Department of Humanities

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    EFFECT OF SELECTED SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS ON ADOPTION OF INDIGENOUS AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN CHUKA SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2020-12) OOGA, DENNIS MONG’ARE
    Indigenous agricultural practices (IAPs) are environmentally and agriculturally sustainable. Among the widely applied IAPs include crop rotation, agroforestry, intercropping, organic manure application, and minimum tillage. A lot of research has been conducted to reveal the determinants of adoption levels of modern technologies among smallholder farmers. However, little literature exists relating to the effect of socio-economic factors on the adoption levels of IAPs in Kenya. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the effect of farm characteristics, access to credit, and access to advisory services on the adoption levels of IAPs in Chuka sub-county. A descriptive correlational design was utilized to collect and analyze data. The study targeted a population of 22,400 smallholder farmers involving a sample of 100 participants. Cluster sampling technique was applied to select farmers from three clusters; Mugwe, Karingani, and Magumoni Wards. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized as a data collection tool. A pilot study was conducted in Muthambi Ward to generate data which aided in the checking and improvement of validity of the research instrument. Reliability of the research instrument items was estimated through Cronbach alpha coefficients. The alpha values of the variables were: adoption of IAPs (α = 0.68), both farm income and land tenure (α = 0.84), access to credit (α = 0.66) while that of access to advisory services was 0.89. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS. V.22) was applied to generate both inferential (simple Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression) and descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean, median, and standard deviation) statistics for analyzing data. The findings indicated that there was a substantial, positive significant effect of land tenure and access to advisory services on the adoption of IAPs (p = 0.01). Farm income had a negative, significant effect on the adoption of IAPs (p = 0.01) while that of access to credit was positive, though statistically significantly, was weak (p = 0.01). Farm income and land tenure jointly accounted for 30% of the variation in the adoption level of IAPs. The adoption level of IAPs was still moderate given the low frequency of application by many smallholder farmers. Therefore, the study recommended that the county government and the ministry of agriculture should give sufficient support to agricultural extension programs, strengthen land tenure systems, sensitize farmers on the importance of IAPs, and make credits more accessible to farmers so as to increase the adoption of IAPs.
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    EFFECTIVENESS OF THE METHODS USED BY THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF KENYA IN ALLEVIATING POVERTY IN CHOGORIA ARCHDEACONRY, MERU DIOCESE
    (Chuka University, 2020-12) KAIMURI, FRIDAH JOSEPH
    Poverty continues to be the main challenge of human existence in many parts of the world. In Africa, it is the main source of agony among individuals and communities. In Kenya it continues to influence people’s lives negatively as the majority lack the basic essentials of life including food, clothing, shelter, education and healthcare among others. In Chogoria Archdeaconry, poverty has continued to affect people’s lives as most of the residents continue to struggle for their survival. In response to this, the Church in Kenya, especially the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), has endeavored to fight the scourge as part of her mission to the society. This study undertook to examine the effectiveness of the methods used by ACK in alleviating poverty in Chogoria Archdeaconry. The ACK has been involved in the fight against poverty in Chogoria Archdeaconry using various methods since its inception in 1974. Despite the Church’s efforts to alleviate poverty, this community is beset with immense poverty as evidenced by the fact that people lack the basic human needs and services. This justified the need for such a study as there is need to underscore why poverty is persistent despite the church’s effort to alleviate it. The study was guided by three objectives namely to investigate reasons for the persistence of poverty in Chogoria Archdeaconry regardless of Church’s efforts to alleviate it, to determine the effectiveness of methods used by the church in her fight against poverty in Chogoria Archdeaconry, and to establish ways of making the methods used to alleviate poverty more effective. The study will add to the existing knowledge in religious studies and other related disciplines. The study was guided by the broad theory of psycho-social approach which was developed by Paulo Freire in 1968 which emphasizes that development should be seen as an improvement of quality of life. It was conducted in ACK Chogoria Archdeaconry, in the diocese of Meru. The Archdeaconry covers the administrative jurisdiction of Maara Sub- County in Tharaka Nithi County and the area has a population of 107,125 people. Data was collected from a sample size of 384 respondents. The study used descriptive research design and the sampling method used was simple random sampling for community members and purposive sampling technique for church members and archdeaconry leaders. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interviews and observation. Data was analyzed and findings presented using descriptive statistics. The study found that there are various reasons for persistent poverty in Chogoria Archdeaconry which include wealth acquisition rather than quality of life, leadership and corruption, the gap between the rich and the poor, unequal distribution of resources, agricultural conditions, lack of education, unemployment, dependency, laziness and drunkenness. The study revealed that the methods used to alleviate poverty include education, Anglican Development Services, Capacity building, Church and Community Mobilization Process and Microfinance. It further revealed that some of the methods used by ACK to alleviate poverty are not effective and that all these methods need to be improved so as to alleviate poverty in Chogoria Archdeaconry.
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    EFFECTS OF PATERNAL ALCOHOLISM ON PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLBEING OF NUCLEAR FAMILY MEMBERS IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2020-12) Ngunyi, Hellen Wangui
    Family plays a significant role in the stability of the society. Family is the basic unit of society. Understanding alcoholism within the context of the family is important. It is in the family that the alcoholic lives and socializes. Paternal alcoholism is Kenya is deep rooted and continues to affect the psychological and social wellbeing of the nuclear family. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of paternal alcoholism on the psychosocial wellbeing of the nuclear family in Murang’a County, Kenya. The researcher used descriptive research design. The target population was 1404 respondents . A sample size of 303 respondents was used, they included 99 spouses,198 children and 6 addiction counselors. Children aged 13 to 25 years were used as respondents because of their ability to relate the home environment to the study questions. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the addiction counselors and nuclear families within Murang’a County. The research instruments which were used in this study were structured questionnaire for the spouses and children and an interview schedule for the addiction counselors. A pilot study was conducted to improve the reliability of the research instruments.The split-half technique was used to relate items in the tool and Spearman Brown Prophecy Formula was used to ascertain reliability. Reliability coefficient of 0.745 for the questionnaire was realized. The validity of the research instrument was ascertained through expert judgment by professionals in the field of addiction and supervisors from Chuka University. Data analysis was through descriptive statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.00. The findings of the study indicated children of alcoholic fathers experience inability to do things as well as others, dissatisfaction in the relationship and lack pride. Paternal alcoholism was found to have adverse effects on interpersonal relationship between children and spouses to an alcoholic. Children and spouses of alcoholic experienced difficulty communicating, frequent conflicts within the home environment, lack of warmth in the relationship, inability to relate well with others and intereference of family rituals and routines. Spouses of alcoholics were forced to take up additional responsibilities and were neglected. Emotional security of children and spouses was affected because they experienced feelings of embarrassment, insecurity, frustration and depression. The findings indicated that paternal alcoholism has a great effect on the psycho-social wellbeing of the nuclear family members in the form of self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and emotional security. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that there is need to develop treatment programs and intervention measures which address the adverse effects of paternal alcoholism on psychosocial wellbeing of nuclear family members. There is need for early identification and assessment of family members of alcoholics inorder to develop prevention measures and reduce the long term effects of paternal alcoholism on psychosocial wellbeing of nuclear family members. Addiction counselors need to work in collaboration with chiefs and religious institutions because they are the first place where families reach out when seeking help for alcoholics.
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    EVOLUTION OF POLITICAL ORDER AMONG THE TIGANIA OF MERU, KENYA 1910-1957
    (Chuka University, 2020-12) MUTWIRI, BAARIU MICKY
    This study examined the indigenous pre-colonial Tigania political order upto 1910, traced the imposition and consolidation of colonial order among the Tigania and last examined how the interaction of the pre-colonial Tigania political order and British colonial order resulted in the emergence of a unique political order among the Tigania by 1957. Through this study, the evolution of political order up to the late colonial period among the Tigania was analyzed. More specifically, the study contributes to the literature on the mechanisms by which colonialism affected African communities with reference to political order. The assumptions guiding this study were that; the pre-colonial Tigania had a political order based on Tigania cultural values. The imposition of colonialism among the Tigania affected their political order, and, as a result of colonization there emerged a unique political order among the Tigania by 1957. The study utilized tenents from four theories to explain the evolution of political order in Tigania society. They included, social systems theory by Francis Abraham, instrumentalist paradigm by Thomas Spear, masculinity theorization as understood by Paul Ocobock and Peter Eke theory of Colonialism and the two publics in Africa. The study utilized descriptive research design. Data was collected from oral, archival and secondary sources. A total of 80 interviews were done. The instruments for data collection were mainly open-ended interviews. Primary data from oral sources was triangulated with data from archival and secondary sources. The archival sources that were consulted included; Kenya National Archives (KNA) in Nairobi, National Museums of Kenya (NMK) in Nairobi and Meru, and, finally, Personal Collections from individuals. Through descriptive design, data was analyzed qualitatively. Guided by the objectives of the research, data was presented through thematic description. The study found out that, the process of in-scribing pre-colonial Tigania people into communal social and economic system began at age seven. This system produced a highly inclusive political order. Established cultural standards were key in producing the desired communal order. Change in the political order of the Tigania people occurred between 1910 and 1957. This was as a result of conquest and interaction between Tigania political order and British colonial administrative structures. The study noted that, as colonialism wore on, lack of certainty due to change and culture clash resulted into hybridity among the Tigania in the sunset days of the British Empire in Kenya. Hybridity represents on one hand the impossibility of a complete break with the past and on the other achieving full identification with the western form of governance in the state. Separation from culture and essences represents a chronic subjectivity that constantly and ambivalently negotiates between cultural imperatives.
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    Factors Influencing Performance of Income Generating Enterprises Owned By Youth Living With Disabilities in Chuka/Igambang’ombe Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
    (Chuka University, 2019-09) Mutunga, Carolyne Ndunge
    Income generating enterprises aim at reducing unemployment which is one of the serious problems affecting the youth living with disabilities (YLWD) in Kenya. The Kenyan government has made efforts through various development funds to enhance youth living with disability to engage in income generating enterprises. Despite the interventions, many enterprises owned by youth living with disability face several challenges in their operations. Previous studies indicate that majority of the enterprises fail within the first few months of operation. The purpose of this study was to assess factors influencing the performance of income generating enterprises for YLWD in Chuka/Igambang‟ombe Sub-County, Kenya. The study‟s objectives were to; determine the influence of entrepreneurial training, establish the influence of credit access and determine the influence of characteristics of youth living with disabilities on the performance of youth living with disability income generating enterprises. The target population for the study was 76 YLWD who own income generating enterprises. The study was a census survey where data was collected from all the respondents because they were few in number. The research used descriptive survey design and was guided by critical disability theory. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Validity of the instrument was ensured through expert judgment. The data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of computer statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). Results of the study indicated that entrepreneurship training, access to credit and entrepreneurial characteristics significantly affect performance of income generating enterprises owned by YLWD. Conclusion was made thatentrepreneurship training, access to credit and personal characteristics such marital status, education level and gender play an important role in performance of income generating enterprises owned by YLWD.The recommendations of the study were that;the government should roll out entrepreneurship training programmes targeting the YLWD, redesign credit programmes to overcome the barriers faced by the YLWD when accessing credit on individual basis from financial institutions and more entrepreneurial programs, workshops and affirmative actions should be enhanced to ensure equitable distribution of knowledge and skills among YLWD who own income generating Enterprises.
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    A HISTORY OF REPRESENTATIVE POLITICS AND THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE KADIMO CLAN OF YIMBO IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA, FROM 1896 -1963.
    (Chuka University, 2020-12) ODO, RICHARD OLWANDE
    This study is about a history of representative politics and the socio-economic development of the Kadimo clan of Yimbo in Siaya county, Kenya, from 1896 to 1963. The study is guided by three objectives; to examine the evolution of representative politics of the Kadimo clan of Yimbo between 1896 and 1963, to determine the new forms of representative politics of the Kadimo clan of Yimbo from the onset of colonialism and to establish the influence of representative politics on socio-economic development of the Kadimo people during the colonial period. The assumptions of the study were that the history of representative politics of the Kadimo clan could be traced from the period 1896 when the British sent a messenger to Oloo of the Kadimo clan of Yimbo that they wished to make him the first colonial chief of the Yimbo people, that new forms of representative politics emerged among the Kadimo clan of Yimbo after 1896 and that lack of political representation affected socio-economic development of the Kadimo people during the colonial period. The study used Postcolonial and Underdevelopment theories to examine the history of representative politics and its socio-economic development of the Kadimo clan. Methodologically, the study used descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Yimbo, Siaya county. The respondents were purposively sampled using a snowballing technique. The study targeted 6, 210 Kadimo people in Usigu as per the 2019 census. The sample size was 30 respondents drawn from Usigu for interviews. The sources of data included: oral sources, archival sources and secondary sources, and were corroborated to meet the reliability and objectivity of the research. Data was collected through oral interviews and focus group discussions. The study analysed and presented data through Qualitative Data Analysis. The findings of the study discussed in chapters four, five and six were as follows; Jo-Kadimo found people of Bantu origin in Yimbo on their arrival and lived among them; Dholuo became the lingua franca in Yimbo; Kadimo homestead had many huts and they were polygamist; they practised mixed farming and there was a chief council called Buch Piny; Dimo was the first ruoth; the first colonial chief was appointed in 1902; there were conspiracies to remove incumbent representatives from office; there were no schools in the location until 1928 when Usenge School was built; there no health centres in the location and the Yimbo people hated to pay taxes to the colonial government. Chapter seven provides discussion on the summary, conclusion and recommendations of the research. The study has contributed to the historiography of the Kadimo clan.
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    THE IMPACT OF COLONIALISM ON THE INDIGENOUS CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES AMONG THE KIPSIGIS AND THE ABAGUSII OF KENYA 1905- 1963
    (Chuka University, 2022-09) OGERO, WILFRED
    The colonial-led strategies greatly impacted the Indigenous Conflict Resolution strategies by undermining the crucial role of the informal conflict resolution strategies among the Kipsigis and the Abagusii communities. Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine how colonial-led conflict resolution strategies changed and impacted on the traditional conflict resolution strategies among the Kipsigis and the Abagusii from 1905- 1963. The research was guided by the following objectives: To analyze the Kipsigis and the Abagusii indigenous conflict resolution strategies. To examine the conflict resolution changes that were introduced by the European colonialists and their impact on the existing indigenous conflict resolution among the Kipsigis and the Abagusii. To evaluate the success of the resultant hybrid conflict resolution strategy among the Kipsigis and the Abagusii by 1963. The study employed the Structural Functionalism theory and Articulation of Modes of Production theories. The study used a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in the former North Mugirango and Sotik colonial border. The sample size for the study was based on the concept of data saturation which was achieved through the use of interviews. The main source of information was primary data; Oral and archival data. The information from oral interview was analyzed thematically and then presented using simple tables, frequencies and percentages. The study established that the pre-colonial communities of the Abagusii and the Kipsigis had their elaborate Indigenous Conflict Resolution strategies that were used in resolving inter-ethnic conflicts. In addition, the colonial-led strategies undermined the use of indigenous conflict resolution strategies due to the introduction of new strategies like courts, police, colonial chiefs and headmen, the use of the bible in place of African oaths, and the elimination of some indigenous social institutions like Laibonism and ebisarate. Majority of the respondents argued that the introduction of colonial-led strategies ended up creating two centres of conflict resolution which in long run greatly reduced the influence of the existing indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms. The colonial need for forced labor led them to introduce economic policies like the hut tax that ended up in the demolition of Abagusii ebisarate a situation that impacted their social life negatively as such increased conflicts. Finally, the colonial-led strategies marginalized the Indigenous conflict resolution strategies. The study recommends that a well-structured the hybrid conflict resolution would have served to settle the Kipsigis and Abagusii conflict. As well the government should work closely with the Indigenous conflict resolution institutions so as to maximize their support in conflict resolution cycles. The government should develop a framework that will support and creation of working elders’ courts in each ethnic community. This endeavour will help to utilise this important institution for conflict resolution so as to reduce backlog of cases in courts that will be otherwise be resolved by elders.
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    MATERIALISM IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF EAST AFRICA: A CASE OF KIENI WEST PRESBYTERY
    (Chuka University, 2019-12) NJERU PHINIUS, PRESTON
    The Church teaches its adherents against being so much attached to material possessions than the spiritual welfare. Nevertheless, the tendency of the Church moving towards materialism is apparent. This is evident in Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), especially in Kieni West Presbytery where materialistic tendencies are slowly gaining roots into the Church. This study investigated Materialism in PCEA Kieni West Presbytery. It sought to investigate the manifestations of materialism; establish the causes of materialism and underscore the effects of materialism in Kieni West Presbytery. Literature was reviewed on the meaning, history, manifestations, causes and effects of materialism. Descriptive survey research design was employed to carry out this study. The target population was 3280 church members in Kieni West Presbytery, from which a sample of 346 respondents was gotten. Data collection was mainly done through questionnaires and observation methods. The analyzed data was presented using tables, piecharts, and descriptions. The findings were that materialism is real in Kieni West Presbytery and it is manifested in various ways such as Monetary gains coming before evangelization; Striving for material satisfaction; Blessings measured in terms of material possessions; emphasis on prosperity gospel; Church leadership given to those with possessions; Material gains superseding spiritual benefits and Happiness interpreted in terms of material possessions. The causes of materialism are: need for self satisfaction; need to improve one’s wellbeing; greed; search for happiness; money activities preceding spiritual activities; struggle for power and influence; too much value attached to material riches; Lack of theological articulation on materialism; Corruption; and Lack of proper teaching on materialism. Materialism has numerous effects in PCEA Kieni West Presbytery including Moral decay; Spiritual decay; Prosperity Gospel; Individualism; Preoccupation to money; Social injustices; Loss of Church’s authority and focus; Corruption; Disharmony and Church leadership wrangles. This study was guided by the theory of McMurtry (1978) that says the acquisitive desires have become associated with the term materialism. The Church has a role to play in curbing Materialism. This can be done through Christians being role models; teaching where the Church should teach against materialism; having theological debates on the challenge of materialism and making use of the African culture when dealing with the problem of materialism. The study recommended that the Church should continue teaching its followers on materialism, the Church should concentrate on preaching about Jesus Christ rather than focusing so much on money and inculturation should be done by the Church in Kieni West Presbytery where the Church should use the African culture as it spreads the gospel of Christ.
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    NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON CRIME COMMISSION: A CASE STUDY OF THIKA WEST SUBCOUNTY, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2020-12) OMONYA, KENNETH SETH
    NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON CRIME COMMISSION: A CASE STUDY OF THIKA WEST SUBCOUNTY, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
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    PREVALENCE OF HAZARDS, EFFECTS AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN MALINDI TOWN KILIFI COUNTY-KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2020-12) OYIGO, LEONIDAS MUTANGE
    Climate change is the world’s worst challenge of our time. Developing countries are experiencing the worst impact of this catastrophe. Over the past 50 years, the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has risen by over 35% raising the global mean temperatures by averagely 3ºC. This rise has been significant over the increase in the number of hazards, weather extremes and weather related events. Most towns in the world are hard hit by the effects of climate change that concerted efforts must be directed to this end by all stakeholders. In line with this, the main objective of this study was to assess the occurrence and prevalence of hazards, the effects and adaptation strategies to climate change by the urban residents of Malindi Town. Climate change hazards, effects and adaptation have increasingly become urgent issues for planning in urban agglomerations. This challenge is aggravated by the increasing Green House Gases emissions to the atmosphere resulting in floods, infrastructural damage, water quality and quantity issues and diseases. The specific objectives of this study were: To find the climate change hazards prevalent in Malindi Town, To determine the effects of climate change and To identify the adaptation strategies to climate change in Malindi Town. The conceptual base of the study pulled together the parameters of the United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change declarations, charters and the urban planning policies. Photography, structured item questionnaires and structured interviews were used to generate both qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 330 households were selected using stratified random sampling on the basis of location and 20 key informants were selected purposively on the basis of authority in matters climate change and urban ecosystems. Household survey and interview schedules data was coded and entered into computer systems using SPSS and Microsoft Excel for analysis. This was done using percentages, tables, bar graphs, averages and Chi-square test of significance. The study established that 63% percent of the respondents had indicated occurrence of hazards associated with climate change over the years. The most prevalent hazard was intense rainfall (96%) while the least prevalent hazards were cyclones, tornados, and hailstones (24%). Sixty-three percent of the respondents indicated that climate change had a great impact on all aspects on the urban establishments. The most severe effect was reduced water quantity (86%) that then compromised the water quality. The least effect was sea level rise (6%). Sixty-two percent of the respondents indicated that the adaptation strategies to climate change had been put in place. On average 61% of Malindi Town had adapted to climate change. The most effective strategy was use of mosquito nets (85%) while the least effective strategy was the establishment of green buildings (21%). The entities most involved in combating effects of climate change were NGOs (67%). Fifteen percent were very satisfied with their work while 67% of respondents were fairly satisfied that climate change hazards and impacts were being combated. In tandem with the findings, the study recommends that; because the hazards and effects of climate change are felt in Malindi Town effort must be put in place to implement all policies including KNAP, climate change Act and the Kenya National climate Change adaptation plan.
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    Relevance of Thomas Hobbes's political theory in addressing the challenges facing the principle of public participation in Kenyan governance
    (2024-10-23) Josphat Kaume Kobia (1) Dickson Nkonge Kagema (2) Dynesius Nyangau
    This study sought to address the relevance of Thomas Hobbes's political theory in addressing the challenges facing the principle of public participation in Kenyan governance. Law brings order in the society, and it is a prerequisite for ensuring peace, tranquillity and effective governance in a society. Despite the principle of public participation being enshrined in the constitution, political leaders have not fully embraced it. The study was guided by Thomas Hobbes's political theory. This theory emphasises consent and consensus in the formation of government so as to move from the state of nature where life was unbearable. The study was library-based, and the researcher used a purposive sampling method to purposely sample four books that are inclined to materials related to Thomas Hobbes's political theory on the state of nature. The data was collected through reading texts, both published and unpublished. The location of the study was Chuka University Library. The study adopted a descriptive design and used a critical method that questions assumptions, examines evidence, identifies biases, and strives for a deeper understanding of the principle of Public participation under the constitution of Kenya. The study found that there is a need to have an organised society guided by law. The study recommended the need for the government to engage people in public participation so as to get their consent in developments and governance policies
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    ROLE OF YOUTH MINISTRY DEPARTMENT IN CHARACTER FORMATION IN METHODIST CHURCH IN KENYA; KAAGA SYNOD
    (Chuka University, 2023-10) DORCAS KAGWIRIA
    An important responsibility of the department of youth in the church is to care for the moral, social, spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the youth through various forums and programs. The purpose of this study was to establish the role of the youth ministry department in character formation in Methodist Church in Kenya; Kaaga synod, Meru County. The following objectives guided this study: To explore the importance of the department of youth ministry in character formation at the Methodist Church in Kenya –Kaaga Synod; Evaluating the effectiveness of the youth programs offered by the youth ministry department in character formation at Methodist Church in Kenya; Finding the challenges facing the youth ministry department in character formation at the Methodist Church in Kenya. The study was led by Bandura's Social Learning Theory (SLT). From a sociological point of view, personal learning outcomes are influenced by three main factors that include personal, peer and student circumstances. During the study, descriptive formats were applied in the data collection, analysis, comparison and interpretation. The study targeted five circuits in Kaaga Synod, Meru County namely Kaaga, Ruiri, Karanene, Kibirichia and Buuri. Each circuit consists of eight local congregations. The study used random samples to select churches. The Proportional sampling method was applied to choose a sample of youth members of the church. Targeted samples were used for selection, Church Ministers, Church Youth Ministers and Church Chairpersons as key informants because of their accurate knowledge of church youth issues. The researcher used questionnaires, interview schedule, and focus group discussions to gather the necessary information. Graphs, pie charts, discussions, as well as tables were used to collect and analyze data to facilitate comparisons and conclusions after the study. The findings of this study established that youth department in Kaaga Synod nurtures Youths and allow the church to flourish. The findings indicated that the youth programs are effective in enabling character formation among the youths in the church. It was indicated that youths department is faced with challenges such that youths have no opportunity to interact with one another and also there leaders during programs. It was concluded that youth’s department play a key role in character formation among the youths in the church thus curving youths from running out of the church. This thesis provides summary, recommendations and suggestions for further studies. The findings of this study facilitate the knowledge in the sociology of religion. The outcome of this study is also beneficial to participants who are policy makers and designers, parents and educators in their efforts to promote youth morals.
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    SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF NERICA RICE ADOPTERS IN IMENTI NORTH SUB-COUNTY, MERU COUNTY, KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2020-12) MAINGI, DORIS NKATHA
    The current demand for rice globally is higher than production. In Kenya the deficit of rice is met through importation. Regardless of the high demand the production of rice in Kenya is very low despite the introduction of NERICA which is a high yielding rain fed rice species. This study sought to identify the spatial distribution of NERICA adopters in Imenti North Sub County and determining the factors influencing adoption and intensity of adoption in the study area. Questionnaires were administered to 355 randomly sampled farmers. A GPS was used to take coordinates of the sampled farmers. Data was analysed using nearest neighbor index (NNI) and double hurdle model (probit and truncated regression). The revealed showed NERICA adopters were randomly distributed in the study area. Age, size of the household head, level of education, membership to agricultural organization, access to extension services, access to credit, agricultural training, access to seeds from the local markets, off-farm income, land size ownership, distance to rice miller and crop farm size were found to have a statistical significance influence on adoption of NERICA in the study area. While household size, membership to agricultural organization, access to extension services, access to credit, agricultural training, land size and farm size influenced the intensity of adoption of NERICA. Adoption and intensity of adoption of NERICA can be encouraged by sensitizing the farmers to join agricultural related organization and encouraging farmers to seek for extension services. Provision of, credits and agricultural training to farmers may encourage them to adopt farming of NERICA. Installing of rice millers in the study area may be a key factors in encourage more farmers to adopt and increase the intensity of adoption of NERICA in Imenti North Sub County.
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    Spatial Variation in Adoption of Rainwater Harvesting Techniques in Meru County, Kenya.
    (Chuka University, 2019-09) Mbogori, Agnes Karwitha
    Rainwater harvesting has been used to address water shortage in various regions. The harvested rainwater is used for domestic purposes, irrigation and agricultural processing. Various technologies have been used over time with improvements on the old technologies as well as introduction of new technologies. Rainwater harvesting systems can be constructed with inexpensive locally available materials. People use tanks attached to roofs, caves, earth dams, underground trenches among others. However, despite the economic viability and potential of RWH techniques for improving agriculture and livelihoods, the adoption of RWH techniques by farmers is not adequate. This calls for an examination and evaluation of socio-economic factors that influence the spatial variation in the adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques in the region. A large part of Buuri Sub-County of Meru County is dry and falls in the rain shadow of Mt. Kenya with no permanent rivers and with few community-based water projects, thereby posing a great shortage of water. Like in other hot and dry parts of Kenya, rainwater harvesting has been intensively promoted in Buuri Sub-County to meet domestic needs, irrigation and other purposes. The study was guided by three objectives: (1) To investigate whether the residents of Buuri Sub-County engage in rainwater harvesting, (2) to investigate which rainwater harvesting techniques are used in Buuri Sub-County, and (3) to determine the socio-economic factors that influence the spatial variation in the adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques in the area. The study was an adoption study of descriptive survey design. The target population was 2503 homesteads in Buuri Sub-County, and a sample size of 101 respondents was selected through purposive sampling. Questionnaires were used as the instruments of data collection. Qualitative data obtained was analysed thematically. The quantitative data obtained from the study was analysed using Chi-Square tests, Pearson correlation, t-tests, one way ANOVA, and binary logistical regression. The study revealed that there was inadequate harvested rainwater despite wide adoption of rainwater harvesting (95% of the farmers), with tanks not exceeding 4000 litres highly utilised. This could be attributed to a general lack of awareness on other appropriate rainwater harvesting technologies. Additionally, the findings showed that age, academic qualification, and occupation influenced the respondents’ choices of rainwater harvesting technologies. The study revealed that the two regions chosen i.e: Kamutune and Kiirua had a slight difference in adoption of RWHTS, which was 93.5% and 97.8% respectively. Based on these findings, the study recommends the intervention of Rainwater Harvesting Techniques through infrastructural development, financial incentives, and awareness creation to popularise the adoption of alternative techniques of rainwater harvesting for commercial, domestic, and agricultural purposes by the residents of Buuri Sub-County.
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    Theological Education in Africa in Focus: Challenges and Opportunities for the African Church as it Moves to the Future
    (ScholarsAcademicand Scientific Publishers, 2018-09-29) Kagema,Dickson Nkonge
    The future of the African Church looks bright with its tremendousnumerical growth, but careful assessment shows that it is failing to match numerical growth withthe development ofitspersonnel. Usingthe Anglican Church of Kenya as an example, this study shows that the African Church is in crisis due to the lack of enough qualified personnel to lead it. If the Church in Africa is thinking about itsfuture it must think of the theological education through which its leaders areequipped. The African Church currently has a feeble theological education system; characterized by unviable theological institutions, irrelevant curricula, low enrollment, and unqualified theological tutors among other challenges. For the African Church to take the right path as it moves to the future, it must revitalize its theological education system so as to prepare a sufficient number of well-equipped leaders to match the rapidly changing African society.