Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

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A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF KENYA’S BUILDING BRIDGES INITIATIVE SPEECHES
(Chuka University, 2023-10) GITONGA EURIDISE NKATHA
Language is vital in communication between people. People understand each other through shared knowledge between the speaker and the hearer. It is a major mechanism within the process of social construction, seen as an instrument for consolidating, manipulating concepts, seek attention, create relationships in the area of power, and use it as tool to control the society. Anchored in Critical Discourse Analysis theoretically, this study shed light on the crucial use of language in the society. The study sought to explain specific linguistic ways in which language is used to represent an instrument of control and manifest symbolic power in the Kenya’s Building Bridges initiative speeches. The study developed and proposed various strategies of (de) legitimization employed by political leaders in Kenya to justify their course of action regarding the Building Bridges initiative. The study was guided by two objectives; to analyze how political actors (de) legitimize the Building Bridges Initiative in Kenya and to analyze how political actors, use language to create a Kenyan identity through the Building Bridges Initiative discourse. Qualitative research methodology was used in this study, of which the descriptive survey method was employed for the analysis of data. YouTube videos of speeches made by specific political actors regarding the Building Bridges Initiative since November 2019 to 2021 were purposively sampled, transcribed and analyzed in their written form. De(legitimization) strategies were identified until saturation point was reached where no new strategies were being generated without resulting to redundancy. These were then categorized into thematic areas in accordance to the objectives of the study. The study established that strategies used by politicians in (de)legitimizing BBI were; authorization, rationalization, moral evaluation, and mythopoeic. It also established that majority of the speakers used language to attract attention, and advance ideologies that created a Kenyan identity. The study found that Kenya’s identity was to a large extent shaped negatively in the BBI discourse with only two out of the six having a positive orientation. These included: Kenya as a nation in need of national conversation, Kenya as a country struggling with tribalism and corruption and Kenya as a peaceful country with fairness and inclusivity. The information gathered in this study is useful to linguists since it provides them with ways to understand the language of politicians world over. Politicians may use language with hidden meaning that needs unravelling. Therefore, this study offers some of the ways of understanding and disambiguating what the politicians really say in their speeches. From the findings of this research, the researcher suggests the following areas for interested scholars: A study on creation of identity using other theories for example politeness theory, speech acts theory, or conceptual metaphor theory.
A History of Social Exclusion and Poverty of the Thagichu of Igembe Sub - County, Meru County from 1907 to 1962
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, 2016-08) Kithinji, Caroline Mucece, Okelo,David O. and Kaburi, Muriungi Colomba
This study is on social exclusion and poverty of the Thagichu of Igembe Sub - County, Meru County in Kenya from 1907 to1962. The study traces the history of social exclusion of the Thagichu from the colonial epoch of the years1907 to 1962. Kenyan Government strategies towards alleviation of social exclusion and poverty between 2013 1nd 2015 are also explored. The study was guided by the theories of Underdevelopment, Materialistic Conception of History and Social Darwinism. The study employed the descriptive research design. Data was collected from oral, archival and secondary sources. A total of 50 people were purposively sampled and interviewed. Data from oral sources was corroborated with data from archival and secondary sources. The major findings of this research are that the Thagichu have been socially excluded by the colonial Government. This exclusion was noted in inadequate infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals and lack of access to social services like banks compared to other areas of Meru County. The study also established that the government has come up with strategies that could help in tackling social exclusion and poverty of the Thagichu. Such strategies are building more educational facilities, provision of free primary and day secondary education, adult and continuing education, non-formal education and provision of educational funds through the constituency development fund and Affirmative Action Social Development Fund. Other strategies aimed at poverty alleviation are establishment of road networks, land adjudication, presence of NGOs, provision of formal employment, Health facilities, growth of an urban centre and Provision of electricity. This study has contributed to the Thagichu historiography
ANALYSIS OF CROSS-METAPHORICAL COHERENCE IN G𝑰̃CHUKA SOCIAL DISCOURSE
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Miriti, Emise
ABSTRACT This study analyzed the different metaphors used in various G𝑖̃chuka speech events with particular focus on coherence in metaphors and the influence of social context on metaphor use. The aim of this study was to investigate how Gĩchuka social discourse is systematically structured by metaphor. Metaphor determines how people think, speak and how they create and understand their world. Metaphor overlap creates both metaphorical and disourse coherence which makes comprehension better. The objectives of this study were: to discuss the metaphors used to conceptualize various aspects of life in Gĩchuka social discourse; to analyze coherence in Gĩchuka social discourse and to establish how social context influences metaphor use in Gĩchuka social discourse. This study was guided by the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) by Lakoff and Johnson. It employed purposive sampling of eleven Gĩchuka speech events which included: a dowry negotiation ceremony, funeral arrangement and burial ceremony, a religious meeting, a table banking activity (chama), a funds drive, a work activity, a birthday occasion, a house warming accasion, a home coming occasion for an initiate, a community charity meeting and a thanks- giving occasion to parents. Different and unrelated speech events which cut across the main Gĩchuka social domains were selected with the aim of eliciting varied metaphors by which phenomena is conceptualized in Gĩchuka social discourse. Pile Sort Tasks were used to group the data for analysis, and the various metaphors were identified using the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit (MIPVU). This study found Gĩchuka social discourse to be highly motivated by metaphor. Ontological metaphors were the most predominantly used metaphors in Gĩchuka social discourse. The JOURNEY metaphor was found to be used simultaneously with most metaphors to create coherence within the discourse and among metaphors. The study establishes that the social context plays a significant role in metaphor use in Gĩchuka social discourse. This study deepens the understanding of the nature of metaphors that motivate Gĩchuka social discourse. The metaphors highlighted in this study will be useful for cross-culture studies. This study contributes to knowledge in cognitive linguistics by conventionalizing and invigorating the use of metaphors in Gĩchuka social discourse, which increases vitality in African languages.
CDEV 00150: RESEARCH METHODS
(0023-04-13) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 0141: PRINCIPLES OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT
(0023-04-13) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 0205: NETWORKING, LOBBYING AND ADVOCACY
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2023-11-04) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 212: COMMUNITY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2023-08-28) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 220: CRIME AND DEVELOPMENT
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2023-04-13) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 222: COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2023-04-12) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 224: COLLECTIVE MOVEMENTS IN COMMUNITIES
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2023-04-13) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 225: GROUP DYNAMICS
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2023-08-03) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 253: ECONOMIC PLANNING DEVELOPMENT
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2023-04-13) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 301: SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY I
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2023-04-11) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CHANGING TRENDS IN MALE CIRCUMCISION RITE AMONG THE AMERU OF IMENTI SOUTH, KENYA (1939 - 2016)
(Chuka University, 2023-10) ISAAC KATHIO
Male circumcision rite of initiation has been discussed, but the reality of the Ameru's practice has not been sufficiently presented. Due to the secrecy surrounding the procedure, researchers had frequently stated that it was impossible to understand circumcision among the Ameru. Over the years, the rite has been performed in a customary manner by the Bukusu, Maasai, Pokot, Agikuyu, and the Ameru. In the 1950s, the Ameru community in Imenti South Sub-County embarked on the modernization of their ancient male initiation rite of circumcision. To accurately capture the customary circumcision ritual, the study spanned from 1939 to 2016, and the findings have been classified and presented in two distinct periods: 1939 to 1950 and 1950 to 2016. The primary objective of periodization was to document the traditional rite of passage among Ameru males, observe shifting trends, and explore the implications of transitioning from the traditional to the modern approach in male circumcision. The study specifically focused on Ameru participants residing in Imenti South Sub-County, where the target population consisted of 61,091 men across three divisions. To ensure a representative sample, 50 respondents were selected using random sampling procedure. The research employed various research instruments such as focus groups, observation, and interview schedules. Data collection involved utilizing secondary sources, archival records, and oral accounts. The validity and reliability of the study was maintained by cross-referencing data from oral sources with information obtained from archival and secondary sources. Frequency tables were used to depict quantitative data after it had been analysed using frequencies and percentages. The Modernization Theory (MT) served as the foundation for the investigation. The goal of modernization theory was to explain how societies can evolve and advance by gradually shifting from "traditional" to "modern" social structures. The study finding was that the era of colonization, spread of Christianity, schooling and urbanization was responsible for alterations in male circumcision for example waning of the concept of "one knife, one blood, and one field". In addition, the type of instruction provided, the resources used, seclusion, the method of circumcision, and the commercialization of circumcision have all changed since civilizations are dynamic. The study recommended that the government's cultural ministries regularly educate the general public through advocacy and seminars in order to embrace a change in attitude towards circumcision to easily embrace the choice other community members make. It also recommended the need to build synergy between traditional and modern circumcision through inclusion of culturaly accepted initiation practices into the modern practice. This is crucial for encouraging peaceful cohabitation amongst the followers of the two events. The study suggested further research on impact of changes in circumcision on the future of African cultural values and the need of an indepth look on the feasibility of blending worthwhile aspects of traditional circumcision into modern circumcision.
CHILD LABOUR AND ITS EFFECTS IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN DADAAB SUB COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2020-12) Ali, Issa Mohamed
Child labour has remained a global challenge. It is estimated that about 218 million children in the world aged between 5-7 years currently work under conditions that are considered illegal, hazardous, or extremely exploitative. The persistence of child labour posed threat to children’s education, especially in primary schools in both arid and semi-arid areas. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of child labour in public primary schools in Dadaab Sub-County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to; determine the prevalence, establish factors that increase child labour and its effects on schooling in Dadaab Sub-County. Descriptive survey design was used. The study population 31 198 people; household heads, teachers, community leaders, pupils and officers in relevant Government offices. A sample size of 384 people was used. The study used cluster, random, purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, observations and Focus group discussion instruments and methods. Data from the field was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The qualitative data was summarized and analyzed using themes and narratives. Results were presented using tables, charts and graphs. The results showed that majority (58.6%) of the children were involved in child labour in the study area. About 61.3% of the child labourers were males. The distribution of child labourers in the three divisions of Dadaab Sub County was; 58% in Dadaab Sub County, 22% in Dertu division and 20% in Liboi division. The most prevalent child labour activities identified were; House helps activities (32%), Errand running (24%), Selling Sweets (17%) and Herding (10%). Majority (74%) of the child labourers were aged 12-17 years. Child labour in the study area was caused by; household characteristics (household size, proximity to business centers, household head status, literacy, income and religion), school characteristics (inadequate staff, extra school levies, insecurity in school environment and poor relations between schools and communities) and pupil characteristics (peer pressure, health challenges, lack of parents, domestic work, attraction to waged labour, family errands and care for siblings). There was a progressive drop (21%) in enrolment of pupils in the primary schools in the study area between the years 2013-2017. About 67% of the respondents pointed out that child labour negatively affected academic performance in primary schools. It was concluded that there is high prevalence of child labour in Dadaab Sub County. Household characteristics, school characteristics and pupil characteristics contributed in causing child labour in the study area. Child labour had a negative impact to schooling by causing reduction in primary school pupil enrolment as well as negatively affecting their academic performance. The results will guide policy makers and future researchers on the subject of Dadaab Sub County.
COLONIALISM AND ITS IMPLICATION ON FAMILY STABILITY AMONG THE AEMBU, KENYA, 1895-1965
(Chuka University, 2022-09) KAARIA, LIZZA
This study explored the topic of colonialism and its implication on family stability among the Aembu, Kenya between 1895 and 1965. The Aembu family value system by 1895 was authentic, clear and secured, but with the coming of colonialism it encountered many challenges that the post-independence government wished to address in the 1965 Sessional Paper number 10 on African Socialism. Colonialism therefore had longstanding implications on the Aembu family value system. This study was guided by three objectives: to examine the African family value system in Embu North Sub-County, Kenya from 1895 to 1920, to establish the cultural evolutions brought about by colonialism on the African family value system in Embu North Sub-County, Kenya, 1895-1965 and to assess the aspects of Aembu family value system that have been preserved from 1920 to 1965. The study was informed by the Cultural Evolution Theory which is based on the premise that the culture of human beings’ changes gradually over a period of time due to competition among cultural traits as people interact. Those customs, beliefs and traditions that are fit and suited for survival and can compete favorably are the ones that survive and get transitted over the weaker ones. It is the nature of cultural competition that has led to extinction of some cultural aspects such as languages and the gradual decline of the African family value of polygamy in African communities. Descriptive research design was used for it enabled the decription of state of affairs as they were. The study was conducted in Nginda, Ruguru-Ngandori and Kirimari wards in Embu County. The respondents were sampled using purposive sampling and snowballing sampling technique. The study targeted 79,556 Aembu people in Embu North as per the 2019 census from which a sample size of 50 respondents was drawn from the three wards for interviews. The sources of data included: oral sources, archival sources and secondary sources which were corroborated to meet the reliability and objectivity of the research. Data was collected through oral interviews and focus group discussions. The study analyzed and presented data through Qualitative Data Analysis. The study established that; the Aembu were polygamists whose homesteads comprised several huts for different members; they had a supreme council Kiama kia Ngome and were mixed farmers; they had an elaborate family value system with strict safeguards on social, political and economic aspects that ensured a very stable family unit. Missionaries built the first station in Embu North Sub-County at Kigari in 1910 after arriving in 1906; there was concerted effort to end female circumcision and ensure monogamy was exercised in place of polygamy; there was positive and negative implication on family values after imposition of colonialism; people abandoned some cultural practices, embraced others and merged the good from both cultures. The study concluded that the coming of the British missionaries to Embu North Sub-County impacted on European imperialism and led to cultural subjugation. The study has contributed to the historiography of the Aembu.
CONTRIBUTION OF DEVOLVED AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) MALONZA KALVIN MUSYOKI
Devolution of agriculture and extension services in Kenya aimed at promoting food security at household levels. Despite the devolution of these services for more than five years, food insecurity has persisted in some counties. Makueni County had been described as food insecure with food insecurity prevalence above 75% among farmer’s households. Information on the contribution of devolved agricultural extension services on household food security was scanty; hence prompted the need to assess the contribution of devolved agricultural extension services on household’s food security in the study area. The study objectives were to; evaluate the impact of devolved farmers training, investigate the effect of devolved subsidized farm inputs, and to investigate the impact of devolved agricultural advisory extension services on households’ food security in Makueni County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study population was 150,697 households. The target population was household heads and ward agricultural extension administrators. A sample size of 388 respondents was selected based on Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. The study adopted simple random and purposive sampling methods. The research instruments were Key Informant Interviews (KII) and questionnaires that were tested for reliability from pilot study at resultant correlation coefficient of alpha = 0.7. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages and mean) and inferential statistics (correlation, regression models and chi-square), while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study hypotheses were tested at a significant level of (P 0.05). The results of the study showed a positive association between farmers training and household food security (R=.252; P.05). 58% of respondents had ability to access agricultural training. Though, only 54% had been trained. Results of the study also showed a positive association between subsidized farm input and household food security (R=.258; P .05). 79% of respondents agreed that subsidized farm inputs increased food security. However, out of the 72 % that were knowledgeable about different subsidized farm inputs, only 62% had accessed them. There was a positive association between extension advisory services and household food security (R=371; P.05).79% of respondents agreed extension advisory services were offered to farmers although only 58% had accessed the advisory service even though 72% felt advisory services increased food security. Generally, results showed agricultural advisory services had highest (M=4.41, SD=.33) contribution to household food security, followed by subsidized farm inputs (M=4.21, SD=.38) and agricultural training (M=3.78, SD=.41). It was therefore, concluded that devolved agricultural extension services had a positive contribution to household food security. The study outcome informs policy makers in devolved agriculture sector, as well as guiding County governments on their efforts towards household’s food security. Therefore, the study recommended involvement of all stakeholders in the development and implementation of training program, combine research and development in implementation of subsidy program and development of local agriculture trainers who can reach out effectively to the entire community. Further studies were suggested on the role of households in adoption of devolved agricultural extension services
CONTRIBUTION OF TABLE BANKING TO HOUSEHOLDS WELL-BEING IN KABONDO KASIPUL SUB-COUNTY, HOMABAY COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) George, Okoth
ABSTRACT Table banking is one of the micro-finance initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. The popularity of table banking has been growing among development agencies and governments as one of the means for poverty alleviation. Table banking has emerged as a viable alternative financier of unbanked individuals from low income households across Kenya. Table banking is envisaged to have positive effect on livelihood improvement. However, there is little information on its contribution to household well-being. The main purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of table banking to households’ well-being in Kenya with focus on Kabondo Kasipul Sub County, Homabay County. The specific objectives of the study were: To determine the relationship between credit accessibility and household well-being in Kabondo Kasipul Sub County; to establish the influence of savings in table banking on household well-being and to determine the influence of training in table banking on household well-being. A descriptive research design was adopted in which both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from household members belonging to table banking groups. The target population of this study was 795 members of table banking groups, four chiefs from the four wards and a Sub County director. A sample of 260 respondents was selected from the members of the groups involved in table banking. The sample size was arrived at using Kathuri and Pals (1973) sample size determination table which recommends that for a population of 795, a sample size of 260 is recommended. Cluster, proportionate and simple random sampling was used to select the respondents from table banking groups within the four wards of Kabondo Kasipul Sub-County. Purposive sampling was employed on four chiefs and a sub county director since they were considered to have vast experience in the management of table banking programs. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as tools of data collection. Validity and reliability of the instruments were determined through a pilot study in Kasipul Kabondo Sub County. For clarity, Kasipul Kabondo and Kabondo Kasipul are different sub-counties but with almost similar names. Cronbach-Alpha coefficient was used to test the reliability of the instrument. The reliability coefficient was found to be 0.7 which is acceptable. Analysis of data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0. Diagnostic tests were done before developing the multiple linear regression model. These tests are: normality test; multicollinearity test; and test for heteroscedasticity. The multiple linear regression model was established in order to determine how the three independent variables influenced the well-being of households participating in table banking. The study found that individually, all the three independent variables have a positive and statistically significant relationship with the well-being of households involved in table banking. The study recommends that table banking should be integrated as an integral component of poverty alleviation policies. Since table banking contributes to households’ well-being, recommendation is also given that most members of the community should be encouraged to join table banking groups.
CRIMINALITY AND SOCIAL SET- UPS IN POPULAR LITERATURE: AN ANALYSIS OF JOHN KIGGIA’S LIFE AND TIMES OF A BANK ROBBER AND PRISON IS NOT A HOLIDAY CAMP.
(Chuka University, 2020-12) Ikiungu, Dorcus Kagwiria
This study is an attempt to use discourses of popular literature in giving an insightful probe into the relationship between criminality and social set-ups as presented by John Kiggia Kimani in Life and Times of a Bank Robber (1988) and Prison is not a Holiday Camp (1994). The study sought to investigate the various levels of crime evident in both texts in relation to urban and prison set-ups, spaces that are portrayed as conducive for criminal activities. The focus of the study is that there is a positive relationship between increase in criminality and social set-ups. Technical devices that Kiggia uses to present the criminal figure and crime as a subversion of morality have been analyzed. In this study, three theories were considered appropriate. Narratology has been useful in analyzing the stylistic devices that Kiggia uses to bring out factors that have enhanced criminality increase in both texts. Since narratology was found deficient to address societal changes, Critical social theory and new historicism have been utilized to do an assessment of the society [social set-ups] and characters by interrogating how with changing time they too change. These two theories have been pertinent in assessing and criticizing both the urban and prison set-ups in terms of how they motivate criminality levels to rise. The three theories have been hardy in providing a lens to peer into the city and prison’s underworld to get insight on activities practiced there which contribute to criminality growth. Qualitative research design was used to do a literary analysis of the content, by focusing on the characters’ transition from innocence to hardboiled criminals. An exhaustive account of Kiggia’s growth from an amateur pick pocket into a big time robber, and how the social set-ups have contributed has been done. The study has established that criminality and social set-ups cannot be stopped from influencing each other. In addition, this study ascertained that crime and criminals are such ambivalent terms to define in the world of both texts. This is because, in a social set-up where those who purport to be the judges of morality do not uphold any moral values on their part, issues of (im) morality then become volatile. The study arrives at the conclusion that the texts embody a vision of social morality whereby criminality is taken as a subversion of morality, in other words criminality is a construction of the social set-ups. The study is a contribution to the place and definition of popular literature. There are other fields of interest in the works of John Kiggia, which have come up in the course of this study that could be pursued. For instance, one could examine how women in the texts offer themselves for representation or the relevance of Kiggia’s texts to the contemporary problems. Also a comparative study on Kiggia’s works with other urban crime writers or prison, criminality and power in both texts could be done.
Determinants of youth radicalization and security in Mandera Triangle, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2020-12) Tialal, Michael Nkodi
Radicalization has become a matter of critical concern to the global community given that it has increased and bred terrorist groups whose activities transcend borders. Youth radicalization in Mandera triangle has led to insecurity resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property and non-local workers seeking for transfer to other parts of the country. Studies conducted have not exhaustively shown some factors that govern youth radicalization in Kenya. The study investigated the determinants of youth radicalization in Mandera triangle. The objectives of the study were to; examine the characteristics of radicalized youth, establish factors that influence youth radicalization and explore intervention strategies for preventing youth radicalization in Mandera Triangle. Data was obtained from all the six sub-counties, Mandera South, Mandera East, Mandera North, Banisa Mandera West and Lafey. Descriptive survey design was used in the study. The study population was 2500 youth. A sample size of 115 people was obtained. The study used proportionate, purposive and snowball sampling methods. The instruments of the study were; questionnaire, interviews, Key informant interviews and Focus group discussions. Data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative statistics. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Multiple regression) was used to analysis data. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS Version 22) was used in the analysis of data. Narratives were also used to derive implications to the study. Results of the study indicated that; that social cultural factors such as social media (β= .706, p˂0.05), culture (β= .400, p˂0.05), marginalization (β= .640, p˂0.05) had positive significant effect on security in Mandera triangle. Most of the radicalized youth are male aged 21-25 years and the education level had negative significant effect on youth radicalization (β=-107, p˂0.05). Some of the important intervention strategies of reducing youth radicalization were; enhancement of National and local government for service delivery and security along the borders, engaging youth in building social cohesion, provision of incentives and youth funds for setting up business, promotion of rule of law and human rights based approach in Mandera triangle. These findings could inform future researchers as well as policy makers in areas related to youth radicalization and security.

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