poor health, unemployment and forms of under development, thus necessitating this study. The objectives of the study were: To establish the biblical and theological basis for church involvement in community development; to analyze the organizational policies of Anglican Development Services in enhancing community development in Kenya; to investigate the strategies employed by Anglican Development Services in enhancing community development in Kenya; and to establish the challenges facing Anglican Development Services in enhancing community development in Kenya. The study was carried out in four Anglican Development Services regions in Kenya namely: Pwani, Eastern, Mount Kenya East and NAIKA (Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints). The Theory of Reconstruction Theology (RT) advanced by Jesse N.K Mugambi was applied based on the process of social reconstruction as a paradigm for CD. Descriptive survey research design was used and a sample of 330 respondents gotten from a target population of 1,827 was employed. The data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 computer software was used to analyze the quantitative data using descriptive statistics, such as frequency and percentages in accordance with the study's objectives. Thematic analysis was done on qualitative data. The findings illustrated that the biblical and theological basis for church involvement in community development was highly valued. It was demonstrated that ADS has both policies and well founded strategies for enhancing community development. However, a number of challenges were discovered to be impeding the process of implementing of development initiatives and programs. To improve on the sustainability of community development within the targeted areas, it is recommended that more effort be made to disseminate biblical and theological teachings to educate communities about the wholistic mission of the church. In order to improve the sustainability of the development programs for the benefit of communities, beneficiary communities and community development partners should be appropriately engaged and well informed about the tenets, mission and strategic plans of ADS programs and projects. ADS target recipients should be expanded through conscientization process, goal oriented empowerment and transformative participatory approach, with the most vulnerable members of the community receiving priority. Suitable mitigating measures should be implemented to address the challenges encountered to ensure that the community and all stakeholders contribute to the achievement of the ADS community development objectives. From the study, it was confirmed that the ADS stands as a platform for socio transformation within the life stream of the people through community development. The study will make contribution to knowledge in religious studies, theology and related disciplines.

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