BC-School of Humanities and Social Science

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Allegory to Allegorization: The Development of Shaaban Robert's Prose
(LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2014) Wafula, R. M.
Aspirations and Educational Challenges of Kenya's Street Children
(VDM Verlag, 2009-07-10) Njoroge, Martin C.
Athari za Ulevi katika Mshikamano wa Kijamii: Uchanganuzi wa Wahusika Teule katika Riwaya ya Dunia Mti Mkavu (S. A. Mohamed) na Rosa Mistika (E. Kezilahabi)
(Moi University Press., 2019) Mutugu, Beth N.; Osore, Miriam Kenyani
Kwa mujibu wa Swegan (2011), pombe ni mojawapo ya vinywaji ambavyo vinatumiwa katika tamaduni nyingi. Kinywaji hiki hutumiwa na watu wengi kama njia ya kujistarehesha, lakini ikiwa kitatumiwa kwa muda mrefu bila tahadhari, kinamfanya mtu kupata uraibu hasa iwapo hawezi kukaa kwa muda mrefu bila kukitumia. Kwa mujibu wa Kimble na wengine (1980), tabia ya unywaji pombe kupindukia huwaathiri watu wa kila tabaka: walioelimika, werevu, wasioelimika, matajiri, na maskini. Robin (1983) anasema kuwa pombe ni kinywaji ambacho kimekuwa kikimburudisha na kumtatiza binadamu kwa kame nyingi. Hata hivyo, unywaji wa pombe kupindukia ni maradhi yaliyofichika na hayatambuliki kwa urahisi. Kulingana na Torr (2000), kwa miongo kadha iliyopita kumekuwa na mwamko mpya ambapo uraibu wa pombe umetambulika kama swala la tiba badala ya suala la kimaadili arnbapo wataalamu wa tiba wamefumbua kuwa uraibu huu unaweza kukabiliwa kwa kutumia njia za kimatibabu. Katika mwaka wa 1951, Shirika laAfya Ulimwenguni (WHO) lilitambua uraibu wa pombe kama mojawapo ya magonjwa yanayoathiri wanajamii. Kwa mujibu wa Buckham (1971), matumizi ya pombe kama zilivyo dawa zingine za kulevya hurnfanya mtu kuwa na mazoea kiasi kwamba hawezi kujizuia kuitumia. Hali hii huathiri afya yake, utekelezaji wa majukumu na uhusiano wake na wanajamii wenzake. Robin (1983), anasema kuwa uraibu wa pombe ni ugonjwa. Kadhalika, matumizi mabaya ya pombe yanaweza kuhusishwa na visa vya mauaji, ugomvi wa nyumbani, kuzorota kwa afya na kutokea kwa ajali za aina mbalirnbali.K wa kuzingatia maoni ya wataalamu hawa, inabainika kuwa pombe huchangia katika kuzorotesha mshikamano na I' utangamano miongoni mwa wanajamii. Katika sehemu inayofuata athari za ulevi katika mshikamano wajamii zitachanganuliwa kwa kurejelea wahusika mahsusi katika riwaya ya Dunia Mti Mkavu (S.A. Mohamed) na Rosa Mistika (E. Kezilahabi).
Book Review: Joseph M. Nyasani "The African Psyche"
(Kenyatta University Faculty of Arts, 1999) Makokha, K.
Philosophy like any other discipline has its branches, each of which is the concern of specific philosophical problems. The main branches of Philosophy are: logic, which deals with correct reasoning; epistemology, which inquires into the nature and claims about knowledge; axiology, which deals with values in general, including ethical and aesthetic values and metaphysics which is the main focus of this essay. This is because The African Psyche is a treatise in this field. Etymologically, metaphysics is derived from two Greek words, meta and physika meaning that which comes after or beyond physics. Thus, metaphysics by applying the basic principles that underlie the workings of human mind such as the principle of contradiction, the principle of sufficient reason etc., endeavours to come to terms with questions of ultimate concern such as the beginning and destiny of the universe. Indeed, metaphysics, like philosophy in general, tries to account for the why of things.
Book Review: Sitwala Imenda "Unmarried Wife" East African Educational Publishers Ltd., 1996. pp.141
(Kenyatta University Faculty of Arts, 1999) Kabaji, E.
It is common to hear people talk ill of polygamy. Feminists talk of it as a demonstration of male greed and irresponsibility. Some perceive it as an outdated c-ustom that has no place in modem society. Inspiration writers look at it as a pre-occupation of those courting marital chaos. Either way, it has to be acknowledged that the destruction of African traditional structures has affected this aspect of the African family life. Our society is at crossroads. There seems to exist a desire in most African societies to adopt the christian philosophy of marriage but a close look at the actions of men reveal otherwise. It is, in a more immediate sense, a question of culture clash. The book under review attempts to explore the physiological, psychological and sociological factors that lead to infidelity or second marriages. This novel is set in South Africajust at the dawn of a new era as the country is shedding off apartheid policies and a wave of democratic changes set in.
Book Review: Wanjiku Mukabi-Kabira, Masheti Masinjila and Wanjiku Mbugua (eds.) "Delusions: Essays on Social Construction of Gender" Nairobi, Femnet, 1994
(Kenyatta University Faculty of Arts, 1999) Ochwada, H.
Gender relations constitute the social, political and economic interaction of both men and women. As a result, gender contract is interpreted as an unwritten and invisible social contract defining the actions of men and women in the belief that this is what society expects of them. Viewed within this framework, gender research is about relationships between men and women. But in single studies the focus can be on only women or men, given that their-situation is analyzed within a structural gender relationship. Where does the book under review fit within this framework? Thrust of Text The text's focus is on the relationship between men and women, but with a bias for women. Indeed, this isunderstandable, considering that the social construction of gender preponderantly invisibilizes and marginalizes women in the general social contract. This explains why in the historiography of gender relations worldwide, the emphasis is on women, making the subject of gender synonymous with women's studies. Consequently, women researchers tend to monopolize the production of knowledge on gender. In some instances, they jealously guard their small 'academic empires' acquired in the field. However, in this regard, the African Women's development and Communication (Fernnet) Organization transcends this parochialism by incorporating male researchers in its projects. Delusions: Essays on Social Construction of Gender is one such endeavour. It consists of seven chapters, all of them discussing the social construction of gender
Children Literature in Kiswahili: A Stylistic Approach
(Logs Verlag Berlin, 2011) Ngugi, Pamela; Nabea, Wendo
Swahili children's literature in Kenya has seen tremendous developments in the recent past. The ambience in which this literature is produced and disseminated is usually characterised by a focus on content, particularly the theme. In essence, the literature has maintained a commitment to making young people aware of the topical debates taking place in the society, in particular; substance abuse, bullying, disability, children's rights, equal opportunities and injustices that are inherent in society. Style in children's literature receives little attention. However, style, thus the way in which things are represented, based on complex codes and conventions of language as well as presuppositions about language, is an important component of children's books (Stephen, 1992). A study of it allows us access to some of the key processes which shape text production. This essay explores style as used in selected Swahili storybooks for children, and shows how the literary elements make the language used in these books memorable. Within the language system of Swahili, it is possible for young readers to encounter in their reading an extensive range and variety of language issues. Some textual varieties such as lexicon and syntax will seem familiar and immediately accessible, since they can be appreciated as everyday language. However, other features will appear as less familiar, either because the lexicon contains forms or uses that are specific to a different speech community, or because writers may choose to employ linguistic forms whose occurrences are largely or wholly restricted to narrative fiction. As a result of differences in language use, books which may have a common theme or topic will differ just because the theme is expressed through differing linguistic resources. This means that writers have many options of styles to choose from. The study is guided by models of Manfred (2005), Rothlin (2001) and Lukens (2003), as they apply a structural approach which is one of the modern methods of literary study. We examine the novels in regard to discourse structure, point of view, register, and foregrounding. It also focuses on imaginary speech, presentation of speech, imagery, figurative language, hyperbole, allusion, use of proverbs and use of dreams.
Christians at Crossroads: Entangled by Religious & Global Political Correctness
(2024) Waswa, Sisa-Fuchaka
Climate Change Adaptation Through Sustainable Water Resources Management in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities
(Springer Nature, 2020) Asokan, Shilpa Muliyil; Obando, Joy; Kwena, Brian Felix; Luwesi, Cush Ngonzo
Water is the medium through which society experiences the most dramatic and direct manifestations of climate change. At the same time, water has a critical role to play in climate change adaptation and is central towards achieving Africa Water Vision 2025, and the targets set for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as the Kenya Vision 2030. There are fundamental challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainable water resources management, mainly, the inherent uncertainty associated with the changing climate, the inflexibility in infrastructure and institutions that manage water, and the poor integration of all stakeholders and sectors in water resources management. This study investigates the challenges and opportunities in implementing integrated water resources management and its critical role towards climate change adaptation. A preliminary assessment of sustainable management of water resources and its role in effective climate change adaptation and resilience building in Kenya is carried out through questionnaire survey and stakeholder interactions. Climate change-induced uncertainty, diminishing water sources aggravated by growing water demand, weak institutional and financial governance, and lack of transparency and stakeholder inclusiveness are identified as the main challenging factors that need to be addressed to build a climate resilient society. The study furthermore emphasizes the critical role of water management in achieving Agenda 2030, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Climate Change, Pro-Poor Schemes and Water Inequality: Strengths and Weaknesses of Kauti Irrigation Water Users’ Association, Kenya
(The Nordic Africa Institute, 2015) Luwesi, Cush N.; Kinuthia, Wanja; Mutiso, Mary N.; Akombo, R. A.; Doke, Dzigbodi A.; Ruhakana, A.
Climate Governance in Eastern Africa: The Challenges and Prospects of Climate Change Adaptation Policies
(Springer link, 2023) Kweyu, Raphael Mulaha; Asokan, Shilpa Muliyil; Ndesanjo, Ronald Boniphace; Obando, Joy Apiyo; Tumbo, Madaka Harold
Climate governance leverages collaborative climate change adaptation actions. Despite many joint actions, gaps exist between policy and practice in climate adaptation among East African countries. Climate governance in East Africa takes cues from the state’s politics and policy structures underpinned by its level of political transformation. As such, climate governance confronts challenges common to all other policy sectors that integrate a complex mix of economic resource allocation and variables akin to the management of public affairs. This chapter identifies prebendalism, nepotism and political patronage in resource allocations. This chapter assesses the trends in climate change governance in East Africa. It addresses climate change policy frameworks on adaptation at regional, national and local governments, gaps between policy and practice of the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and the management of climate-related conflicts. The chapter concludes by recommending further courses of action to strengthen climate governance among the local communities.
Co-designing knowledge systems for sustainable development in Kenya
(UNESCO, 2019) Onsongo, Elsie; Mutisya, Emmanuel; Shisanya, C.A.
The Contribution of African Literature in the Preservation of Culture: The case of Kiswahili Literature’ in Isimu na Fasihi ya Lugha za Kiafrika
(Moi University Press, 2018) Osore, Miriam
There is a symbiotic relationship between language, culture and literature. This is because each one of these aspects reinforces the other. Oral literature has served to enlighten, educate and portray the African world view, practices and problems. It was largely used to pass on African values and way of life from generation to generation. This significance of literature has not changed even with the coming of written literature and western education. African writings such as Achebe (1988), through using the English language, have weaved African culture through their creative writings. . \ Chinua Achebe, who is regarded by scholars as the father of African literature in English; declared that an African writer has a responsibility different from' that of his/her western counterparts. This is because African literature is different from other literatures since it has its own traditions, models and norms. Achebe (1988) further notes that Africari history and.culture imposes upon it preoccupation which at times are quite different from those of other literatures. Achebe's argues that, literature reflects the value system and exceptions of the society from which it springs. African culture is diverse and dynamic. It encompasses the totality of attitudes, behavior, beliefs and world view. According to Ameh (2002: 165), culture is that "complex pattern of behavior and material achievement which are produced, learned and shared by members of a community." Culture is therefore an integral part of human society 'and all human communities are characterized by it. This then means that, every human community has its unique cultural patterns. One of the main components of culture is the language through which it finds expression; thus there is no culture which does Hot have a linguistic basis. The totality of attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and world views find their expression through language. Literature on the other hand is defined as any piece of writing that expresses human experience and feelings through imagination. These writings become African due to the fact that they address aspects of African life, society, philosophy and experiences regardless of whatever language it iswritten in. This paper investigates aspects of African culture as presented by selected authors of Swahili texts. OJaide (1992) asserts that, there is no art for art's sake in Africa and that every literary work has a social significance. Achebe (1988:44); speaking about African literature, argues that his agenda .in writing is to help his society regain belief in itself and put away the complex of the years of degeneration and self-abasement. Achebe further categorically states that no African writer can be excused from the duty of educating through their writings. What Achebe seems to stress is that the foremost duty of an African creative writer is to teach African culture. In order for a writer to fulfill his mission, language is key. The African writer has to get his/her message across a wider readership but without losing the cultural aspect of the African people and their language. ~ 75 ~ lsimu na Fasihi ya Lugha za Kiafrika Whereas African writers writing in European languages have to contend with brewing old wine of African ideas and expressions in new bottles of English language (Achebe 1973), writers ir .Kiswahili, an African language do not face serious challenges in expressing African culture inar African language. African literature endeavors to describe the lives of traditional Africans African people are portrayed like other people of the world with their unique dreams, values customs and practices.
Death, Grief and Culture in Kenya: Experiential Strengths-Based Research
(Springer International Publishing, 2015) Njue, J.R.M.; Rombo, D.; Lutomia, A.N.; Smart, L.S.; Mwaniki, L.M.; Sore, I.L.
The purpose of this chapter is to examine how families deal with bereavement in Kenya. Our discussion is based on the constructivist assumption that bereaved individuals and families construct the meaning of the death of a loved one, shaped by the cultural context but not determined by it. The colonial experience disrupted and reshaped the traditions and belief systems of the numerous ethnic groups in Kenya. We provide an overview of traditional religion and spirituality in three Kenyan ethnic groups (Luo, Luhya, and Embu), give an overview of Kenyan family structure, and then provide a brief case study of a bereavement experience in each of the three tribes. We apply the family strengths perspective to the case study material, illustrating family strengths with excerpts from the bereaved individuals whom we interviewed. Implications of our findings include that established cultural practices support family and community mourning, but that no rituals are in place to support individual mourning, giving little room for grieving at the individual level. Professionals who work outside of their own culture, particularly internationally, will be effective only to the extent that they have cultural awareness and the ability to make sensitive interventions from a global perspective.
Determinants of Sustainable Utilization of Plant Resources in the Former Kakamega District, Kenya
(Organisation for Social Science, 2011-08) Shisanya, C.A.
Diasporic Identity and Portrayal of Home in Buchi Emecneta's the New Tribe and Kehinde
(Kenyatta University, 2023-06) Omwoa, Milicent
Abstract
A Dictionary of English & Swahili Equivalent Proverbs
(VDM Verlag, 2009-07-12) Babusa, Omar Hamisi
The Eleventh Commandment: Existentialist Trends in the Fiction of Taban Lo Liyong
(LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2012-05-16) Odhoji, B. M.
Taban lo Liyong is best known in Africa both as a prolific literary artist and an iconoclast with boundless independence of thought. In spite of his prolific ness there has been a noticeable critical neglect of him. He is arguably, the most controversial and the most misunderstood among the founding practitioners of East Africa's literary practice. His works have baffled many critics mainly because of his eccentric ideas as well as his iconoclastic and subversive modes of expression. Odhoji identifies existentialism as the principal philosophical theory which influenced and shaped his subject matter and creative style. The purpose of this modest book is twofold. First, to apply existentialist philosophical theory to Taban's work in such a way as to glean the "eccentric" facets of his fiction which are relevant to today's critical thinking. Secondly, to demonstrate and justify that only existentialism can best expose and explain the "eccentric" facets of his works. The existentialist approach reflects Taban's prophetic relevance and calls for a re-evaluation of his status as one visionary writer who emerged onto the East African literary scene much earlier before his time
Evaluation of Nitrogen Fixation using 15N Dilution Methods and Economy of a Maize-tepary Bean Intercrop Farming System in Semi-arid SE-Kenya
(Springer Netherlands, 2007) Shisanya, C.A.; Gitonga, Nkanata Mburugu
Tepary bean has become popular among poor small-scale farmers in semi-arid Kenya, where it is intercropped with maize. This study aimed at i) evaluating the N-economy of maize/tepary bean intercrop versus sole crop using natural abundance and 15N enriched fertilizer methods, and ii) assessing the contribution of fixed N2 by tepary bean to the total N balance in the intercrops and sole cropping systems assessed from harvested seed and residues. Experiments were carried out during the short rains of 2001/2002 and long rains of 2003 at Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI) Kiboko, Kenya. Randomised block design was used with one block devoted to the 15N natural abundance (–N), the other 15N labelled fertilizer (+N), replicated 4 times. Above ground biomass and total N were determined in sole crops or intercrops (–N or +N). Tepary bean received 53–69% of its N supply from N2-fixation with N2-fixation slightly affected by intercropping or N fertilizer application. N2-fixation of tepary in greenhouse experiment was lower (36–66%) than in the field study and more affected by N supply. Budgets for N were estimated for field intercrops based on above-ground seed yields, return of crop residues, input of fixed N and fertilizer N. N2-fixation was 59 kg N ha-1 in plots receiving no N fertilizer, and 73 kg N ha-1 in plots receiving N as urea. Corresponding fixation by sole tepary was high (87 and 82 kg N ha-1, respectively), but this advantage was outweighed by greater land use efficiency in intercrop than sole crop
An Evaluation of Researches Done on African Languages at Kenyatta University
(Kenyatta University, 2018) Ngugi, Pamela M.Y.; Wamalwa, Stephen
One of the declarations that were passed and agreed upon during the first conference on African languages and literature that was held in Asmara, Eriteria in 2000, was the need to promote research on African languages. This was considered very vital for their development. In this article, we focus on the Language and Literature Departments at Kenyatta University by examining the researches that have been done on language and literature with the aim of showing how they have contributed to the documentation of African languages.

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