https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/810 Fri, 15 May 2026 12:08:11 GMT 2026-05-15T12:08:11Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6416 Influence of Roman Catholic Church pastoral programmes on youth’s social transformation in Shinyalu division, Kakamega County, Kenya WEYAMA, Lucy Pastoral ministry programmes in the Roman Catholic Church serve as a fundamental basis for moral development that can be used to mould personalities of young people. This is important considering that the youth in Shinyalu division are engaged in various social problems such as alcoholism, prostitution, drug abuse, hooliganism, joining terrorist organisations, abortion, HIV/AIDS, early pregnancies and marriages, violence, and insecurity. This remains a persistent challenge for the young individuals in issue. The impact of catechism, caring and counselling, and usage of life skills was examined to determine their potential in facilitating youth transformation. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence and relevance of the Roman Catholic Church’s pastoral ministry programmes on youth’s social transformation in Shinyalu Division, within Kakamega East sub county, Kakamega County in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: Explain how the Roman Catholic Church uses catechesis in the youth’s social transformation; examine how the Roman Catholic Church uses caring and counselling in the youth’s social transformation and analyse how the Roman Catholic Church promotes social transformation of the youth through life skills in Shinyalu division. The study was guided by structural functionalism theory which shows that formal organizations consist of groupings of different individuals, all working together harmoniously towards a common goal. The study adopted descriptive design. The study was carried out in Shinyalu which has three major Parishes: Mukumu, Shibuye and Mukulusu. The study targeted a population of 6 priests, 36 catechists and 3926 faithful composed of the youth, catholic men and women association. Each parish has 2 priests and 12 catechists’ with organized men and women associations. The Parishes’ records showed that Mukumu had 1645 men and women faithful; Shibuye 1391 and Mukulusu had 1020 women and men faithfuls. All the parishes had a total of 661 youth. Purposive sampling was used to select all the priests and catechists. Simple random sampling was used to sample 10% of respondents from every cluster that form the Catholic Women Association (CWA) and Catholic Men Association of Kenya (CMA) who form part of the parents of youth in the church. A sample size of 439 comprising 6 priests, 36 catechists, 66 youth, 137 CWAs and 194 CMAs was used. The youth, CWAs and CMAs were proportionately allocated per cluster. A questionnaire, an interview schedule, and focus group discussions collected primary data. Books, journals, government documents, periodicals, electronic journals, and newspapers were the sources of secondary data. The focus group discussions and oral in-depth interviews were the sources of qualitative data. Raw data was processed and edited to reduce errors before the analysis. Coding data was done in order to generate themes for discussion and interpretation. Quantitative data was analysed and presented in the form of frequency distribution tables and percentages. The research determined that Roman Catholic Church implemented Catechesis, Caring, and Counselling, as well as the teaching of life skills, to effect change in the social lives of young people. Findings in each objective section serve as evidence of this. The quantitative data findings from the questionnaire demonstrated that the social transformation of youth has been facilitated by the teaching of life skills, counselling, and catechesis. This was also supported by qualitative data from the interviewees and focus group discussions. The research also demonstrated that the Roman Catholic Church has implemented a variety of strategies to influence the adolescents. They consist of providing life skills programs, offering regular appointments of caring and counselling, and engaging the teaching of catechesis. As a result, the investigation ascertains that the social lifestyles of the youth in the Shinyalu division are positively altered by Catholic pastoral programs. The results of the research may be crucial in advising the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in the Shinyalu division, regarding the significance of the pastoral catechetical program. Master's Thesis Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6416 2025-11-12T00:00:00Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6303 Influence of Sunni Islam’s teachings on Luo traditional Marriage practices in Kisumu County OTIENO, Daniel Wadegu Sunni Islam is influencing various cultures as people continue to get Islamised. When Sunni Islam arrived in Kisumu County, it encountered Luo culture with established marriage practices. Studies on Islam and Luo culture have given no specific attention to marriage practices. Before this study, there was a missing link in understanding the role of Sunni Islam on cultural adaptation by Luo Muslims in reference to their marriage practices. Islamic marriage practices have always dominated whenever a Muslim gets into a marriage relationship with a non-Muslim. This implies that Luo traditional practices are changing. The general objective of this research was to investigate influence of Sunni Islam’s teachings on Luo traditional marriage practices. Specifically, the study was set to: examine the teachings of Sunni Islam that influence marriage practices of Luo born Muslims and reverts in Kisumu County; analyse compatibility or incompatibility of Luo traditional marriage practices with Sunni Islam; and, evaluate how Sunni Islam has transformed marriage practices among Luo Muslims of Kisumu County. The study was guided by Structural Functionalism Theory by Emile Durkheim (1938) since the essence of the research was to understand the role of religion on cultural adaptation. The research used both comparative and descriptive designs. Comparative design was necessary because the research examined marriage practices from the Qur’an and from Luo traditional practices. Descriptive design was adopted to describe how Luo born Muslims and reverts have modified marriage practices from both cultures. The research had a study population of 1200 Muslims who were adherents of all the 30 Sunni mosques in Kisumu. Primary data was collected from respondents derived from Mosque leaders and elderly Luo born Muslims and reverts from the sampled mosques. Mosques do not keep records and therefore it was difficult to get the exact study population consequently, purposive sampling methods were used to get 100 married Luo Muslim couples who responded to questionnaires, 50 elderly Luo born Muslims and reverts and 10 mosque leaders who were orally interviewed and 15 married Luo Muslims who were engaged in FGDs. The sample population was 275. The methods used for primary data collection were focus group discussions, in-depth oral interviews, and questionnaires. Secondary data was collected through the analysis of textbooks, journals and internet publications. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach and quantitative data was analysed using percentages then integrated with qualitative data to be given a descriptive presentation. The findings of this study reveal that there are specific teachings of Sunni Islam in the Quran and Hadith that are meant to regulate marriage practices of all Muslims. These teachings have provided new norms hence have influenced marriage practices of Luo Muslims. Even though some Luo traditional marriage practices deemed compatible with Islam are still being observed by Luo Muslims after modification of some of them, some Luo traditional practices that are incompatible to Islam have been discarded. Consequently, there are transformations in marriage practices of Luo born Muslims and reverts geared towards attaining pure marriage practices of Sunni Islam. This study recommends sensitization of members of the Luo and Muslim communities to provide room for cultural dialogue and to ensure a consistent mentorship programme to reverts for gradual implementation of Islamic norms and a smooth cultural transition Master's Thesis Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6303 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5213 The role of pastoral programs and activities in rehabilitating long-term Christian inmates in western Kenya counties NYABERI, Leakey Mokua About 75 % of those incarcerated in prisons globally are found to have committed crimes for the second, third or more times. Recent statistics show that prisons are full of former inmates who find reintegration back to the free society. In Kenya, pastoral programs, and activities (PPA) are some of the measures that the government of Kenya uses to reform and rehabilitate criminals into law-abiding citizens. However, despite these PPA, the problem of recidivism persists. Theoretical explanation of this persistence is limited, as seen in the erratic systematic research on the role of PPA in rehabilitating inmates in Kenya. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to investigate the role of PPA in Rehabilitating Long-Term Christian Inmates (LTCI) in Western Kenya Counties (WKC). The study specifically sought to; ascertain the current situation of Chaplaincy in the prisons of WKC, establish the operational strategies of WKC Prisons in inmate rehabilitation, determine the role of chaplains in the rehabilitation of inmates and explore the perception of inmates on the PPA. Rehabilitative Needs Theoretical Framework of PPA for inmates was adopted to frame the study. The study area was prisons of WKC of Bungoma, and Busia, Kakamega (Kakamega Main, Kakamega Women, Shikusa Borstal and Shikusa Farm) and Vihiga. Vihiga prison was not used in the study because it lacked LTCI. Busia was used for piloting. The study population was 3484 inmates, where 1314 were LTCI. Descriptive surveys that employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches to the study were used. Stratified and random sampling procedures were used to select 324 LTCI from 5 prisons. Purposive sampling was used to select 5 officers in charge of 5 prisons and 22 chaplains from the 5 prisons giving a total sample of 351 respondents. To explore the extent to which PPA have succeeded in the rehabilitation of inmates, the study used secondary and primary sources of data. Secondary data was obtained from published and unpublished literature whereas primary data was sought using instruments such as structured questionnaires, oral interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and observation methods. The validity and reliability of the instruments used were verified by experts from the School of Arts and Social Sciences as well as a pilot study which was conducted in Busia County prison. Qualitative data from interviews, focus group discussions, and observations were transcribed and organized into themes and sub-themes in an ongoing process as data unfolded. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study showed that the prisons of WKC had a majority of chaplains who were untrained and unordained hence negatively affecting the rehabilitation of inmates. Different operational strategies were present but were not being properly implemented to achieve rehabilitation of inmates. Also, the study found that PPA such as spiritual nourishment, guidance and counselling played a critical role in the rehabilitation of inmates but were hampered by unqualified personnel, poor working and living conditions and lack of spiritual materials for inmates Finally, the study revealed that inmates have mixed perceptions of various PPA, and activities presented to them. The study concluded that there are various PPA, and activities used in the rehabilitation of inmates in WKC prison but were poorly managed and hence not effective in the rehabilitation of inmates. The study recommends that there is a need to improve prison living and working conditions for the success of rehabilitation programs and activities, train and deploy qualified chaplains and provide inmates with materials and facilities for PPA as well incorporate the opinions of LTCIs in service delivery. The study findings are significant since they contribute knowledge by supporting correctional justice planners in coming up with better policies to address the rehabilitation of inmates. Philosophically there is need to reconceptualize the Dannerup conceptual framework to cost effectively utilize available resources to achieve rehabilitation. The study recommends an investigation on rehabilitation programs post-release as well as the role of prison guards in the rehabilitation of prisoners Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5213 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5053 The Theological reflection on the divine in the African Context: A Possible basis for Dialogue with Islam NAMUKOA, Edward Wanyama The countries of Africa are experiencing important changes and development forms a major part of their political agenda. It is a period of economic awakening. This .Renaissance of Africa is impossible to achieve without a new social order. This new social order is one that goes beyond sectional and ethnic hatred. This also implies a need for religious tolerance based on an acceptable concept understood equally by all religions and ethnic groups of Africa. In this thesis, the researcher sought to contribute to religious tolerance by looking at similarities and differences between the conceptions of the Divine held by the major religious traditions of Africa, viz. African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam. The thesis also explored the possibility of employing the conception of the Divine as a unifying factor and a possible basis for dialogue between religious communities in a multi-religious society. The investigation articulated the following three basic convictions which are central to the study: (a) The concept of the Divine in the African context is a complex one. (b) Christian theology in Africa has relevance for the ecumenical church. (c) Islam, like Christianity, also suffers from a religious ethnocentrism. In Chapter 1 attention was devoted to the problem and scope of the study, the conceptualisation of the problem, and the purpose and relevance of the study. The chapter contains a historical survey of African traditional religion, Christian Mission and the Islamic Da'wah in Africa. Lastly the researcher spelled out his personal stance as regards the subject under discussion and concluded with a discussion of African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam in Kenya. In Chapter 2 attention was devoted to the theological views on the Divine. This took the form of a general definition followed by specific attention to the way in which the concept is understood from the African, Christian and Islamic points of view. Attention was paid to the way in which these religions understand the attributes of God and the names of God and to how these views may contribute towards preparing the stage for dialogue. The African conception of the Divine has been misunderstood by Western writers, especially by the missionaries who initially had a pre-conceived notion of Africans and their understanding of God. The researcher discussed these views 308 critically and concluded that Africans, like the Jews, believed in one God and that their concept of the Divine was evolving from simple to complex in a similar way as Yahweh of Israel and Allah of the Arabs also evolved from simple to complex up to the level at which the concept comes to us in the Bible and the Qur'an. In Chapter 3 the respective attitudes of African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam towards the Divine were explored. Emphasis was laid on the African Christians who take the gospel to their fellow Africans and who can therefore be regarded as missionaries among their own people. The Muslim attitude towards Allah and the Da'wah was also discussed. In Chapter 4 the theological views of the three religions on Monotheism, the Trinity and Predestination were explored. The findings revealed that the religions differ in this regard. The differences are more pronounced between Christianity and Islam. It was argued that, in order to achieve a religious symbiosis, the differences should be left to the adherents of the respective religions while emphasis should be laid on the concept of the Divine which is understood in a similar fashion in these religions. This could serve to effect a working togetherness in a multi-religious society. In Chapter 5 attention was devoted to the condition of sin. Sin was discussed as the major reason for the separation between man and the Divine. The views of the three religions on sin and the resulting strained relationship with the Divine were investigated .. The researcher believes that sin is.the main cause of religious animosity between the adherents of these religions in Africa and specifically in Kenya. The remedy lies in looking to the Divine for a complete restoration and the possibility of dialogue. 309 The question of salvation was investigated in Chapter 6. In discussing the theology of salvation in the African traditional Religion, Christianity and Islam attention was devoted to the way in which the theology of salvation relates to the perception of the Divine in these religions. The differences between the ways in which Christianity and Islam understand of salvation were discussed critically and the responses of each of the religions were articulated. Chapter 7 contains a few concluding remarks and a way forward was discussed. It was stressed that a social order based on the concept of religious tolerance is necessary in a multi-religious society. It is possible for people of different religions to 310 work together under the umbrella of the concept of the Divine. Religious animosity is unnecessary in the 21st century and beyond, and quite untenable if Africa is to be developmentally conscious. There are common areas where African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam agree - especially with regard to the concept of the .Divine. This should be emphasised in order to promote peace; yet the individual religious differences should be respected as such. Attention was also devoted to the Chnsfian witness in a multi-religious society and it was pointed out that Christians should learnto listento other religions in order to be understood and accepted in their witnessto the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5053 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4358 The nature, causes and participation in traditional Oathing. The case of the Akamba in Mwala parish, Machakos diocese- Kenya REV. FR. KASOMO, WAMBUA Daniel The prevalence of traditional oathing in Mwala Parish prompted the researcher to undertake the study. There are conflicts between the traditional oathing and Christianity. Some of the Akarnba see traditional oath as an outdated practice while others see it as an inevitable tool for solving socio-cultural problems. Review of literature shows that some studies relating to this problem have been conducted but not from the religious point of view. In addition, these studies are too general. They do not address specific Parishes like Mwala. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature, causes and participation in traditional oathing ritual, the case of the Akamba in Mwala Parish Machakos Diocese Kenya. Donation Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4358 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/971 The differing worldviews on childlessness between the Catholic Church and the Luo community in Kisumu diocese-Kenya OCHIENG' O, Ephraim Infertility in marriage is generally viewed as something unfortunate. Each community desires to have itself perpetuated through the birth of children. The traditional Luo society strived toward its perpetuation and in cases of infecundity, solutions such as polygamy and sororate marriages were employed. Such solutions are however incompatible with the teachings of the Catholic Church. This incompatibility of cultures leaves the childless Catholic Luo couples in a dilemma since the Church condemns cultural practices such as polygamy. The general objective of this study was to explore the difference that exists in the understanding of childlessness between the Luo Community and the Catholic Church in Kisumu diocese. The study intended to: establish the contextual meaning of childlessness and its causes among the Luo; assess how the teachings of the Catholic Church on childlessness differ with the traditional Luo worldview; examine the socio-religious challenges that the Luo childless couples face and how they affect their lives; and, investigate the influence of childlessness to the pastoral work of the Catholic Church in Kisumu diocese. This study was guided by the theory of Functionalism of Emile Durkheim (1915) which propounds on the role of religion in the society. A cross sectional research design was adopted which provided a snapshot of the cases in Kisumu diocese. The study was carried out within the Catholic Church in Kisumu diocese since it is a mainstream Church that stands its ground on the views about most traditional cultural practices. The study targeted the childless couples from the 36 parishes of Kisumu diocese. Four parishes were purposively sampled. Four Parish Priests and four Chief Catechists were expertly sampled. 271 Small Christian Community leaders were purposively sampled. The childless couples were sampled using snowball up to a point of saturation. Through this, a total of 28 couples were interviewed. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. The primary data was collected using in-depth oral interviews, Focus Group Discussions and observation. The secondary data was obtained from the published articles, textbooks, Church records, diocesan archives, pastoral letters and papal encyclicals. The data was coded and analyzed thematically and presented in a descriptive form using narratives. The findings of this study were that: First, involuntary childlessness among the Luo is more than lack of children in a marriage. It could mean having only female children or only one male child. Secondly, the teachings of the Catholic Church differ with the traditional Luo worldview on involuntary childlessness. Whereas the Catholic Church does not see any problem with involuntary childlessness, the Luo cannot withstand this since children are important for the cementing of the marriage. Thirdly, the childless couples face many socio-religious challenges like social alienation, stigmatization, loneliness, being despised among others; such challenges may interfere with their participation in the Church. Fourthly, childlessness influence the pastoral work of the Church as some members will join NRMs and others will avoid Church marriages. Through the findings of this research, the Church theologians could find an avenue to undertake more research on Luo values necessary for inculturation. The study could help scholars to understand the challenges of integrating Luo beliefs and practices into the Church’s worldview and the way forward for enhanced evangelization. Masters' Thesis Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/971 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/921 The origin and controversy in the teachings of the local believers Church in Kenya NASITSAKHA, Franklin Mukuna The Local Believers Church hereinafter LBC is one of the new religious movements (Neremos) in Kenya whose origin and rapid spread is not only a matter of public concern but also her string of teachings that run contra to what is conventionally held by other Christian churches. Further, LBC is believed to draw most of her influence from one American Pentecostal preacher William Marrion Branham whose movement and teachings were largely considered by most mainstream churches as a cult and heretical. It is based on this concern that this study examined the origin and controversy in the teachings of LBC in Kenya. The specific objectives were to; establish the origin and quick spread of LBC in Kenya, investigate the controversy in the teachings of LBC and to evaluate the influence Rev. Branham has on LBC. The study employed McClung’s theory of Pentecostalism which states that salvation is a free gift of divine grace and that all Christian believers are ministers to each other in matters of faith. The study employed a blend of historical-descriptive research design. The study population comprised of all the pioneer members of LBC who joined the movement in the early 70s. However, their actual number is unknown since LBC does not keep membership records. The researcher purposively identified the first 10 pioneer members and using the snowball approach to sampling, a sample of 100 respondents was identified and interviewed. Primary data was collected using participant observation, in-depth oral interviews and semi- structured interviews while secondary data was obtained through document analysis from published books, unpublished theses, websites and libraries. Thematic and content analysis was used to analyze data. The researcher summarized and edited data collected through primary and secondary sources. The data was then coded to generate themes and categories which provided a basis for content generation. The findings revealed that LBC begun in the early 70’s in Kenya coincidentally. The translations of the messages of Rev. Branham into Kiswahili and the revealed truth of the Bible as displayed by Rev. Branham played a central role in the spread of LBC in Kenya. The teachings of LBC indicate that the devil (Serpent) had sex with Eve leading to the birth of Cain. The teachings also reveal that there is only one God. Other teachings are that baptism is by immersion in much water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and that women cannot lead or assume priestly roles in church. The study also found that Branham’s teachings significantly determine how and what is taught in LBC churches. The study will significantly be a reference on future exegesis on doctrine. The study recommends that more messages by Branham be translated further to local dialects to increase reach of his teachings; LBC’s clergy should endeavor to be more charismatic as Rev. Branham was. Further research can be done on the schismatic differences in LBC; the take of LBC members on their teachings and the impact of LBC’s teachings on contemporary issues in a rapidly changing world. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/921 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/820 The socio-cultural and theological context of the double rite of passage in Nomiya church in Rarieda sub-county, Siaya county OTIENO, Samuel Sudhe ABSTRACT Rites of passage are a universal phenomenon marked by transitions during major life changes. In the Nomiya Church (NC), circumcision and baptism as religious rites of initiation are simultaneously performed on the male infant on the eighth day after birth whereas the female infant gets baptism on the fourteenth day, thus presenting the double rite of passage. The NC as the first African Initiated Church (AIC) in Kenya started among the Luo people, a community that traditionally did not practice circumcision. The NC stands unique in its practice of the double rite of passage which is evidently a reversal of the decision of the first Church Council of AD 49 at Jerusalem, which settled for baptism rather than circumcision as the Christian initiation rite. This study questions the continued relevance of circumcision to the theology of the NC if baptism is the sign of the new covenant. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the socio-cultural and theological context of the double rite of passage in the NC. The specific objectives were: to examine the socio-cultural basis for the double rite of passage in the NC, to evaluate the theological context of the double rite of passage in the NC, and to examine socio-theological issues in the double rite of passage as a basis for gender disparity in the NC. The conceptual framework adopted called ‘appropriation dialogue’ is the biblical concept of covenant. Covenant entails mutual reciprocity whereby God moves to establish a relationship with human beings, who in return respond in obedience as they appropriate the gifts from God.The research design was explanatory. Rarieda Sub-County was purposively sampled. The study population was the NC leaders and members from Rarieda Sub-County in Siaya County, Kenya. The accessible population was NC membership in eight dioceses sampled out of the fourteen in Rarieda Sub-County. Simple random sampling was used to get the eight dioceses. A sample of 345 NC leaders and baptized members formed the respondents. Purposive sampling was used to sample 113 church leaders who included: the Archbishop, bishops, clergy, lay readers, senior lay members, and women representatives. Snowball sampling was used to sample 232 baptized adherents. The baptized members were male and female, aged eighteen years and above. Methods of data collection for this study were Key Informant Interviews (KII), self-administered questionnaires, observation and focus group discussions. The research instruments were interview schedule, questionnaire, observation schedule and discussion schedule. Qualitative data was thematically summarized for specific patterns. Quantitative data was given by the numerical socio- demographic statistics. This study has shown that the practice of the double rite of passage is at the core of the NC theology as revealed in the socio-cultural and theological aspects of the NC worship. The double rite of passage in a patriarchal society prescribes a system of social structures that promote gender disparity. The double rite of passage is unique to the NC in the manner it represents the total religious life of the NC adherents. The double rite of passage as a hybrid of elements from several religious faiths provides the community with a channel to transmit its core values to the initiates. This study recommends that the double rite of passage that defines what it means to be a member of NC should be strengthened through healing in the leadership and body of adherents to ensure the church remains relevant. This study is of academic significance as it highlights new findings on the role of the double rite of passage in strengthening the NC faith in the Old Testament biblical teachings. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/820 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/814 An investigation of small christian communities and evangelizaton in the catholic church in Vihiga county, Kenya NJOROGE, Rose Njeri ABSTRACT Small Christian Communities (SCCs) embody fundamental features of the ecclesiology of Vatican II which encourages sharing and participation of all church members. SCCs serve as the family cell of the church where pastoral work begins and moves towards the sub-parishes, parishes and dioceses. As literature indicates, majority of the Christians in Catholic Church are not strongly inclined towards evangelization. This is based on the fact that the Catholic Church is highly dogmatic, sacramental and hierarchical in character. Church activities are primarily directed towards the instructional pastoral care. Absorbed in the inner problems of the church, and occasionally in issues of peace and justice, contemporary Catholics feel relatively little responsibility for spreading the faith. This is not an exception in the Catholic Church in Vihiga County. Therefore, this calls for a need to address the issues above. The current study therefore, investigated how SCCs are involved in evangelization that encompasses social justice and peace within Catholic Church in Vihiga County, Kenya. Specifically the study set to: describe involvement of SCCs in evangelization; evaluate SCCs involvement in promotion of social justice; and, examine the involvement of SCCs in promotion of peace in the Catholic Church. Functionalism theory by Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) was used to determine eufunctions (positive), dysfunction (negative) of SCCs in evangelization, social justice and promotion of peace in the Catholic Church. The study adopted descriptive research design and was conducted in Vihiga County. Vihiga County is one of the counties with the highest number of diverse Christian denominations Catholic Church being one of them. The study population comprised of 5 parish priests, 5 assistant priests, 5 fully trained catechists, 30 nuns and 279 SCCs drawn from; Luanda, Erusui, Hambale, Buyangu, and Chamakanga parishes. All the 5 parish priests and 5 assistant priests and 5 fully trained catechists were purposively interviewed. Simple random sampling was used to sample 74 SCCs using Leeuw’s formula. For every sampled SCC, the chairperson was purposively sampled for the study. Two respondents were randomly picked from each SCC giving a total of 148 respondents. Nine nuns (30%) were also randomly sampled. Data was gathered through questionnaires which were administered to SCCs. In-depth oral interviews targeted priests and their assistant, nuns, two members from each SCC and catechists. Participant observation was carried out in selected SCCs. To establish reliability of research instruments, a pilot study was carried out involving; 1 parish priest, 1 assistant priest, 1 catechist, 1 nun and 7 chairpersons (10% of the study sample). Experts were consulted for validity of the instruments. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics respectively and presented in texts, verbatim excerpts, narratives, frequency distribution tables and chats. The findings revealed that SCCs evangelize through catechism, seven steps of bible sharing, charitable activities and inculturation. Secondly, SCCs are involved in provision of social justice through activities that enhance principles of social justice which include; human dignity, common good, solidarity and subsidiarity. Finally, SCCs promotes peace through conflict resolutions approaches such as community based, mediators and reconciliation. The study findings may be instrumental in guiding the Catholic Church especially in Vihiga County on the importance of SCCs and evangelization which encompasses social justice and promotion of peace in the church. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/814 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/812 The implementation and the effectiveness of the anti-corruption programme of the anglican church of Kenya in Maseno North diocese OWASI, Philip Amukoa ABSTRACT Corruption is a global problem which has affected many countries. Responding to it has required action from all, both at the international level, and also at the national level. In Kenya, the response is by both the government and non- governmental organizations that include Anglican Church of Kenya with its anti-corruption program. In spite of the efforts put into fight the vice, corruption rages on and remains widespread. It is unclear whether or not the widespread nature of corruption is related to the efforts made to combat it. As such, the overall objective of this study therefore was to investigate the implementation and the effectiveness of the anti-corruption programme of the ACK in Maseno North Diocese. Specifically, the study sought to examine the general perception of corruption by ACK members of Diocese of Maseno North, examine the program’s methods of dealing with corruption in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Maseno North, explore the adherents’ attitude towards the anti-corruption program in the Anglican Church of Kenya Maseno North Diocese; and to lastly assess the impact of the anti-corruption program in the institutions of Anglican Church of Kenya Maseno North Diocese. The research was guided by the functional theory of religion as propounded by Emile Durkheim. According to this theory, religion is not only concerned with spiritual matters but also with social ills in the society which makes it to be an active participant in the society. Research design was descriptive. The study area was Maseno North Diocese of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) that includes Vihiga and Kakamega counties. The study population was 17,500 adherents and by using Fisher et.al method, 384 were sampled for study. Three sampling procedures namely; simple random, purposive and systematic samplings were used in this study. Both primary and secondary sources of data were employed. Primary data collection methods included; interview, questionnaires, and focus group discussion. Secondary sources of data included both published and unpublished materials. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis were employed. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively based on the percentage of the respondents. Qualitative data was analyzed based on the views of the respondents and was categorized into various themes. The results of the study showed that members of the ACK Maseno North Diocese still felt that the church, just like any other institutions in Kenya, is rife with corruption and corrupt individuals. The ACK has put in place an anti-corruption programme based at the diocesan level that is slowly been trickled down to the parishes. Majority of the respondents felt that the ACK ant-corruption programme has not been very effective in implementation and that the impact of ACK anti-corruption programme is yet to be effective in the various institutions of ACK. The general conclusion is that the implementation and effectiveness of the ACK anti-corruption programme is still slow. Therefore there is need to effectively sensitize people on the anti-corruption programme in all parishes and ACK institutions to make it more effective on the ground. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/812 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z