Humanities

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    PSYC 461: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY 1
    (chuka university, 2024-12-17) chuka university
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    Strategies for Enhancing Community Development: A Case of Anglican Church of Kenya
    (Editon Consortium Publishing, 2022) Wambugu, P. M.; Nkonge, K. D.; Micheni, S.
    This research sought to investigate the strategies employed by ADS in enhancing Community Development (CD) in Kenya. The study targeted four Anglican Development Services (ADS) regions in Kenya, namely, Pwani, Eastern, Mount Kenya East and NAIKA (Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints). A sample of 330 respondents drawn from a target population of 1,827 was acquired through a Descriptive Research design. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, while thematic analysis was done on qualitative data. The findings illustrated that there were well- founded strategies for enhancing CD in Kenya employed by the ADS. In this regard, the ADS use strategies that are implementable on the ground to improve the sustainability of CD within targeted areas. The main strategies employed by the four ADS regions in enhancing CD in Kenya include mobilising for food production and security in the community, partnership and networking for community capacity building, promotion of health care, training and mobilising farmers to form groups to promote Agri-business by Farming God’s. These findings illustrated that the ADS has an array of strategies for enhancing CD in Kenya. It is recommended that for the effectiveness of ADS strategies, the target recipients should be expanded through a conscientisation process, biblical and theological interventions and a participatory transformation approach, with the most vulnerable members of the community receiving priority.
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    Enhancing Household Livelihood Outcomes through Resilient Agri-Food Systems among Small-scale farmers in Kitui County, Kenya
    (EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2022) Rufo, B. M.; Muiruri, S. M.; Njuguna, C. W.
    The practice of resilient agri-food systems, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, is considered key to attaining sustainable livelihoods. Changes in climatic conditions have forced small-scale farmers to develop adaptive capacities related to food security. This study was done in Nguni ward Kitui County involving 246 small-scale farmers, two focus groups discussion, and four key informants. The sampled participants had practiced resilient agri-food systems for the last five years from the time of data collection. A gender dynamic was established after 71.5% of the respondents were found to be female and 28.5% male. More females practiced resilient agri-food systems but did not own productive assets like land. A statistically significant relationship between resilient agri-food systems and household livelihood outcomes was determined where the probability value was less at a 95% confidence level (0.01<0.05). Further analysis showed a positive association between household income and sex χ2=9.551 where p (0.008) was less than 0.05. In conclusion, resilient agri-food systems practices such as conservation agriculture positively influence the household livelihood outcomes like diversification of livelihoods, reduced prevalence of human, crop, and livestock diseases, and improved ability to cope with shocks and trends. The study recommends the provision of incentives, insurance, and social safety nets to encourage small-scale farmers to practice resilient agri-food systems.
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    Ideological Features in Kenya Supreme Court Judgments
    (2022) Ndumia, E. C.; Atieno, C.; Ireri, H. K.
    Legal discourse is characterized by unique grammatical, lexical and stylistic features which are meant to enhance clarity and precision in the legal content. However, from a critical perspective, some of the discursive and stylistic features used alienate the common person and elevate judges and lawyers to an ideological pedestal. This study undertook a Critical Discourse Analysis of Kenya Supreme Court judgements on election petitions and civil cases with a view to investigate the discursive features used to represent legal ideology. The study was guided by Critical Discourse Analysis theory and a qualitative research design was used. The population for this study comprised the judgements made by the Kenya Supreme Court since its inception in 2010. Purposive sampling was used to identify five judgements on election petitions and civil cases. Guided by the CDA theory, features representing legal ideology were explored and discussed. The features include use of lexical stylistic features, performative verbs, legitimation, presuppositions, argumentation, interrogative forms, metaphors, precedence and predication. These features were meant to create precision and authority in the Supreme Court judgements. However, from a critical perspective, it was imminent that the features led to elevation of judges and lawyers as custodians of justice while the ordinary person was excluded from the legal process. The insight from this study is applicable to Forensic Linguistics and legal drafting. Judges and lawyers ought to use language in such a way that the common person is not excluded. Technical terminology should be used when necessary more so in contexts that involve only the legal personnel. In legal contexts that involves the ordinary person, plain language should be used.
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    Foreign Exchange Rate Volatility and Its Effect on International Trade in Kenya
    (2022) Titus, O. M.; Muriithi, D. K.; Wagala, A.
    Exchange rate volatility has received much attention in economic research especially with the advent of floating exchange regimes. The volatile nature of exchange rate is generally perceived as having negative affect on international trade. However, the theoretical and empirical perspective are mixed on the nature of the relationship. This study aimed at examining analyzing the moderating effect of foreign exchange reserves on the relationship between foreign exchange rate volatility and international trade in Kenya. The study used error correction model in the analysis of the time series data for the study period which spanned between 1966-2018. Results show that controlling for inflation rate, interest rate and gross domestic product, foreign exchange reserves had a positive and statistically significant moderating effect at 5% significant level on the relationship between foreign exchange rate volatility and international trade with R2 of 0.9557. The study recommends maintaining enough stock of foreign exchange reserves to cushion the economy from adverse effects of exchange rate volatility. The findings of the study will provide relevant information in the formulation of and implementation of an effective monetary policy that will promote exchange rate stability and improve the country’s performance in international trade.
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    Invasion of Savannas by Prosopis Trees in Eastern Africa: Exploring Their Impacts on Lulc Dynamics, Livelihoods and Implications on Soil Organic Carbon Stocks
    (2021) Mbaabu, P. R.; Eckert, S.; Schaffner, U.
    Trees of the genus Prosopis from the Americas, were introduced in Eastern Africa in the 1970s to mitigate land degradation and its associated disservices. However, over time these trees have spread and invaded valuable grasslands and croplands and consequently led to significant land use and land cover (LULC) changes and livelihood stress. Early detection of invasive species is essential for formulating effective management strategies to prevent further spread into non-invaded lands and for monitoring the outcome of management interventions. We mapped the spatio-temporal evolution and dynamics of Prosopis invasion, its impacts on LULC and livelihoods in Baringo, Kenya by applying a Random Forest classifier on Landsat satellite data over seven-year intervals from 1988 - 2016. We then linked the LULC changes to soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks that we had measured for the different LULCs and also to socio-economic data on annual costs of clearing Prosopis from farmlands. By 2016, Prosopis had invaded 18,792 ha of land, spreading at a rate of 640 ha/yr, while all other land uses and land cover declined, each by over 40% of its original coverage in 1988. Through LULC specific SOC measurements, and relating the changes to annual costs of clearing Prosopis, we found that Prosopis removal and restoration to grassland is more effective for climate change mitigation compared to Prosopis ―cultivation‖ while also avoiding trade-offs with other ecosystem services and livelihoods. Therefore, future management of this species in Kenya and Eastern Africa should be based on a more collaborative and integrated approach.
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    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.
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    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.
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    Rationale Behind Roman Catholic Church’s Toleration of Miraa Production and Consumption in Igembe Deanery, Meru Diocese, Kenya
    (Editon Consortium Publishing, 2022) Iruki, M. M.; Nkonge, D. K.; Orina, H.
    This study sought to find out the rationale behind Roman Catholic Church’s toleration of miraa production and consumption in Igembe Deanery, Meru diocese, Kenya. The Roman Catholic Church has been a leading voice in opposing the use of pharmaceuticals outside of medical necessity in every society it has encountered. The Roman Catholic Church has taken a hard-line approach against drug legalisation, including recreational drugs. On the contrary, in Igembe Deanery, the Meru Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, a contentious drug that many consider a drug, khat (Miraa) production and use is tolerated. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data were obtained from questionnaires, oral interviews, focus group discussion, participant observation, and primary and secondary sources to ensure the reliability and validity of the study. The study’s findings were that the economic, social, cultural, religious, and educational benefits of miraa in Igembe deanery are all the reasons for the Roman Catholic Church in Igembe deanery to tolerate miraa farming, trade and consumption in the study area. This study concludes that Miraa production and consumption in Igembe deanery in Meru diocese is due to its huge social, economic, and religious benefits to the local people.
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    The Level of Youth Involvement in Church-Initiated Programmes in Methodist Church in Kenya, Nyambene Synod
    (Editon Consortium Publishing, 2022) Maitai, E. K.; Nkonge, D. K.; Bururia, D.
    The study aimed to examine the youth involvement level in Church initiated programmes in the Methodist Church in Kenya, Nyambene Synod. Methodist Church in Kenya has come up with Church-initiated programmes to assist the youth struggling with different life issues. However, the problem continues to persist in Nyambene Synod, where the youth have kept migrating from MCK to other churches, despite the significant role church-initiated programmes play in church. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data were obtained from questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview schedules. Functionalism theory was used to establish the level of youth involvement in church-initiated programmes. The study found that not all youth participate in church-initiated programmes, and Circuit ministers and circuit leaders were not offering church-initiated programmes effectively. This study recommends that the church ought to embrace modern ways, including technology, to involve more youth in the programmes and give the youth more room to express themselves through different youth activities, which should be carried out more often to retain them in church.
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    The Modes of Agricultural Practices Embraced by The People of Abogeta Sub County Before the Period 1937-1980
    (Editon Consortium Publishing, 2022) Kaburu, L. G.; Kithinji, C. M.; Nkonge, D. K.
    Agricultural activities are very crucial part of a people’s economic engagements. This study is about a history on the transition from subsistence to cash crop farming in Abogeta Sub-County in Meru County, Kenya, from 1937-1980. The main economic activity of the people in Abogeta Sub County is farming and keeping livestock. Before 1937 farming practices were mainly for subsistence. Crops grown included millet, sorghum, peas, arrowroots, yams, beans and cowpeas. However many changes have occurred in the agricultural sector by 1937. The purpose of this study was to examine the transition from subsistence to cash crop farming and its effects on food production in Abogeta Sub County of Meru from 1937 to 1980. The study aimed at investigating the modes of agricultural practices embraced by the people of Abogeta Sub County from 19371980. The study employed descriptive research design to describe the events as they occurred systematically. The target population was 179608 as per 2019 census. A total of 30 respondents were randomly sampled and interviewed from Abogeta Sub County. The instruments of data collection were interview schedules, focused group discussions and observation schedule. The study revealed that traditionally people from Abogeta Sub County engaged in subsistence farming. The study also noted that the transition had both positive and negative impacts on people of Abogeta. Policy makers in the government may use the study to find solutions to food insecurity in Abogeta Sub County of Meru-County.
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    Sources of Authority and Influence of Councils of Elders in Kenya with Particular Reference to Njuri Ncheke of Meru County, Kenya
    (Chuka University, 2022) Orina, H.K.
    Many communities in Kenya have recently witnessed a cultural and religious revival, and they are employing all possible means to propagate this revival. In some communities, there is a revival of ethnic rites, religious rituals and customs. Nationally, there are efforts to preserve and promote ethnic cultures. On the fore front of the revival of cultural consciousness are Councils of elders. Such councils are treated with respect, honour and reverence as the custodians of these cultures and religious beliefs. An example of a council of elders is the Njuri Ncheke of the Ameru. Generally, there is a resilience of African traditional religion in Kenya as exemplified by the Njuri Ncheke. The Njuri Ncheke council of elders has been resilient in the face of modernization, and in the context of a dynamic society with a modern judicial system, new constitutional laws and new religious structures. In spite of this apparent resilience of Njuri Ncheke in Meru County, there has not been any systematic investigation to unearth the phenomenon. The broad objective of this study, therefore, was to investigate the contributions of councils of elders to the resilience of African traditional religion and in particular, the Njuri Ncheke of Meru County. The study was informed by functionalism theory of religion as understood by Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton. This was a qualitative study that sought to describe and analyse the resilience of African traditional religion in Kenya with Njuri Ncheke as a case. The findings of the study are significant in making an important contribution to better understanding of councils of elders in Kenya, understanding the role of religious and indigenous institutions in devolved system of governance, the basis of their influence and authority and their rightful place in a modern dynamic society.
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    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.
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    Sustainable Management of Rangelands: An Assessment of Invasion Cover Trajectories and Their Contribution to Invasion Management in Marigat Sub-County, Kenya
    (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2021) Adoyo, B.; Ehrensperger, A.; Mukhovi, M. S.; Kiteme, B.; Rima, P. M.; Eckert, S.; Schaffner, U.
    Invasive alien species have complex spatiotemporal patterns of spread beyond geographical and jurisdictional boundaries. This calls for a coordinated management approach that is spatially explicit, extends beyond individual plot levels, and incorporates land users’ perceptions and decisions. This study, therefore, aims at assessing spatiotemporal invasion trajectories of the invasive tree Prosopis juliflora in Baringo County, Kenya, and evaluating their possible relation to land users’ management decisions. Pre-classified land cover data over a seven-year time period (1988–2016) were reclassified based on the presence or absence of P. juliflora and integrated into ArcGIS to produce P. juliflora cover trajectories for analysis. The spatiotemporal analysis of Prosopis invasion dynamics yields trajectories that can be linked to underlying land users’ management decisions. Areas that remained free of Prosopis since their first clearance were primarily areas where the invasion would cause the highest loss in terms of income or opportunity costs; areas that were never cleared since they were first invaded tended to be areas where no one could be personally held accountable for their management, while the abandonment of management followed by re-invasion appeared to be linked to different drivers, including diversification of livelihoods and lower market prices for horticultural products. Our findings indicate that invasion trajectories are useful in informing existing management strategies to adopt context-based invasive species management practices. The study recommends scaling up the trajectory analysis approach to be replicated in large-scale invasion management strategies. Since it requires considerable finances and time to conduct such analyses on raw satellite imagery, we suggest further research on how to simplify the approach to make it easily and efficiently replicable for large-scale applications.
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    Factors enhancing the Level of Utilisation of Research Knowledge on Ecosystems
    (Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, BANGLADESH, 2021) Eschen, R.; Mbaabu, P. R.; Ramamonjisoa, B. S.; Robledo-Abad, C.
    The significant resource investment in research on ecosystems for development of the Global South does not necessarily result in high levels of research knowledge utilisation (RKU). Understanding the factors associated with various levels of RKU can inform funding agencies and researchers developing new projects. We applied a combination of a ques- tionnaire survey and follow up interviews with members of research teams of multiple, broadly comparable projects to make an assessment of achieved RKU levels using a combi- nation of quantitative statistical hypothesis testing and narrative description of survey responses. Research knowledge dissemination by members of the project team who work for non-academic institutions or champions, e.g. particularly motivated people that promote and facilitate implementation or adoption of the project results, and via television was asso- ciated with higher research knowledge utilization. By contrast, dissemination by members of the project team working for academic institutions and via peer-reviewed journals was asso- ciated with lower RKU. The achieved level of RKU was consistently lower than the targeted level of RKU across spatial scales. The discrepancy between the perceived level of RKU and the evidence provided by survey respondents indicates the need for better monitoring the utilisation of research knowledge in development pathways. Our results further suggest that three years project duration is too short to achieve high levels of RKU in socio-ecologi- cal systems. We recommend involvement of non-academic members of the project team in project design, leadership and dissemination for increasing RKU.
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    Thematic choice as a discursive formation used to create socio- political dominance in Kenyan parliamentary debates between 1992 and 2010
    (2016) Peter, Christine Atieno, Mukuthuria, Mwenda and Muriungi Peter
    Speech that is made up of a group of statements that belong to the same discursive formation is referred to as knowledge. Participants in such a discourse manipulate it to achieve their desired goals.A conversational construction is made up of a number of statements that have conditions of existence. Thematic choice is a discursive formation that addresses the topic of discussion.It is linked to coercion. Whereas language is generally intended to be communicative, it has, sometimes done more than that due to manipulations. This paper examines thematic choice asa discursive formation that was used by Kenyan parliamentarians during debates to create socio- political dominance. The objective was: To identify and explain how discursive formations are presented in language used by Kenyan parliamentarians to create socio- political dominance. Various sources of literature have been reviewed in the following areas: ideology, parliamentary proceedings and political dominance, the power in language and discursive formations, and the theoretical framework. The study used descriptive research design. By using purposive sampling, the data was collected from the Hansard dating from 1992 to 2010. Data was analysed using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA), a theory about how text is constructed. The study identified how thematic choice in each of the utterances was used to create socio- political dominance. The research found out that thematic choice, had impact on the language that parliamentarians used.
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    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.
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    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
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    Revolutionizing Pre-Probation Assessments In Kenya: A Mixed-Method Analysis of Juvenile Evaluation Practices and Recidivism Reduction
    (African journal of emerging issues, 2024-09-13) 1Kenneth Seth Omonya, 2Dr. Charles Mwirigi & 3Dr. W. Nyachoti Otiso
    Purpose of the Study: The study's purpose was to assess existing juvenile assessment practices prior to probation placement and their effect on probation outcomes. Methodology: The current study used a concurrent-triangulation mixed-method approach, with 226 respondents drawn from Nairobi County's juvenile probationers and probation practitioners. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and a key informant interview guide, and it was analysed descriptively (frequency and percentages), inferentially (binary logistic regression model), and qualitatively. Findings: The study found that properly carried out pre-probation assessment practices significantly reduce recidivism. However, the lack of juvenile-specific Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) assessment tools, a one-week induction period with only passing mentions of juvenile issues, and insufficient training in the existing juvenile assessment mechanisms hampered the optimal juvenile assessment procedure. Rushed assessments were also identified as a barrier to the optimal juvenile assessment process. Conclusion: Overall, while the existing probation assessment process plays an important role in shaping the outcomes for juvenile offenders by lowering recidivism rates, a number of flaws limit its effectiveness. Recommendations: The study recommends that probation develop and implement specialized Risk Needs and Responsivity (RNR) assessment tools tailored to juveniles. The probation department's entry-job induction guidelines should be revised to include training with a strong emphasis on juvenile topics, as well as the use of RNR assessment tools. Further, juvenile probation officers require more training focused on the juvenile offender population.
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    The Aembu access to land and labour systems on food crop production and food security up to 1906
    (2024-09-08) Mbogo Mary Wangai(1) ; Caroline Mucece Kithinji(2) ; Muraya Martha(
    This study sought to analyse how the pre-colonial Aembu organised their land and labour systems in food crop production for guaranteed household food security up to 1906. The pre-colonial African societies had either matrilineal or patrilineal systems of land ownership, while labour was gender specific. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Embu East, Embu West and Embu North sub-counties of the larger Embu County. Purposive sampling with a snowballing technique was applied to get 50 respondents who were interviewed from a target population of 16,144. The study corroborated data from oral, archival records and secondary sources. The findings were that the pre-colonial Aembu food crop producers had elaborate systems of land rights and land use under clan heads. The land access system accommodated practices like shifting cultivation and intercropping; the pre-colonial division of labour in food crop production combined all household members and those other forms of labour like communal, paid and corporate were sourced from outside the household. The study concluded that the pre-colonial Aembu were food secure in spite of occasional rainfall failure, locust invasion and warfare, while the articulation of pre-colonial and capitalist land and labour systems exposed the society members to food insecurity. The study contributed to the pre-colonial social, political and economic historiography of the Aembu people. The study recommends that the post-colonial government should employ strategies that can be effectively used to mitigate food crop production insecurity by focusing on the adoption of various traditional methods of land and labour access.