PhD in Social Transformation

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Exploration of the Relationship between Social Critical Consciousness and Pastoral Ministry in International Missionary Congregations: A Case Study of the Comboni Family in Kenya.
(Tangaza University College, 2020-10) Giudici, Stefano
The present research is a qualitative exploration of the relationship between social critical consciousness and pastoral ministry in international missionary congregations within Catholic Church. The research focused on the case study of two international missionary Institutes, the Comboni Missionaries and the Comboni Missionary Sisters, in Kenya. In the present study, critical consciousness is not limited to personal transformation but has a clear orientation towards social transformation. Hence, it is defined as social critical consciousness, which is analysed in the three dimensions of social identity, positionality, and intersectionality. A vast literature in various fields has been produced to show how essential it is for today to develop a social critical consciousness in order to engage the challenge of complexity, expressed through the realities of coloniality and multiculturalism. The same complexity exists in the Catholic Church, more and more global, and it is particularly experienced in international missionary congregations. However, there is neither reflection nor study of the topic in Church’s environments and among pastoral practitioners, dangerously posing the basis for an ineffective pastoral action for social transformation. The present study aimed at introducing the concept of social critical consciousness in the missionary narrative and praxis. It investigated the pastoral practitioners’ awareness of social critical consciousness through the exploration of their perception of the self, their pastoral action, their multicultural relationships, and their collaboration in the context of a multicultural community. A typological and thematic analysis of transcripts from twenty-nine personal interviews and three focus groups in different locations in Kenya was performed. Life and field experience of the participants was integrated with the vision emerging from archival documents of the two Institutes. Four main challenges emerged: the tendency of pastoral practitioners to describe themselves through one dominant charismatic identity, which leads to the prevailing of mission over personal identities; the de-politicisation of social identities and pastoral action; a disorientation as the common experience of the participants in multicultural contexts; an acritical acceptance of pluralism in ministry, which limits collaboration and enhances fragmentation. The study showed that there is an insufficient awareness of social critical consciousness among pastoral practitioners and proposed four recommendations for strategies for integrating social critical consciousness in pastoral ministry for social transformation: a social critical pastoral methodology, a social critical partnership, a social critical community, and a social critical training.
The Impact of Indigenous Manga Rituals on Political Leadership among the Luba People of Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(Tangaza University College, 2021-01) Bilungule, David Bakamana
The study sought to investigate the "Impact of Indigenous Manga Rituals on Political Leadership among the Luba People of Kasai Central Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo". African traditional leadership had norms and traditions which guided the operations of the leader and the subsequent interactions within the community. When colonialism set in, however, the fiber that held the African leadership and its society together, crumbled. The result was modern governance systems marred with corruption and bad governance. The earlier use of charms for control, lacked. DRC continues to suffer under bad leadership with the disintegration of the Luba traditional leadership system. This present study hence sought to (i) analyze the nature of the indigenous African political leadership among the Luba Community, (ii) examine the influence of manga rituals on the indigenous political leadership among the Luba Community, (iii) assess the impact of manga rituals on the modern political leadership among the Luba Community, and (iv) analyze how the good aspects in manga rituals interact with political leadership for sustainable transformation of DRC. The study used the Elite theory of power, Tylor's theory of Fetishism and the Democratic theory of traditional African leadership. This qualitative research was rooted in phenomenology. The study was carried out in the Kasai Central Province in the DRC. The target population were charm givers, militia and political leaders. Sampling was done using non-probability snowball sampling technique. One-on-one in depth interviews, focus group discussions, document analysis and observations were used to collect data. Data analysis was done through the phenomenological approach, which incorporated reduction, horizontalization, textual structural description and description of phenomenon based on major themes. In the findings, the nature of traditional Africa political leadership, revealed sources and symbols of power as well as roles of traditional leaders that include defending the community, ensuring continuity, promoting progress and conflict management. Disintegration following colonization however, interfered with the traditional governance. In examining the contribution of manga in acquiring and exercising political leadership, the efficacy of manga is noted within the Kamwina Nsapu conflict. Tshiota and nkwembe as well as other types of manga are used, they grant power to traditional leaders and militia, towards good governance and prosperity. Through this, good manga are used in politics for accountability: protection, problem solving, benevolence and justice. A total of eleven types of manga for accountability help minimize corruption. The analysis of how good values can be retrieved and integrated into modern political leadership for sustainable transformation, service to the people, respect, consensus democracy, responsibility, conflict resolution, industriousness, accessibility and rewards to leaders for good leadership are seen, in addition to security, protection, transparency, and unity. Despite worries on use of manga by modern leaders for corruption, these good values call for integration into modern political leadership for sustainable transformation of DRC. The study recommends that rather than modernize people who keep traditions and customs with an attempt to incorporate them into the modern regimes, they be granted their rightful positions. Charm givers are to be well-grouped and monitored so that they channel manga in doing good. For the good values to be retrieved and integrated into modern leadership, training of society on the good types of manga is critical.
DISPOSITIONAL FORGIVENESS TO CURB RADICALIZATION OF THE YOUTH FROM VIOLENT EXTREMISM: A Case Study of Eastleigh Area, Nairobi County Keny
(Tangaza University College, 2022-08-31) GITHUTHU, FLORENCE WAMAHIGA
Radicalization continues to endanger security in the contemporary world, given the constant rising numbers of terrorist attacks. Youth are at risk of radicalization and recruitment to militant groupings that carry out diverse forms of extreme violence. Counterterrorism such as deradicalization has in the last ten years, become popular in international relations, and comes up in the news almost every day. This is due to a great degree to the ongoing conflicts in Africa, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan, which consequently have also given rise to something of a reaction against such militant or “hard” interventions to de-radicalization. Various methods have been used by different organizations and governments to curb this vice but recruitment is still rampant. Some studies have revealed that violent extremism has been happening because perpetrators of violence have bottled up emotions such as anger, resentment and unresolved issues. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate whether dispositional forgiveness can be used as an intervention to curb radicalization in Eastleigh, Nairobi County, Kenya. This inquiry was led by Relative Deprivation and The Rational Choice Theories. Mixed method sequential explanatory design was adopted, combining experimental, correlational and phenomenological methods. The target population was 460 comprising of 450 youths aged 19- 35 years and 10 key informants. The sample size was 222 participants. Heartland Forgiveness and extremist scales, surveys and interactions were harnessed for data collection. Reliability of standardized tools were carried out and data was analyzed. Investigations indicated that interventions with dispositional forgiveness approach of Heartland Forgiveness scale led to decline in potential revenge. Survey results indicate that dispositional forgiveness is a phenomenon with many facets and far-reaching implications for intrapersonal, interpersonal and wider social relationships, whose intervention reduced chances of violence. Findings also showed that psycho-education in forgiveness significantly improved the levels of forgiveness, beliefs in radicalization and influences of forgiveness toward self, other and uncontrollable situations. As such it is recommended that communities should invest in dispositional Forgiveness which may have enduring effect on the responses of the youth.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF RURAL NON-FARM ENTERPRISES ON RURAL LIVELIHOOD OUTCOMES: A CASE STUDY OF KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(Tangaza University College, 2022-08-31) MUREITHI, ANN MUGURE
This study sought to investigate the contribution of rural non-farm enterprises (RNFEs) on rural livelihood outcomes, with special reference to Kiambu County. The specific study objectives entailed determining the different kinds of RNFEs in Kiambu County that support agriculture and the relative success of each kind of these RNFEs; determining the factors influencing the success of these RNFEs from an agricultural perspective; determining the adequacy of support that government and other agencies are providing to RNFEs; and finally discovering the additional financial, technical and other support that RNFEs need to be more successful. A cross-sectional survey design was applied in this research. Simple random sampling technique was relied on to sample successful diversified small-medium enterprises from the 12 sub-counties that support agricultural activities in Kiambu County. Thus, 157,704 which were all the registered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) business permit holders in Kiambu County was the total population targeted by the research. The sample size of 398 respondents was apportioned according to the population in the 12 sub-counties. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. One-on-one interview schedules and questionnaire distribution using KoBoToolbox was relied upon as the key instruments for collecting data. Questionnaires were administered to help in data collection from selected diversified small-medium enterprises, while the interview schedules came in handy in collecting key informants’ data. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were applied. Descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation) was employed in analysis of the quantitative data. Inferential statistics was used where regression and correlation tests were applied to establish the relationship between the research variables. The results indicated that the RNFEs contribution are categorized in three sectors that comprise the primary sector which are natural resources, secondary sector which involves manufacturing of goods, and the tertiary sector which makes work easier. These sectors support the agricultural sector, either directly or indirectly. They contribute to livelihood development by providing advice on best farm products and on-farm activities. The transport enterprise facilitates transportation of farm products from one area to another, while the construction enterprises avails equipment that make farm work easier. Through this contribution, farmers are able to improve the agricultural sector and the rural livelihood of the country. The results indicated that most of the rural non-farming widely covered exchange of goods and services, agro-handling, extractive, craftsman and service provision. The biggest challenge while engaging in the rural non-farm business was accessing capital. Further, most rural areas do not have access to electricity and communication networks. There was not enough support that is acquired for positive rural livelihood outcomes. The study recommended on the need to study the effect of RNFEs on Kenya’s agricultural economy as a whole which will highlight the differing effects of rural non-farm enterprises (RNFEs) on the country’s agricultural productivity. This should be extended out in different counties. Further, an effective strategy for secure livelihoods will need to simultaneously address three components – employment opportunities, skills and job security
INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PERFORMANCE OF CATHOLIC PARISHES IN KENYA
(Tangaza University College, 2022-09-27) KARIU, DAVID NGIGI
Measuring organizational performance has been a major preoccupation of many organizations in the modern times. Traditional indicators of performance have been largely financial such as profitability and return on investment. However, with the help of Balanced Scorecard model, organizations both profit and not-for-profit, are adopting performance measurement techniques that go beyond financial performance to cover non-financial indicators of performance. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of strategic management practices on the performance of Catholic parishes in Kenya. This study was anchored on Resource Based View theory, Dynamic Capabilities theory, and the Balanced Scorecard model. Independent variables of the study were; strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, while performance of Parishes was the dependent variable of the study. The research employed mixed methods approach using convergent design. Quantitative data was collected by use of survey questionnaire, while qualitative data was collected through interviews. Target population was 90 members of parish council and nine parish priests from nine parishes found to be applying strategic management practices at the time of this study. Internal consistency technique using Cronbach Alpha method was used to test reliability while content validity technique was applied to test the validity of the research tool. In analyzing and interpreting the quantitative data, inferential and descriptive statistics techniques were employed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Study findings revealed a positive correlation between strategy formulation, implementation, evaluation and performance of parishes. The parish priests who were interviewed reported that strategy enabled the parishes to have a sense of direction and helps in promoting the collaborative ministry between the priests and the lay Christians. Strategy also helps in managing transition in case the parish priest is transferred thus enabling completion of on- going projects in the parishes. The study concluded that strategy formulation and strategy implementation play an important role in enhancing performance of Catholic parishes in Kenya. The study restricted itself to Catholic parishes and therefore, further research on influence of strategic management practices on performance of other churches is recommended
Christian-Muslim Dialogue for Sustainable Peace and Development in the Oromia Region Ethiopia from 1991-2022
(Tangaza University College, 2022-10-11) Weldu, Abraham Hailu
This study set out to explore the role of Christian-Muslim dialogue in enhancing sustainable peace and development in the Oromia region in Ethiopia. In relation to the knowledge gap, researchers had not critically and empirically explored the issue of Christian-Muslim dialogue to find out how dialogue can enhance sustainable peace and development from the Ethiopian Christian perspective. The following objectives were set for the study: to analyse the historical Christian-Muslim relationship in the Oromia region of Ethiopia; to examine the importance of the religious values enshrined in Christianity and Islam for enhancing constructive dialogue in Oromia, Ethiopia, and to assess the impact of the Christian-Muslim dialogue on sustainable peace and development in Oromia, Ethiopia. The research used phenomenological design among the qualitative research methods to reach the participants' salient perspectives. The research utilized an integrated theoretical framework: Intergroup Threat Theory and Critical Social Theory. From Nairobi, the research was carried out online in Ethiopia, particularly in Addis Ababa. It used the snowball sampling technique. There were 23 individual key informants and five focus group discussions with five participants in each focus group; thus, the number added totalled 43 participants. The study also utilised secondary data. The data was analysed using narrative data analysis and thematic data analysis. The study came up with the following findings: the history of peaceful coexistence has remained stronger than the conflicts. Hence the religious values of compassion, love, peace, reconciliation and mutual respect emanating from both religions are strong instruments of dialogue and can enhance sustainable peace and development. The theological reflection section highlighted this aspect from a social transformation perspective. It also emerged that Christian-Muslim dialogue enhances collaboration, mutual respect and working for common purposes. These are geared towards addressing historical injustices and eradicating poverty. They take the road map with economic, political, and social inclusivity, justice, and good governance. In addition, the study found that the Muslim and Christian dialogue alone is insufficient to ensure sustainable peace and development, necessitating the government and Abba Gada, the traditional actors need to be included. The study’s recommendation is crucial for social policy transformation and building a more just, inclusive, peaceful, prosperous Oromia and Ethiopia
Economic Reconversion in the Zem Industry to improve Zem Operators' Socio-economic Well-being, in Cotonou, Benin.
(Tangaza University College, 2023-10-10) Iroukoura Jean Philippe Kabo K.
The informal motorcycle transport sector plays an essential (pivotal) role in the economy of developing nations. In Benin, where the sector of motorcycle transport locally known as Zemidjan or Zem accounts for 75% of transport services, providing livelihoods for about 90% of informal workers, many such supply-side workers still face significant socio-economic hardships that undermine their overall quality of life. This study examined economic reconversion approach aiming at facilitating social transformation by broadening occupational choices and resilience for informal workers, in order to reshape life trajectories of Zem operators, in Cotonou (Benin). Anchored in a pragmatic philosophical paradigm, a concurrent mixed methods design was employed with a survey (N=420) using simple random sampling and semi-structured interviews (N=15 key informants), informed by the theoretical frameworks of contestable markets, mechanism design, and developmental interventions. Five objectives investigated the influence of market entry into Zem business, education level, existing regulations, finance access, and willingness for reconversion, on operators' socio-economic well-being. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data. Results found ease of entry negatively influenced income (β=-.477, p<.05). Higher education positively impacted well being (β=.105, p<.05). Regulations showed a negative association (β=-.134, p<.05) while finance access correlated positively (β=.377, p<.05). Quantitatively speaking, the results revealed mixed reactions regarding occupational reconversion among Zem operators. A substantial majority (84.6%) expressed their willingness to transition, with driving motives including dissatisfaction, health problems, work-life balance, and economic uncertainties, notably with regard to retirement benefits. On the flip side, a minority (15.4%) were either indifferent or had explicitly expressed their intention to continue working as Zem service providers. The study recommends human capital development programs to equip Zem operators with marketable skills. It stresses the implementation of sound economic policies to improve microcredit schemes and access to finance, as well as the creation of stable and enabling business environment, free from excessive taxes and regulations. Furthermore, national and local political bodies should explore viable job opportunities in sectors currently under-optimised. The implication for policymakers is to create operational frameworks that provide for intra- and extra-sector economic reconversion, geared towards improving income levels and diversifying occupational opportunities.
IMPACT OF EDITORIAL POLICIES ON NEWS COVERAGE FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION: A CASE OF KENYA’S NATION MEDIA GROUP
(TUC, 2024-03-20) GITAU ANNIE
The social transformation of media houses' consumers, and eventually of their nations, is important. They encourage and direct national discourse on these topics from the grassroots of homes in the community to the offices of those in power by shedding light on challenges impacting society. But for this to happen, journalists should ideally operate in an environment free of pointless restrictions. Journalists regrettably have to deal with a constantly contracting field of operation because of, among other constraints, editorial regulations. This study's goal was to investigate how editorial guidelines affected media outlets' portrayal of Kenya's socioeconomic development. with reference to the NMG which has two major departments: print and broadcasting. Print focuses on all published newspapers, while broadcasting incorporates television, radio and social media. The study focused largely on the print area. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the effects of editorial policies on demand for comprehensive research on the coverage of news in the print and social media channels in Kenya; investigate the effects of editorial policies on choice of words on the coverage of news in print and social media channels in Kenya and; determine the extent to which policies on requirement for geographical responsive news affects the coverage of news in print and social media channels in Kenya. The study adopted the Gatekeeping Theory, Priming Theory, Agenda Setting Theory and Political Economy Theory. A mixed methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative research was employed for this study. The population was 110 participants and the sample size was 66 comprising journalists 36, editors 15 and 15 sub-editors purposively selected. Both questionnaires and interviews were utilized to gather data, and the outcomes were visualized using tables and figures. To examine relationships among variables and predict media house news coverage based on independent factors, statistical analyses such as Pearson correlation and multiple regression were employed. Content analysis was applied to the interview data and document analysis on NMG's editorial guidelines. The results revealed that the NMG's Editorial Policy Guidelines reflect a commitment to journalistic integrity, independence, social responsibility, and continuous improvement. The study also noted that journalists operate within set editorial norms in media organizations, influencing their ability to acquire, develop, and circulate news. Consequently, some news stories may be omitted, diminishing media's potential to support societal change. Given the interplay between editorial policies and social media's impact, a re evaluation of gatekeeping and editorial guidelines is imperative. Additionally, the study highlighted the influence of editorial policies on societal change in Kenya, as media shapes social capital and individual perceptions. While media heightens public awareness, the study indicated variations in the NMG's coverage of news across print and social media platforms, thereby impacting their role in social transformation. Recommendations include refining editorial policies to encompass news with transformative potential. Moreover, print media should clarify and expand word choice guidelines to eliminate ambiguity and foster social change. On geographical reach, the print media should give pre-eminence to societal issues irrespective of the location. They should emphasize on covering issues of societal importance which could go on to contribute to social transformation
Societal Perceptions and Attitudes towards Disability, Sexuality and Pregnancy of Disabled Women from Kibra Sub County, Nairobi
(Tangaza University, 2024-12-03) Brezhnev Henry Otieno
Despite the existence of robust global and national frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Kenya Persons with Disabilities Act, which promote disability inclusion, disabled women in Kenya still face prejudice and stigma in society. The purpose of this study was to examine societal attitudes and perceptions toward the disability, sexuality, pregnancy, and childbirth of disabled women in Kibra, Nairobi. The study utilized the critical disability theory and the Utu conceptualization of disability to understand how attitudes and perceptions contribute to the (de)stigmatization of disabled women. A convergent parallel mixed method design was employed in the study, and fourteen disabled women were interviewed using an interview guide. A perception questionnaire and an Attitude Towards Disabled Persons (ADTP) tool were also administered to 420 non-disabled women and men and 145 healthcare staff. The study findings cited birth complications (37.1%) and genetic factors (40.2%) as the most common cause of impairment. The majority of respondents believed that disabled women have normal sexual organs and feelings, that they can engage in sexual relationships, that they can become pregnant, and that their pregnancy is not unusual. The findings also show that to overcome negative societal stigma and prejudices, disabled women adopt aggressive behavior, avoidance, self-stigmatization, and solidarity with one another. Nondisabled women and men had a combined mean ATDP score of 117.55 (SD = 24.21), with scores ranging from 26 to 174. The average ATDP scores for females (118.76) and males (116.36) were higher than the suggested threshold values of 110 and 113, respectively, indicating a high positive attitude toward disabled people. Except for gender and age group (p > 0.05), all sociodemographic characteristics for non-disabled women and men were statistically significant for positive attitudes toward disabled women. The mean ATDP score for healthcare workers was 118.77 (SD = 19.25), with the highest and lowest values being 54 and 165, respectively. Only the health facility type (F (3, 141) = [3.517], p = 0.017) was statistically significant for healthcare workers attitudes. The mean ATDP differed significantly between public and private healthcare facilities (p = 0.017, 95% confidence interval = [-38.38, -2.66]). Eliminating beliefs, attitudes, and actions that perpetuate and sustain prejudice and stigma against disabled women is essential to enhancing their agency, social standing, dignity, and human rights. This is possible through applying Utu principles and values like interconnectedness, interdependence, tolerance, fairness, solidarity, respect, compassion, and self-sacrifice.