https://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/34 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:07:44 GMT 2026-07-21T17:07:44Z https://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3740 UTILIZATION OF CULTURE IN PEACE-BUILDING AMONG THE POKOT AND MARAKWET COMMUNITIES OF ELGEYO MARAKWET AND BARINGO COUNTIES, KENYA Pundo, Michael Odhiambo Sustaining peace is essential for the advancement of any nation or region, and it also fosters cohesion among individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds. Cultural practices and festivals, while sometimes contributing to conflicts, also hold significant potential as tools for peace-building among the Pokot and Marakwet communities. The persistent conflict between these communities has resulted in loss of life, displacement, and trauma, and traditional response by security agencies alone has proven insufficient in addressing the root causes of the conflict. Therefore, there is a compelling need to explore the role of cultural practices and festivals in contributing to and managing these conflicts, with the aim of fostering lasting peace at the grassroots level. The general objective of this study was to examine the utilization of cultural practices and festivals in peace-building among the Pokot and Marakwet communities of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties in Kenya. The specific objectives were to interrogate the nature of cultural practices and festivals among the Pokot and Marakwet, Kenya; Assess the effectiveness of cultural Practices and Festivals as Peacebuilding Mechanisms among the Pokot and Marakwet; and Examine the challenges and opportunities faced in using cultural practices and Festivals as Peacebuilding strategy. Research questions complement the research objectives. The study had both policy and academic justifications. The study was anchored on a theoretical framework guided by the principles of Conflict Transformation Theory. The research employed a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Tiaty Sub-County of Baringo County and Marakwet East Sub-County of Elgeyo Marakwet County, both found within the volatile Kerio Valley region. Senior police officers (Sub-County Police Commander), Assistant County commissioners, sub-county administrators, MCAs, Religious leaders and Chiefs. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including Faith-Based Organizations with study specifically targeting World Vision Kenya (WVK), Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission. The population also included opinion leaders such as elders and peace committee members. Moreover, the study involved selecting a sample comprising 384 individuals who were heads of households. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, interview schedules, and focus group discussions, supplemented by the use of secondary data sources. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 25, producing descriptive statistics represented as percentages and frequencies. Meanwhile, the qualitative data underwent content and narrative analysis. The quantitative findings were presented through tables, charts, and graphs. The findings indicated that several prevalent cultural practices in the study area included oath-taking rituals (muma) 66.5% of respondents), witchcraft, also known as (Muma/Mutaat)(87.3%), cleansing ceremonies (Barpara) (77%) of respondents, and consulting traditional seers through methods like throwing shoes or viewing sheep intestines (91.1% o). Furthermore, the research revealed that these cultural activities were effective in contributing to peace-building efforts, with practices like marriage (77.94%), oath-taking (58.8%), respect for elders (69.1%), negotiations (86.8%), traditional pacts (97.1%), and the traditional role of women as mothers (73.5%) all playing a positive role in promoting peace. However, various conflicts were exacerbated by factors such as banditry (75.4%) and the ready availability of small arms and light weapons (97.1%). Despite these challenges, peace-building initiatives led by religious leaders and faith-based organizations have yielded positive results, even in the face of issues like banditry, low levels of literacy, and limited educational attainment. In conclusion, the study underscores the critical role of cultural practices and festivals in the peace-building process between the Pokot and Marakwet communities. As a recommendation, the study advocates for the formal adoption and utilization of these cultural practices and festivities as strategic tools for promoting peace in Kerio Valley. Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3740 2024-06-01T00:00:00Z https://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3739 THE NEXUS BETWEEN DEVIANT BEHAVIOR AMONG STUDENTS AND RECURRENT FIRE DISASTERS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITHIN BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA Barasa, Tony Khaoya Fire disaster has become a global prevalent disaster experienced in most public and private secondary schools and other learning institutions with likely no country is exempted from this disaster whether developed or developing. The frequent fire incidences in schools within Bungoma County are therefore major concern for all education stakeholders especially considering that some element of rogue behavior and incitement among students have been pinpointed as major causal factors for these problems. The overall objective of the study was to examine the nexus between deviant behavior and recurrent fire disasters in public secondary schools within Bungoma County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: to examine the nature and extent of deviant behavior among students in schools within Bungoma county, Kenya; to evaluate causes of the recurrent fire disasters in schools within Bungoma county, Kenya; assess the strategies in use to mitigate fire Disasters in Schools within Bungoma county, Kenya. The Study adopted Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and PAR Model. The study adopted a descriptive research design and a total respondents of 384. The target population were MOE quality assurance and standard officer, fire officer, BOM chair, PTA chair, deputy principals, spiritual leaders, head prefects, scouts and community members. SPSS version25 was used for data entry. The data were presented in descriptive form through frequencies and percentages in graphs, tables and charts. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study found that there are high cases of deviant behaviors among students led by theft of property (95.6%) followed by drug and substance (64.8%). The study further found that peer pressure (83.3%) and drug and substance abuse (53.6%) were the main factors leading students to burn schools. The findings further revealed that adequate fire fighting equipment (86.2%) as best strategy and evacuation plans as the least (19%). The study concluded that most of the schools have experienced forms of deviant behavior among students such as peer pressure and drug and substance abuse which have led to recurrent fire disasters in schools. The study further concludes that most schools are not well prepared for fire emergencies since they are not trained on how to handle fire emergencies.The study recommends that in partnership with the National governnent, county government of Bungoma should develop policy legislation on emergency that will address issues such as deviance behaviors in schools and within the society. The study recommends that a deer need is required in place to revise a method of profiling, tracking and sharing information on cases of student indiscipline in all secondary schools in the Nation. The study further recommends that county government to put in place fire station in every sub county in readiness for any fire disasters and conducting fire drills, trainings and policy guidelines implementations. Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3739 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z https://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3734 THE CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA Ekesa, Oscar Otieno Andrew The 2010 Kenyan Constitution provides for rights, in article 43 (1), assuring freedom from hunger and adequate food of acceptable quality. Despite such policy provisions, food security remains a challenge. Women, constitute 75 % agricultural labor force, bearing household food insecurity burden, yet play critical roles in food security. The study investigated women’s contribution to household food security in Busia County. The objectives were: To determine the household food security status; to establish the role of women in household food security; to evaluate the strategies for enhancing household food security in Busia County. The study used descriptive survey and evaluative research design. Multi-stage, Quota, Purposive and Simple random sampling was used to samples, primary respondent size of 384 household members, purposive sampling for Key informants and quota sampling for four FGD participants. Data was collected using questionnaires, FGD guides and KII guides. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, and qualitative data was transcribed and entered into Nvivo software for analysis. The study used two theories, the gender perspective theory and entitlement theory to give understanding to this study. Findings reveal Busia County was food insecure: Two-thirds households (66.2%) had experienced food shortage the year preceding the study. The study observed that 51.4% of the respondents indicated that food produced from their farms in the last one year was not adequate for the house hold. The majority respondents, (69.9%) bought food from markets during food shortage. Farm produce was the main source of household food for majority (89%), and maize was the main crop grown by (88.4%) of the households. Notably, (64.1%) reported that household decisions on farming activities were mainly made by husbands. The study established that 99.2% women had kitchen gardens under their control. Indeed. Over (59.8%) respondents said farming was for consumption and income. The inferential statistical analysis showed positive significant relationship between household food security, and women’s contribution in farms, level of education and marital status. The greatest challenge women faced in food security was inadequate collateral to access credit and not owning land for production. However, no specific policy articulates promoting women’s involvement in food security, hence the need for a specific policy addressing women’s role in food security. The study recommends the need to establish or strengthen multi-sectorial institutional structures/systems which will deliberately include women in intervention, since related challenges are multi dimensional. In conclusion, Busia County was food insecure; Women play relatively important roles in household food security although, when it comes to domestic farming operations, men continue to make the majority of the decisions. The national and county governments' initiatives to strengthen the contribution of women to the enhancement of family food security in Busia County have not had the anticipated outcome. Recommendations included-the need to establish legal and policy frameworks to take into account women’s rights to production resources effectively promoting food security Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3734 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z https://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3733 THE CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA Ekesa, Oscar Otieno Andrew The 2010 Kenyan Constitution provides for rights, in article 43 (1), assuring freedom from hunger and adequate food of acceptable quality. Despite such policy provisions, food security remains a challenge. Women, constitute 75 % agricultural labor force, bearing household food insecurity burden, yet play critical roles in food security. The study investigated women’s contribution to household food security in Busia County. The objectives were: To determine the household food security status; to establish the role of women in household food security; to evaluate the strategies for enhancing household food security in Busia County. The study used descriptive survey and evaluative research design. Multi-stage, Quota, Purposive and Simple random sampling was used to samples, primary respondent size of 384 household members, purposive sampling for Key informants and quota sampling for four FGD participants. Data was collected using questionnaires, FGD guides and KII guides. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, and qualitative data was transcribed and entered into Nvivo software for analysis. The study used two theories, the gender perspective theory and entitlement theory to give understanding to this study. Findings reveal Busia County was food insecure: Two-thirds households (66.2%) had experienced food shortage the year preceding the study. The study observed that 51.4% of the respondents indicated that food produced from their farms in the last one year was not adequate for the house hold. The majority respondents, (69.9%) bought food from markets during food shortage. Farm produce was the main source of household food for majority (89%), and maize was the main crop grown by (88.4%) of the households. Notably, (64.1%) reported that household decisions on farming activities were mainly made by husbands. The study established that 99.2% women had kitchen gardens under their control. Indeed. Over (59.8%) respondents said farming was for consumption and income. The inferential statistical analysis showed positive significant relationship between household food security, and women’s contribution in farms, level of education and marital status. The greatest challenge women faced in food security was inadequate collateral to access credit and not owning land for production. However, no specific policy articulates promoting women’s involvement in food security, hence the need for a specific policy addressing women’s role in food security. The study recommends the need to establish or strengthen multi-sectorial institutional structures/systems which will deliberately include women in intervention, since related challenges are multi dimensional. In conclusion, Busia County was food insecure; Women play relatively important roles in household food security although, when it comes to domestic farming operations, men continue to make the majority of the decisions. The national and county governments' initiatives to strengthen the contribution of women to the enhancement of family food security in Busia County have not had the anticipated outcome. Recommendations included-the need to establish legal and policy frameworks to take into account women’s rights to production resources effectively promoting food security Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3733 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z