Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://41.89.31.6:4000/handle/123456789/881

Browse

Now showing 1 - 12 of 12

Analysis of Transformational Leadership in the Context of Social Action: A Case of Mck Kaaga Synod
(KeMU, 2022-10) Nteere, Nicholas Mutwiri
Social action involves leaders being proactive in engendering positive change in their communities. Transformational leaders seek to shape society in their own image through charisma, vision and sheer will power. This study seeks to analyse transformational leadership in the context of social action with reference to the Kaaga synod of the Methodist Church of Kenya (MCK). The objectives of the study were: To examine the practice of transformational leadership; to assess the contribution of transformational leadership in enhancing the church initiated social action among the residents within the geographical area of the MCK Kaaga synod and to examine the relationship that exists between transformational leadership and social action. The study was guided by Transformational Leadership Theory. The study utilized descriptive survey design. In Kaaga synod whose population stands at 6771, 384 members were randomly selected for interviews through simple random sampling. Data was collected by using questionnaires and interview schedules. The study used mixed methods both quantitative and qualitative to describe the findings. A sample of 384 respondents drawn from church leaders from the location of study participated in the collection of data using questionnaires and interviews. The data collected was coded and analysed though SPSS and Microsoft Excel programs to describe the findings and emerging trends and insights. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was triangulated with the quantitative data and meanings and conclusions. The findings indicate that MCK Kaaga synod scored below average on the total mean score and average on individual attributes of transformational leadership, of the maximum possible score of 72, the mean score was 50, just below 54 which is the minimum cut off. Using regression analysis, the study established that transformational leadership has a significant positive relationship with provision of education services with a regression coefficient of 0.0123 p<0.005. Additionally, transformational leadership was significantly correlated with economic empowerment programs, with a coefficient of 0.0231, p<0.005. Moreover, transformational leadership was positively correlated with OVC programs, with a regression coefficient of 0.0341, p<0.005. However, transformational leadership had no significant relationship with provision of medical services r=0.1605, p<0.005, and widows care programs, r=0.1590, p<0.005 in Kaaga synod. In conclusion training on transformational leadership, social action is recommended. Further study in the transformative nature of the social action is also prescribed. Policy formulation that will embed transformational leadership model in the church should be arrived at in MCK Kaaga synod and possibly the whole of MCK.
Church’s Role in the Mitigation of Drug and Substance Abuse Among Youths of PCEA Nanyuki Presbytery, Laikipia County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2025) Njeru, Preston Phinius
Drug and substance abuse among youths represents a significant concern in Kenya and globally. This study examined the church's role in mitigating drug and substance abuse among youths in PCEA Nanyuki Presbytery, Laikipia County, Kenya. The church, as a key social institution, addresses this issue through conscientization, pastoral care, advocacy, and rehabilitation programs. In Laikipia County, despite church interventions, drug and substance abuse remains prevalent, with 37.1% of youth having experimented with drugs, 22.4% regularly abusing substances, and high relapse rates (65%) in Nanyuki. Church interventions show limited effectiveness with only 28% reporting success. This study aimed to examine the church's various roles in mitigating drug and substance abuse among youth, while evaluating how socio-cultural factors moderate these efforts. The study was guided by theories including Social Learning Theory, Conscientization Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, employing a descriptive survey design with a pragmatist philosophy and mixed methods approach. The target population included 1,340 youths, 131 church elders, 7 parish ministers, and 447 parents from PCEA Nanyuki Presbytery. The sample comprised 359 respondents (300 youths, 12 church elders, 7 parish ministers, and 40 parents), selected using census sampling for parish ministers, convenience sampling for parents, purposive sampling for church elders, and stratified random sampling for youth. Data reliability was established through Cronbach's alpha, test-retest, and inter-coder reliability methods, while validity was ensured via pre-testing and face, construct, and content validity. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages and means), Chi-square tests, and correlation analyses, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings were presented using tables, charts, and verbatim excerpts. The study found significant relationships between church interventions and substance abuse mitigation, with conscientization, pastoral care, advocacy, and rehabilitation programs all showing positive impacts when properly implemented. However, implementation gaps were identified, particularly in technology utilization, specialized addiction treatment services, structured follow-up mechanisms, and strategic community partnerships. Socio-cultural factors like family dynamics, peer influence, and community attitudes significantly moderated intervention effectiveness. The study recommends enhancing church programs through technology integration, specialized training, structured mentorship frameworks, improved medical treatment support, strategic partnerships, and culturally sensitive approaches that address socio-cultural contexts. These findings contribute to developing improved church-based interventions to reduce drug and substance abuse among Kenyan youths.
A Critical Analysis on the Effects of Islamization of Igembe People Through Miraa Trade in Meru County Kenya
(KeMU, 2020-11) Jotham, Kirimi Mwenda
The study proposition was that Islamization of Igembe people had taken place largely due to miraa trade but no research had so far been undertaken in religious studies perspectives to address the issue. The four objectives of the study were determining the extent of the spread of Islam in Igembe, studying the cultural importance of miraa, establishing the contribution of miraa trade to Islamization, and examining the effects of Islamization. Theoretical framework relied on Islamization, Risk, Uncertainty, and Profit, and Immigration theories. The synthesis produced ‘Islamization through miraa trade theory’. A qualitative design was adopted with triangulation of methods which included interview schedules, and semi-structured open-ended questionnaires. The instruments were pretested to ascertain their validity and reliability. Stratified, simple random, and purposive sampling techniques were employed to pick a sample of 252 respondents out of a population of 126,000 miraa farmers, vendors, and trade association officials. Content, narrative and descriptive data analysis methods were used in the analysis of the findings. The main finding was that Islamization of Igembe people through miraa trade had taken place with mostly negative effects which included exposure of Igembe women to Islamic law on marriage, selling of ancestral miraa land to Muslims, school dropout, truancy for students, and miraa gang violence among others. The results further showed miraa diacritical marker of Igembe people identity linked to their traditions and history. From the findings, the study concludes that miraa trade is pivotal in Islamization of the Igembe people, and Muslims are doing business in a way that it is oppressing the residents pushing them to abject poverty. The study recommended delinking of Islamization from miraa trade, enforcing existing miraa regulations to mitigate adverse effects, future research to find out if there are healing properties in miraa plant as claimed by respondents, if Muslim children too are affected by Islamization through miraa trade, and if any Muslims have been converted to Christianity or to Igembe traditional religion.
Critical Factors Influencing Success of Sunday-School as a Mission Field at Bondeni Africa Inland Church, Kenya
(Kemu, 2021-10) Rop, Charles Kipkoech
It is indicated that the emphasis of the Sunday-school as a mission field has reduced across churches. The African Inland Church simply mentioned the Sunday-school as one of its functions; however, it fails to show the progress of the Sunday-school and how it presently functions as a mission field. It was of paramount importance to examine the Sunday-school as a mission field in the AIC church as a representative of all other churches that have this mission as part of their functions. The general objective of the study was to have a critical review of mission work at A.I.C Bondeni in Nakuru County, Kenya. Specifically, the study examined how budgetary allocation, competence of Sunday-school teachers and also how administrative support influence Sunday-school as a mission field in the aforementioned church. The study was guided by the Bosch’s paradigm theory of mission. The population of 548 Sunday-school instructors, youth, parents of Sunday-school children, pastors, and administrators at the AIC Bondeni Local Church was studied using a descriptive survey design. Stratified random sampling was used to select 85 congregants from the research population. To obtain data, a detailed self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was pilot tested before being used to collect data for the main study, in order to determine its validity and reliability. Prior to data collection, all necessary permits and consents were obtained. The collected data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively with the aid of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences software. Results were presented using tables. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. Results revealed that budgetary allocation, teachers’ competence, and administrative support have a positive and statistically significant influence on the success of Sunday-school as a mission field. Teachers’ competence had the strongest influence on Sunday-school success while administrative support had the least. From the discoveries, the study recommends that AIC Bondeni and other churches should create budgetary allocation for teachers’ stipends, assess the theological understanding of Sunday-school teachers, create continual teachers’ training and development programmes, and enhance church leaders’ involvement in the planning and implementation of church activities.
Effect of Cognitive Deficits on Vulnerability to Depression among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2022-10) Kiambarua, Kenneth Gitiye
Adolescence represents a critical developmental period in life with increased clinical interests given that many mental disorders that occur in adulthood arise during adolescence. The main purpose of the study was to establish the effect of cognitive deficits on vulnerability to depression among adolescents in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The specific objectives were; to examine the effect of executive functioning disorders, language-based learning disorder, severe disruption in social cognition and the intervening effect of support system on cognitive deficits and vulnerability to depression among adolescents in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The study was anchored on meta-cognitive and social cultural theories. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The target population was the 27 secondary schools that were sampled using proportionate stratified sampling method in Meru County. The respondents were 27 principals/deputy principals and 27 counseling teachers sampled using purposive sampling method. Additionally, 176 English and mathematics teachers were sampled using simple random method. Eleven students from every sampled school were sampled using inclusion and exclusion methods. The principals/deputy principals and counseling teachers were interviewed. Mathematics and English teachers answered a questionnaire, while the students were assessed using depression tool and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool for cognitive deficits. Pretesting of data collecting instruments was done in 3 schools in Tharaka Nithi County. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and median. Additionally, inferential statistics from linear regression and multiple regression analysis were presented. SPSS was used to analyze the data presented. The findings were presented using tables, explanations, and figures. The study found out that schools had acquaintances to depression but did not articulately understand how to identify depression cases related to cognitive deficits. The conclusions on executive function disorder, was that there still lacked awareness on depression due to cognitive deficits. Additionally, on language-based learning disorder, schools lacked adequate financial resources, skilled language experts, and commitment towards establishing a system in creating awareness on impairment of language. Further, the conclusion made on severe disruption of social cognition was that schools did not put much emphasis on dictation of words to students since teachers were not enlightened on what dictation could do in a student’s social cognition life. Adding to the conclusions made on support systems, students were only left out to accept and follow the policies as they were whereby any deviation would lead to stipulated punishments. The study recommended that the ministry of education should equip teachers with necessary skills to understand effect of cognitive deficits on the learners’ mental wellness and engage psychologists in schools to diagnose and appropriately address mental health challenges among students. The school management should have supportive programs that enable learners with cognitive deficits and those that mitigate their causes and consequences.
Influence Of Institutional Factors on the Provision of Value-Based Education in Muslim Private Secondary Schools in Mombasa County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2025) Zafer, Elen
Value-based education focuses on instilling core ethical principles and moral values in students, aiming to develop their character and civic responsibility. This approach is fundamental in creating a well-rounded educational experience. This research investigated the institutional factors impacting the delivery of value-based education in Muslim Private Secondary Schools in Mombasa County, with a focus on how parents' academic involvement moderates these factors. The objectives included assessing the influence of teaching materials, teacher values, school physical facilities, and school culture on the provision of value-based education. The theoretical framework incorporated the Socio-Cultural Theory of Cognitive Development, Fethullah Gülen’s Theory of Education, Classical Liberal Theory of Equal Opportunities, and Social Learning Theory. Employing a descriptive survey design, the study gathered data depicting the current status of the influence of institutional factors on the provision of value-based education in Muslim Private Secondary Schools in Mombasa County. The population of the study consisted of 366 respondents comprising of 97 Board members, 17 Principals, and 252 Teachers from all 17 private Muslim-based secondary schools in Mombasa County. The study used a stratified random sampling technique to select 30 % of the Board members and 101 teachers and census sampling to select 17 Principals. A total of 124 respondents were included in the study, comprising 29 Board members, 78 teachers, and 17 principals. Data from teachers and principals were collected using questionnaires, while board members were interviewed using a structured interview guide. The researcher employed a drop-and-pick method to distribute and collect questionnaires from the targeted sample of respondents. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were utilized. The validity of the research instruments was ensured through expert scrutiny in the field, with adjustments made based on their feedback. Reliability of the data collection instruments was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Thematic approach was used to analyze qualitative data, Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27, allowing for the computation of descriptive statistics such as mean, mode, percentages, and standard deviation based on the well-completed questionnaires. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically by reviewing recorded data. The study concludes that institutional factors such as teaching materials, teachers' values, physical facilities, and school culture are crucial for delivering value-based education in Muslim Private Secondary Schools in Mombasa County. Effective alignment with community values, ongoing teacher development, and robust assessment tools are essential for enhancing educational impact. To enhance the provision of value-based education in Muslim private secondary schools, the study recommends that management implement ongoing professional development initiatives to equip teachers with skills aligning their values with community norms. Additionally, school management should serve as role models, consistently demonstrating and communicating the desired values to all stakeholders. To effectively gauge the success of these programs, institutions should develop and utilize assessment tools that measure students' understanding and application of core values, offering valuable insights into the program's impact.
Influence of Mobile Devices Use on the Level of Marital Satisfaction among Couples in Mck Nkubu Synod, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Kirinyaga Counties, Kenya
(KeMU, 2022-10) Kagwiria, Mutua Catherine
Marital satisfaction is an indicator of health and quality in a marriage relationship. However, marital satisfaction does not just occur, but hinges on good communication. Communication enhances cohesion among married couples and promotes marital satisfaction. Interestingly, addiction and misuse of technology in mobile devices anticipated to enhance communication among married couples and contribute to marital satisfaction has been associated with adverse effects on marriages. This study seeks to examine the influence of the use of mobile devices on marital satisfaction among couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod, Meru County, Kenya. Nkubu Synod covers Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Kirinyaga counties, and is positioned on the Eastern and Southern sides of Mt. Kenya. The Synod covers a total of 21 administrative units, commonly referred to as circuits. The study was guided by four objectives; namely; to investigate the influence of social media use on marital satisfaction in married couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod; to explore the influence of mobile game use on marital satisfaction in married couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod; to analyse the effects of mobile phone calls on marital satisfaction in married couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod; and to determine the influence of marriage character traits on the level of marital satisfaction among married people in MCK, Nkubu Synod. The study was anchored on two theories: the family systems theory and cognitive behaviour theory (CBT) that guided data analysis. The study adopted a Mixed-Methods research approach, where qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The study targeted 4003 married couples in Nkubu Synod as per Nkubu Synod 2019 Annual Committee Resolution and Reports. This population translated to 8006 married persons. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 367 respondents for the study. Questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were utilized in collecting data. Pre-testing of instruments enhanced determination of their validity and reliability. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to modify, code, input, and analyse quantitative data, while the thematic technique was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study used multiple regression analysis to show the relationships that existed between the independent and dependent variables. The study established that when combined, social media use, mobile gaming and mobile phone calls formed a model that was found statistically significant in determining couples' marital satisfaction in MCK, Nkubu Synod, Meru County. However, in an integrated model, social media was weightier as compared to the other two uses of mobile devices. As regards the moderating effect of marriage characteristics such as the level of education, the number of years in marriage, and the income, the study found out that the level of education and the income both had statistically insignificant moderation effect on the relationship between mobile device use and the marital satisfaction of couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod, Meru County. However, the number of years in marriage was the statistically significant moderator on the relationship between media device use and couples' marital satisfaction. The study recommends that the church leadership develops comprehensive guidance and counselling church training curriculum to equip the couples with knowledge on drivers of marriage dissatisfaction and train them on effective use of social media, mobile games and mobile phone calls. The study findings may aid in the development of appropriate psychological therapies and promote appropriate models for marital satisfaction.
Influence of Spiritual-economic Projects on Growth of the Methodist Church in Kenya. A case of Kaaga Synod, Kenya
(KeMU, 2023-08) Kinya, Lairangi Jeniffer
A church is not only an assembly of believers where people meet for spiritual nourishment from the Word of God but a place of spiritual empowerment in all aspects of life. It has been observed that majority of the religious faithful in Kenya live below the poverty line to an extent of inability to meet even basic needs. The study’s main purpose was to assess the influence of spiritual-economic projects on the growth of the MCK. A case of Kaaga synod, Kenya. The objectives were to examine the influence of communal training in spiritual-economic projects on the growth of MCK; To assess the influence of sustainability of spiritual-economic projects on the growth of MCK; To determine the influence of financial literacy of spiritual-economic projects on the growth of MCK; and to investigate the moderating influence of involvement of communities in projects and the growth of MCK in Kenya. The two theories used were resource-based theory and Stewardship theory. The philosophy of the study was positive paradigm whereas the research design was descriptive which was applied in Kaag synod, Meru, County Kenya. The target population was 25 circuits in Kaaga synod, Meru County. The respondents were 25 superintendent ministers, 53 managers of church projects and 652 community project members that participate and are registered members in the projects. The study used purposive sampling technique to select all the 25 superintendent ministers and 53 project heads. The study selected 196 project members through simple random sampling method across diverse circuits. Interview guides and questionnaires were used to collect data. The study conducted a pre-test study in Methodist church in Nairobi synod. A pre-test study was conducted on 3 superintendent ministers, 5 projects heads and 20 community project members. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as median, frequencies and percentage. SPSS version 24 was used to analyze the data which was presented using tables. The interview responses were analyzed using content analysis method after which the explanations were issued. The findings on communal training were that, there was resistance from some of the leaders whereby they felt that the timing of the implementation of communal training operations was wrong since other things needed priority. Further on, sustainability, the schools and financial institutions which were main sources of income for the church, were negative impacted by Covid-19 hence low income. The findings on financial literacy were that, there was general lack of interest by some members whereby most of them were not ready to attend the training sessions. The study also established that in the involvement of communities in spiritual-economic project variable, members were still struggling to ensure that they followed biblical teachings to the letter. The recommendation on communal training is that the clergy should organize frequent meetings with project leaders so as to develop goals and their timelines to minimize resistance. On sustainability, the church council should develop strategies that would enable the church projects recover more quickly from the adverse effects of Covid-19 pandemic. On financial literacy, the clergy should use their influence on members to uptake the initiative of sensitizing members on the importance of the trainings. On involvement of community members variable, the clergy should advance their Biblical teaching and explanation skills so as to convince their members more on following them.
Integration of Faith and Daily Living: an Examination of the Critical Pointers of Christian Practice in the Methodist Church in Kenya with Reference to Kaaga Synod
(KeMU, 2023-08) Karani, Justus Patrick
The Church is expected to infuse the world, and provide moral and ethical compass for her followers in all aspects of their lives. However, there exists a disconnection between receiving Christian teachings and their application. This study examined the role of the Church in fostering the integration of Christian Faith into daily living, in Kaaga Synod, Methodist Church in Kenya. Its five objectives were: to assess the role of the Church programs, examine the role of the Church lay leaders, and evaluate the role of the clergy and to assess role of church member’s all in fostering the integration of Christian faith into their daily in Kaaga Synod. The theoretical frameworks that informed this study were transformational leadership and leader-member exchange theories which have the central principles of influence, motivation, inspiration and mutual relationships respectively. In its methodology, the study utilized constructivism philosophy, descriptive survey design and qualitative approach. The target population constituted of ordinary 339 Church members, 32 lay leaders, 12 ministers/clergy and 1 synod Bishop. A sample size of 380 respondents was gotten through proportionate random sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedule, focus group discussions and documentary analysis. Validity of the instruments was achieved by checking content, construct and testimonial. Comprehensive explanation ensured the reliability of the research tools. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis/thematic saturation analysis. The demographic data was presented using percentages and tables. This study established that the integration of faith into daily living was hindered by inadequate implementation of church programs, minimal monitoring and evaluation of church programs, limited role models and limited skills and competencies among church leaders. The study recommends leadership involvement in ensuring consistency and reliability of church programs, training and competency development to church clergy and lay leaders, adults’ role modeling to their children, revision of existing church programs and clear identification of the roles of clergy and their participation in achieving members’ integration of faith
Islamic Radicalization Processes: an Assessment of their Effects on Muslim Youths in Isiolo County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2020-11) Lomojo, David Lokoro
The recent occurrence of radicalization as an ideological process involving socialization of individuals or groups and mostly youths to participate in non-state violent activities for political or other reasons had necessitated a multi-sectoral scrutiny yet with scarce empirical research so far. In fact, Islamic radicalization processes analyzed and discussed interchangeably throughout this study with religious radicalization and as a socialization into violent religious ideology had been obscured by a populist violent extremist approaches from stakeholders as governments, policy makers, media reports and multi-disciplinary approaches all of which in significant ways affected and interfered with objective scrutiny. Therefore, this study considered Islamic sources from global religious terror networks as the reason behind contemporary violence. Mainstreaming Islamic radicalization processes required that this research focus on Mosques, schools, prisons and the homes/villages in Isiolo county as avenues used by radicalizers and recruiters to lure youths into the violent religious ideologies which entrench homegrown radicalization through media and cell groups. The conceptual and theoretical knowledge underpinning Islamic radicalization processes included but not limited to violent religious extremism, jihadi terrorism and global radical networking. The centrality of McCauley and Moskalenko pyramid theory in this study was occasioned by the convincing and exhaustive use of mechanisms and levels of radicalization up to and including the place of religion in political violence. Triangulation designs and methods were used to unearth the extent, the processes, the characteristics and the assessable effects of Islamic radicalization on youths in Isiolo central sub county. The reliability and validity was attained through piloting of tools and instruments with research assistants most of whom were from the Muslim community. Eventually, a questionnaire and a measurement scale with small group discussion schedule was designed and administered to a purposive sample of respondents comprising of an array of respondents and informants including six (6) secondary schools and two (2) primary schools, key informants as government officials, police and intelligence agencies, military personnel, principals, head teachers, teachers, chaplains/religious leaders (Sheikhs/Imams/Maalims), NGOs directors and staff, community leaders/elders, National Counter Terrorism (NCTC) seminar delegates comprising of religious leaders from the upper Eastern region, staff members of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) and the general public were the primary subjects of the study. The ethical considerations included security fears by the subjects and the state due to the sensitivity of the area of study. Other ethical considerations were on the perceived sampling out of Muslims for the study and the historicity surrounding the Muslim community as perceived baseline terrorists in most contexts. Consequently, the study unearthed certain Islamic radicalization processes, the characteristics of radicalized youths and effects of the processes as indoctrination, recruitment, truancy, violence, psychological trauma, feelings of alienation and youths becoming holy warriors or jihadi terrorists, among others. Religious radicalization processes therefore can be intercepted through government and religious interventions to minimize the effects on youth. The study brought out new information in the identification of Islamic radicalization processes and their effects on youths which enabled key stakeholders to institute relevant interventions.
The Methodist Church in Kenya’s Sponsorship Programme on Orphans: A Re-Examination of the Effectiveness of its Material and Spiritual Needs, with Reference to the Day Secondary School in Imenti North, Meru County
(KeMU, 2022-10) Makathimo, Eunice Karambu
Numerous societal problems for example HIV and AIDS challenges, accidents, diseases, cancer, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have led to the deaths of parents, leaving behind orphaned children. Usually, orphans are left in the care of grandparents or other relatives. This study has therefore sought to establish the effectiveness of the Methodist Church in Kenya’s sponsorship programmes on the material and spiritual needs of orphans in day secondary schools in Imenti North subcounty. The study was led by the following specific objectives: to assess the M.C.K. awareness of the material and spiritual needs of orphans; to analyze M.C.K. sponsoring programmes for orphans; to examine the effectiveness of M.C.K pastoral programmes in meeting the needs of orphans; and examine the academic performance of orphans in church-sponsored secondary schools in Imenti-North subcounty. This study was informed and led by Erickson's model of psychosocial development theory and the A Theory of Human Motivation, developed by Abraham H. Maslow in 1943, that discusses hierarchy needs. However, the research adopted a descriptive survey. The population of the study included the church education committee, church superintendent, principals, and orphan students. A sample size of 207 respondents was picked, and a questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. The reliability of the data was measured by Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha, while the content and construct validity ensured that the intended data was collected adequately and effectively. The collected data was analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, means, and inferential statistics, Pearson correlation, were used to analyze data that was presented in different thematic. The findings of this study were that material needs in the form of food, shelter, clothing, and pocket money were identified as the most important needs followed by spiritual needs. Therefore, this study recommends that the church should engage in full provision of the same on a timely basis to the orphans to cure the risky behaviour they may find themselves in. However, the study suggests more research be done on not only MCK Church sponsorship projects like this but other churches' funded initiatives in the schools to find out the sustainability of the same based on materials and spiritual needs and looking at broader issues and challenges of such projects
Neo-Pentecostal Churches and Alleviation of Domestic Water Scarcity in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2021-09) Atheru, Kiambi James Thambura
Alleviation of domestic water scarcity is a participatory role of all stakeholders including the churches. However, the role of NPCs in alleviating domestic water scarcity, which now stands at 97 percent in Tigania West constituency is not felt. This study aimed to analyze the role of Neo-Pentecostal Churches (NPCs) in alleviating domestic water scarcity in Tigania West constituency of Meru County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to determine how Neo-Pentecostal churches’ religious practices informed them in the alleviation of domestic water scarcity; to determine their domestic water advocacy initiatives; to assess NPCs water stakeholders’ training initiatives; and to assess NPC’s initiation of domestic water projects. The study was guided by theological reflection theory and economic theory of the church, under interpretivist philosophy and phenomenological research design. Twenty two pastors, taken through census were used for this study. A sample of 59 out of 594 members belonging to the 22 neo-Pentecostal churches was obtained using the 10-30% formula, followed by cluster and simple random sampling techniques. The tools used to collect data were interview schedule for the 22 pastors and documentary analysis for their churches. Focus Group Discussions for the 59 members was then held in 4 groups of 12 members each and one group of 11 members, at their agreed cluster centers/churches respectively. The tools were pre-tested accordingly to enable testing of validity and reliability. Data collected was purely qualitative and was analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). This entailed reading and listening to transcripts and audios respectively to grasp respondents’ concepts, informing the subordinate themes that followed superordinate themes, before drawing final analytic narratives that led to findings, conclusions and recommendations. The findings indicated that there was a misconception by neo-Pentecostal churches that spiritual warfare supported by prosperity gospel could solely alleviate water problems through faith healing and deliverance, and prophecy for the best political candidates to be elected for water improvement. Additionally, although NPCs were not antithetical to physical roles of alleviating domestic water scarcity, majority felt that these physical roles such as advocacy for water rights, stakeholder trainings and water projects initiation did not fall within their mandate. The study recommended need for neo-Pentecostal churches to study theology based on reflection theory and economic theory of the church in bible schools or through conferences and seminars organized by faith-based organizations and other accredited institutions. Such organizations needed to organize conferences and seminars to train neo-Pentecostal Churches on water advocacy, stakeholder trainings and initiation of domestic water projects. Overall, Neo-Pentecostal Churches should orient their religious practices with alleviation of domestic water scarcity; advocate for water rights, educate community on alleviation of domestic water scarcity; and initiate domestic water projects, thereby benefiting the constituents. The study is valuable in contributing new knowledge in social and practical theology and have enormous implications on religious practices.