Department of Humanities and Languages

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Peace building and Transformation from below: Indigenous Approaches to Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation among the Pastoral Societies in the Borderlands of Eastern Africa.
(2008-06-25) Osamba, Josiah
Violence among the pastoral communities in the borderlands of Eastern Africa has escalated to such an extent that governments seem to be unable to contain the conflict. More is needed than efforts by states to restore law and order. If these conflicts are to be dealt with effectively, more will also be needed than western methods of conflict resolution. Traditional customs and values have to be utilised. Marginalised indigenous ways of approaching and resolving conflict have to be explored and utilised. Taking theoretical considerations and the historical background into account, this article focuses our attention on indigenous approaches that may promote a more peaceful coexistence. It shows how the application of such methods may result in a wider involvement of the communities concerned, which may contribute substantially to the actual resolution of conflicts and to real reconciliation.
Dhima ya Ushairi wa Kiswahili Katika Kuelimishia Jamii Kuhusu Demokrasia
(African Journals Online, 2014) Maitaria, Joseph Nyehita
Makala haya yanafafanua dhima ya Ushairi wa Kiswahili katika kubainisha na kuielimishia jamii kuhusu masuala ya demokrasia. Ushairi kama kitengo muhimu cha fasihi, umekuwa ukitumiwa kuchochea usaili na tafakari kuhusu uhusika wa watu katika uongozi wa jamii. Aidha, umaarufu wake hautokani tu na maneno ya lugha iliyozoewa katika jamii bali kupitia kwa tamathali za usemi ambazo huhusishwa kwa makusudi katika ubebaji wa ujumbe unaowasilishwa.Hivyo, utanzu huu unakuwa ni nyenzo ya kuwaelekeza, kuwaelimisha na kuwazindua watu kuhusu uwajibikaji wa kushiriki na kuchangia kwa dhati katika masuala ya siasa na uongozi wa jamii. Katika miaka ya mwanzo mwanzo mwa 1960 hadi miaka ya 1990, serikali za mataifa ya Afrika Mashariki zimekuwa zikijitahidi kwa kiwango fulani lakini hazijaudhibiti mwafaka wa kuhusisha umma katika masuala muhimu ya kitaifa. Kutokana na mabadiliko asasi za jamii ya sasa, kumekuwa na mitazamo tofauti tofauti kuhusu falsafa na matarajio ya watu kuhusu uelekezaji wa maisha yao. Baadhi ya wanajamii wamekuwa wakisaili na kukemea baadhi ya vitendo hasi vinavyoshuhudiwa katika mfumo wa utawala uliopo katika jamii. Kadhalika, ushairi wa Kiswahili umekuwa ukiyabainisha na kuyafakari baadhi ya masuala hayo kwa jicho pekuzi. Kwa maana hii, suala la demokrasia linashughulikiwa katika makala haya kwa kurejelea baadhi ya mashairi ya Abdilatif Abdalla, Sauti ya Dhiki (1973), Alamin Mazrui, Chembe cha Moyo (1988) na Said Ahmed Mohammed, Jicho la Ndani (2002)
Task Based Learning as an Alternative Approach to the Teaching of Languages in Kenyan Schools: Towards Best Practices
(2014) Gathigia, Moses Gatambuki; Njoroge, Martin C.
Although language syllabuses in Kenyan primary and secondary schools encourage teachers to involve learners in their own learning, actual classroom practices reveal that this is not fully implemented for various reasons. Nevertheless, one of the approaches to the teaching of languages advocated for by language specialists is Task Based Learning (TBL), in which the central focus is completion of tasks that involve learners in language use in real life situations. In so doing, learners develop excellent communication and social interaction skills. The idea is for learners to learn the target language by being exposed to meaningful task-based activities. They perform tasks in pairs or in small groups after which they compile a report and present their findings to the class in written or spoken form. The research on which this paper is based investigated the use of TBL as an alternative to the teaching of English in Kenyan primary schools. A school in Nyeri County, Kenya, was purposively sampled. Learners in the experimental class were taught using TBL while those in the control class were taught using the Presentation, Practice and Performance (PPP) approach. A pre-test and a post test were administered before and after the teaching. Afterwards, the scores were tabulated and analyzed quantitatively and the emerging patterns discussed. The findings revealed that many benefits are derived from the adoption of TBL in the language classroom. Thus, we recommend that TBL be adopted in the teaching of languages in Kenyan schools and that language teachers be trained on this approach.
The Role of the Prophetic Church in the context of Poverty
(2014-07) Murage, Josiah
Relating Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Connectors
(2015) Gathigia, Moses Gatambuki; Njoroge, Martin C.
Coherence and cohesion are essential elements that a well-constructed written sentence or text should consist of. Connectors are usually used to indicate coherence and cohesion between units of a discourse. A sample of academic writing with connectors present is perceived to be more logical, convincing and authoritative than the same sample with all the connectors removed. Learners of English as a second language tend to misuse connectors in their writing creating comprehensive problems that may be so impenetrable as to defy normal decoding of a text. With this background information, this paper examines the teaching of connectors using the conventional approach and the essay-based approach, which is also complemented by the Coherence and Relevance theoretical framework. The study is conducted using a pretest / posttest paradigm to test the efficacy of the two approaches of teaching connectors. Two Form three classes were sampled for this study. A pretest on logical connectors was administered in each school, marked and results recorded. The experimental class was exposed to the teaching of connectors using the essay - based approach (textual) method as a tool of teaching while the control class was exposed to the conventional approach of teaching. A posttest, the same test administered as a pretest, was given to the two groups. The scores recorded in both tests were analyzed quantitatively using the Levene's Test for Equality of Variances. The analysis is then presented in tables, graphs and findings discussed. In addition, the paper proposes recommendations for pedagogy.
Climate Change Knowledge Gap in Education System in Kenya
(International Journal of Innovation and Research in Educational Sciences, 2015) Huho, J.M.
Kenya, like other countries in the Horn of Africa, is severely affected by climate change. Droughts interposed with floods are recurrent climatic features particularly in the dry lands of the country. Climate extremes have not only led to low agricultural production but have also destroyed all other sectors of the economy such as tourism and industrialization rate. Droughts are the main contributing factor to high poverty levels having over 70% of the Kenya populace directly or indirectly depending on rainfed agriculture. Understanding of the climate issues is therefore crucial in averting any climate related risks. To realize economic development the government of Kenya has invested heavily on education, which is viewed as a central input in the development process. In Kenya’s Vision 2030, quality education as one of the priority sectors under the social pillar. Literacy level in Kenya stands to 87.5%. Unfortunately, the high literacy level has not translated to economic development as poverty levels stands at 47%. This study therefore sought to examine the climate change knowledge gap in the Kenya’s education system. Specifically, the study sought to establish the place of climate studies in the Kenya’s education system and also to establish the level of knowledge of climate change related issues among the Kenyan university students. The sample population included students from all university faculties in two public universities. A total of 108 students were sampled, 54 from each university. Almost all students (96.3%) were aware of changes in climatic patterns. In regard to the long rains (primary growing season in Kenya), 51.9% of the students observed reduction in rainfall events while 40.7 observed an increase. Rainfall amount was observed to be decreasing by 55.6% of the students. Increase in temperatures was observed by 70.4% and was attributed to increasing number of hot days. Despite the importance of climate change knowledge to the courses undertaken at the universities only 7.4% of the students wanted the climate change studies to be taught in universities. Majority (33.3%) of the students wanted the course to be taught at primary level only. The common mitigation strategy known by majority of the students was afforestation and reafforestation. The study identified two main factors that led to scanty knowledge of climate change: (i) negative attitude towards agriculture which was seen as the main sector affected by climate change and (ii) bias in the integration of climate science content in Kenya’s education system. To achieve the vision 2030 where education is aimed at enhancing both agricultural and industrial productivity, the study recommended an integration of climate science course in all subjects taught in schools, colleges and universities or introduction of climate change as a standalone subject at all levels of learning.
When romantic love in Gĩkũyũ becomes a human body part
(Cognitive Linguistic Studies, 2015) Gathigia, M.G.; Ndung'u, R.W.; Orwenjo, D.O.
Studies in Cognitive Linguistics show that metaphors are fundamental to the structuring of people's thought and language (Sweetser 1990; Kövecses 2009). It is against this backdrop that this study discusses human body parts as metaphors of conceptualizing love in Gĩkũyũ.1 To achieve this objective, an interview schedule was administered to 48 respondents of different gender by the researcher assisted by four research assistants. The Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and the main principles of the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit (MIPVU) (see Steen et al. 2010) were used in this study. The principles of the MIPVU were employed to find out whether the lexical items collected were metaphorical or not. Using three annotators and the researcher, the study identified 100 Metaphor Related Words (MRWs) as per the annotation guidelines adapted from the MIPVU procedures and three lexical units which were annotated as Discard From Metaphor Analysis (DFMA). From the MRWs, the study identified eight metaphors of human body parts which play an indispensable role in the conceptualization of love in Gĩkũyũ. Further, the study noted that gender is a vital variable that provides people with the prism through which they view love since males registered more lexical frequencies for LOVE IS A HUMAN BODY PART than females. The study concludes that metaphor in Cognitive Linguistics is not only a creative device, but an important mental facility and cognitive instrument.
Socio- Cultural and Economic Factors affecting Primary School Enrolment in Baragoi Division of Samburu County, Kenya
(Leena and Luna International, Oyama, Japan, 2015-04) Osamba, Joshia; Murenga, Hadija; Karanu, Monicah
Western Education on the Changing Roles of Women: The Case of Idakho Community, Kenya
(David publishing, 2015-05) Kavulavu, Leen
This study examined the contribution of Western education as provided by Christian missionaries on the changing roles of Idakho women. The spread of Christianity and Western education in Idakho had a broad approach toreinforce evangelization and to win converts. Education, thus, became part of the new value system less identified with transmitting Christian values and belief and more with providing access to new occupational and social status. The colonial authority further introduced hut taxes and cash economy. Thus, the colonial economy forced men in Idakho to seek employment in European economic ventures and took them away from the labour responsibilities they used to have in the traditional economy. With frequent absence of men, who left their villages to seek paid employment in urban areas or settler’s farms, and the decline of traditional institutions and uncertainty arising from changes in society, more and more women joined the church in search of new vision of the world as well reassurance. Women who went to school initiated the beginning of a wage-earning class of women among the Idakho and it reflected the widening transformative impact of Christianity and its agencies. Methodology for this study involved data collection from secondary sources and primary data derived from field research. Moreover, the early success of education and other programs, like health, led to the liberation of women who became agents of transforming Idakho society.
Religion and Development: The Redeemed Gospel Church and the Fight against HIV and AIDS in Kenya
(Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 2015-10) Mutava, M.B.; Onyancha, B.K.; Osamba, J.O.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of the Redeemed Gospel Church (RGC) in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Kenya. The RGC was relevant in this study due to its strong belief in healing and its active involvement in development projects in Kenya. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used for data collection. The qualitative data was processed through coding and critical analyses while the quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics in which the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analyses. Data presentation was done by use of frequencies and percentages. The study found that the RGC plays a role in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Kenya. This is evidenced by the programs established by the Church to alleviate suffering brought about by HIV and AIDS among its members and the community in general. The researcher recommends that religious organizations be actively involved in the fight against HIV/Aids because they are better placed to deal with challenges posed by HIV and AIDS among other social maladies. The study aims at forming a basis for a forum to enlighten the public of the risks of keeping quiet about HIV and AIDS. The study provides information which is useful in launching a campaign towards creating awareness of the importance of Church involvement in the fight against AIDS. The findings may be useful to the clergy and other religious leaders in their fight against HIV and AIDS. The study would also directly benefit the church members and church leaders by employing the study’s recommendations to come up with programs that facilitate HIV and AIDS awareness and counseling. The study findings can be used by future researchers as reference materials.
Application and Practice of Sustainable Procurement in Kenya
(IJISET, 2015-12-12) Muraguri, Eunice Kagure; Waweru, Edward; Musyimi, Peter Kinyae
Sustainable procurement isn’t simply about being “green” but it’s also about; socially and ethically responsible purchasing, minimizing environmental impact through the supply chain,delivering economically sound solutions and good business practice. Sustainable procurement is rising on the policy agenda for many countries but knowledge remains limited. In Kenya, the government has put in place a wide range of policy, institutional and legislative to govern all business activities in a move towards green procurement. These include; Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999, Kenya Solid Waste Management by laws of 2007, The Factories Act (Cap 514 of the Laws of Kenya), The Environmental Management and Co-ordination Regulations, 2006. However, with all these acts and legislations, adoption of green procurement has been slow resulting in lower diffusion rate in Kenya. This study therefore sought to establish the status of green procurement in Kenya while guided by the following objectives: To evaluate the steps made towards sustainable procurement in Kenya, to establish the advantages accrued to a firm which embraces sustainable procurement and to establish the challenges facing a firm which embraces sustainable procurement. The study relied on published secondary data from three sampled industries in Kenya and reports by bodies such as PPOA, CIPs and UNEP. Purposive / selective sampling design was employed in selecting the three industries under study. The study established that though the drive towards pollution prevention and minimization of environmental impacts at all stages of the product lifecycle from sourcing of raw materials, through manufacturing, transport, use and disposal has not been embraced by the sampled industries, there was evidence of allegations of irregular procurement at some companies, including non-adherence to environmental issues. Advantages associated with sustainable procurement included; minimizing risks, gaining market share and delivering better service provision. Challenges encountered were: employees resistant to change, the initial cost incurred, poor policy communication among others
The Forgotten Minority: The Origins of the Asian-Owned Sugar Plantation Agriculture in Kisumu County, Kenya
(Scholars Academic and Scientific Publishers, 2016) Osamba, Joshia Otieno
Factors influencing fertility preferences of currently married men in Kenya
(2016) Mashara, Janet Naisoi
Fertility preferences are central in determining the future fertility of the society particularly where and when those desires are implemented. The socio-cultural structures in most African communities have given men the mandate to decide in all aspects of life including family sizes and fertility behaviors. Information on fertility preference in Kenya especially regarding men is very scanty. This study therefore specifically sought to establish the effects of sociodemographic; socio-economic; and socio-cultural factors on fertility preference of currently married men in Kenya. Data was drawn from sample size of 1,757 married men aged 15-54 years who were asked questions on various topics including fertility preference during the 2008/9 KDHS. The study findings revealed that age, number of living children, education, region, occupation, type of marriage and number of living sons were significant factors associated with the desire for additional children at 0.001, 0.01 and 0.05 significance level. In conclusion, fertility preference of currently married men in Kenya is influenced mainly by demographic (age & Number of living children); socio-economic (education & region) and socio-cultural factors (type of marriage & Number of living sons). Recommendations: i) Education for men should be emphasized because education was discovered to have a significant negative effect on the fertility preference; ii) Policies that aim at integrating population into development should be encouraged so as to foster socio-economic development in all the regions and hence minimize the regional disparities as it relates to fertility preferences; iii) Further studies, both qualitative and quantitative, to be carried out in order to explore the socio-cultural religious beliefs, norms and attitudes of men in regards to the value of children; v) Qualitative studies needs to be conducted in the North Eastern region to find out the driving forces for glaringly high fertility preference other than low literacy level. Key Words: Fertility preference, Desire for Additional Children, Sex preference, Education, age.
Etymological Elaboration As A Pedagogical Approach: Insights From Applied Linguistics
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 2016) Gathigia, Moses Gatambuki
Idioms are regarded as problematic to teach and, a fortiori, difficult for second language learners to comprehend due to the arbitrariness of their meanings and forms. Thus, the objective of this study is to test the efficacy of etymological elaboration and the teacher descriptive approach to the teaching and learning of English idioms in second language contexts. To achieve this objective, 30 purposively sampled English idioms were gathered from the Macmillan English Dictionary (2007 edition) and the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2010 edition). The study was conducted using a pretest / posttest paradigm. Two Form three classes were sampled for this study. A pretest on the 30 English idioms was administered, marked and results recorded. Learners in the experimental class were taught using etymological elaboration approach while those in the control class were taught using the teacher descriptive approach. A posttest was given to the participants in the same format as the pretest. The scores recorded in both tests were analyzed quantitatively using the Levene's Test for Equality of Variances. The study noted that the teaching of English idioms using etymological elaboration approach facilitates learners’ retention and comprehension of idioms. The study concludes that the etymological elaboration approach is an effective strategy of teaching English idioms. The paper proposes recommendations for pedagogy of English idioms for learners of English as the second language in Kenya and beyond
The Forgotten Minority: The Origins of the Asian-Owned Sugar Plantation Agriculture in Kisumu County, Kenya
(Scholars Academic and Scientific Publishers, 2016) Osamba, Joshia Otieno
Abstract: This paper traces the origins and development of Asian sugar plantation agriculture and industry in Kisumu County of Kenya. The sugar plantation economy still remains the cornerstone of the County’s economy. The study examines the factors for the emergence of the sugar plantation economy such as the completion of the Uganda railway, colonial land policies and the climatic conditions among others. The study points out that the colonial government in Kenya established and maintained authoritarian labour policies characterized by forced labour, land alienation and taxation. These colonial labour policies gradually induced Africans to join wage labour. Even though the colonial labour policies were mainly aimed at assisting the European settlers, coincidentally the Asian settlers to some extent benefitted too. Material for the study is derived from archival research, oral interviews and analysis of existing works on socioeconomic history in general and agriculture in particular. The study is informed by the underdevelopment theory. Using the perspective, the study demonstrates how colonial land and labour policies led to the underdevelopment of peasant sector in Kisumu County. The local people from the surrounding locations tended to work in the nearby Asian sugar plantations because of economic and social reasons and also because the locations were set aside for labour within Kisumu County. Although there was only a limited land alienation for Asian settlement in Kisumu County, its negative effect had become pronounced by the Second World War period. The article contends that colonial capitalism had numerous negative effects on the African peasants in Kisumu County. First, land alienation which was meant to provide land for Asian settlers and to force the local people into wage labour limited the land available to the local people. It concludes that colonialism in its manifold forms intensified the underdevelopment in Kisumu County. The study contributes to the Asian historiography in Kenya. In addition it explores the contribution of African labourers to Asians’ agricultural endeavours. Keywords: Capitalism; labour; plantation; sugar industry; underdevelopment.
The Teaching of English Idioms in Kenyan Secondary Schools: Difficulties and Effective Strategies
(Australian International Academic Centre, 2016) Gathigia, Moses Gatambuki; Njoroge, Martin C.
PROFILING DISASTERS IN KENYA AND THEIR CAUSES
(Academic Research International, 2016-01) Huho, Julius M.; Mashara, Janet N.; Musyimi, Peter K.
Disasters occur naturally or are caused by human activities. Most of the disasters experienced occur naturally with hydro-meteorological disasters leading. Human activities aggravate their occurrence and intensity. Global trends indicate that both natural and man-made disasters are on the increase and the more people are being affected. The most vulnerable are the poor who are exposed to various disaster risks. Most of these people are found in the developing countries where the level of disaster preparedness, resources and knowhow is still low. Kenya, like other developing countries of the world, has her populace vulnerable to disaster risks resulting in deaths and loss of property worth millions. About 70% of the disasters are hydro-meteorological in nature particularly droughts and floods. Other common disasters include road accidents, fire tragedies, collapsing buildings and disease outbreaks. Poverty has been referred to many as the spring board of many disasters in Kenya. Poverty has led to emergence of vices such as corruption, ignorance of law, political manipulation, inadequate resources and destruction of environment which leads to climate change. Culture and beliefs have also been associated with vulnerability to disaster risks. Therefore, to reduce the risks wealth creation will be vital for the country.
The Migrant Labour System in the Asian-Owned Sugar Plantations in Kisumu County, Kenya, 1940 –1963
(jiarm, 2016-06) Osamba, Joshia Otieno
This paper examines the contribution of the African migrant labour to the expansion of Asian sugar plantation industry in Kisumu County of Kenya. These factors included government policies and the availability of cheap African labour. The article is informed by the underdevelopment theory. Using the perspective, the paper demonstrates how colonial land and labour policies led to the underdevelopment of the peasant sector in Kisumu County. It was through the establishment of colonial rule that the County was incorporated into the World Capitalist System. Asian capitalist farming was concentrated in few areas such as the Kibos-Muhoroni Settlement, leaving the rest in pre-capitalist state which could be exploited as low cost labour reservoir. Thus, the Asian settlement area served as an "export enclave" to which the African reserves provided cheap labour. The growth of such "export enclaves" contributed to the underdevelopment and impoverishment of the peasant sector. The article contends that colonial capitalism had numerous negative effects on the African peasants in Kisumu County. It concludes that colonialism in its manifold forms intensified the underdevelopment in Kisumu County. Material for the article is derived from archival research, oral interviews and analysis of existing works on socio-economic history in general and agriculture in particular. The study contributes to the Asian historiography in Kenya.
The Chief Mau Mau Propagandist: Experiences that Prompted Gakaara wa Wanjau into Anti-Colonial Literary Activism
(International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, 2017) Wairimu, Lucy Waithanwa; Mwaruvie, John; Maina, Lucy Muthoni
This article examines the personal experiences of Gakaara wa Wanjau that influenced his political literary activism during the colonial period. The paper is informed by Relative Deprivation Theory. It demonstrates that Gakaara wa Wanjau was “The Chief Mau Mau Propagandist” as the British colonial authorities termed him. The paper opines that literary activism was crucial to the struggle for the attainment of the independence of Kenya. His literary works and collection of songs shaped the political consciousness of the Mau Mau fighters. The study concludes that he was a unique literary political activist who was able to take advantage of his contemporary issues to try to decolonize the African mind. Material for the article is derived from existing works, archival research and oral interviews. The study contributes to the enriching of the Mau Mau historiography in Kenya
Metaphoric Conceptualizations of Death in Gĩkũyũ
(KOAJKorea Open Access Journals, 2017) Gathigia, Moses Gatambuki
Using the dictum that metaphor is a conceptual mapping from a concrete source domain to an abstract target domain, this paper identifies and categorizes the metaphors of death in Gĩkũyũ using the Conceptual Metaphor Theory. To achieve this objective, a purposive sample of twenty speakers of Gĩkũyũ was interviewed. The study collected 47 metaphors of death as the target domain. Having employed the mnemonics “TARGET DOMAIN IS SOURCE DOMAIN” as posited by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), the study identified four conceptual metaphors of death in Gĩkũyũ as follows: DEATH IS A JOURNEY; DEATH IS THE END; DEATH IS A REST; and DEATH IS A SUMMON. The study concludes that the Cognitive linguistics model provides tools for understanding, interpreting and accounting for metaphors of death in Gĩkũyũ.