MST-School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Permanent URI for this community

https://repository.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/165

This collections contains bibliographic information and abstracts of Master theses and dissertation in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences held in Kenyatta University Library

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 1949

A History of the Mozambican Makonde People of Kwale County in Kenya since Precolonial Times upto 2016
(Kenyatta University, 2025-04) Omwoa, Khakori Peris
The history of labour migrant communities in Africa is conceived in the context of the social, economic and political evolution of African societies. Across the globe, communities always experience various progressions from one another and also as time progresses, different changes occur in both societal aspects of a community. This study examined the history of the Makonde people of Kenya from 1936-2016 who came to Kenya as labour migrants. The Makonde people are an ethnic community who live in Kwale County. The objectives of the study were to analyse the social, economic and political history of the Makonde people from pre-colonial times up to 1936, to examine the extent in which the colonial labour policies and ordinances affected the Makonde labour migrants between 1936 and 1962, and to assess the changing relationship between the Makonde and the State in post-independent Kenya from 1963-2016. The study utilized Karl Marx’s Labour Theory of Value and Exploitation. Also, Cultural identity theory was used. The study was carried out in Kwale County. Snowballing and purposive sampling techniques were applied to come up with a population sample. This research utilized both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was gathered from the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi while oral sources were collected through interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Primary data were collected from Kenya National Archives and also through oral interviews and open-ended questionnaires that were administered to identify respondents in the field. Secondary data was procured from Kenyatta University Library among other universities repository documentary centres. The primary oral data was analysed by first translating oral interviews from Swahili to English language, grouping data based on objectives, and verification of any possible contradicting information. This data was later corroborated with archival and secondary data and then presented in a descriptive narrative. From the findings of this study, the Makonde people who are found in Kenya today came from Mozambique in 1936 as labour migrants to work in European plantations in the coastal region. The study also found out that the Makonde people had proper social, economic, and political systems which guided their day-to-day activities; On the other hand, their social, economic, and political systems have experienced some transformation since migrating to Kenya. However, they have retained some of their old social, economic and political aspects which they practiced while in Mozambique. The study also found out that the Makonde people of Kenya have contributed to the economy of post-colonial Kenya in the tourism sectors through their sculpting activities. The study recommended that since the Makonde have been recognized as one of the Kenyan ethnic groups, further studies should be conducted to ascertain how the new citizenship status bestowed upon them has affected their relationship with their neighbours. It further recommended that studies should be conducted to ascertain how the Makonde have benefited from their new citizenship since lack of citizenship status had denied them the opportunities to acquire/buy land, access education, and health care as well as vote and seek elective positions.
A History of the Waata People of Kilifi County, Kenya, 1895-2010.
(Kenyatta University, 2023-04) Wambua, Cyprian Kioko
Throughout history communities have been known to have specific and distinct patterns of economic, social and political organization. These socio-economic and political institutions are dynamic from one community and generation to another}ri Waata community is among the indigenous Kenyan communities whose social, polmca! and economic organization has not been adequately studied. This study focused on the history of the Waata people living in Kilifi County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to trace the traditional institutions which shaped the history of the Waata people up to 1895. The study examined the impact of the colonial policies on the political, social and economic history of the Waata people between 1895 and 1963. Lastly, the study investigated the impacts of post-colonial policies on the Waata from 1963 to 2010. There are many theories which could have been used to explain the history of the Waata but most of them had several weaknesses. The most relevant and applicable theory which guided this study was the cultural interaction and identity formation theory. This theory focused on how individual defend their shared cultural identities and relationships in particular situations....
A History of the Waata People of Kilifi County, Kenya, 18952010
(kenyatta University, 2023-04) Wambua, Cyprian Kioko
Absract
A Morpho-Phonological Analysis of Borrowed Nouns from Luganda to Kupsabiny
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Cherop, Kapkwomu Charles
In linguistics, borrowing is significantly used to enrich languages. In the case of Luganda, an established Bantu language spoken in Uganda, existing studies reveal that loanwords have been a major source of vocabulary expansion in Kupsabiny, a Southern Nilotic language spoken in Uganda. However, limited research has been identified dealing with the analysis on morpho-phonological patterns exhibited by borrowed words. This study therefore focuses on a morphophonological analysis of borrowed nouns by Kupsabiny from Luganda. These are two different languages belonging to two different linguistic families. The following objectives guide the study: to examine morphological patterns exhibited by borrowed nouns in Kupsabiny from Luganda in Kapchorwa District, explore phonological patterns exhibited by borrowed nouns in Kupsabiny from Luganda in Kapchorwa District, and determine the process of morphophonology engaged in the adaptation of nouns borrowed in Kupsabiny from Luganda in Kapchorwa District. The study collected qualitative data using a descriptive research design through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, with the aid of an interview schedule and audio tape recorder. Optimality Theory (OT) developed by Kager (1999) was adopted for data analysis. The population targeted was native speakers of the Kupsabiny language within the municipality of Kapchorwa district estimated at 12,399 in number. A purposive sampling procedure was used to settle on a sample size of 50 informants. This was a reasonable number to collect qualitative data for the study. the findings reveal that Luganda borrowed nouns undergo morphological changes to conform to Kupsabiny's noun class system. Additionally, Luganda's borrowed nouns syllable structures and phonemes are modified to align with Kupsabiny's phonotactic constraints. Additionally, the morphophonological modifications applied to Luganda borrowed nouns are essential for maintaining linguistic coherence and intelligibility within Kupsabiny. The findings are intended to shed light on the linguistic dynamics in language contact and adaptation. The findings are also relevant to linguistics enthusiasts, language researchers, and those interested in the intricate workings of language borrowing and language change. The findings therefore seek to contribute to both empirical understandings of language borrowing and adaptation
A Narratological Examination of the Autobiographies of Jacob J. Akol and Wöndu Steven
(Kenyatta University, 2024-12) Mutswenje, Khalemesi Priscah
This study is a narratological examination of two autobiographies from South Sudan: Steven Wöndu’s From Bush to Bush: Journey to Liberty in South Sudan and Akol J. Jacob’s I Will Go the Distance: The Story of a Lost Boy of the Sixties. The project covered three objectives: the analysis of narratorial voices to determine what trends associate with voice in autobiographies, narrative forms, and what role the two had in the selected texts. This study evaluated the prevalent narratological elements, their integration, and the meanings these elements present within the selected texts. This project drew upon autobiography theory that defines the form of autobiographic texts to examine how the form of the two works contributes to the overall meaning of the works. The study adopted narratology as a model through which the selected autobiographies' narrative structure, meaning, and voice were studied and evaluated. The project embraced a qualitative research methodology utilizing capitalized, in-depth textual reading and analysis as shown in the first chapter. The second chapter explores the first objective showing what narratorial voice Wöndu and Akol chose to build the trauma narratives based on the assertions in applicable theories and the literature review. The third chapter covers findings on the narrative forms and structures specifically embedded narratives in the selected texts while chapter four explores the intentions of both narratorial voices and narrative forms or structures The study adds up to the literature on autobiographical analysis that will serve scholars and researchers in fields like literature, trauma studies, and South Sudanese history, writers and authors in conflict-affected regions, educators and students who may interact with narratology and autobiographical writing in literature courses, mental health professionals.
A Sociolinguistic Account of Language Loyalty among Kamba Speakers in Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Musyoki Carolyne Mueni
This sociolinguistic study examined language loyalty among speakers of an indigenous language in Kenya. The study dealt with the preservation of the Kikamba language and culture among Kikamba speakers in Yatta sub-county, a rural area in Machakos County. The objectives of the study were to identify the language use patterns among the Kikamba speakers in different domains in Yatta sub-county, establish the effect of age on Kikamba language usage across different domains in Yatta sub-county, and lastly to determine the perceptions and attitudes of Kikamba speakers in Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County, toward their mother tongue. The study was grounded in two theoretical frameworks: Ethnolinguistic Vitality Theory and Domain Theory. The research design consisted of mixed methods, since the questions raised by the research required the use of both qualitative and quantitative data. At first, the semi-structured interviews were implemented to research emotions and viewpoints among the participants, which then led to the use of structured questionnaires for recording the patterns of language use across the different domains. Furthermore, participant observations were conducted parallelly to provide the researchers with scattered insights into the world of everyday language practices. The research considered the language practices not only of the younger Kikamba speakers (those aged 18 to 25 years) but also of the older Kikamba speakers (those above 50 years old) in order to give a complete picture of how the language lives among the Kikamba speakers in Yatta and to provide an idea of the language loyalty in the region. The language use patterns of the respondents, as per the research, revealed that Kikamba is the first language in family interactions which again signals its great use in domestic communication. Nevertheless, apart from the younger speakers, who were quite a few, all the others had already made the switch to Kiswahili in home. This in turn, pointed to the fact that Kiswahili has already gotten quite a strong hold increasing its sphere from educational institutions and media to the whole societal interaction area. Besides, the study found that age is a determining factor with regard to the language use patterns among the various domains. While the older respondents mostly used Kikamba, especially during family and community contacts, it still is a strong sign of cultural attachment and language continuity. On the other hand, the younger participants showed a stronger tendency to use Kiswahili and English, particularly in educational, social, and professional contexts, while keeping Kikamba for home use. Still, this pattern does not imply that the younger speakers have a negative view of Kikamba. Instead, their ongoing use of the language in family settings indicates a deep cultural bond and an acknowledgment of its role in identity and heritage preservation. These results demonstrate the variety of language use in different contexts, the influence of age on communication habits, and the gradual shift of linguistic identity within the community.
A Study of the Factors Perpetuating Infibulation among Somali-Muslims in Mandera District, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2003-09) Ali, Mohamed Abdi
Abstract
Abandonment of Church by Youth-Believers in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Kisii County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2022) Kireri, Douglas Omosa; Julius Gathogo; Francis Mwaniki
The study sought to explore the rationale behind the abandonment of the Church, mainly among the youth-believers in the Adventist Church in Kisii County, Kenya. It has investigated why an otherwise committed youth, who faithfully used to attend the Church would suddenly stop showing up on a weekly, monthly and/or yearly basis, despite living in the neighborhood; yet they still claim to observe the Sabbath. This following objectives guided this research; to analyze the practicability of the Baptismal Class Sessions in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Kisii County, to explore the reasons why youth-believers abandon the Church after baptism in Kisii County, and to suggest solutions to the challenge of the phenomenon of youth abandoning the Adventist Church in Kisii County. The study reviewed the literature related to the Church and the youths. The study was theoretically informed by Emile Durkheim‟s Functionalist Theory, which argues that society is a system of related parts of social institutions, such as the family, religion, and the economy. Durkheim‟s theory concludes that religion acts as both glue and a lubricant to the social process. The researcher adopted descriptive design in analyzing the data. The target population in this study was the S.D.A Churches in Kisii County because it involved the youths in these Churches. Purposive sampling was conducted where youths in Churches were included in the study. In this regard, ten selected clergy and other Church members were purposively interviewed. The study used three types of questionnaires, that is, for the clergy, Church elders, and for the youths. The study also used interview schedules and Focused Group Discussions. Piloting was conducted in Kirenga Central S.D.A in Lari to test the validity and reliability of the research collection tool-questionnaire. In a nutshell, the study established the critical factors that make the youths abandon the Church. The main reasons include; failure of parental roles, boring worship service, misjudgment by elder members, dropping out of a ministry, poor role models, dropping out of a group, and gradual withdrawal. The study also explored potential solutions to the problem of youths in the vice of abandoning the Church. This includes: an emphasis on fundamental teachings, reorganization of baptismal classes, and making religious instructions pleasant among other solutions. The study will be crucial to the Church, the society and the country at large because it is geared towards attempts in remolding the moral uprightness of the society, as the Church partly plays the role of instilling morals to the youth. To the clergy, the study will help them to put up necessary measures in place in order to retain the youths in the Church. The research found out that the baptismal class sessions are in place in preparing new converts to become church members. It was also noted that there are a number of reasons that make the youth to abandon the church and solutions to these reasons were suggested. The research therefore recommended a number of issues that can be looked into to help in youth retention. These recommendations include improving the methods of preparing the new converts by making adjustments in the baptismal classes and also coming up with activities that will engage the youth in church to help in retention among other recommendations.
Absence-Presence Motif and Transgenerational Trauma in Selected West Indian Novels: A Panoramic Female Perspective
(Kenyatta University, 2024-03) Odhiambo Job
This study advances the position that parental absences result in trauma. It sought to establish the impact that these experiences and memories have on the psyche of the child character. It contended that these traumas were transferred unconsciously across generations. These transferrals are aggravated by the history of the West Indies – with one of the most significant events being the translocation of human beings from other continents into the archipelagos, and within the Americas. In both cases, this study maintains that these translocations resulted in the disintegration of the family unit for the slaves and their descendants. The ramification of this break down was the rise of the mother figure, or the matriarch; an idea that this region’s Literature captures as one of its recurrent motifs. This is also a study that sought to examine the presentation of trauma by studying literary works written and set in different time periods. The novels under study are Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea, Merle Hodge’s Crick Crack, Monkey and Marcia Douglas’ The Marvellous Equation of the Dread: A Novel in Bass Riddim. There was purposive sampling of these texts. Additionally, this study used Psychoanalytic Theory, Trauma Theory and aspects of Formalism to understand the psyche of the child character. This is a qualitative research based on close reading of the aforementioned novels. It is expected that this study will help in the understanding of the impact that the abdication of the parental duties had on the psyche of the child character as she is growing up. This study established that trauma affects how traumatised characters perceive the passage of time. It recommends that further research be done on trauma and the perception of the flow of time, especially in texts where there is the recurrent use of the ‘returnee motif.’
Absurdity of Love in Romantic Relationships in The Name of Our Fathers and a Sunday at the Pool in Kigali
(Kenyatta University, 2023-02) Onchwati, Stephen
the absurdity of love in thc.mm'anlic relationships in /n the Name of our Fathers and A Sunday at the pool in Kigali and the expression of deimmjc by the characters involved. It endeavours to analyse two major ideas, absurdity and romance in these primary texts. There is a convergence between !ove and romance semantically, thus this study employs the two words interchangeably — to convey the same meaning. Absurdity, as a phenomenon, is discussed in two sections as a progressive theory: absurdity in the novel as a genre and absurdity of love in these two primary texts. On romance, the study discusses the characteristics of romance novels in relation to absurdity and the two texts studied in order to distinguish areas of conformity or non-conformity thereof. Another integral aspect in this study is the comparison of the storyline of romance novels to those of the two works studied in reference to absurdity and conformity. The study examines in the two novels: the conformity of the two novels to the conventions of the characteristics and steps of the storyline of romance novels, the marriage stage as the major indicator of the absurdity of romantic relationships in the two novels under study and the aspects of absurdity in the two novels. The study uses the theory of the absurd to analyse the parallel romantic relationships in the two primary texts. The study employs a qualitative research methodology with textual analysis as the major method of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Primary data is drawn through close reading of the two primary texts. The data collected from the two primary texts was classified in relation to the study’s anticipated chapters. Secondary data was collected from related books, projects, theses, critics, scholarly journals from both print and the Internet. In the that include: that the marriage summative chapter, the study made several findings stage is the major indicator of absurdity in the romantic relationships, that the characteristics in the romantic relationships largely conformed to the characteristics of romance novels, that the romantic relationships in the two novels did not follow the formula of romantic novels and other aspects of absurdity in the romantic relationships. Areas of fun.her study, emanating from the findings, are suggested. It is expected that thls_ research develops new perspectives in the area of romance and hence contribute to the already vast knowledge in the field of the absurdity romantic love.
Absurdity of Love in Romantic Relationships in the Name of Our Fathers and a Sunday at the Pool in Kigali
(Kenyatta University, 2023-02) Onchwati, Stephen
71\]!(\71;' :fillld..\’ in‘\'c.sliguujs the absurdity of love in thc.mm'anlic relationships in /n the Name of our Fathers and A Sunday at the pool in Kigali and the expression of deimmjc by the characters involved. It endeavours to analyse two major ideas, absurdity and romance in these primary texts. There is a convergence between !ove and romance semantically, thus this study employs the two words interchangeably — to convey the same meaning. Absurdity, as a phenomenon, is discussed in two sections as a progressive theory: absurdity in the novel as a genre and absurdity of love in these two primary texts. On romance, the study discusses the characteristics of romance novels in relation to absurdity and the two texts studied in order to distinguish areas of conformity or non-conformity thereof. Another integral aspect in this study is the comparison of the storyline of romance novels to those of the two works studied in reference to absurdity and conformity. The study examines in the two novels: the conformity of the two novels to the conventions of the characteristics and steps of the storyline of romance novels, the marriage stage as the major indicator of the absurdity of romantic relationships in the two novels under study and the aspects of absurdity in the two novels. The study uses the theory of the absurd to analyse the parallel romantic relationships in the two primary texts. The study employs a qualitative research methodology with textual analysis as the major method of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Primary data is drawn through close reading of the two primary texts. The data collected from the two primary texts was classified in relation to the study’s anticipated chapters. Secondary data was collected from related books, projects, theses, critics, scholarly journals from both print and the Internet. In the that include: that the marriage summative chapter, the study made several findings stage is the major indicator of absurdity in the romantic relationships, that the characteristics in the romantic relationships largely conformed to the characteristics of romance novels, that the romantic relationships in the two novels did not follow the formula of romantic novels and other aspects of absurdity in the romantic relationships. Areas of fun.her study, emanating from the findings, are suggested. It is expected that thls_ research develops new perspectives in the area of romance and hence contribute to the already vast knowledge in the field of the absurdity romantic love.
Absurdity of Love in Romantic Relationships in the Name of Our Fathers and a Sunday at the Pool in Kigali
(Kenyatta University, 2023-02) Onchwati, Stephen
71\]!(\71;' :fillld..\’ in‘\'c.sliguujs the absurdity of love in thc.mm'anlic relationships in /n the Name of our Fathers and A Sunday at the pool in Kigali and the expression of deimmjc by the characters involved. It endeavours to analyse two major ideas, absurdity and romance in these primary texts. There is a convergence between !ove and romance semantically, thus this study employs the two words interchangeably — to convey the same meaning. Absurdity, as a phenomenon, is discussed in two sections as a progressive theory: absurdity in the novel as a genre and absurdity of love in these two primary texts. On romance, the study discusses the characteristics of romance novels in relation to absurdity and the two texts studied in order to distinguish areas of conformity or non-conformity thereof. Another integral aspect in this study is the comparison of the storyline of romance novels to those of the two works studied in reference to absurdity and conformity. The study examines in the two novels: the conformity of the two novels to the conventions of the characteristics and steps of the storyline of romance novels, the marriage stage as the major indicator of the absurdity of romantic relationships in the two novels under study and the aspects of absurdity in the two novels. The study uses the theory of the absurd to analyse the parallel romantic relationships in the two primary texts. The study employs a qualitative research methodology with textual analysis as the major method of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Primary data is drawn through close reading of the two primary texts. The data collected from the two primary texts was classified in relation to the study’s anticipated chapters. Secondary data was collected from related books, projects, theses, critics, scholarly journals from both print and the Internet. In the that include: that the marriage summative chapter, the study made several findings stage is the major indicator of absurdity in the romantic relationships, that the characteristics in the romantic relationships largely conformed to the characteristics of romance novels, that the romantic relationships in the two novels did not follow the formula of romantic novels and other aspects of absurdity in the romantic relationships. Areas of fun.her study, emanating from the findings, are suggested. It is expected that thls_ research develops new perspectives in the area of romance and hence contribute to the already vast knowledge in the field of the absurdity romantic love.
Access and effective participation of adult basic education programmes in Nakuru-North Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya: C. 1963-2014
(Kenyatta University, 2016-10) Ndegwa, Maina Anthony
According to 1999 Population and Housing Census, an estimated 4.2 million adults in Kenya were illiterate, 60% being women. According to vision 2030, Kenya aims at achieving 80% adult literacy in order to transit the country to a middle level economy. This study investigates the determinants of access and effective participation of Adult Basic Education Programmes in Nakuru-North District, Nakuru County, from independence to 2014. This study area has been experiencing poor participation in terms of low attendance, access, and high drop-out rates. The study was guided by the Human Capital Theory based on the work of Schultz 1971), Sakamata and Power (1975) that justifies substantial expenditure on education in order to improve production capacity of the population of any given country.The objectives of the study were; to summarize Kenya Government Policy on ABE programmes since independence; to identify factors that have influenced access and participation in ABE programmes in Nakuru North District since independence; to establish trends in participation in ABE programmes in Nakuru North District and to suggest intervention measures to improve access and participation in ABE programmes in Nakuru North District. The target population was 100 adult learners, 20 adult teachers and two adult education officers. The sample size was 60 adult learners,6 adult learners selected from every ABE centre, 10 adult teachers, one teacher from ever centre and one District Adult and Continuing Education Officer. From the Sub-County office. The descriptive method of research was used. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, face to face interviews and personal observation schedule. The findings were analyzed using descriptive method. It was presented using frequency tables, graphs and percentages. The major findings were: there is gender disparity in terms of teachers and learners ratio in favour of the female gender; all teachers are professionally qualified; over 80% of the learners were almost illiterate when they enrolled; 60% of the teachers were on permanent employment and teachers are over worked and underpaid; most of the lessons are conducted in churches; learners with special needs are not facilitated at all in the area of study among others. The study recommends the government to employ more teachers; promote learners to post-literacy level once they complete the basic levels; start more ABE centres to make progamme visible and accessible to many learners; revive dead centres by sending teachers; allocate more funds to the programme; involve other stakeholders to fund the programme among others.
Access to Basic Education in the Context of Intercommunal Conflict and Learning of Primary School Going Children in Turkana County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024) Jimbo, Tom Odera
Access to basic education in conflict-prone communities is a significant challenge in Kenya. Empirical reviews had suggested that, during intercommunal conflicts, various factors influencing access to basic education were compromised. However, these influences manifest differently in distinct situations and locations. There has been limited research on how access to basic education was affected following intercommunal conflicts in Kapedo, Turkana County. The study aimed to examine access to basic education in the context of intercommunal conflict and the learning of primary school-going children in Kapedo ward of Turkana County. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the effects of availability of learning resources and facilities on learning of primary school going children; to examine the effect of family income levels on learning of primary school going children; to establish how cultural practices and tradition affect learning of primary school going children; to interrogate how school infrastructure affects learning of primary school going children in Kapedo ward, Turkana County- Kenya. The study drew on three theories: Relative Deprivation theory, System Resource Theory, and Hierarchy of Needs Theory. It employed a descriptive survey research design, and the census approach that ensured participation of the entire population with two Ministry of Education officials, four headteachers, and twenty-four teachers as respondents. Data collection used a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview schedule, ensuring voluntary participation, confidentiality, and clarity of the study's purpose. Prior to data collection the instruments were subjected to validity check with help of university experts, and reliability tests using the Cronbach Alpha threshold of 0.7. The analysis combined descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and averages) and inferential statistics (regression analysis) and presented results through charts and tables, with qualitative data analyzed thematically. The study revealed that despite intercommunal conflicts in Kapedo, Turkana County, learning resources remained accessible, correlating with better academic performance among primary school children. Family income affected education, with conflict-induced economic instability leading to resource allocation challenges and school attendance issues, especially for girls. Cultural practices diverted children from education, causing absenteeism. Parental negligence hindered progress, despite a positive correlation with conducive practices and learning outcomes. School infrastructure challenges persisted, with a positive correlation to learning outcomes but not guaranteeing success in conflict-affected areas. Holistic interventions, considering teacher quality, safety, and resource availability, were recommended. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education and Local Authorities maintain the provision of essential learning resources, emphasizing administrative functionality, classroom safety, and resource access to enhance learning outcomes. Non-Governmental Organizations and Donors should support programs to address economic challenges during conflicts, offering financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, and scholarships for children's education. Community leaders and elders should promote education-friendly cultural practices, discouraging those hindering access to learning and resolving conflicts affecting cultural obligations. Government Authorities should prioritize school infrastructure reconstruction in conflict-affected areas, including classrooms, furniture, and security measures, recognizing their significant impact on learning outcomes.
Acquisation of the English Preposational Phrase by Kenyan School Children
(2013-04-19) Kariuki, John Kuria
The Acquisition of Gikiiyu Syntactic Structures by- Gikuyu Children aged Between 3 and 5 Years.
(Kenyatta University, 1991-09) Ndung'u, Ruth Wangeci
This study was carried out on the acquisition of Gikuyu syntax by Gikuyu children. These children were at a critical stage of speech development, that is, between three and five years. The study was prompted by the general observation of 'fluent 'children of a tender age. The aim was to test this 'fluency' by conducting a field research. This study is an attempt to describe the syntax of Gikuyu children between the age of 3 and 5 years. It gives a descriptive analysis of their sentences. The study looks into the rules and the level of complexity of the childen's syntax. The study was prompted by general observations of 'fluent' children aged 5 years or below. The question was, how 'fluent' are they? This could only be answered by looking at their syntax and analyzing it. The study was influenced by readings on child /language learning, for example, that of Carol Chomsky (1969. Chomsky, (ibid), says that people assume that children have mastered the syntax of their first language by the age of 5. In this work we wanted to find out whether it is just an assumption or a fact that children master syntax by age 5. A field research was conducted on six Gikuyu children between the age of 3 and 5 years. The children's utterances were tested using interviews and the participant- observation method. These were recorded on tape and in writing. After analysing the data, it was evident that the children's syntax was complex. They used complex rules which can be found in the syntax of adult Gikuyu speakers. The analysis showed that the children had mastered the syntax of Gikuyu. They had learned and internalised the syntactic rules of Gikuyu. They used these rules in both experimental and spontaneous situations. Therefore, the children did not just seem 'fluent', they were fluent.
Acquisition of lexicon by Kenyan primary school children in a multilingual environment: a case of Kyeni Location, Embu County
(Kenyatta University, 2016-06) Nduma, Jayne R. F.
For a long time, schools in rural Embu have been using instructional materials written in Gikuyu. This is due to lack of instructional materials written in the language of the catchment area which is Kiembu. Various Education Commissions recommended the use of mother-tongue as a language of instruction in the first three years of schooling. In line with this, the schools in Embu teach using mother tongue but they use instructional materials written in Gikuyu. This study sought to determine the process of acquisition of noun and verb lexical items of school going children in a multilingual environment. The study was an attempt to investigate some of the factors that may influence language acquisition at a critical stage of age 6-7 years. It is hoped that the findings of the study will inform policy makers on the need to have instructional materials written in Kiembu for use in primary schools in Embu County. Data was collected from six children aged between six and seven years. Three of them were pupils at Kiamboa Primary school in Kyeni location, Embu County, an environment where they are exposed to Kiembu, Gikuyu, Kiswahili and English. The other three children were from Kiamboa village, also in Kyeni location, Embu County, an environment where the language of interaction is mostly Kiembu. The study used two theories namely: Nativist Theory and The Krashens Monitor Model to analyze data. The Stories were by tape- recorded and oral interviews were used durng interactions with respondents. The Gikuyu and Kiembu nouns and verbs used by respondents were identified. The researcher sought to assess the influence that teaching using resource materials written in Gikuyu has had on the acquisition of Kiembu noun and verb words. The noun classes of all nouns were indicated. The verbs were interlinealized. The researcher identified the Gikuyu and Kiembu nouns and verbs used by the respondents.The study found out that the 6-7 year olds use only Kiembu before joining class one. This was attributed to the fact that these children are only exposed to Kiembu hence the competence in the use of Kiembu.The study further found out that the 6-7 year olds use Kiembu and Gikuyu in their conversations after they have joined class one. This was attributed to the fact that they are taught using books and other instructional materials written in Gikuyu. The study further showed that the exposure to a multilingual linguistic environment has little effect on the acquisition of Kiembu by the 6-7 year olds.
Acquisition of wh-questions in english as a second language: a study of lubukusu li speakers
(2011-12-20) Simiyu, Caleb Waswa
In this study I examine the English Interlanguage of Lubukusu L1 speakers. The sample is drawn from secondary school students in Bungoma District. All the 36 students are subjected to a written Questionnaire and an Oral interview. Using the frequency count approach, the IL features are identified and placed into the following categories: Wh- Preposing transformation Subject-Auxiliary transposing transformation Do support transformation Affix-hopping transformation. The identified features are then described using Chomsky's Standard Theory and their presence in the learners' productive data explained using Selinker's (1972, 1992) Principle cognitive processes under the Interlanguage Theory. Then, on the basis of available literature on language acquisition, the study compares the regularities in the acquisition of English as a first language and the observed order in the acquisition of English as a second language. This study also discusses the various causes of the Interlingual features observed in the data. The study has shown that the Affix hopping is the least performed transformation and Whfronting is the most performed transformation. After considering various strategies of second language learning according to Selinker's (1972, 1992) Interlanguage Theory, this study establishes the main cause of the morpho-syntactic features in the learners' IL to be the `Overgeneralization of L2 rules'. This study also establishes a marked difference in the performance of transformations between the Oral tasks and written tasks. At the linguistic level, the learners seem to perform better in Oral tasks than in written tasks. It also has shown that the length of exposure to formal instruction affects the rate and success of the learning of English as a second language. The learners seem to acquire the Wh-question syntactic structure systematically in the following order: A) Wh-fronting B) Subject-auxiliary inversion C) Do support D) Affix-hopping. This thesis is divided into six chapters. Chapter one is a general introduction to the study. Chapter two contains the Literature Review. Chapter three deals with the Methodology. Then chapter four deals with Data Presentation and Analysis. Discussions of the findings are in chapter five. Finally, the Implications, areas for further research and conclusion are contained in chapter six.
Action aid international Kenya’s initiatives in fostering good governance in Garissa County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2026-11) Mohamed, Ahmed Dahir
Good governance is one of the most important dimensions within sustainable development since it ensures that there is transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. In the case of Garissa County, there are still challenges with regard to governance, such as poor participation processes, poor linkage to legal aid services, and poor accountability processes. To this end, ActionAid International Kenya had been carrying out various interventions aimed at improving governance; however, the impact had not been scientifically tested. The research therefore, aimed to establish the impact that grassroots advocacy and mobilization efforts by ActionAid International Kenya had on good governance practices within Garissa County. The research was anchored on the principles outlined within the Participatory Governance Theory and Accountability Theory. The research was qualitative and descriptive in nature since it sought to establish the impact that grassroots mobilization had on stakeholders within the organizational setup. The research had 300 study targets that comprised staff within ActionAid International Kenya and other stakeholders like county officials and CMD officials. A 177 study sample was randomly picked through stratified sampling techniques. The research made use of scientific questionnaires since it was reliable due to pilot study validation. The quantitative study made use of Pearson Correlation and was carried out utilizing the Windows version 26 SPSS computer application package. The results revealed that grassroots advocacy had a medium positive impact on good governance (Mean = 3.40), and there was a significant correlation (r = 0.507, p < 0.05), especially with regard to raising civic awareness and participation. Legal empowerment had a positive impact (Mean = 3.26), and there was also a significant correlation (r = 0.548, p < 0.05), especially with regard to raising concerns about human rights and justice. Community mobilization had the strongest impact (Mean = 3.33), with significant correlation (r = 0.614, p < 0.05), indicating the process’s emphasis on giving more voice to the people. The conclusion is that ActionAid International Kenya has made significant contributions to the enhancement of good governance in the territory of Garissa County through grassroots advocacy, legal empowerment, and community mobilization.
Adaptation Du Manuel Parlons Francais A l Enseignement Du Francais Au Kenya
(2013-03-25) Gumba, D.E.O
Theintroductionof Parlons Francais as the first e er French course book published locallyin Kenya for the teaching of French as a foreign language, having been a developmentht at was a turning point in the history of French teaching in this country, ourconcernin this critical study was to examine the suitability of the course book to thesituationin Kenya ',.•Our assessment is that this first attempt to develop a course bookfor the teaching of French by local authors has largely achieved the objectives forwhichit was designed. Parions Francais has since 2005 not been the main course book for the teachingof French in Kenyan secondary schools because other course books ha e beenrecommendedby the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) alongside it for use in schools. The course book is therefore competing for use with others that ha e recentlybeenpublished for use in schools where French is taught as foreign language, ~, eitheras the main course book or reference material, Our criticism of Parlons Fra"f!1is brings us to the conclusion that it is structured,organised and les methodologically dogmatic in comparison with previous coursebooks and is thus more open to eclectic use in order to make it more suitable to theneedsof learners. However, it has shortcomings which undermine its suitability as a course book for the teaching of French as a foreign language generally and in Kenyaspecifically. Though the newly published course books were not part of our study, their availabilityand recommendation by KIE - the institution whose work is to 0 ersee subjectcurricula, make us resist the temptation to recommend the use in class of one coursebook at the expense of another, in the interest of quality.

Browse

Browsing MST-School of Humanities and Social Sciences by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options