Impact: Journal of Transformation is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by Africa International University (AIU). It serves as a scholarly forum for research, dialogue, and reflection that contribute to the transformation of individuals, communities, institutions, and societies. The journal embodies AIU’s commitment to rigorous scholarship grounded in a Christian worldview, fostering knowledge that speaks to Africa and the world. As an interdisciplinary journal, Impact publishes original research, theoretical analyses, case studies, and critical essays drawn from both the social sciences and theology. It provides space for emerging and established scholars to engage pressing contemporary issues, challenge assumptions, and offer innovative perspectives informed by empirical research, ethical reflection, and theological insight.
Balancing Social Ministry and Gospel Proclamation in the Local Church: Lessons from Nairobi Chapel’s Logos Scholarship Fund (LSF)
This mixed research study explores three key areas that directly impact how Nairobi Chapel, Ngong Road, balances gospel proclamation and social ministry engagement. These include: the church’s organisational set-up, financial management, and the integration of discipleship into social ministry. The research conducts an in-depth content analysis of digital publications, mainly Nairobi Chapel’s annual reports, Chapelites magazine, and the Logos Scholarship Fund’s (LSF) newsletters. In addition, an online survey was disseminated to the LSF’s alumni through their WhatsApp group. The study highlights the importance of setting up organisational structures that define the roles, responsibilities and operations of social ministry. These structures lead to effective delegation that allows the pastoral team to focus on discipling and equipping the laity who, in turn, play their evangelistic role as priests (1Peter 2:9). In terms of financial management, the research underscores the need for transparent, efficient and accountable stewardship of all the resources entrusted to the church. Finally, the qualitative and quantitative research affirm the effectiveness of incorporating discipleship as an integral part of the educational scholarships. In conclusion, self-regulation through the institution of built-in mechanisms and governance structures plays a critical role in balancing gospel proclamation and social ministry. Secondly, transparent stewardship of church resources serves as a Christian witness or an evangelistic bridge in a world rife with corruption. Finally, the role of the Holy Spirit in giving wisdom and direction to enable the church to balance her social and spiritual responsibilities cannot be overstated.
Copyright (c) 2026 Susan W. Mwangi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Co-Existing Mental Health Disorders Among Young Adult Survivors of Massacres in the Beni
The Beni region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has endured persistent armed conflict, exposing young adult survivors to severe psychological trauma. This study examined the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), assessed its associated factors, and its relationship with co-existing mental health disorders in this population. Guided by Ecological Systems Theory and Cognitive Behavioural Theory, a cross-sectional descriptive design with a quantitative approach was employed. A stratified random sample of 385 participants (aged 18–35) was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Results indicated a high prevalence of probable PTSD (67.7%; M = 50.85, SD = 21.32). Significant associations were observed between PTSD and age, education level, duration of exposure, occupation, and marital status (p < .05). Strong positive correlations were found between PTSD and depression (r = .74, p < .001), anxiety (r = .71, p < .001), and stress (r = .76, p < .001). Substance use was also significantly associated with PTSD (χ² = 12.87, p < .001), suggesting its role as a maladaptive coping strategy. These findings demonstrate that PTSD is highly prevalent among young adult survivors in Beni and is closely linked to psychological comorbidities and socio-demographic factors. The study underscores the need for integrated, context-sensitive mental health interventions targeting PTSD, co-occurring disorders, and substance use in conflict-affected settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kakule Matabishi , Niceta Ireri, Preskilla Ochieng-Munda http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of Interparental Violence on Mental Health of Students from Selected Secondary Schools in Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya
Exposure of adolescents to interparental violence has proved to be a worldwide concern with a great influence on the mental health of adolescents. Therefore, this quantitative study investigated the impact of interparental violence on adolescents' mental health in selected secondary schools within Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya. A self-generated questionnaire and a standardised psychological instrument, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), were utilised. The target population comprised 4 selected secondary schools with a total student population of 2,404. Using a random sampling technique based on the Yamane formula, 343 participants were included in the study. Data were analysed using quantitative techniques with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study uncovered a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents exposed to interparental violence, including being physically harmed, and high emotional impact from witnessing parental arguments, as the strongest predictors of elevated depressive symptoms. The study recommends that parents/guardians should consider prioritising children's emotional safety and seek family counselling when the need arises. Implementation of psychosocial services in schools, with a keen interest in those exposed to family violence, parenting workshops and integrating mental health education into the school curricula.
Copyright (c) 2026 Evalyne Wangari1, Niceta Ireri, Esther Gachuri http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Pneumatological Themes in Acts 2:1-13 With an African Contextual Application
This paper investigates the pneumatological themes present in Acts 2:1-13, the Lukan account of Pentecost, and explores their theological implications and contextual application within the African Christian context. The Pentecost narrative portrays the Holy Spirit’s agency in divine presence, empowerment for mission, universality of the Gospel, unity in diversity and revelation. These themes carry profound significance for African Christianity, particularly in its engagement with contextual theology, ecclesiology, and mission. By examining these themes through historical-critical narrative and theological lenses, this study demonstrates the relevance of Pentecost for addressing African sociocultural realities such as tribalism, linguistic diversity and spiritual vitality. The paper argues that the African church must embrace a spirit-driven and culturally relevant approach to theology and mission, rooted in biblical foundations and aimed at holistic transformation. Furthermore, the study underscores the role of African Christianity in global mission, propelled by the spirit’s empowerment and guided by a vision of unity amid diversity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Peter Muisyo Sirma, Mumo Kisau, Samuel Ngewa http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The global shift towards Pentecostalism has significantly impacted mainline churches in Africa, leading to a process known as “Pentecostalization.” This phenomenon can be attributed to factors such as migration and the influence of missions, which have notably reshaped the religious landscape in the region. The process of Pentecostalization has led to an identity crisis within the evangelical denominations in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. This qualitative research has investigated the identity problem experienced by Nigerian diaspora evangelical denominations. The research adopts ethnographic design by using participant observation, interviews, and document analysis to examine the extent of the identity crisis. By examining the intersection of migration, missions, and the influence of Pentecostalism, the study seeks to understand the challenges faced by Nigerian diaspora churches to maintain their distinct evangelical identity within a predominantly Pentecostal context. A threefold problem was identified, which entails the challenge of maintaining a distinct evangelical identity, cultural assimilation, and conflicting cultural influences and hybridization of religious practices. As mainline churches become more Pentecostal in nature, they also face the pressure to conform to certain charismatic practices and beliefs to remain relevant in a changing cultural, religious, and social society. Addressing these identity crises requires diaspora evangelicals to engage in the process of adaptation, cultural preservation, reimagining and redefining their identity, which necessitates a critical examination of present beliefs and practices and the willingness to embrace change, while maintaining a strong connection to the evangelical heritage.
Copyright (c) 2026 Henry Marcus Garba http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Freedom of Religion and Beliefs in View of the Shakahola Tragedy in Kenya
The Republic of Kenya has a long tradition of religious diversity and tolerance which has been perceived as a unifying factor that connects people to their communities, creating a sense of identity, belonging and instilling moral values. However, the Shakahola tragedy which occurred in 2023 resulted in mass deaths, with approximately 429 bodies recovered, revealing consequences of manipulation of believers and religious intolerance. This serves as a reminder of the dangers that can be introduced by false teachings and the influence of some religious leaders, emphasizing the necessity for strong frameworks that protect individuals from engaging in harmful religious practices. Historically, religion has been and remains a powerful community mechanism which shapes moral behavior, defines societal norms, and serves as a unifying force within society. This role is increasingly influenced by radicalism, false teachings, intolerance, manipulation, and extremism, particularly when faith is distorted from its fundamental principles or instrumentalized for destructive purposes. For this, fundamental questions arise concerning the compatibility between religious freedom, extremist practices, and biblical and theological principles. It is from this perspective through qualitative and library research that this paper addresses a crucial question concerning fundamental rights, and more specifically, freedom of religion in view of the Shakahola tragedy in Kenya. In conclusion, while religious freedom is a fundamental right, it must be exercised in respect for human dignity, in accordance to biblical and theological teachings that calls for justice, love and peace. To guarantee an authentic expression of faith that respects the dignity of believers and contributes to social peace in Kenya, this study emphasizes an integrated approach combining laws, ethical responsibility, and biblical and theological principles.
Copyright (c) 2026 Theophile Hirwe Zikama http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This article explores the biblical and theological development of the motif of rest from Genesis to Revelation. It argues that rest originates in God’s own activity, was disrupted by the fall, was partially realised in Israel’s history, and was ultimately fulfilled in Christ and consummated in the new creation. Drawing on key passages across the canon, the study demonstrates that divine rest is not merely cessation from labour but participation in God’s completed work and presence. The article also clarifies the distinction between the concept of rest and the Sabbath, while acknowledging their overlap. It concludes that the promise of rest remains both a present spiritual reality and a future eschatological hope for believers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bindrix Nzeyimana http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Exegetical and Theological Analysis of ישׁבת (“He rested”) in Genesis 2:2 and its Enduring Ethical Significance for Human Flourishing
This study discusses the Sabbath's essential significance through a thorough exegetical and theological analysis of Genesis 2:2. It explores the semantic nuances of a key Hebrew term ישׁבת meaning “He rested” and shows God's cessation as an act of enthronement within a cosmic temple and wholeness. The “rest” of God has nuances of completeness. In other words, God rested only after he had completed his creation. This writer’s theological arguments and ramifications for God’s rest is that God by “resting” was honoring himself, honoring mankind, and serving as an example to mankind, setting a pattern for consecration. He used man’s own comprehensible language to exemplify the rest that is required of him. God temporarily paused creation or ceased from all his work since it had been completed; that the Sabbath was instituted as God’s restoration plan for the ground that was later to be cursed in Genesis 3:17-18; and lastly, that God’s rest ultimately pointed to Christ the Messiah and to the ongoing and future eternal rest he has prepared for his people. The study also looks at ethical implications of God's rest for human life. People would damage their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health if they did not rest. Additionally, Sabbath regulations indicated a mandatory rest not only for humans but also for the ground which had been cursed in Genesis 3:17–18. In light of its applicability in addressing issues of consumerism, work-life balance, ecological stewardship, and spiritual development, the eternality of the Sabbath, its role as a covenantal symbol in Mosaic Law, its eschatological fulfilment in Christ, and its value as a gift from God were emphasized.
Copyright (c) 2026 Peter Alex Twesigye http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Descriptive Study of Level-Ordered Morphology in Oluwanga
This paper is a detailed description of the morphology of Oluwanga within the framework of the lexical morphology theory, which views the morphological structure of a word as consisting of several levels or strata that are reflected in the processes of affixation in the formation of words. In many languages of the world, the lexicon consists of two or more strata, as such, the study seeks to examine the number of strata in the Oluwanga lexicon and the extent to which the principles of the lexical morphology theory apply to the dialect, with a view to describing the resultant form of Oluwanga lexical items when subjected to the morphological processes of affixation. The data employed in this study was gathered through elicitation by the author who is a native speaker as well as through conversations conducted with four informants who are competent native speakers of the language. The study focused on two word categories, the noun and the verb, and the data collected revealed that the Oluwanga lexicon is hierarchically structured where derivational and inflectional affixes are mapped onto interlinked strata accompanied by the bracket erasure convention where the internal brackets formed during word formation get erased at each level.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdulmajid Akidah http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of Social and Cultural Contexts on the Conceptualization of Emotion Metaphors in EkeGusii
Emotions constitute some of the most abstract dimensions of human experience, yet they are central to social interaction and cultural meaning-making. However, emotion metaphors are not universal; rather, they are shaped by specific social, cultural, and ecological contexts. This study examines how social and cultural factors influence the conceptualization of emotion metaphors in EkeGusii, a Bantu language classified under zone E42. Anchored in Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), which views metaphor as fundamental to human cognition, the study explores how embodied experience interacts with culturally shared knowledge in shaping emotional meaning. An Interpretive Phenomenological Research (IPR) design was employed to capture participants’ lived experiences and interpretations of metaphorical emotional expression in everyday social interaction. The findings demonstrate that the conceptualization of emotion metaphors in EkeGusii is strongly shaped by social and cultural contexts, confirming that metaphor functions as a culturally preferred and socially regulated mode of emotional expression. Emotion metaphors vary systematically across communal settings, encoding culturally sanctioned meanings and moral expectations. In wedding contexts, love and happiness are conceptualized through agrarian and material metaphors emphasizing fidelity, sweetness, and relational commitment. Political discourse foregrounds metaphors of anger, fear, and power grounded in embodied experiences such as heat and pressure, enabling the expression of intense affect while maintaining social decorum. Metaphors associated with childbirth frame happiness as renewal and communal obligation, while burial contexts employ metaphors of return, humility, and loss to articulate collective grief and respect for the dead. Overall, emotion metaphors in EkeGusii operate as culturally embedded cognitive and communicative resources through which shared values, social norms, and collective lived experience are negotiated.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gillphine Onkware, Helga Schröder, Abigael Mbua http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Digital Emancipation or Digital Reconfiguration? Mediatization of Religion and the Rise of Church-Owned Platforms during and after COVID-19
This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between media and religion, with a particular focus on how the crisis accelerated shifts in religious mediatization. Prior to the pandemic, access to mass audiences was largely mediated by secular media systems characterized by commodification, in which visibility was often contingent on financial capacity and dominated by a limited number of prominent televangelists. This study argues that the pandemic disrupted this model by compelling religious institutions to develop and adopt their own digital communication infrastructures, marking a shift toward partial platform autonomy. Drawing on mediatization theory, the study conceptualizes this transition as a form of digital emancipation, whereby religious organizations reduce their dependence on traditional media gatekeepers and expand their capacity to engage audiences directly. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes audience data and engagement metrics from Christ Is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) Church Online platform, alongside institutional reports on reach and impact during and after pandemic-related restrictions. Findings indicate a gradual but sustained increase in online participation, coupled with significant global reach, suggesting the normalization of digitally mediated worship and the emergence of interactive digital congregations. However, the study also finds that this shift introduces new dynamics shaped by platform logics, audience expectations, and production demands. The paper concludes that while COVID-19 catalyzed a move toward greater communicative autonomy for religious institutions, this transformation represents not a complete rupture from mediatization, but a reconfiguration of it within digital environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Francis Wachira, Lydia Radoli, Agneta Alubala http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors Influencing the Performance of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) Agricultural Project in Evurore Ward, Embu County
This paper is premised on the findings of a study that aimed at investigating factors influencing the performance of the Order of Saint Augustine agricultural project in Evurore ward, Embu County. The specific objectives of the study were: to evaluate the influence of participation by key institutional community stakeholders on the performance of the OSA Project in Evurore ward, and to examine the influence of farmer group participation on the performance of the OSA Project in Evurore ward. The study was motivated by the growing concerns of the failed agricultural project performance of the OSA agricultural project in Mbeere North, Embu County. The study was based on participatory theory and employed a descriptive research design. The target population consisted of 300 farmers participating in the OSA agricultural project. The study collected quantitative data through structured questionnaires. Inferential and descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the quantitative data using SPSS, such as mean, percentages and standard deviation and were presented in tables. The results showed evidence of a significant positive relationship of farmer group participation (P =0.000, r =0.793) and project performance. Additionally, there was positive relationship between community stakeholders (p =0.000, r =0.51) and project performance. The study recommended that policymakers should strategically emphasise farmer group participation and stakeholder participation to further improve the performance of the OSA agricultural projects in Evurore ward, Embu County
Copyright (c) 2026 Victoria Karwitha Kimathi, Enoch Harun Opuka, Jacktone Akelo http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Beyond Leadership: How Organizational Culture Conditions the Success of E-Learning Implementation in Kenyan Universities
The success of e-learning implementation in higher education depends not only on leadership but also on the organisational culture within which leadership operates. While prior research has established that ambidextrous leadership influences technology adoption, limited empirical attention has been given to how organisational culture conditions—strengthens, weakens, or nullifies—these effects. This study investigated the moderating role of organisational culture in the relationship between ambidextrous leadership and e-learning implementation in Kenyan universities. Grounded in the competing values framework and theories of cultural moderation, the study adopted a mixed-methods cross-sectional design. A census of 130 respondents was conducted using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews across the University of Kabianga (public) and Kabarak University (private). Hierarchical multiple regression and thematic analysis were employed. The findings revealed that organisational culture significantly moderates the relationship between ambidextrous leadership and e-learning implementation (β = 0.493, p = 0.002), explaining an additional 1.4% of variance beyond leadership dimensions alone. Notably, leadership flexibility, innovation support, and capacity building became non-significant when culture was introduced as a moderator, indicating full cultural mediation. Technical support alone remained significant (β = 0.177, p = 0.035), suggesting culture-independent effects. The study concludes that organisational culture is not merely a contextual backdrop but a critical conditioning mechanism that determines whether leadership practices translate into implementation outcomes. Universities seeking to enhance e-learning must prioritise cultural change alongside leadership development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Baariu Martin Maroo, Godfrey Mwamba http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phenomenological Insights into Strategic Leadership and Climate Risk Governance in Kenya’s Banking Sector: Qualitative Approach
Climate change poses systemic risks to financial institutions. It is therefore necessary for it to become part of corporate governance processes that consider and incorporate climate concerns into enterprise risk management. Yet amid growing global concern over climate‐risk governance, there is no substantial body of empirical phenomenological research on how corporate boards in developing economies perceive, make sense of, interpret, manage, and operationalise these risks within their overall institutional risk frameworks. This study, which focused on phenomenological insights into strategic leadership and climate risk governance in Kenya’s banking sector, attempted to address this gap. The study used a qualitative interpretive approach. The results were derived from a thorough interpretive phenomenological analysis, which was narrowed to focus on identified themes pertaining to board perceptions on climate risk, governance frameworks, and strategic leadership practices. The results suggest that climate risk governance is progressively being integrated into banking institutions’ enterprise risk management frameworks, board oversight structures, risk assessment models, and disclosure processes. Additionally, the Central Bank of Kenya's regulatory guidance on climate change governance by corporate boards has attracted significant attention. However, there are still barriers to effective climate change management within banking institutions, including insufficient availability of climate data, limited technical capabilities, and frequent regulatory changes. The findings underscore the importance of perceived strategic leadership of corporate boards on climate change risk management in accelerating climate risk governance in Kenya’s banking institutions. Easier access to data, human capacity strengthening and stronger enforcement are recommended.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mwakazi Gershon M. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Indigenous Gikuyu Herbs, Names of Places, and Climate Change Adaptation
Globally, more than 400,000 plant species are used for medicinal purposes. For centuries, African communities have relied on indigenous herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases. Despite the introduction and widespread adoption of Western medicine, many African societies continue to depend on herbal remedies, particularly for ailments perceived to respond poorly to conventional biomedical treatment. Herbal medicine is also commonly regarded as more affordable and as having fewer side effects than Western pharmaceuticals, whose high cost often exceeds the purchasing power of many populations. This paper examines indigenous herbal medicine among the Agikuyu community, with particular emphasis on practices that predate colonialism and remain relevant in contemporary society. The study focuses on major medicinal trees whose names have been used to designate geographical spaces where they naturally grew or once existed. In several cases, environmental degradation has led to the disappearance of these trees, leaving behind place names whose original ecological and medicinal significance is no longer widely recognized by present-day inhabitants. The paper discusses the nutritional and medicinal value of these trees, the ailments they are used to treat, and the belief systems that underpin their use. The study further explores the continued relevance of herbal medicine in addressing both persistent and emerging diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, and COVID-19, while highlighting the challenges facing indigenous herbal practices in the modern context. Data were collected through oral interviews with scholars, herbalists, and individuals aged 50 years and above who have used herbal remedies, and were supplemented by relevant secondary literature. The study underscores the need for accurate knowledge regarding the efficacy and appropriate use of indigenous herbs, alongside increased awareness of potential side effects, contrary to the widespread assumption that herbal medicine is entirely safe. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving indigenous medicinal knowledge for future generations, particularly through place names as cultural and ecological markers, which can contribute to community resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change.
Copyright (c) 2026 Catherine Ndungo http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Is there such a Language as Gikirinyaga?
This paper adopts an interrogative approach to foreground the dilemma currently unfolding in Kirinyaga County, where a section of the county’s inhabitants has expressed reservations regarding the use of the name Gikuyu to designate their language and Agikuyu to refer to the people. This group contends that, although the language they speak exhibits notable similarities with Gikuyu, it constitutes a distinct language and should therefore not be classified as a dialect of Gikuyu. The issue is further complicated by the contrary position taken by the Kirinyaga County Government, which views the proposed change of both the linguonym and the ethnonym as an undesirable development with the potential to drive a wedge between the people of Kirinyaga and their brothers and sisters with whom they are presumed to share the ethnonym Agikuyu. Without prescriptively offering a resolution to this impasse, the paper adopts an analytical perspective that integrates historical (archival), linguistic, and sociolinguistic accounts. Historical records indicate that the area currently known as Kirinyaga County was, at one point, part of what was then referred to as Embu District, a configuration that may have been informed by perceived close cultural and linguistic affiliations between the people of Kirinyaga and those of Embu. At the levels of phonology, morphology, and the lexicon, significant similarities are observed between the Gikuyu varieties spoken in Kiambu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties, on the one hand, and that spoken in Kirinyaga County, on the other. However, noticeable discrepancies within these same linguistic domains also emerge when the varieties spoken by the two groups are juxtaposed. The sociolinguistic considerations highlighted in this study are therefore critical in determining whether Gichugu–Ndia and Gikuyu warrant recognition in the linguistic record as two distinct entries or as a single entry.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kenneth Kamuri Ngure http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Cultural Reflection of Metaphors and Proverbs in Toposa
This paper examines how metaphors and proverbs reflect the culture and identity of specific ethnic groups. Focusing on the Toposa people, a herding community in South Sudan, it demonstrates that metaphors and proverbs are structured around culturally salient domains such as warfare, marriage, famine and hunger, and name-giving, among others. These figurative expressions are embedded in cognitive frameworks that, once activated, facilitate the comprehension of non-literal language. The analysis is grounded in Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), which provides a framework for understanding how abstract concepts are mapped onto concrete experiences. Warfare metaphors and proverbs reflect the lived experiences of warriors on the battlefield, while marriage-related figurative expressions highlight the roles and expectations of women within marital relationships. Metaphors and proverbs associated with famine and hunger exemplify the harsh realities of the environment, and those connected to name-giving reveal the characteristics or virtues attributed to individuals. Collectively, these figurative expressions encode and transmit societal values and norms: a successful warrior is revered, an obedient wife brings harmony and happiness to the household, a husband is expected to act as protector, and metaphorical names underscore the esteem granted to bravery in battle while condemning laziness and foolishness. the metaphors and proverbs of the Toposa not only convey literal and figurative meaning but also serve as cultural markers that reinforce social norms, ethical expectations, and communal identity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lokuuda Kadanya, Helga Schröder http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CV Phonology of the Syllable in the Oluwanga Language of Western Kenya
This paper describes the syllable structure of Oluwanga words within the framework of the Generative CV phonology theory which views the syllable as consisting of three tiers, the syllable tier, the CV tier and the segmental tier. It seeks to establish the extent to which the rules advanced by the CV phonology theory are applicable to the Oluwanga syllable system. The data used in the study was obtained from a personal elicitation by the author who is a native speaker of the dialect as well as through conversations with informants, who are competent native speakers of the language. Whereas Troyer (2007) observes that the Oluwanga syllable structure consists of five syllables, (V-, CV-, CVV-, NCV-, CGV-), this study argues that there are six syllable types, which are not necessarily a result of the application of the two rules postulated by Clements and Keyser (1983), namely, deleting the syllable initial C resulting into the V syllable and inserting the syllable final C resulting in the CVC syllable. The study contends that in Oluwanga, there is a V-only syllable with a clear grammatical function. There is also the CVC syllable found in words that have the glide consonant /j/ in the syllable boundary position. The study concludes that the preferred core association structure is that of one-to-one, followed by the many-to-one association, the latter being a syllable structure of the long vowels. Syllable transformations, which lead to the process of vowel insertion, occur in Oluwanga loan words
An Analysis of Some Errors Made in Writing Chinese Characters by Learners at the University of Nairobi
The present study investigated some of the errors made in writing standard Chinese characters by Year 1 to Year 4 undergraduate students at the Confucius Institute, University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenya. One of the authors, who teaches at the Institute, observed that learners experienced considerable difficulty in writing Chinese characters. This observation motivated the study, which sought to identify the types of errors made, explore their possible causes, and propose pedagogical solutions. Although none of the learners were native speakers of Chinese, they had the advantage of being instructed by several native speakers of the language. Each participant was issued with a questionnaire to provide personal details and was further required to write a short essay. All responses were produced using Chinese characters and were subsequently analyzed for writing errors. The analysis revealed two major categories of errors: errors in sentence structure and errors related to the writing of strokes within characters. The present paper focuses specifically on errors associated with stroke writing. The findings indicate that learners committed significantly more errors of stroke omission than stroke addition. The strokes most frequently added were piě (ノ), héng (一), diǎn (丶), and shù (丨), while the strokes most commonly omitted included piě (ノ), héng (一), diǎn (丶), shù (丨), and tí (㇀). Errors of stroke omission accounted for 73.7% of the total errors, whereas errors of stroke addition constituted 26.3%, making omission errors almost three times more frequent than addition errors. In addition, two radicals were omitted in some instances. These errors may be attributed partly to the learners’ level of proficiency in Chinese. However, the high frequency of stroke omission errors appears to stem primarily from an inadequate understanding of the correct stroke order in character writing, coupled with insufficient practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jing Xu Rotich, Jane A. N. Oduor, Catherine N. Agoya Wotsuna http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Acoustic Analysis of the Relationship between Vowel Height and Tone in Dholuo
This study investigated the relationship between vowel height and tone in Dholuo, a Nilotic language spoken in western Kenya. Dholuo has two main dialects; this study focused on the Kisumu–South Nyanza variety. Previous research, notably Hombert (1978), suggests that vowel height may influence tonal realization, with high vowels tending to raise pitch. However, the extent and direction of this effect are known to vary across languages. To determine whether vowel height affects tonal realization in Dholuo, lexical items bearing high and low tones were selected for analysis. These items contained the low vowel /a/ and the high vowels /u/, /ʊ/, /i/, and /ɪ/. Four native speakers of Dholuo (two male and two female) participated in the study. Their productions were recorded directly into a computer using Speech Analyzer software and an external microphone. The recorded data were phonetically transcribed, after which Speech Analyzer was used to extract fundamental frequency (F0) values for the vowels, measured in Hertz (Hz). For each vowel–tone combination, the sum and mean F0 values were calculated. The results showed that differences in the pitch levels of both high and low tones across high and low vowels were not statistically significant. Nevertheless, the findings support the widely observed cross-linguistic tendency for high vowels to be associated with higher pitch, thus confirming a universal predisposition, even though this effect does not appear to be phonologically robust in Dholuo.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jane Akinyi Ngala Oduor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cultural Implications of the Kipsigis Clan Names
The present paper investigated the Kipsigis clan names under the major family name category with the aim of establishing the cultural implications in them. The study was done in Kericho and Bomet counties in Kenya from December 2023 to January 2025. Thirty clan names were collected and broken down into their components, and examined for their meaning, usage, and cultural context using a theory of personal names which was propounded by Makondo (2009) and principles from Lexical Pragmatics Theory by Wilson (2003) & Carston (2002). The findings of the analysis are that the Kipsigis society is structured into clans which were divided according to their origin into special clans, clans from the wider Kalenjin tribes, clans from the Maasai community and clans from Kisii community. Several cultural implications from the clan names were established. One is that that the Kipsigis value identity which they derive from clans. Second, they also value preservation of bloodlines by not allowing marriage between members of the same clan. Third, patriarchal system was seen in the tracing of lineage from fathers to sons beginning from the clans’ founding fathers. Fourth, their value for animals and connection to them is seen in the totems that every clan identifies with. Finally, through the clan system, preservation of the Kipsigis history is done in the oral narratives that each clan has of their lineage
Copyright (c) 2025 Fancy Soi, Dr. Klaus Derungs http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Nurses' Personal Religious and Spiritual Beliefs on Their Well-Being in Balancing Work-Family Conflict
Nursing is a sensitive and stressful profession and employment of religious and spiritual coping strategies is necessary to mitigate work-family conflict. Nurses frequently navigate the tension between demanding professional responsibility and familial obligations, often leading to work-family conflict and emotional strain. This review explores how personal religious and spiritual beliefs serve as internal resources that enhance nurses’ well-being. Drawing from empirical studies, and theoretical perspectives, the paper highlights the protective role of spirituality in mitigating burnout and fostering resilience. These beliefs can provide a sense of purpose, support and reliance which can help mitigate work-family conflict. Moreover, the beliefs act as coping mechanisms, helping nurses manage the demands at work and at home. The paper presents an overview of how these beliefs foster a sense of inner peace and providing a framework for understanding and dealing with stressors due to their role in conflict resilience and emotional regulation. This enhances overall mental well-being and improve the ability to balance work and family demands. The paper demonstrates the need to have a clear policy and awareness for the healthcare staff to ensure that nurses make use of the services. The paper is important in informing healthcare facilities, churches, and Christian organizations to help nurses who are involved in this sensitive profession for better outcomes of not only quick recovery to the patients but for the well-being of the nurse’s family.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mary Nekesa Mudave http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Death, dying, and the afterlife have been central concerns across human cultures, with interpretations of such phenomena varying greatly across time and space. The paper offers a comparative review of Greek, Jewish, New Testament, and African Christian views on death and eschatology highlighting both points of convergence and divergence. Greek thought on death ranges from the Homeric shadowy, underworldly Hades, in which souls exist in a dismal limbo, to Platonic doctrines insisting on the soul’s immortality, to Epicurean philosophical positions denying postmortem existence altogether and emphasizing the finality of bodily death. Jewish thought similarly evolved from early depictions of Sheol in the Hebrew Bible, a shadowy place of the dead, toward Second Temple ideas embracing bodily resurrection, apocalyptic visions, and the hope of divine restoration. The New Testament reinterprets death through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ with an emphasis on bodily resurrection, final judgment, and communal eschatological hope. In African traditional conceptions, for example, among the Akamba and the Akan, death is not an end but a rite of passage into ancestorhood. These perspectives emphasize the continuity of community, moral accountability, and the ritual passage from the world of the living into the ancestral world. A comparative analysis demonstrates resonances between New Testament and African perspectives, such as beliefs in life beyond death, moral responsibility, communal orientation, and the importance of ritual in marking important transitions in life. However, divergences remain, particularly with respect to the nature of the afterlife judgement, and the Christocentric hope accentuated in Christian contextualized eschatology that incorporates indigenous motifs, in particular “homegoing” and ancestor remembrance, and yet grounds hope in the resurrection of Christ. Such an approach carries implications for pastoral care, catechesis, liturgy, and ethical living. Ultimately, this paper shows that African intuitions of continuity and relationality can enhance Christian theological reflection without compromising the distinctiveness of the gospel message.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mumo Kisau http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The phrase in persona Christi - “in the person of Christ” - expresses one of the deepest mysteries of Christian ministry: that in sacramental actions, it is Christ Himself who ministers through the Church’s ordained servants. This paper explores the application of this doctrine within the Anglican Church, with a particular focus on the Kenyan context. It argues that Anglican theology, shaped by the Reformation’s via media, holds a distinctive balance between sacramental objectivity and communal participation. The priest, acting in persona Christi, is neither a mystical intermediary nor a mere functionary, but a representative servant through whom Christ’s reconciling grace flows to the faithful. Historically, the concept emerged from Catholic teaching affirmed by the Council of Trent, was critiqued and reinterpreted by the Reformers, and found renewed expression in Anglicanism’s synthesis of Scripture, tradition, and reason. In Kenya, the doctrine is not abstract but embodied in pastoral realities; single mothers seeking acceptance, elderly polygamists walking paths of conversion, and believers living with HIV longing for healing at the Eucharistic table. Acting in persona Christi thus calls clergy to embody Christ’s hospitality, truth, and mercy amid cultural diversity and moral complexity. The study concludes that this doctrine anchors the Church’s sacramental life in Christ’s faithfulness, nurtures communal priesthood, and inspires servant leadership rooted in the Gospel’s call to reconciliation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rev. Dr.Enoch Harun Opuka http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Contribution of Role Play Management Development Practice on Service Delivery
Role-playing allows managers to act out in the position of responsibilities which are not theirs but have qualification to perform, it enables the managers to perform duties in the organization which belong to others. The duties they perform enable them to understand the tasks that are within the organization and increase self-confidence as well as mounting skills in handling the tasks allocated to them. Studies have been conducted on role-playing in organization but few studies have been conducted in public universities hence the study sought to establish the contribution of role-playing management development practices on service delivery in Kenyan public universities. The study adopted a positivism research philosophy and descriptive survey research design. The study targeted all the fourteen public universities located in the South Western Kenya top management both in academic and administrative staff. The study adopted stratified sampling in selecting the respondents from the strata that are relevant to the study and simple random sampling method was used in selecting respondents in each stratum. Descriptive and inferential statistics specifically the Likert scale and regression analysis were used. The study findings indicated the contribution of role-playing management development practice on service delivery was significant (Adjusted R Square = 0.335, F=105.660, p >0.05). The study contributes to theory and practice in that organizations should encourage role playing so as to maximize on the human resources that contribute to service delivery.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Erick Nyakundi Onsongo http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Contextual Witnessing Among Luo Muslims in Western Kenya
Islam is a religion that has dominated many parts of Africa. The attempt to convert the Muslims through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has been marred by many challenges including the tendency to generalize Islam and by extension applying general or old conversion strategies. However, conversion from one faith to another should be understood from a localized or a contextual perspective. Through qualitative and library research, the discussions centre on three key areas that are fundamental in developing strategies appropriate to Muslim witnessing with special reference to Luo Muslims in Western Kenya. First, a historical background of the coming of Christianity and Islam to Kenya and their perspectives to the African cultures have been provided. Second, a focus on how Islam has interacted with local cultural death practices among the Luo Muslims in Western part of Kenya has been carried out. Lastly, the understanding of who Jesus is, which is pivotal in Christian salvation, has been appropriated. Missiological and theological approaches have been devised as necessary bridges in conversion experience among the Muslims together with the training in Muslim evangelism. In conclusion, rather than looking at Islam from a general perspective, this study of Islam and the Muslim people takes the local context into consideration, with a particular cultural area of emphasis in this paper being death and burial practices among the Luo Muslims. It is through the in-depth understanding of cultural issues that the church can develop strategies relevant for Muslim evangelism.
Christian, witnessing, Great Commission, culture, contextual, theological and missiological approaches.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lawrence Oseje http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The present study investigated cultural values in Kipsigis personal names of the birth name category. The study was done in Kericho and Bomet counties, Kenya, from December 2022 to August 2023. A total of 20 personal names were collected and analyzed using the anthroponym-pragma-semio-semantic decompositional theory which proposes that a name is first broken down into its various morphological components so as to arrive at its meaning. The birth names were analyzed and sub-categorized into time birth names, season names, location names and ancestral names. Each name is broken down into its various morphemes and the literal meaning is established. From this analysis several morphological processes are noted such as prefixation, compounding involving several word classes and deverbalization. From the process of prefixation, the feature of gender is brought out whereby names of boy begin with kip- and girls’ names beginning with chep-. Several cultural implications were brought out which include the need to mark history surrounding the birth of a child, herdsman culture and belief in the supernatural. Keywords: meaning, cultural implications, values, herdsman culture
Copyright (c) 2025 Fancy Soi, Prof. Helga Schroeder http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Euphemistic Expressions in the Kagulu Language of Tanzania
This document aims to show how euphemisms are being used in the Kagulu language of Tanzania and how euphemistic expressions reflect cultural realities of the Kagulu language community. Euphemisms are used to substitute words or speeches which are too harsh when referring to some unpleasant or embarrassing situation. In other words, euphemisms are used to make unacceptable words or language to become sweet and acceptable. The Kagulu speakers employ euphemistic expressions to handle such matters, which are thought to be unacceptable to be spoken directly before other people of the community. In the Kagulu language, euphemisms are used to avoid the use of such words, to teach the Kagulu community about their ethics, to avoid conflicts and embarrassments, and to bring stability in the community. Euphemisms are used to motivate people to like and use their language in the right way. Normally, the Kagulu language speakers, who use euphemistic expressions when they speak, are considered to be people of wisdom and are honored greatly in the Kagulu community. Key Terms: Euphemism, Kagulu, cultural norms and environments, traditional religious beliefs, taboos
Copyright (c) 2025 Raymond Remi Sekabigwa http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Psychological Well-being on the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Special Schools in Luanda Sub-county, Vihiga County
Caregivers of children living with autism spectrum disorder are confronted with many obstacles that have an impact on their psychological health and, in turn, their quality of life. This study explores the influence of psychological well-being on quality of life of caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) attending special schools in Luanda Sub-County, Vihiga County. This study adopted the Social-Ecological System Theory to explain how the caregivers of ASD children interact with different contexts as they execute their caregiving responsibilities. The research employed a phenomenal approach and purposive sampling method to select the respondents from special schools in Luanda Sub-County. The tools employed for the study were interview guide and focus group discussions. Data was gathered via videotape recordings and field notes and then transcribed word for word. The objective of the study was to explore how the psychological well-being encompassing aspects such as autonomy, personal growth, and self-acceptance of the caregivers' of children with ASD affects their overall quality of life. The study found out that numerous challenges faced by the caregivers revolve around lack of information and awareness regarding ASD which delayed the diagnosis of ASD. These affected their self- acceptance, autonomy, and personal growth, which in turn influenced their Quality of Life (QOL). The study recommends raising public awareness about ASD, providing caregivers with skills to manage socially unacceptable behaviors, make therapies accessible and affordable for the caregivers, and provide them with support to help them improve their psychosocial well-being and QOL. Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, quality of life, caregivers, psychological well-being, self-acceptance, autonomy, personal growth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Grace Akula, Prof. Niceta Ireri, Dr. Alice Omondi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0