RP-Department of History, Archaeology and Political Studies

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1391

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 38

Household Income and Linda Mama Maternal Healthcare Cover Uptake in Mukuru Slums in Nairobi City County – Kenya
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS OF ACADEMICS & RESEARCH, 2023-10) Wambua, Ruth; Kaviku, Benjamin K.
The low utilization of maternal health care coverage in sub-Saharan Africa is a pressing concern, as it impacts the well-being of mothers and children and the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality. Despite recognizing the critical role of insurance in risk management, there is limited uptake, necessitating swift policy interventions. This study investigates the influence of household income on the adoption of Linda Mama maternal healthcare coverage in Nairobi's Mukuru slums, guided by the Cumulative Prospect Theory. Using a descriptive research design and stratified random sampling, data were collected from 230 individuals, including county health executives, health directors, community health workers, and expectant women aged 18-49 living in Mukuru Slums, out of a possible target population of 524. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. The study found a significant positive correlation between household income and the uptake of Linda Mama maternal healthcare coverage in Mukuru slums. Consequently, the study recommends that policymakers take action to alleviate financial constraints for low-income households, with the aim of increasing the utilization of the Linda Mama program among vulnerable populations in Mukuru slums. This intervention would contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes in the region, addressing the perplexing issue of low maternal healthcare coverage in sub Saharan Africa.
Mergers and Disintegrations: Political Party Alliance Building in Kenya between 2002 to 2022
(EANSO, 2024-09) Kalimi, Nduu Bernice; Wekesa, Peter Wafula; Mwangi, Susan Owino
This study explores the dynamics of political party alliance building in Kenya between 2002 to 2022 following the dissolution of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) as the dominant political entity. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research relies on interviews to gather primary data, providing an in-depth analysis of coalition formation and disbandment patterns in the post-KANU era. The study argues that since 2002, each general election in Kenya has witnessed the emergence of new political parties and alliances, formed primarily to secure electoral victories. However, these coalitions are often short-lived, dissolving soon after elections due to internal disputes, personal ambitions, policy differences, and perceptions of betrayal among members. The paper also contends that political alliances in Kenya are largely transient, driven by immediate electoral goals rather than enduring ideological commitments. The fluid nature of these coalitions indicates that alliances are sustained only as long as they serve the interests of their members. Internal conflicts and personal interests frequently lead to fragmentation, prompting the formation of new alliances aimed at better fulfilling individual ambitions and ensuring political success. This continualcycle of coalition formation and dissolution underscores the dynamic and often unstable nature of Kenyan politics, where alliances survive only until ideological differences and personal interests lead to their disintegration.
The Genesis of Land-Based Violence in Mt. Elgon from the Precolonial Period to the Postcolonial Period
(JHCS, 2024) Ndiema, Kiptoch William; Wekesa, Wafula; Oduor, Isaiah
This study traces the genesis of land-based conflicts in Mt. Elgon from the precolonial period to the postcolonial period. This research was conducted in Mount Elgon Sub County in Kapsokwony, Kaptama, Kopsiro, and Cheptais. This research utilised primary as well as secondary sources of data. Secondary data was procured from Kenyatta University Library, among other libraries. Primary data was collected from the Kenya National Archives as well as from oral sources through interviewing the identified respondents in the field. Data instruments that were used include questionnaires and question guides. The procedures employed in collecting primary data included in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The primary oral data was analysed by first translating oral interviews from the Sabaot language to English, grouping data according to the objectives, and verifying any possible contradicting information. After that, the data was coroborated with archival and secondary data and then presented through descriptive narratives. The families in the Mount Elgon area faced several difficulties, which called for the government to handle the issues, which undermined the significance of peace in the region. This study concludes that the land issue and the emergence of the Sabaot Land Defense Force in Mount Elgon, Bungoma, dates back to the pre-colonial and post-colonial periods and the postcolonial Government's inefficiency. The colonial Government's land ordinances, laws, and concessions played a significant part in the challenges facing the land issues in Kenya.
Methods Employed by the Sabaot Land Defence Force to Stake their Claims Over Land in Mt. Elgon and Methods used by KDF to Quell the Insurgence
(ECJAHSS, 2024-02) Kiptoch, William Ndiema; Wafula, Wekesa; Oduor, Isaiah
The aim of this study was to examine methods employed by the Sabaot land defence force to stake their claims over land in Mt. Elgon and methods used by the KDF to quell the insurgence. This research was conducted in Mount Elgon Sub County in Kapsokwony, Kaptama, Kopsiro, and Cheptais. This research utilized primary as well as secondary sources of data. Secondary data was procured from Kenyatta University Library, among other libraries. Primary data was collected from the Kenya National Archives as well as from oral sources through interviewing the identified respondents in the field. Data instruments that were used include questionnaires and question guides. The procedures employed in collecting primary data included indepth interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The primary oral data was analyzed by first translating oral interviews from the Sabaot language to English, grouping data according to the objectives, and verifying any possible contradicting information. After that, the data was corroborated with archival and secondary data and then presented through descriptive narratives. This study concluded that most of the methods used required the use of force or ruthless measures against the locals. The locals were subjected to torture, and at times, most people lost their lives in the process. The study recommends that the government should assure the displaced persons of maximum security, and the security agents shall not harass innocent civilians once peace is restored.
Land and the Rise of Sabaot Land Defence Force from 1991 to 2010
(JPIS, 2024-02) Ndiema, Kiptoch William; Wekesa, Wafula; Oduor, Isaiah
This research sought to assess the connection between land and the rise of the Sabaot Land Defence Force. This research was conducted in Mount Elgon Sub-county in Kapsokwony, Kaptama, Kopsiro, and Cheptais. This research utilised primary as well as secondary sources of data. Secondary data was procured from Kenyatta University Library, among other libraries. Primary data was gathered from the Kenya National Archives as well as from oral sources through interviewing the identified respondents in the field. Data instruments that were used include questionnaires and question guides. The procedures employed in collecting primary data included in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The primary oral data was analysed by first translating oral interviews from the Sabaot language to English, grouping data according to the objectives, and verifying any possible contradicting information. After that, the data was corroborated with archival and secondary data and then presented through descriptive narratives. The study identified the causes of SLDF as land scarcity, land as a birth right, leadership structure of SLDF for land claims, injustice on land leading to a sentiment of marginalisation and deplorable state presence in the region, the proliferation of weapons aiding in land protection, and finally collusion of politicians as well as government officials who had an interest in land. In conclusion, the research identified factors such as land scarcity, marginalisation, and inter-clan conflicts as the main reasons for the Sabaot Land Defence Force's emergence and rise among the people of Mount Elgon. This study recommends that the government should play a key role in dealing with land conflicts before they become a major issue leading to militia groups' formation in the future.
Transition Management Effect on Service Delivery at Kitui Water and Sanitation Company, Kenya
(RJI, 2023-10) Muli, Teresia Nthenya; Kiruthu, Felix
This study examined how transition management affects provision of service delivery at Kitui Water and Sanitation Company (KITWASCO). The research interrogated how adjustments in the makeup of the management committee affect provision of services, how a transition in organisational framework affects service delivery, and finally how much corporate governance during a transitional period affect service delivery by Kitui Water and Sanitation Corporation. The systems approach served as the tool of analysis. The study variables were described using a descriptive research design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population for this project was the workforce of Kitui Water and Sanitation Company (KITWASCO), including the board members, executives and other employees. The 102 participants were all chosen, the census sample selection. A questionnaire was delivered face-to-face to some of the respondents while others were engaged virtually via an internet link for the purpose of data collection. Analysis of the quantitative data was done using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. SPSS software was used for processing of the data. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The findings of the data were that the three independent variables, operational structure change (sig. 0.029), transitional organizational Politics (sig. 0.041), and Board of Management change (sig. 0.00) had statistically significant influence on water service delivery at KITWASCO. The findings indicate that a unit alteration in board management within KITWASCO was associated with a positive change of 0.732 times in water service delivery. The implementation of a modified operational structure resulted in a 0.276-fold increase in the positive change, specifically an improvement in the delivery of water services. A marginal shift in the political dynamics of transitional organizations resulted in a statistically significant increase of 0.268 units in the level of improvement observed in the delivery of water services. The three independent variables led to a positive variation of 62.0% in water services delivery. The recommendations were that frequent transitions and changes in board management, as well as advocacy for change through organizational politics were recommended to continuously improve service delivery.
Theoretical Debate on the Development Aid in Africa
(IJRISS, 2022-12) Koku, Usman Ugboga; Otieno, Oduor Isaiah; Kisiang’ani, Edward
Development aid flow to African countries started in 1960s when most African countries attained Independence from their colonial masters. The aim of giving development aid to African countries is to help them overcome development challenges. It was estimated that west developed countries has spent about $600 billion on development aid to African countries. Yet, there is little effect of development aid on socio-economic and political development in African countries. This led to ongoing debate on effectiveness of aid on development. The paper has traced the historical origin of development aid, and the theoretical justification of the need of giving aid to African countries. It also explained the theoretical debate among scholars who are in support of development aid as a mean of promoting economic development in African countries and those with the view that development aid failed to deliver development to African countries, instead it created dependency syndrome. The study reveals that corruption, aid conditionality, aid volatility, debt and unfair trade relations between the developed countries and African countries hindered the effective performance of development aid in African countries. The study also found out that African leaders attempted to address the failures of development aid in the continent, through Lagos action plans and Monrovia declaration of development agenda under the umbrella of organization of Africa Union (Africa Union), but the two documents failed to address the lack of political and economic growth in African countries. Therefore the study recommend that, the pattern of relationship between donor countries and African countries, have to be redesign, and the structural imbalance in the global trading system must be reform, and free trade should be replaced with fair trade. The study also suggests that African governments should reforms their political and economic institutions in order to address the problem of corruption and management of development aid in the continent.
Marriage Culture among the Abagusii in the Pre-Colonial Period
(EANSO, 2023-10) Orera, Nahashon; Kakai, Pius
This paper discusses marriage institution among the Abagusii in the pre-colonial period under the following themes: History of migration and settlement of Abagusii, the institution of marriage among the Abagusii in the pre-colonial period, Traditional socio-religious aspects of Gusii marriage, marriage customs among married Gusii men and women in the pre-colonial period, nature of Abagusii households up to 1895, the role of initiation in marriage customs, bridewealth and its place in marriage, the role of patriarchy in marriage, polygamy in marriage. This sequence will help us trace the changes in marriage customs and their implications in the marriage of the Abagusii in the colonial period. This section was guided by social constructivism theory.
The Impact of Colonial Policies on the Waata People of Kilifi County, Kenya, 1895-1963.
(enso, 2021-12) Wambua, Cyprian Kioko; Wekesa, Peter Wafula; Mwangi, Susan
The Waata community is among the indigenous Kenyan communities whose social, political, and economic organization has not been adequately studied. The objective of the study was to examine the impact of colonial policies on the history of the Waata people of Kilifi County in the period 1895-1963. The study was guided by the cultural interaction and identity formation theory. The study was conducted using the descriptive research design which offered a chronology of events as they unfolded over time. A qualitative approach was significant because it allowed an in-depth collection of data to ascertain the attitudes, feelings, and opinions concerning the theme under study. The study site was Kilifi County. The study targeted both males and females above 18 years within Kilifi County who were knowledgeable about the existence of the Waata people. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select the sample for the study. One hundred and twenty-two participants were interviewed. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was derived from the one-on-one interaction with participants using interview schedules and Key Informant Interviews, oral interviews, and focus group discussions. Question guides and questionnaires with open-ended responses were also used. Secondary data was obtained from critical analysis of books, articles, papers, thesis, and dissertations. Additionally, archival sources, particularly colonial documents, annual reports, correspondents, letters, diaries, and political record books related to the area under study were consulted. The findings of the study revealed that colonial policies impacted significantly on the history of the Waata forcing them to adapt to different lifestyles in order to survive cultural extinction. This adaptation was informed by the colonial labelling of traditional hunting communities like the Waata as poachers and the progressive government efforts to stop them from their traditional source of livelihood as well as their eviction from their indigenous habitats and creation of National Parks
Gender and Sports: Historical and Contemporary Perspective of Women in Kenyan Sports
(ajhg, 2022) Kimaiyo, Lorna Jepkoech; Wekesa, Peter Wafula
For decades, Kenyans have dominated world athletics, especially in middle and long-distance races. From the middle of the twentieth century, Kenyans were already gaining international recognition on the world stage. However, the dominance of men in sports was clearly apparent. The gender gap at that time was huge with only a handful of women participants. This paper on the exploration of women and sports participation in Kenya is twofold: it examines the genesis of gender disparities in the participation of women in sports in pre-colonial and colonial Kenya and what changes led to a reduction in those discrepancies in the post-colonial period. This paper argues that cultural limitations in different African societies and colonial policies which were highly patriarchal inhibited women’s participation in athletics during the pre-colonial and colonial periods. Nevertheless, from the 1990s, the number of women started to increase significantly in different sporting spheres including athletics. This is attributed to positive change in advocacy, formal education, and inclusivity through government policies that gave women a better platform to excel in sports and athletics in general. The increase in institutions that acted as nurturing areas for sports such as schools’ incorporation of women in the disciplined forces, among others was instrumental in giving them an opportunity and resources to engage in various sporting activities just like their male counterparts. The study was informed by the patriarchal and feminist ideology theories to explain the gender issue in sports. In methodology, the paper uses primary sources of data, mainly oral interviews, focus group discussions, and archival materials, as well as secondary sources to explain the representation of women in Kenyan sports
Environmental Reconstructions in the Upper Tana region, Kenya
(JJEOSHS, 2020) Ngari, Lazarus Kinyua
This article sets out to unravel aspects of environmental changes in the Upper Tana during the second millennium AD. This aspect has not been adequately addressed in the Upper Tana. This makes it clear that a lacuna exists in the study of communities of the Upper Tana and the way they interact with their environment in the past and present times. The objective of this article is to evaluate the relationship between human activities and environmental change in the Upper Tana from AD 1000 to 1950. It is hypothesized that the advent of iron technology and its attendant economic activities led to the depletion of indigenous forests and the general environmental degradation. The article has employed archaeological, ethnographic, oral and historical methodologies to gather data on vegetation change in the Upper Tana and other related regions. It argues that livestock grazing, iron smelting, slush and burn agriculture, and the clearing of forests for housing are key contributors to vegetation change in the Upper Tana. Results from oral reconstruction of the past vegetation of the area, and using the plant succession theory, shows that the lowland area of the Upper Tana is actually savannah with scattered trees probably inhabited by grazers. It is posited that the above factors, together with persistent droughts have altered the vegetation cover of the area. What we have today is colonization of less desirable stunted growth. The theory advanced here is that the vegetation change has been a result of human activities. Overwhelmingly, results the study that the researcher carried out, showed that the causes of these changes have been socio-economically associated with the expansion of agricultural communities into the area; rather than through climatic factors. Colonisation and other forces of modernisation have also contributed to the underlying problem. The article concludes that anthropogenic factors have greatly contributed to environmental change in the upper Tana. Certainly, environmental change is a global phenomenon that has elicited research interests due to its negative impacts on human population. It is recommended that knowledge of environmental change in the past should be used to extrapolate modern environmental challenges affecting African ecosystems.
Colonial Roots of Food Shortage in Kenya: The Marginalizaion of the Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge System on Food Crop Production
(ijlass, 2020-03) Muraya, Martha Wanjiru; Ngare, Lazarus Kinyua; Gathungu, Geofrey King’ori
Since pre-colonial period, the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) on food crop production have played a significant role in enhancing the supply of food in the society. This paper examines the effects of marginalization of Agikuyu Women‟s Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AWIKS) on food supply during the colonial period in Kiambu County of Kenya. This is done to show how the colonial land alienation, commercialized agriculture, and forced labor policies undermined and neglected the AWIKS on food crop production, which contributed to lack of enough food supply in the households. The findings demonstrate that due to intensive land alienation, the Agikuyu women lacked enough productive land for cultivation which led to poor crop harvest, inadequate space for food storage facilities, and increased destruction and spoilage of food crops due to poor storage. The European commercial fast growing high yield food crops were more vulnerable to increased temperatures, low rainfall, and they required high farm inputs and mechanization which were not affordable by the Agikuyu women. The paper concludes that the integration of indigenous knowledge systems and western modern scientific agricultural knowledge systems on food crop production can be an effective way of ensuring food security.
Pre Colonial History of the Thagichu
(2016) Kithinji, Caroline Mucece; Okelo, David O; Muriungi`, Colomba Kaburi
This study is on pre colonial history of the Thagichu. The study examines the history of the Thagichu during the pre colonial period up to 1907. The study employed the descriptive research design. Data was collected from oral, archival and secondary sources. A total of 50 respondents were purposively sampled and interviewed. Data from oral sources was corroborated with data from archival and secondary sources. The major findings of this research are that the Thagichu originated from Mbwa and finally settled in their present day homeland in Meru County. The social, political and economic organization of the Thagichu is also explored. This study has contributed to the Thagichu historiography.
A History of Social Exclusion and Poverty of the Thagichu of Igembe Sub - County, Meru County from 1907 To 1962
(ISO 9001:2015 Certified Publishing Group, 2016) Kithinji, Caroline Mucece; Okelo, David O; Muriungi, Colomba Kaburi
This study is on social exclusion and poverty of the Thagichu of Igembe Sub - County, Meru County in Kenya from 1907 to1962.The study traces the history of social exclusion of the Thagichu from the colonial epoch of the years1907 to 1962. Kenyan Government strategies towards alleviation of social exclusion and poverty between 2013 1nd 2015 are also explored.The study was guided by the theories of Underdevelopment, Materialistic Conception of History and Social Darwinism. The study employed the descriptive research design. Data was collected from oral, archival and secondary sources. A total of 50 people were purposively sampled and interviewed. Data from oral sources was corroborated with data from archival and secondary sources. The major findings of this research are that the Thagichu have been socially excluded by the colonial Government. This exclusion was noted in inadequate infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals and lack of access to social services like banks compared to other areas of Meru County. The study also established that the government has come up with strategies that could help in tackling social exclusion and poverty of the Thagichu. Such strategies are building more educational facilities, provision of free primary and day secondary education, adult and continuing education, non-formal education and provision of educational funds through the constituency development fund and Affirmative Action Social Development Fund. Other strategies aimed at poverty alleviation are establishment of road networks, land adjudication, presence of NGOs, provision of formal employment, Health facilities, growth of an urban centre and Provision of electricity. This study has contributed to the Thagichu historiography
Colonial Legacies and Their Implication to Marriage Relations among the Gusii of Kenya (1895-1960)
(EANSO, 2023) Orera, Nahashon
This paper examines the legacies of colonialism using Abagusii, a community in western Kenya, as a case study. Firstly, the paper briefly summarizes the key aspects of Abagusii marriage relations in pre-colonial society. It then defines colonialism in the context of Gusii and examines the effects of invasion, the spread of western ideals, the influence of western education, and missionary interactions in the highlands. The research also looks at how colonial economic and social policies affected marriage relationships. The main contention made in this essay is that pre-colonial and colonial social-political and economic dynamics, in combination, have shaped and continued marriage ties across time.
A Critique of Kenya’s Security Sector Reforms (SSR) in the Fight against Terrorism
(International Journal of Science And Research, 2019) Mwangi, Susan Waiyego; Okinda, Albert Ochieng
The waning of the Cold War marked a shift in the concept of security from state-centric to the person-centered notion. In addition, this notion aimed at making security more applicable to such emerging threats of the 21st century such as terrorism, poverty and global warming, which present greater threats to humans than interstate wars. One of the major enduring threats in the provision of security has been radicalism and terrorism. In this regard, states have increasingly treated terrorism and terror threats as the single biggest challenges, initiating, in their wake several reforms in the security sector to deal with the challenge. This paper using data from extensive field research spanning three months and literature from various sources, examined the correlation of security sector reforms and global terrorism with a focus on Kenya. The government of Kenya, since the terrorist attack of 1998, has taken various security sector reforms in order to address the existing weaknesses with the national security architecture. These reforms have involved measures of reorganizing security institutions and rewriting of laws to strengthen these institutions in the fight against global terrorism. Despite the fact that many of these reforms have been undertaken and embedded in the current constitution, the threat of terrorism in Kenya remains a reality. Geo-politically, why do terrorists target Kenya? What are the (in)adequacies of existing SSR in curbing terror threats? What more can the government and its partners do in order to curb the threat to radicalization of the youth?
Congestion, Conflicts and Urban Politics; Understanding the 2017 Post-election Violence in Nairobi Slums.
(Edition Consortium publisher, 2022-03) Ondere, Philip
This article examines the violence that marred the 2017 General elections. Within the post-colonial theoretical context, the article explores the more localized narratives that drive violent skirmishes with specific reference to Nairobi’s sub-spaces, such as the Kawangware slum. Further, the article seeks to explain why the sub-space is vulnerable to violent skirmishes (often ethnic) that accompany divisive elections and the implications of these conflicts for the future of urban politics in Nairobi’s post-colonial space. The overall survey approach and delivery process of this article drew heavily on goodwill data and information from various respondents, majorly slum dwellers, who were randomly sampled. The questionnaires were designed to capture qualitative data on aspects of identity politics, people’s political attitudes and perceptions that drive them to engage in violence before, during and even after elections. In analysing the causes of violence during the electioneering period, it was concluded that political maturity is measured by the degree of public participation and, to be precise, their engagement in political processes. On the other hand, Nairobi’s post-colonial space is plagued with a myriad of challenges, key among them poverty, unemployment and crime. This has precipitated identity politics as a blueprint for preferred politicians, thus making the electoral process a protracted one, exacerbating political uncertainty and endless unrests characterized by violence. This study recommends that urban violence be examined in view of the interactional effects between emerging issues and the existing power holders and governmental agents representing them.
Reading the Story of Jesus Christ as an Epic
(Cultural and Religious Studies, 2015) Mwai, Wangari; Gimode, Edwin; Kebaya, Charles
There is no doubt that Jesus Christ is the eternal embodiment of the Christian faith. The story of salvation, especially the life of Jesus, forms the basis through which many Christians encounter the eternal. Indeed, each facet of Christ is intricately intertwined with the others and that Christian literature often focuses on redefining various figures in the image of Christ and on illustrating morality. Without disparaging in any way the story of Jesus Christ, this paper parallels the conceptualization of epic heroism and the narrative of Jesus Christ. In doing this, the article provides a critical exegesis of elements of epic heroism in the story of Christ. Ultimately, reading the story of Jesus Christ through the prism of epic heroism helps us submit that it is a “tale of Christian identity” comparable to the epic identity and able to convey eternal meaning to Christian groups who recognize it as “their story of salvation”.
Development of Human Figure Drawings from Gesture Drawings to Shaded Drawings -Analysis of Selected Drawings by Second Year Students at Kenyatta University
(East African Nature and Science Organization, 2022) Kamau, Wango
Human figure drawing or life drawing is a fundamental requirement for all art students. It is applied in all disciplines of art from basic line drawings, to all aspects of design work as well as sketching in painting, sculpture, and ceramics. This paper examines selected work of second year students to determine whether they are able to progress from gesture drawings to developed shaded drawings and achieve this objective within the prescribed unit duration of a semester. The paper also seeks to determine the extent to which observation in life drawing is significant as a formative strategy in helping students create their drawings and whether the drawings created meet the standard of drawing required at University level. Ultimately the purpose of life drawing is to enable the students to confidently engage in other related units where their figure drawing skills are required. The students were required to use pencil for all stages of creating their drawings in order for them to focus on the sequential development. Pencil is a foundational tool and is easy to use and affords the students adequate manoeuvrability both in terms of basic sketching and shading. The use of other media would follow in subsequent related units after the students have achieved the prescribed level of foundational skills. In this series of drawings, the students used a female studio model but also drew each other as temporary or stand-in class models in order to add alternate variety in body shapes, attire and other adornments presented by using both male and female students. This approach to life drawing created an enhanced sense of enjoyment and engagement. This interest and enthusiasm in drawing each other was presumably caused by the fascination with trying to capture each other’s body shape as they already perceive it, since they spend significant time together. The female studio model, however, provided them with the opportunity to visually interact with the specific model without the inherent pressure to produce undistorted drawings as in the case when drawing their colleagues. Both approaches were designed to help the students collectively draw inspirational drawings as well as make the drawing exercises methodical, enjoyable, and purposeful. The drawings were analysed using an analytical framework suitable to the approach applied in this study.
Transformation of Gender Power Relations in Igembe Central, Meru County, Kenya Between 1895 and 1963
(International Journal of Liberal Arts and Social Science, 2020) Ngari, Lazarus; Wekesa, Wafula; Nkirote, Maranya Z.; Muraya, Martha
The gender role theory suggests that socially identified males and females occupy different ascribed roles within divergent expectations of how they should behave. The theory groups men and women separately and assigns them roles based on their biological sex. Historically and across the world, gender roles have undergone considerable transformations. However, few studies have examined such changes in the African context. As an attempt to address this gap, the current research aimed to explore the changes in gender power relations among the people of Igembe Central, Meru County in Kenya, in the colonial era. The findings are based on interviews and guided questions involving a purposive sample of men and women in the region. During the pre-colonial period, Igembe women and men had distinct identities which produced complementary roles and relationships. Following the coming of European colonisers, gender power relations underwent significant changes that emanated from socio-economic and dynamics to fit within the capitalist production system, and which had far-reaching consequences on the community. The study focused on six areas through which the colonizers re-shaped gender-based values and behaviours in the area: colonial rule, Christianity, World Wars, the Mau Mau Uprising, education, and migration. These six and other forces combined to strip men of their traditionally respected status, redefined new roles for both men and women, and redistributed the power relations that existed between the two genders.

Browse

Recent Submissions