Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

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A critical analysis of the co-relationship between Nietzsche’s concept of moral relativism and same-sex sexual relationship as a contemporary moral issue.
(Chuka University, 2024) Nafuma Lusabe Lennoxie
This research delves deeply into the profound ways in which Friedrich Nietzsche's ideas on moral relativism influence contemporary perspectives on sexual morality, paying particular attention to same-sex relationships. By thoroughly exploring Nietzsche's philosophical concepts, the study meticulously dissects the intricate complexities inherent in moral discussions and the quest for personal freedom. Through an exhaustive analysis, it contrasts Nietzsche's radical thoughts with long-standing traditional moral values, illustrating how his ground-breaking ideas have significantly reshaped modern perspectives and legal frameworks surrounding same-sex relationships. In its scope, the research investigates a wide range of cultural and regional viewpoints, thus emphasizing the global significance and diverse interpretations of Nietzsche's philosophy. The study rigorously addresses potential criticisms and practical challenges associated with applying Nietzsche's relativism to modern moral debates, offering a balanced and comprehensive analysis. This nuanced examination aims to enrich the broader conversation on morality, fostering deeper critical thinking. Additionally, the research delves into historical contexts to illustrate how Nietzsche‘s philosophy interacted with and sometimes clashed with the established norms of his time, compared to its reception in today's world. It also examines the legal implications of Nietzschean thought on policies and frameworks concerning same-sex relationships across various societies. The study employs historical method complimented by phenomenological method to draw a comparison between Nietzsche‘s moral relativism and same-sex relationships as an example of an ethical issue requiring detailed insight through the use of both the philosophical-historical method and the phenomenological approach. The study underscores the importance of understanding these philosophical underpinnings to fully appreciate modern views on sexual morality. It not only aims to highlight Nietzsche‘s influence but also seeks to engage readers in a reflective dialogue about the nature and evolution of moral judgments. By doing so, it aspires to contribute meaningfully to ongoing discussions about equality, acceptance, and the ever-evolving standards of what constitutes moral behaviour in contemporary times. Through this ambitious scholarly endeavour, the research aims to spark continued interest and dialogue in Nietzschean philosophy and its application to today's moral and ethical landscape. Moreover, the study extends its analysis to a broader spectrum, exploring different dimensions and implications of Nietzsche's moral relativism across various facets of modern life. This approach not only enriches the understanding of Nietzsche's philosophy but also emphasizes its enduring impact on the ongoing debates about sexual morality, legal rights, and societal responses to same-sex relationships.
A critical analysis of Thomas Hobbes’ political theory and its relevance in public participation for effective governance under constitution of Kenya 2010
(Chuka University, 2024) Kobia Josphat Kaume
This study explored the topic of a critical analysis of Thomas Political Theory and its relevance in public participation for effective governance under the Kenyan constitution 2010.Public participation is viewed as a mechanism by which the citizens contribute towards governance and service delivery. It was informed by continuous lawsuits that quashed and overturned government’s decisions for not involving the public in considering their views before developing its policies despite the fact that public participation principle is enshrined in the constitution. Thomas Hobbes was a seventeenth century political philosopher and his political theory emphasizes on governance, formation of state and submission of the individual to the sovereign. For him, formation of the state is an initiative of the members of the public who come together and form a society with one appointed as the sovereign so as to bring checks and balances. Public participation is a basic component of democracy enshrined in the Kenyan constitution 2010. The purpose of this study was to critically examine and emphasize the role of public participation and its implication in democratic governance in Kenya and account the reason for the introduction of public participation under the Kenyan constitution 2010.The study was guided by three objectives: To analyze the theory of Thomas Hobbes on the necessity to move from the state of nature to the formation of society, To draw inferences from Hobbes’ theory with Kenyan context on public participation, To examine the nexus between public participation and good governance in reference to Kenya post 2010. Lack of proper and adequate public participation has led to misuse of public resources and increased the rate of corruption since no accountability. The assumption of this study was that though public participation has been conducted, it has not been effectively implemented as stipulated in the constitution. It was guided by Thomas Hobbes political theory. The theory emphasizes on public participation, consent and consensus in formation of government. The study was library based and the researcher used purposive sampling method to purposely sample fifteen books that were inclined to materials related to public participation and Thomas Hobbes political theory on governance in Kenya. The data were collected through reading of texts both published and unpublished Descriptive research design was used for it enabled the description of state of affairs in governance as they were in Kenya post 2010 constitution. It established that public participation contributes in effective governance, peace building and trust since citizens feel their voice is heard. It also established that corruption and misuse of public resources was contributed by lack of adequate public participation since there is no accountability. The Study was done in Chuka University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Consolata Institute of Philosophy libraries. The study adopted descriptive design and used critical method that questions assumptions, examine evidence, identify biases, and striving for a deeper understanding of public participation in Kenya. Critical method offered an internal or immanent criticism to the governance in Kenya under 2010 constitution. The study emphasized on the importance of effective feedback mechanisms by government to ensure implementation of decisions reached through citizen participation. It found out that public participation is an important principle of governance. It was also revealed that all county governance structures should ensure decisions reached through public participation and consensus building forums are strictly implemented. Instituting appropriate and adequate engagement forums for inclusivity, equality and effective citizen participation in management and development matters was emphasized for the development of policy that promotes effective governance. These findings significantly contributed to the understanding of the role of public participation on performance of devolved governance systems in Kenya.
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 forensic linguistic study of victim impact statements of rape cases in magistrates’ courts in Meru county Kenya
(Chuka University, 2025) Kirimi Antony Kiambi
This study focuses on Forensic Linguistics which is a branch of applied linguistics that involves use of linguistic knowledge, insights and methods to the forensic context of law, language, crime investigation, trial, and judicial procedure. It is said to be language of evidence. Language is important in courtroom discourse as it enhances communication among discourse participants in court. It serves to limit, control, promote or reduce dominance since language has power. This study therefore, sought to majorly focus on Forensic Linguistic Study of Victim Impact Statements (VISs) of Rape cases at Meru County Law courts. It was guided by the following objectives; to describe the emotive vocabulary in Victim Impact Statements of rape cases and to examine victims’ use of language to establish authority in Victim Impact Statements of rape cases. The researcher adopted a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) theory. A descriptive qualitative technique was used in this study. The data was collected from written VISs(text). Purposive sampling was used and only relevant materials and documents were collected from rape cases. The sample size for this study was fifteen VISs.The three dimensions of CDA; description, interpretation and explanation were used in data analysis. The results of this study show that emotive vocabulary is used in VISs and victims use various Linguistic Markers to show power in VISs. For instance, the findings of the study reveal thatthe lexical features heavily relied on that were emotive in nature included; descriptive vocabulary, evaluative vocabulary, Specialized/legal, rare vocabulary, word collocations, modality and shared knowledge of the society and the constitution of Kenya.They also used experiential, expressive, relation value of words and ideologically significant meaning relations to emotively voice their concerns. The study also found out that the commonly used type of power was instrumental power. This was important in maintaining and enforcing authority. Linguistic markers of power used were; legal language, modal verbs, formal language, imperative sentences, personal pronouns, discourse markers, semantic field of words, assertions, metaphors, repetition, idioms and synthetic personalization. These portrayed the victims as more superior than the accused. The study concluded that emotive language is present in VISs and play a vital role in communicating the victim’s mind in his/her quest for justice. It also concluded that Linguistic markers for power are present in the VISs. Producers of the text incorporate powerful linguistic expressions which as social agents in this context elevates them above the defendant. The fact that the Law has given them a platform to air their voices during a critical stage in the proceeding (before sentencing) and no rebuttal to the same from the defendant side, shows power asymmetry. This study is important as the findings add to the body of knowledge on Forensic Linguistics which is an emerging area of study especially courtroom discourse. The findingsalso give insight to legal practitioners especially legal decision makerson use of language in rape cases’ VISs and its relation to power as rape cases are sensitive.
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
A lexico-pragmatic interpretation of Gi-gicugu Euphemism
(Chuka University, 2025) Maguh Miriam Wangui
This research argues that language functions not only as a tool for communication but also as a medium for expressing attitudes, emotions, and worldviews. It contributes to the field of pragmatics and sociolinguistics, with a specific focus on lexico-pragmatic analysis within African languages. The study focused on the Gĩgĩcũgũ dialect of the Kikuyu language. It examined the lexico-pragmatic interpretation of euphemism, particularly how politeness is linguistically constructed across various social contexts. The main objectives were to analyze the functions of euphemized lexical items in conveying meaning, to identify possible communication barriers arising from their use, and to explore how both positive and negative politeness strategies reflect the social values of the Gĩgĩcũgũ speaking community. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, which focused on understanding the meanings, experiences, and social contexts of language use rather than quantifying data. It aimed to capture the richness of speakers' expressions and attitudes through focus group discussions and recording of natural speeches. The study adopted a descriptive linguistic approach, which systematically described the language used in specific social settings, particularly how euphemisms function in communication within the Gĩgĩcũgũ speaking community. Purposive sampling was used to select native Gĩgĩcũgũ adult speakers from the rural Rung’eto region, ensuring fluency in the dialect and familiarity with cultural norms. The researcher used these speakers to obtain the euphemistic words and expressions used in the Gĩgĩcũgũ dialect. Data was collected through focus group discussions and recording of natural speeches. The primary instrument of data collection was researcher designed guide for capturing euphemistic expressions used in relation to key social domains such as birth, circumcision, marriage, diseases, sex and relationships, church activities, and death. Data analysis was conducted thematically in line with Brown and Levinson’s (1987) Politeness Theory, examining how euphemisms serve both communicative and social functions. The study revealed that Gĩgĩcũgũ speakers employ euphemisms to maintain politeness, manage face-threatening acts, and reinforce social cohesion. It also revealed that the use of such expressions at times leads to miscommunication or ambiguity due to generational, social and cultural differences. Ultimately, the study shed light on how euphemism in the Gĩgĩcũgũ dialect operates as a culturally embedded strategy of meaning-making and politeness.
A pragma-semiotic analysis of always sanitary pads advertisements in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Njenjere, Karambu Fridah
Pragma-semiotic analysis combines pragmatism and semiotics. Pragmatism, in this study, looks at politeness strategies employed in Always Sanitary pads advertisements as well as meanings of the various semiotic resources used in these multimodal images. In order to investigate the complex interactions between pragmatic functions and semiotic resources in the meaning-construction process within multimodal texts, this study conducts a pragma-semiotic analysis of Always Sanitary Pads advertisements in Kenya. Through an analysis of linguistic and non-linguistic components, the study sought to clarify the ways in which signs are utilized to accomplish communicative intentions in various settings. Studies on pragma-semiotics have been conducted on advertisements of Nike-air shoes, beauty products in printed magazines, in telecommunication and in banking industry. However, particular attention has not been given to combine multimodality with pragmatic acts for the analysis of advertisements in Kenya. The present research filled up this gap by exploring the ways in which Always Sanitary Pads advertisers utilize different semiotic resources such as visuals and language choice to create persuasive messages that resonate with their customers guided by two theoretical frameworks which comprises Multimodal Theory by Gunther Kress and Theo van Leeuwen, alongside the Theory of Politeness by Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson. The research design utilized non-probability sampling. A guiding card served as the instrument to sort out the adverts for sampling as well as for data analysis. This research found out that Always Sanitary Pads advertisements use politeness strategies to lessen threats to face, and that these advertisements contain multimodal components composed of semiotic resources that are interacted creatively hence contributing in the shaping of the perceptions of feminine hygiene products
A pragma-semiotic analysis of communication strategies in vaccination campaigns against mpox in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2025) Chemiati, Rebecca Chemutai
The success of any public health campaign is dependent on its ability to strategically utilize various modes of communication to effectively convey complex health messages. Meaning-making in public health campaigns is dependent on the strategic integration of language and other modes of communication. Integration of these two linguistics fields provides a comprehensive understanding of how public health campaigns navigate through the complexities of effective communication in a multi cultural society. The motivation behind this study is based on the need to understand how semiotic and pragmatic elements collaboratively work to create meaning. The study focused on analysis of meanings and the functionality of speech acts in vaccination campaigns against Mpox in Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive research design guided by the Multimodal Theory by Gunther Kress and Theo van Leeuwen and John Searle’s Theory of Speech Act. The study population comprised all publicly available communicative materials used in the vaccination campaigns against Mpox in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to identify campaign materials that possess linguistic elements only relevant to the study. A total of thirty campaign materials were sampled. However, the final sample size was dependent on the point of saturation. The data was sourced from official websites of institutions of public health and digital media platforms. An integrated pragma-semiotic approach was utilized during data analysis where visuals were classifieds as icons, indexes and symbols to examine their communicative functions while speech acts were analysed according to Searle (1976). This document is made up of six chapters; chapter one, two and three comprise the introduction, literature review and research methodology respectively. Chapter four highlights meanings in vaccination campaigns against Mpox in Kenya. The study finds that the campaigns made use of various semiotic resources such as icons, indexes, symbols, spatial arrangements, layouts and colour schemes which carried multiple meanings. The icon of a vaccine bottle for instance connotates hope through the administration of the vaccine which is a lifesaving substance. This reinforces the idea that the relevant authorities are concerned with the protection and preservation of life. Symbolically, this icon is a representation of defence and immunity.Chapter five engages speech acts in vaccination campaigns against Mpox in Kenya. The findings of the pragmatic analysis reveal the use of five types of speech acts as categorized by Searle (1976) and hierarchical structuring which operate as complex illocutionary arrangements. Chapter six contains the summary of findings, conclusions and recommendations. This study has validated that the union of pragmatic and semiotic elements in the campaigns against Mpox generated an integrative communicative power which not only informed the population regarding Mpox pandemic but also advocated certain preventive methods, primarily vaccination among high-risk groups. The study demonstrates how verbal and visual elements interact dynamically to produce persuasive messages that impact behaviour change. This study advances the theoretical frameworks utilized by demonstrating how various illocutionary acts are reinforced and modulated through semiotic resources to inform, create awareness and promote vaccination uptake. It bridges the gap between theory and applied communication practices. The integration thus provides a comprehensive understanding of the process of meaning-making. It offers insight on the role of communication strategies in the design of more effective public health campaigns.
An assessment of christians’ perception of christian marriage in the catholic church, our lady of visitation deanery, diocese of Embu, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2025) Mbogo, Gladwell Karimi
Marriage is one of the most important social institutions in the society. In the Catholic Church, it holds a profound religious and social significance. The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is one of the seven sacraments. It emphasizes on monogamy and indissolubility of marriage. There is lack of comprehensive research examining Christian’s practice of Christian marriage within Our Lady of Visitation Deanery. This study sought to assess Christians’ perception of Christian marriage in the Catholic Church, Our Lady of Visitation Deanery, Diocese of Embu, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives; to examine the role of the church teachings in shaping perception of Christian marriage, to evaluate factors influencing Christians’ perception of Christian marriage, to determine strategies for expanding the perception and practice of Christian marriage and to analyze the impact of societal changes on Christian marriage practices in Our Lady of Visitation Deanery. This study adopted structural functionalism theory to provide a better understanding of marriage as a social institution that fulfils key societal functions such as preservation of marital norms and values. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population was 5020 people. A sample of 357 respondents including the Clergy, married couples, members preparing to marry and unmarried members were selected through stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The researcher used questionnaires, interview schedule and focus group discussions to gather information. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 29 to generate descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, while qualitative data from the Clergy and unmarried members was analyzed thematically using coding, categorization and identifying of emerging patterns to interpret meanings and relevance to the research. Key findings of the study showed that most Christians in our Lady of visitation deanery value Church marriage as a sacred covenant that symbolizes faith, love and divine blessing. The study concluded that although church teachings shape Christians perception of church marriage, there is a gap between doctrinal teachings and practice of marriage. It recommended strengthening marriage catechesis and premarital counselling, continuous marriage formation, integration of culture and faith and Community sensitization in order to enhance the practice of church marriage. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on social-anthropological aspect of religion by showing how religion interacts with culture in shaping marriage practices and family relations.
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.
Analysis of persuasive and politeness strategies used in sermons by pentecostal preachers in Nyeri County
(Chuka University, 2015) Kibuchi Robert Warui
Language is used to persuade, dissuade, manipulate, and develop diverse power and political beliefs. Politicians, lobbyists, corporate experts, and religious speakers, among others, achieve enormous power, influence, and profit by skillfully employing words.This research sought to discover the persuasive strategies and politeness used by religious preachers in their discourse within the church context. The purpose of this study was to analyze persuasive and politeness strategies used in sermons by Kenyan Pentecostal preachers in Nyeri county. The objectives that guided this study were; to describe the persuasive strategies used by Pentecostal preachers to execute their persuasion agenda and to analyze politeness strategies used by Kenyan Pentecostal Preachers in Kenya. The data source was audio recordings from the sermons of three preachers. The population of study was all the sermons with politeness and persuasive strategies. Purposive sampling was used to select five sermons with persuasive techniques and politeness. The research design of this study was qualitative. A card was used in this study by isolating the persuasive strategies and politeness strategies applied in the discourse of the Pentecostal preachers. Two theories were used to analyze data. Politeness theory was used to analyze data for the first objective while Aristotle theory of persuasion was used for the second objective. The study revealed that preachers employed different persuasive techniques to influence belief, evoke emotion and t encourage action. It was also found that the preachers strategically used a range of politeness strategies and they relied on the frameworks of the negative politeness, and positive politeness, bald-on-record and off-record communication. Indirectness, hedging, apologies depersonalized addressing characterized negative politeness strategies that are oriented towards maintaining the autonomy of the hearer. the preachers strategically used a range of politeness strategies and they relied on the frameworks of the negative politeness, positive politeness, bald-on-record and off record. The study is of relevance to sociolinguistics and pragmatics because it provides information on how politeness and persuasion works in the church discourse. In addition, the results offer helpful information to the interlocutors on the use of proper strategies to ensure successful and decent communication, where everybody during the contact feels listened to and appreciated. The results may form basis for effective sermon preparation to achieve different communicative goals. Further research can be done by doing a comparative study on the use of rhetorical devices among different denominations.
Analysis of socio-economic and ecological usefulness of urban farming in Nkubu town, Meru county, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Kawira Bridget
For a long time, agriculture has been seen as an activity that better fits in the rural areas. Nevertheless, this is no longer true in the current world where urbanization has been on the rise, hence reducing the agricultural lands. There has also been an increase in the rural –urban migration, which means high demand for food in the urban areas. This has led to increased urban farming hence attracting a number of researchers to carry out research work on the same. In as much as urban farming has attracted much attention from researchers, this study will narrow down to the socio-economic and the ecological utility of urban farming systems in Nkubu town, Meru County. The study was directed by the following objectives: to map out the spatial distribution of town regions where urban farming is practised in Nkubu town; to establish the socio-economic benefits of different urban farming systems in Nkubu; to examine the ecological usefulness of urban farming systems in Nkubu; to identify emerging challenges of urban farming systems in Nkubu. The study sampled 95 households actively practising urban farming in the town. Primary and secondary data was used to enrich the study findings. The study used the concurrent mixed method approach, which entails collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data at the same time in order to support the findings. Landsat 8 images of Nkubu for 2010-2020 were obtained to help identify the greenness index in the town for the stated years. The study revealed that most parts of the town practise urban farming with crop production leading at 54.40%, mixed farming 36.70% and animal rearing only at 8.90%. The study also revealed that farming activities increased as one moves from the town. The study revealed that many farmers practise urban farming as a source of income and employment. For the ecological usefulness of urban farming, the Landsat 8 images were analysed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. (NDVI). They revealed that the green spaces have been reducing with time in the town and this brings about the issue of reduction in air purifiers and ground water infiltration in the town. The study concluded that urban farming is very vital in the town and has great benefits when maximally practised. This study recommends promotion of more knowledge sharing networks, promotion of crop diversification and uptake of the new urban farming technologies
Assessment of social media use in church ministry in the Methodist church in Kenya, Nyambene synod
(Chuka University, 2025) Akula Elosy Mukami
The rapid growth of social media has transformed communication and interaction across sectors, including religion, by offering new avenues for evangelism, fellowship, and outreach. In Kenya, religious institutions are increasingly integrating digital tools into their ministry, yet many rural churches continue to face challenges in effectively adopting and utilizing social media for spiritual engagement. This study examined the use of social media in church ministry within the Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK), focusing on the Nyambene Synod—a largely rural context where digital transformation remains uneven. Specifically, the study sought to: (i) assess the level of awareness and adoption of social media platforms among congregants, (ii) evaluate the impact of social media on ministry activities, and (iii) identify challenges affecting its adoption and use for religious purposes. Guided by the functionalist theory, the study employed a mixed-methods research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 408 respondents—including clergy, lay preachers, church leaders, and members—was drawn through stratified random and purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including logistic regression, were used to determine relationships between social media use and ministry outcomes. Findings revealed high awareness and individual use of social media among congregants, with WhatsApp and Facebook being the most utilized platforms for church communication and ministry. Younger, male, and leadership respondents exhibited higher adoption levels. Social media was found to enhance evangelism, youth outreach, preaching, and dissemination of church updates, with 95.1% of respondents affirming that it expanded the church’s reach beyond its physical congregation. Logistic regression results indicated that both the variety of online ministry activities and the frequency of social media use significantly influenced positive perceptions of its impact. Nonetheless, the study identified key challenges such as poor internet connectivity— especially in remote areas—limited digital skills among older members, distractions from secular content, and the absence of formal digital ministry policies. The study concludes that social media presents vast opportunities for effective ministry in the Nyambene Synod but remains constrained by infrastructural and capacity limitations. It contributes to the discourse on digital religion by highlighting the dynamics of online ministry in rural church settings. The study recommends that the MCK develop formal social media policies, invest in digital infrastructure, and establish IT/media teams to manage online engagement. Additionally, targeted digital literacy training should be prioritized for women, older congregants, and rural members to enhance participation and reduce digital exclusion. By embracing structured digital strategies and faith-based content management, the church can strengthen spiritual growth, inclusivity, and community outreach in the digital age.
Assessment of the contribution of the Anglican church in addressing the boy child crisis in the diocese of Embu, kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Nyaga Moses Murithi
Leaders from Embu County have raised red flags over the diminishing numbers of boys in some schools and involvement in crime as well as drug abuse. Within the Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Embu boy child is rated behind in education, a situation that might lead to lack of male leadership in future. This has translated to gender imbalances at higher educational levels which in turns hinders social mobility. The impact of this neglect on the boy child’s life is that; some have dropped out of school leading to high number of uneducated boys, others have joined outlawed sects, others have engaged into drugs and substance abuse, violence, manipulation by politicians in electioneering period among other criminal activities. The Church as a social institution is mandated to bridge gaps within the society. The purpose of this research was to access the ways in which the Anglican Church Diocese of Embu can address the boy child crisis. The objectives of the study were: to establish the nature and extent of boy child crisis in the Anglican Diocese of Embu; to investigate why there were no programs within the Anglican Church Diocese of Embu addressing the boy child crisis, and finally to suggest ways in which the Anglican Church Diocese of Embu can address the boy child crisis. This study was significant because it addressed the plight of the boys in Church and society. The study also contributed in the field of sociology of religion because it dealt with the role of religion in society. It adopted Structural Functionalism theory which addresses social interactions and relationships, and their role on development and growth of human beings in the society. The study employed cross sectional descriptive study design. The target population was 26108 men, women and boy child in ACK Churches in the Diocese of Embu. The study involved 50 Churches stratified into 7 archdeaconries and a sample of 254 men and women, and 73 boy child selected by Stratified Proportionate random sampling. The researcher purposively selected 21 Clergy and 35 Church elders. The total sample size for the study was 383 respondents, and questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to analyze the data. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26.0 computer software for Windows and then presented it in form of tables and charts form. The findings highlighted various challenges faced by boys, including risky sexual behaviors, involvement in crime, domestic violence, economic hardships, and mental health issues. Gender disparities in education contributed to lower academic performance and increased vulnerability. Barriers such as insufficient mobilization, financial constraints, lack of skilled personnel, and community reluctance towards church programs limited effective intervention. Additionally, pastoral efforts in schools and boy child-focused seminars showed promise. The study recommended enhancing community engagement and passion for the well-being of boys, along with further research on societal pressures, training needs for crisis management, and spiritual development.
Audience perceptions of gender stereotypes in selected commercial advertisements on citizen television, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Okemwa Kemunto Sabina
Television advertising incorporates visual and auditory mediums, making it a powerful tool for constructing, disseminating, and endorsing dominant ideologies that shape the collective consciousness of society. Advertising addresses various subjects but has faced criticism for perpetuating gender stereotypes through texts and images that reinforce traditional roles. This study aimed to explore gender roles, analyze gender representation, and examine the diversity of gender stereotypes in selected TV commercial advertisements in Kenya. The research employed random sampling to select respondents from a study population of 2.2 million individuals, ultimately comprising a sample of 384 participants. Data was collected from Citizen TV advertisements aired between May 1 and May 31, 2024. Guided by feminist theory, the study utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Structured questionnaires were distributed to individuals in shops, offices, and educational institutions within the Nairobi Central Business District. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data, which was evaluated based on the research objectives. The analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28 and presented through various statistical measures, including mean, mode, and frequencies, alongside visual representations such as charts, tables, and graphs. The study found that both men and women appeared with similar frequency in TV advertisements; however, many respondents perceived women as being more prominently featured than men. This finding highlights a significant gap in awareness and recognition of gender stereotyping in the media. Respondents indicated that traditional gender roles persist, with women predominantly associated with domestic responsibilities and men depicted as authorities and professionals. Additionally, the research revealed that advertisements largely associate women with caregiving roles, further demonstrating the limitations placed on women's portrayals. Regarding voiceovers, the study indicated that men were often perceived as dominating this aspect of advertising, underscoring the imbalance in gender representation. The findings are expected to be beneficial for media practitioners seeking to counter the notion of gender stereotyping. Moreover, government policymakers may find the insights from this research resourceful in formulating effective policies. The study advocates for further research focusing on encouraging gender-balanced casting and storytelling in TV commercials and developing industry guidelines to prioritize non-stereotypical portrayals. These measures can contribute to reducing gender stereotypes and fostering equitable media representation in Kenya.
BLIS 402: MARKETING LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES
(Chuka University, 2024-12-19) Chuka University
BMET 230: MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(Chuka University, 2023-12-19) Chuka University
BOTA 131: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
(Chuka University, 2023-12-19) Chuka University
Business journalism in Kenyan newspapers: the practice and its influence on economic decisions
(Chuka University, 2024) Obuya Simeon Mabea
Business journalism has evolved into a complex field characterized by specialization and digitization. Among these new realities are the use of multimedia, reliance on data and statistics, and the application of artificial intelligence in reporting. Following a literature review, the researcher found that existing studies on business journalism were predominantly of European criticisms and largely focused on the practitioners’ shortcomings in analytical reporting, informing the public, and providing warnings of impending dangers. There was little research available in the scholarly literature on Kenya's business journalism landscape. This research sought to address this gap by analyzing the practice of business journalism in Kenyan newspapers and its influence on the economic decisions of individuals and organizations. Specifically, the study examined the nature of business journalism in Kenyan newspapers, emerging trends characteristic of business journalism in Kenyan newspapers, and the influence of business journalism in Kenyan newspapers on economic decisions. The study was framed by agenda-setting theory. A mixed methods design was adopted, with two sets of stratified samples from a population encompassing: newspaper issues from Kenya's leading newspapers (the Business Daily, the Daily Nation, and The Standard), and research participants which included business journalists from the three newspapers and middle-level staff members from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Document analysis and questionnaires were used to collect data from newspapers and participants. The researcher used reflexive thematic content analysis and descriptive statistics to interpret data. The research findings revealed that business journalism in Kenyan newspapers was characterized by a commitment to detailed and factual reporting, often relying on authoritative sources such as the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and World Bank data to enhance credibility. Despite resource constraints and competition, the newspapers maintained high standards of news sourcing and clarity, utilizing simplified language and visual aids to make complex economic topics understandable. The study identified several emerging trends such as digital integration, data-driven journalism, and AI adoption, that were reshaping the landscape of business journalism in Kenya. These trends necessitated journalists to be equipped with digital skills and multimedia storytelling for their effectiveness. Furthermore, the research underscored how comprehensive coverage of market trends, policy changes, and corporate developments informed and influenced public opinion and consumer behaviour. These findings reinforced the agendasetting theory, highlighting the media's power in setting the agenda for public discourse and policy-making, thereby underscoring the critical role of business journalism in Kenya's economic landscape. These findings could benefit journalists, financial news audiences, students, and other stakeholders locally and globally.
CDEV 436: FAMILY LAWS AND POLICIES
(Chuka University, 2024-12-19) Chuka University

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