Humanities

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A History of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in The Eastern Region (1915 To 2022)
(Journal of History and Cultural Studies, 2024-02-10) Lucy Muthoni Mwindi(1) ; Dickson Nkonge Kagema(2) ; Caroline Mucece Kithinji(3
The study sought to trace the history of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) in the Eastern Region from 1915 to 2022. PCEA was introduced by the Church of Scotland Mission (CSM) in 1915. It has been in the Eastern Region (Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties) for over a century now and is one of the dominant denominations in the area. However, no systematic study has been done to trace its history. The history of the Methodist Church in Kenya, the Anglican Church, and the Catholic Church in the Eastern Region is well documented, but that of PCEA in the region is conspicuously missing. This gave the authors the impetus to carry out such a study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data was collected and analysed from 438 respondents, including 9 presbytery moderators, 53 church ministers, and 376 church members. The study established that PCEA was brought to the Eastern Region by the CSM. The first missionaries were Africans sent from Kikuyu and Tumutumu. They were later joined by Dr Clive Irvine in 1922. A mission station was established at Chogoria, from where the church spread to other parts of the lower and upper Meru. The study concludes that PCEA is one of the dominant denominations in the Eastern Region. The study recommends that PCEA should come up with better methods of storing data to avoid losing it and preserve its heritage
A Short History of the Anglican Church in Meru, Kenya (1969- 2009)
(IISTE, 2016) Kagema, Dickson Nkonge
This paper traces the history of the Anglican Church (AC) in Meru since its inception in 1969 to 2009, forty years of evangelization. Although the AC is the oldest Christian denomination in Kenya having been started in 1844 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS(Anglican)), where it was able to reach to most parts of Kenya, it took a long time (125 years) to reach Meru region(What is today Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties). During the subdivision of Kenya into ‘missionary spheres of influence’ this region had been given to CMS but for various reasons the CMS failed to occupy it prompting the Church of Scotland Mission (CSM) (Presbyterian), Consolata Catholic Mission (CCM)((Roman Catholic), United Free Methodist Churches (UFMC) and others to desire to evangelize there. Thus by the time the AC was introduced in Meru from Embu after independence, other denominations including the Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church and Pentecostals were already thriving in Meru where they had many followers. The AC began in Southern Meru in 1969 and within a short time it was able to spread to almost all parts of Meru region. This paper looks at its history and development for the first forty years. In these years, this Church experienced a tremendous numerical growth but not without challenges which have sometimes been very detrimental to evangelization. The paper concludes that the AC has a promising future in Meru if priorities are set right especially in the area of leadership and pastoral care.
A Syntactic Analysis of Raising Structures in Kĩmũthambĩ
(Chuka University, 2022) Kaburo, Diana Kananu
This paper provides a syntactic analysis of noun phrase movement in raising predicates in Kĩmũthambĩ, a Bantu language, spoken in Kenya. Kĩmũthambĩ belongs to the larger Kikuyu-Kamba group (E50) and is classified as E531 Mwimbi-Muthambi by Eberhand et al. (2022). The study is guided by the Minimalist Program developed by Chomsky (1995). This theory recognizes that there is always a trigger movement which is the need to check features at an appropriate landing site. The paper demonstrates that Raising in Kĩmũthambĩ is triggered by need to check case features. Since raising verbs cannot assign case to a NP, the NP must move to a position in a sentence where it can be assigned case. This according to Carnie (2007) is due to the fact that the NP and the case assigner must be local in such a way that it must be the specifier or the complement of the case assigner, in order to check the feature of case. Case therefore becomes a mandatory trigger for movement of NPs that are not in positions that can be assigned case as in the case of raising predicates. The paper also demonstrates that unlike in English where raising occurs on non-finite clauses only, Kĩmũthambĩ allows raising of subjects out finite clauses a situation referred to as hyper-raising. This study contributes to the study of Kĩmũthambĩ, a language that has had little research attention. It also contributes to the body of knowledge on raising structures in Bantu languages.
Abagusii Traditional Environmental Knowledge and HIV/AIDS Management: Implications for English Language Teaching
(International Ecolinguistics Association, 2021) Maroko, G. M.; Mokua, G. N.; Nyakundi, A. O.; Onyambu, M. O.
Multidisciplinary and multisectoral interventions are necessary for the management of chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS. One such intervention is the promotion of socially responsible teaching. Anchored within an eclectic theoretical framework involving traditional environmental knowledge, the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, and Vygotsky’s theory of thought, language and culture, this paper analyses the link between Abagusii traditional environmental knowledge and management of HIV/AIDS. Seven groups of people living with HIV/AIDS were engaged in focus group discussions on the management of HIV/AIDS treatment adherence through sustainable production and use of natural products. The paper reveals that the Abagusii have rich ecological knowledge on the production and use of natural products, which could improve treatment outcomes of people living with HIV/AIDS. This ecological knowledge can be harnessed, documented and ploughed into ELT materials for English Language Teaching. A three-tier ELT framework comprising classroom activities, integrated tasks and practical actions could be adopted for teaching integrated English in interesting ways while at the same time restoring the environment, food sufficiency and health.
Addressing the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the Presbyterian churches in Kenya
(Journal of humanities and social sciences, 2022-08-25) Mathai, Lucy Mutare
This article sought to assess the reasons for the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the Presbyterian churches (PCEA) and to investigate the success rate of the strategies used by the PCEA in addressing alcohol and drug abuse among the youth. Three PCEA regions were selected using the multistage cluster sampling technique. A proportional sampling technique was used to get PCEA Presbytery moderators, church elders, Parish ministers and youth members. The youth who are abusing alcohol and drugs were identified through the snowball sampling technique. Purposive sampling was used to select the Youth Director. A descriptive survey research design was used to obtain qualitative data. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, structured interview schedules and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed qualitatively and presented in summary form using frequency tables and discussions. The study established that the reasons for the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the PCEA are peer influence, curiosity and easy availability of alcohol and drugs. The strategies used by PCEA in addressing alcohol and drug abuse include seminars and workshops (56%), bible studies (31%), alcoholic forums (44%), youth camps and conferences (56%), rallies and crusades (43%), guidance and counselling programmes (45%), youth engagement in community work (71%) and having a drug education desk (30%). The study recommends that the Church should reassess the strategies with the aim of making them more effective. The youth should be involved in the management of the strategies.
Addressing the Prevalence of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among the Youth in The Presbyterian Churches in Kenya
(Editon Consortium Publishing, 2022) Mathai, L. M.
This article sought to assess the reasons for the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the Presbyterian churches (PCEA) and to investigate the success rate of the strategies used by the PCEA in addressing alcohol and drug abuse among the youth. Three PCEA regions were selected using the multistage cluster sampling technique. A proportional sampling technique was used to get PCEA Presbytery moderators, church elders, Parish ministers and youth members. The youth who are abusing alcohol and drugs were identified through the snowball sampling technique. Purposive sampling was used to select the Youth Director. A descriptive survey research design was used to obtain qualitative data. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, structured interview schedules and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed qualitatively and presented in summary form using frequency tables and discussions. The study established that the reasons for the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the PCEA are peer influence, curiosity and easy availability of alcohol and drugs. The strategies used by PCEA in addressing alcohol and drug abuse include seminars and workshops (56%), bible studies (31%), alcoholic forums (44%), youth camps and conferences (56%), rallies and crusades (43%), guidance and counselling programmes (45%), youth engagement in community work (71%) and having a drug education desk (30%). The study recommends that the Church should reassess the strategies with the aim of making them more effective. The youth should be involved in the management of the strategies.
ASSESSMENT OF RELIGIOUS INITIATED PROGRAMMES AS INTERVENTION MECHANISMS IN CURBING HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC IN KENYA: SOME SELECTED PROGRAMMES IN MERU SOUTH SUB-COUNTY
(2019) Muthai, Lucy Mutare; Bururia, David; Kagema, Dickson Nkonge
Over the years, HIV and AIDS pandemic has brought enormous burden upon the lives of many people throughout the world. Since the first cases of AIDS were identified in 1981, millions of people have lost their lives. An estimated 70 million people are living with HIV and AIDS by now and more than 35 million people have died. As the burden of HIV and AIDS increases in different communities of the world, new organizations are being formed to help curb its impact. Kenya has about 1.6 million people living with HIV and AIDS and in 1999 it was declared a national disaster. It is in response to this that many development partners including the religious organizations, the government and NGOs came up with programmes to fight the scourge, yet there seems to be little success as new infections continue to be experienced. Christianity being the religion followed by the majority of the Kenyans and the Church being the most trusted institution has not been left behind as efforts to curb this pandemic is are made. This study assessed the effectiveness of Church based initiated programmes in curbing HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Selected programmes in Meru South Sub-County were used for the purpose of this study. These were Redeemed Gospel Church, Presybyterian Church of East Africa, Salvation Army Church and Baptist Church. The target population was 1040 subjects comprising 1000 Church members and 40 beneficiaries. The Church ministers/pastors were our key informants. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedule and focus group discussions. Systematic random sampling procedure was used to select 100 Church members. Beneficiaries of the HIV and AIDS programmes initiated by the Church were obtained using snowball sampling method. The findings were that the selected programmes provided services such as HIV prevention education, orphan care, support of people living with and personally affected by HIV and AIDS, prevention activities that involved campaigns, and caring for the affected and infected. The programmes were found out to be successful particularly in supporting the people orphaned by HIV and AIDS, reducing stigma, organizing training, seminars and workshops, conducting voluntary counselling and testing among others. They were found to be effective in curbing HIV and AIDS, though they face the challenge of lack of adequate funding. There was also lack of trained personnel which hamper the effective implementation of these programmes. If the government, Church, development partners and other well-wishers support these religious initiated programmes the war against HIV/AIDS pandemic can be easily worn as they are effective.
Assessment of the socio-political and economic impact of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in the Eastern region from 1915 to 2022
(Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2024-09-20) Lucy Muthoni Mwindi(1) ; Dickson Nkonge Kagema(2) ; Caroline Mucece Kithinji
The study sought to determine the impact of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in the Eastern Region from 1915 to 2022. PCEA was introduced in the Eastern Region by the Church of Scotland Mission (CSM) in 1915. The Eastern Region was the third mission area after Kikuyu and Tumutumu. Their mission strategy was holistic in nature, combining evangelism, education, medical and industrial work. Since its inception, PCEA has been involved in transforming the socio-political and economic lives of people in the Eastern Region. There is a paucity of scholarly work on the impact of other missionaries like the Methodists, the Roman Catholics and the Anglicans in Meru, but that of PCEA is conspicuously missing. Thus, there is a need for this kind of study. Data was collected by descriptive survey research design. Data was collected and analysed from 376 church members, 53 church ministers and 9 presbytery moderators. The study established that PCEA has had both negative and positive impacts on the transformation of the people in the Eastern Region. The study recommends that PCEA should improve on the management and supervision of its institutions to ensure they serve the purpose for which they were established
Autobiographical Perspetives of Exile in East African Drama: An Analysis of Three Plays by John Ruganda
(2013-11) Njogu, Jackson Gikunda; Waita, Njogu; Muriiki, Anne Kinya
East Africa has undoubtedly been scarred by upheavals of various kinds, ranging from terrorism, tribal wars and political violence. The conflicts have often been between individuals, clans, tribes or systems, but there have also been conflicts within the individual which often lead to alienation or physical removal from the society. This paper critically examines John Ruganda’s representation of exile and a search for restoration in three of his plays. The texts selected for this analysis are Covenant with Death, (1973), The Floods (1980) and Shreds of Tenderness (2000). Each of these texts represents a decade of Uganda’s history as well as Ruganda’s personal experiences in his writing career spanning three decades. This paper argues that the life of an author is intricately related to literary outputs, and consequently, the texts under analysis can be read as one story the same way the dramatist lived one continuous life. The central focus is the playwright’s addiction with the theme of exile which is also a personal experience. The various dimensions of exile are explored through constituents of alienation, political causations and physical dislocation. The paper adopts a structural analytical approach proposed by Anne Gagiano, complemented by the linear model of Isaac Yetiv.
Biblical and theological basis for church involvement in community development in Kenya
(Edition Consortium Publishing, 2022-09-05) Wambugu, Peter Muriithi; Kagema, Dickson Nkonge; Micheni, Stephen
This study sought to establish the biblical and theological basis for Church’s involvement in the Community Development (CD). The Anglican Development Services (ADS) of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) was used as the case for this study. The study targeted four Anglican ADS regions, namely: Pwani, Eastern, Mount Kenya East and NAIKA (Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints). The theory of Reconstruction Theology (RT) advanced by Jesse Mugambi based on the process of social reconstruction as a paradigm for CD was employed. A sample of 330 respondents gotten from a target population of 1,827 was used. A descriptive survey design was employed. Utilizing questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group discussions, data was gathered. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 computer software was used to analyze the quantitative data using frequency and percentages, while thematic analysis was done on qualitative data in accordance with the study’s objectives. The findings showed that the biblical and theological basis for the Church’s involvement in CD was highly valued. To improve the sustainability of CD within targeted areas, it was recommended that the implementation of CD be based upon a strong biblical and theological basis as a demonstration of service to the vulnerable in the community.
CATEGORIES OF DISCOURSE MARKERS USED IN GICHUKA SPEECH
(International Journal of Creative Research and Studies, 2019-06) Peter, Dr. Christine Atieno; Kirimo, Ms. Elsie Njeri
Discourse markers are linguistic items that are frequently used in the course of daily communication. These are not only connecting words that contribute to cohesion of discourse but are also crucial tools for achieving intended communicative purposes in the course of discourse. Studies have been carried out on discourse markers as used in other languages of the world but since every linguistic variety is unique and culture dependent, it is not obvious that these linguistic items are similar in all languages. The goal of this article is to provide an analysis of Gichuka discourse markers. The objective is to categorize discourse markers in Gichuka speeches. The article is guided by the Relevance Theory by Sperber and Wilson. It utilizes qualitative research technique and it was carried out in Chuka, Meru South Sub County, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The population includes all discourse markers captured in social events conducted in Gichuka. Five real life events conducted in Gichuka were purposively sampled. Data was collected using an observation schedule that was used to record the contextual information, and a guiding card was used to record the types of discourse markers realized. The transcribed discourse markers were ninety-two. Guided by the principles of relevance, ninety-two discourse markers used in Gichuka speeches were identified and classified. It was established that Gichuka has a number of discourse markers and the most commonly used types of these discourse markers are topic markers and message related markers. The findings enhances the analysis of Gichuka discourse markers and adds to the existing knowledge on the analysis of discourse markers in various languages. It specifically enriches knowledge on the application of the tenets of the Relevance Theory.
Challenges Facing Corporate Communication in Public Universities in Kenya
(IOSR Journal of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 2021-03) Munyi, Jessee Mutugi; Peter, Dr. Christine Atieno
In the management world today, it’s widely accepted that the future of any organization critically depends on how it is viewed by key stakeholders. Several research studies have shown that corporate communication when effectively used can help organizations acquire goodwill to operate among their stakeholders. The bulk of these studies, however have been conducted in business organizations, government ministries and parastatals. There have been few studies investigating the effectiveness of corporate communication in academic institutions yet the phenomenon of lack of the goodwill granted by stakeholders. The study sought to investigate the challenges facing corporate communication as a management tool in public Universities in Kenya. The study was guided by the Legitimacy theory, Stakeholder theory and the Stakeholder Salience Model. The scope of the study was four public universities in Kenya. The target population for the study was 2040 administrative staff working in public universities in Kenya where a sample size of 334 administrative staff was used. The objective of the study was to: explore the challenges facing corporate communication as a management tool in Public Universities. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Primary data was collected through use of semistructured questionnaires. Additionally, interview guides were used to get insights from students and external publics. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis which involved identification and classifying findings based on themes. The study found that a number of challenges were hindering corporate communication including. failure by Universities to measure communication for both internal and external stakeholders, failure by Universities to take into account contribution of communication practitioners in governance decisions, lack of involvement of stakeholders when implementing organizational change and lack of inducting new employees on communication skills, Universities have not put in place stakeholder communication strategies and communication policies, communication offices are under-funded making execution of communication plans a major challenge and most Universities are yet to fully embrace social media platforms by collecting statistics on their utilization in order to inform decision making. Furthermore, social media policies have not been formulated and implemented in most Universities.
Change in the Agikuyu Women’s Local Trade on Indigenous Food Crops in Nyeri County from 1902 to 198
(African Journal of History and Geography, 2024-06-15) Julius Mathenge Gitonga1* , Dr. Martha Muraya, PhD1 & Dr. Leen Kavulavu, PhD1
The purpose of this paper was to analyze the change in the Agikuyu women’s local trade on indigenous food crops in Nyeri County from 1902 to 1980 This study was conducted in three sub-counties: Kieni East, Mathira East, and Nyeri Central. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources.The research employed a historical research design based on qualitative procedures. The design enabled the researcher to explain, describe and give a historical analysis of the findings. This being a historical study, non-probability sampling procedures were used such as purposive and snowball sampling techniques to gather relevant information. A sample size threshold of 54 respondents was interviewed the main research instruments were the interview guide and focus group discussion. Data for this study was analyzed qualitatively using documentary content analysis, description and narration of the historical events. Data was also corroborated and both context and content analysis were done to ensure reliability and validity of the information. Interpretation was done within the framework of Marxist feminist theory and articulation theory. The study established that the women’s local food crops trade system has not been static the colonial capitalist economic practices brought about profound changes in the economic and social fabric in Nyeri County and significantly undermined the women’s local trade. This resulted to both positive and negative influence to the dimensions of food security in the study area. It was established that the indigenous food crops that women exchanged in the local markets were well adapted to local conditions, sustainably available and provided essential nutrients necessary for the health and well-being of the community. The findings of this study illustrate the pivotal role of Agikuyu women in local trade systems and its substantial contribution to food security in Nyeri County. The study concludes that the ministry of trade should come up with deliberate measures that will integrate women’s local trade into the country’s economic policies and practices and also consider the valuable contribution of women local trade in mitigating food shortage and ensuring eradication of extreme poverty and hunger
Collaborative Teaching Strategy and Learner Ability Interaction on Students’ Academic Achievement, in Physics in Nyeri County, Kenya
(THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL STUDIES, 2021-09) Otiende, N.U.; Njagi, M.W.; Mugambi, J.M.
The study of the Physics subject continues to play a vital role in industrial development and economic revitalization. For instance, the Physics of the electronic chip has seen tremendous improvements in communication, entertainment, medicine and industry. However, secondary school students continue to achieve dismally. Different factors including the different strategies used in teaching Physics and learner factors have been reported to affect students’ achievement in Physics. Based in Nyeri County the study investigated the interactivity between strategies, learner abilities and academic achievement secondary school students in Physics. The Solomon Four group quasi experimental design was used. A sample of 173 form four students in four mixed day secondary schools in Nyeri County participated in the study. The sample was obtained through purposive sampling to obtain a list of mixed day secondary schools that offer the Physics subject at form four. Through random sampling a list of four schools that participated in the study was obtained. The schools were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The research instruments consisted of Physics Pretest (PPT) and Physics Achievement Test (PAT). The Kuder Richardson test was used to determine the reliability of the PPT and PAT. A reliability coefficient of 0.7 and 0.8 was obtained for the PPT and PAT respectively. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t-test and ANOVA) were used in data analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. The hypothesis was tested at α=0.05 level of significance. The study established that Collaborative Teaching Strategy enhanced achievement of students of all abilities in Physics. The study recommended that teachers should expose students to Collaborative Strategy more frequently and teacher training programs to equip teachers with skills for collaboration. The findings of the current study are helpful to the curriculum developers in revising curriculum towards learner centeredness by in cooperating collaborative activities. Institute of Curriculum Development may find the information useful during in servicing of teachers towards making the curriculum more learner centered. The Instructional material developers may find the information useful while developing materials that enhance learner activity. The findings of the study may be useful to teachers while implementing the competence-based curriculum at secondary school level during and after transition stage.
Colonial policies against female circumcision among the Nyakoe people from Kenya between 1907 and 1963
(Journal of history and cultural studies, 2022-08-05) Ongeri, Dennis O.; Kithinji, Caroline M.; Nkonge, Dickson K.
The purpose of this study was to establish the colonial policies against female circumcision among the Nyakoe people, Kisii County, Kenya, between 1907-1963. This study used Cultural Attraction Theory (CAT) as a tool for analysis. Methodologically, qualitative research was applied; hence, the study used the descriptive study design. This study was carried out in the village of Nyakoe, south of Kisii County, because of the continued female circumcision among the Nyakoe people. Fifty Respondents were purposively sampled using snowball techniques. The data was collected from primary, archive, and secondary sources that were corroborated to ensure the reliability and objectivity of the study. This survey collected data through oral interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed and presented by qualitative data analysis. The main research findings were that Christian missionaries and the African chiefs in the local native councils, the building of schools, forced labour of Gusii men, the narrative of European superiority, taxation, prosecution of the participants, trade and evangelisation used to protest against female circumcision. Female circumcision continued in the study area despite the colonial government's efforts to stop it.
Colonial Policies Against Female Circumcision Among the Nyakoe People from Kenya Between 1907 And 1963
(Editon Consortium Publishing, 2022) Ongeri, D. O.; Kithinji, C. M.; NKonge, D. N.
The purpose of this study was to establish the colonial policies against female circumcision among the Nyakoe people, Kisii County, Kenya, between 1907-1963. This study used Cultural Attraction Theory (CAT) as a tool for analysis. Methodologically, qualitative research was applied; hence, the study used the descriptive study design. This study was carried out in the village of Nyakoe, south of Kisii County, because of the continued female circumcision among the Nyakoe people. Fifty Respondents were purposively sampled using snowball techniques. The data was collected from primary, archive, and secondary sources that were corroborated to ensure the reliability and objectivity of the study. This survey collected data through oral interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed and presented by qualitative data analysis. The main research findings were that Christian missionaries and the African chiefs in the local native councils, the building of schools, forced labour of Gusii men, the narrative of European superiority, taxation, prosecution of the participants, trade and evangelisation used to protest against female circumcision. Female circumcision continued in the study area despite the colonial government's efforts to stop it.
Colonialism and its implication on the African family stability in Embu north sub-county of Kenya from 1895 to 1965
(Edition Consortium Publishing, 2022-07-31) Kaaria, Lizza N.; Kithinji, Caroline M.; Nkonge, Dickson K.
This study sought to explore the colonialism and its’ implication on the African family stability in Embu North Sub-County of Kenya from 1895 to 1965. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data were obtained from oral, archival and secondary sources. The researcher interviewed 50 respondents who were purposively sampled using a snowballing technique. The study corroborated data from oral, archival and secondary sources to ensure the validity and reliability of the study. Cultural Evolution theory was used to examine colonialism and its implications on the African family stability in the area of study. The study findings indicated that the family values among the Aembu were authentic and ensured a well-organised rhythm of life before the advent of European imperialism in 1895. However, there was a disruption in the traditional religion of the Aembu with the establishment of the Kigari mission station in 1910, the modes of dressing, eating, language and education were changed to suit a western value system. This study has contributed to the colonial historiography of the Aembu of Embu North Sub-County, Kenya.
Colonialism and The Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Food Crop Production in Kiambu, Kenya, 1902-1963.
(Macrothink Institute, 2019) Muraya, Martha Wanjiru; Gathungu, Geofrey King’ori; Kinyua, Lazarus Ngari
The introduction colonial capitalist economic policies and practices such as land alienation, forced labour and commercial crop production acted as a major catalyst of change on the existing African indigenous subsistence production especially the Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge System (AWIKS). This research paper focused on examining the effects of European colonialism on the AWIKS on food crop production from 1902-1918. The study employed descriptive research design and historical trend analysis and it was donein three sub-counties of Kiambu West, namely, Limuru, Lari and Kikuyu. Purposive and snowballing technique was used to get the respondents who were the bearers of the most relevant information. The main source of information was the corroboration of oral interviews, archival records analysis and secondary data. Oral interviews data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and reported using basic simple descriptive statistics. The Women and Development (WAD) theory helped to examine the nature in which the Agikuyu women were integrated in colonial capitalist economy, which explains their marginalization, subordination, oppression and dependency on men. The study found out that during the establishment of colonial rule 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, most of the drought tolerant food crops were neglected and others destroyed a move that may have led to underutilization of AWIKS on food crop production. This implied that the food supply was compromised and the society became more vulnerable to drought and famine. Therefore, in order to enhance food supply in the households some of the AWIKS on food crop production may be integrated into the modern western agricultural production practices.
A Conceptual Metaphorical Analysis of Swahili Proverbs with Reference to Chicken Metaphor
(2016-02) Kobia, John M.
This is a metaphorical analysis of domestic animals in selected Swahili proverbs with a focus on chicken metaphor based on their source domains. The paper examines the socio-cultural and economic background that shapes the Swahili proverbs and their underlining meanings inherent in them. The paper reveals that the Swahili proverbs are used metaphorically as a repository of traditional wisdom of the Swahili people and a vehicle to articulate their worldview.
Constraints to profitable Participation in Agri-Food Value Chains: A Case of Small-Scale Banana Farmers in Meru County,Kenya
(2018) Mbuthia, • Susan W.; Kayi, Calvine; Wambugu, Stephen K.
Constraints in agri-food value chains tend to heighten the vulnerability of small-scale farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa. This study evaluates the constraints limiting small-scale banana farmers in Meru County, Kenya, from profitably participation in the crop’s value chain, producers’ efforts in- and suggestions to- overcoming them. Results of this study reveal that banana farmers face several interdependent constraints such as inadequate know-how on banana management, high cost plantlets, and pests and diseases that amplify one another but efforts to overcome them have been partial. It is therefore, necessary to have several measures implemented concurrently to address the constraints. Thus, future interventions should have concerted efforts from governments and non-government organizations.

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