2003-2006 STUDENTS' FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS
AND ABSTRACTS OF APPROVED MA THESES

All Field Research projects are based on forty hours of professional-style field work in and about Nairobi directed by lecturers and facilitated by Kenyan university graduates trained as field assistants. The field assistants work with students on a one-to-one basis making contacts, translations, explanations and interviews. The field research is written up in a required fifteen page research/integration paper on file at the MIAS library.

 

2005/2006 ACADEMIC YEAR FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS

 SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER SEMESTER COURSES

COURSE: Contemporary Political and Economic Realities in Kenya

 Topics Researched:  

• The Role of Colonialism in Shaping the Present Economic Patterns in Kenya. (Evarist Bikorwomuhangi, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• The Impact of NARC Government's Free Primary Education on Teachers in Kenya.  (Joseph Kinyuru, Kenyan)

• Post-Independence Political Space and how Kenyan Women have Utilized it. (Rita Njau, Kenyan)

• The Role of Provincial Administration in the Contemporary Political Economy of Kenya: A Critical Perspective.  (Kapis Owuor, Kenyan)

• Colonialism's Role in the Residential Demarcation of Nairobi City.  (Cyril Papa, Kenyan)

• Over-Concentration of State Power as a Central Theme in the Kenya Constitutional Review Process.  (Joseph Wasonga, Kenyan)

COURSE: Moral Teachings and Practices of African Traditional Religion

 Topics Researched:  

• Morality Among the Agikuyu and the Modern Changes. (Justin Atit, Sudanese, Kenya Resident)

• The Driving Force of African Morality.  (Girmay Berhane, Eritrean, Kenya Resident)

• African Morality in the Traditional and Contemporary Society: The Case of the Agikuyu of Kenya.  (Evarist Bikorwomuhangi, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• The Role of Folk Tales in Moral Formation in Kibera Slums.  (Stephanie Chan Shin-ying, Chinese, Kenya Resident)

• Decline of Respect Towards Elders in the Contemporary African Society.  (Beatrice Gachaiya, Kenyan)

• Effects of Formal Education on the Agikuyu Morality.  (Rita Njau, Kenyan)

• Changing African Morals: A Case Study of the Akamba People of Kenya.  (Leonard Oketch-okumu, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• Culture Morality and Development: A Study in the Persistence of Levirate Union with Reference to the Luo Community of Kenya. (Kapis Owuor, Kenyan)

• Female Circumcision: The Ethical Debate to Keep or Abolish the Cut. (Gregor Schmidt, German, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: Justice and Peace in East Africa

 Topics Researched:  

• The Place of African Culture in the Work of Upper Hill Catholic Parish's Justice and Peace Commission.  (Girmay Behrane, Eritrean, Kenya Resident)

• Security as a Fundamental Human Right in Modern and Traditional Africa: The Case of Ongata Rongai.  (Evarist Bikorwomuhangi, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• The Waning Authority of the Njuri Ncheke in Resolving Land Disputes in the Greater Meru Region  (Joshua Igweta Gatimu, Kenyan)

• The Role of Elders in Maintaining Peace: A Case Study in the Luo Community.  (Richard Ng'ong'a, Kenyan)

• The Role of Rwandese Women in Peace Building in Post-Genocide Rwanda.  (Rita Njau, Kenyan)

• Insecurity and Voting Patterns in Kenyan Urban Constituents: Case Study of Embakasi Constituency.  (Cyril Papa, Kenyan)

• Conflict Resolution Methods at the Communal Level Among the Agikuyu and Luhyia Communities.  (Perla Rivera, American, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: African Culture: An Overview

 Topics Researched:  

• A Comparison of Initiation in the Traditional African Setting and the Process of Initiation in Religious Houses of Formation in the Christian Tradition. (Liam Finnerty, Irish)

• Changing Patterns of Family Life Among Low Income Nairobi Inhabitants.  (Francois Richard, French, Zambia Resident)

• Marriage Institution: An Investigation into the Come-We-Stay relationship. (Beatrice Gachaiya,  Kenyan)

• The Influence of FM Radio Stations on Cultural Change in Nairobi.  (Joseph Kinyuru, Kenyan)

• African Views of the Supernatural.  (Anna Minja, Tanzanian,Kenya Resident)

• The Meaning of Death/Burial in African Culture in Reference to Luhyia (Abanyala) and Akamba People.  (Mathias Onalo, Kenyan)

• Changing Patterns in the Consumption of Indigenous Foods: Case Study of the Maasai and Agikuyu Communities of Kenya  (Cyril Papa, Kenyan)

• Contemporary Beliefs about Witches and Witchcraft in Kenya. (Gregor Schmidt, German, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: African Christian Theology

 Topics Researched:  

• The Concept of Death Among the Luo and its Interlink with Christian Concept. (Justin Atit, Sudanese, Kenya Resident)

• Christology of some African Instituted Churches.  (Francois Richard, French, Zambia Resident)

• What makes the Bible Attractive to African People Especially in Nairobi City. (Denis Katusiime, Ugandan,  Kenya Resident)

• Priority Issues in Contemporary African Studies: A Case for African Christian Theology.  (Kapis Owuor, Kenyan)

• Incorporation and Modification of the African Cosmology Among Christians.  (Gregor Schmidt, German, Kenya Resident)

 JANUARY - APRIL SEMESTER COURSES

COURSE: African Culture: An Overview

 Topics Researched:  

• Ker Leadership and the Modern Changes in the Luo Community. (Justin Atit Ireneo, Sudanese, Kenyan Resident)

• Traditional Ways of Educating Girls Among the Kikuyu and Luhyia: A Case Study of Nairobi.  (Emmanuel Bazimaziki, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• The Challenge of Enculturation for AIDS Orphans: A Study of Selected Institutions in Nairobi, Kenya. (Mary Brenda, American, Kenya Resident)

• The Impact of Western Clothes to Traditional Clothing Among Nubians and Luhyias in Kibera.  (Angela Brunner- Artho, Swiss, Kenya Resident)

• The Impact of Urbanization on Some African Values: A Study Among Luhyias and Gikuyus in Nairobi - Kenya. (Martin Brunner-Artho, Swiss, Kenya Resident)

• Perceptions of Kenyan Education. (Laurie Collins, Australian, Kenya Resident)

• Major Changes in Family Life in Kenya and their Effects on Children. (Eamonn Piaras MacLochlainn, Irish, Kenya Resident)

• Spinsterhood in the Contemporary African Society. (Catherine Kisasa Muthonde, Kenyan)

• Changes in the perception of the Creator God Among the Agikuyu. (Stefano Tassinari, Italian, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: African Traditional Religion Interprets the Bible

 Topics Researched:  

• How Biblical Stories have Endeared Africans Towards Christian Faith: Responses from Nairobi Christians. (Dan Amolo, Kenyan)

• Comparative Study on Some Religious Concepts in Both the Bible and the Kamba Religion. (Justin Ireneo Atit, Sudanese, Kenya Resident)

• The Luhyia Male Initiation Rites: Dialogue Between African Traditional Rites of Initiation and the Christian Sacraments of Initiation - An African Approach to a Meaningful Catechesis. (Charles Awotwi, Ghanaian,  Kenya Resident)

• The Family in the Bible and African Tradition: A Case Study of Luhyia of Western Kenya Living in and Around Nairobi.  (Emmanuel Bazimaziki, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• The Value of Children in Luhyia Marriage and Old Testament Stories: A Challenge to Urban Luhyia Family. (Emmanuel Edet, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• The Use of the Bible in Parenting. (Beatrice Gachaiya, Kenyan)

• Marriage as a rite of Passage Among the Gikuyu. (Joseph Kinyuru Mwongi, Kenyan)

• Belief in Witchcraft and Kikuyu People: Possible Transformation in them. (Anna Minja, Tanzanian, Kenya Resident)

• Parenting as Found in the Kamba Community and in the Bible. (Catherine Kisasa Muthonde, Kenyan)

• Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Funerals as Catholic Rites of Passage. (Leonard Oketch-Okumu, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• Evil and Salvation in African Religion and Christianity. (Gregor Schmidt, German, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: Sociology of Development/Underdevelopment in African Religion

 Topics Researched:  

• What is Development: Responses from Nairobi Residents. (Dan Amolo, Kenyan)

• The Role of Extended Families in Development: A Study of Satellite. (Evarist Bikrwomuhangi, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• Perceptions of Development Among Women Groups. (Beatrice Gachaiya,  Kenyan)

• Integral Education and Development: A Case Study of Kibera - Nairobi.  (Rosemary Ngumu, Kenyan)

• Perceptions of Development in Kenyan Urban Towns: A Case Study of Nairobi City. (Cyril Papa, Kenyan)

• Community Policing: Patterns of Collaboration Between Community and Police in the Fight against Crime in Ongata Rongai. (Simon Wachira Wahiu, Kenyan)

• From Dependency to Self Reliance: A Case Study of Korogocho - Nairobi. (Gregor Schmidt, German, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: Moral Teachings and Practices of African Traditional Religion

 Topics Researched:  

• Relevance of Traditional African Moral Values in the Contemporary African Christian Marriage. (Andrew Lujuo, Tanzanian, Kenya Resident)

• The Role of African Traditional Education in the Moral and Spiritual Development of the Child Among the Maasai of Ngong.  (Paul Mark Luseni, Sierra Leonian, Kenya Resident)

• Trust and Accountability in African Culture. (Eamonn Piaras MacLochlainn, Irish, Kenya Resident)

• Encounter Between African Traditional Moral Formation and Formation to the Catholic Religious Life: A Case Study of the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi.   (Sr. Rosemary Ngumu, Kenyan)

COURSE: Justice and Peace in East Africa

 Topics Researched:  

• The Feasibility of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for the Sudan. (Justin Ireneo Atit, Sudanese, Kenya Resident)

• Efficacy of African Traditional Method if Family Dispute Resolution/Settlement: A Case Study of the Luhyia Living in and Around Nairobi. (Emmanuel Bazimaziki, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• NARC Conflicts: Genesis, Perpetuating Factors and the Implications for the Leadership of Kenya. (Joseph Gitau, Kenyan)

• A Study on Forms, Causes and Effects of the Girl Child Abuse in Urban Slums: A Case Study of Kawangware. (Christine Masya, Kenyan)

• Violation of Women Rights Seen from an African Perspective. (Gregor Schmidt, German, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: Sage Philosophy: The Root of African Philosophy and Religion

 Topics Researched:  

• Wisdom and the Youth. (Stephanie Chan, Chinese,  Kenya Resdent)

• The Centrality of Truth as a Fundamental Value Among the Agikuyu. (Joseph Kinyuru Mwongi, Kenyan)

• The Effects of Gender Roles on the Development of Agikuyu Women Sages. (Rita Njau,  Kenyan)

• Concept of Kabaka in the Leadership of Buganda Kingdom.  (Joseph Ntale, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• Role of a Sage in Kenya Urban Societies: A Case Study of the Luo Community in Nairobi. (Cyril Papa, Kenyan)

• Leadership in Environmental Care in Kenya. (Russell Peters, Australian, Kenya Resident)

JUNE IMMERSION COURSES

COURSE: African Culture: An Overview

 Topics Researched:  

• The Impact of Modern Transport System on African Culture.  (Andrea Nicodemo, Eritrea, Kenya Resident)

• The Communal Character of Leadership in Traditional African Context. (Charles Brock, American)

• Polygamy Among the Luo People: Case Study of Luo's in Kibera Slum. (Alejandro Cisneros, Mexican, Kenya Resident)

• Children Among the Gikuyu: A Blessing or Curse?  (Stembridge Maimbo, Zambian, Kenya Resident)

• The Influence of Urbanization in the Decline of Childhood Moral Formation Among Maasai Youth.  (Leonard Oketch-Okumu, Ugandan,  Kenya Resident)

• Entrepreneurship in the Luhyia Culture.  (Gloriose Sakubu, Burundian, Kenya Resident)

• Cultural Significance of Food Among the Akamba.  (Lilian Uche, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• Reflections on Religious Themes Between the Kikuyu and Christianity. (Richard Wehrmeyer, American, Kenya Resident)

 COURSE: African Traditional Religion Interprets the Bible

 Topics Researched: 

• The Family in African Tradition and in the Biblical Perspectives: A Case Study of the Luhyia.  (Rosemary Ngumu, Kenyan)

• The Concept of Evil Among the Akamba People.  (Mary W. Sebastian, Kenyan)

• Christian Outreach in Nairobi City: A Case study of Nairobi's Mission Related Protestant Churches.  (Emmanuel Likoko Sikuku, Kenyan)

• Music in the African Catholic Church: Toward a Fusion of Cultural Experience. (Patrick O'Shea, American)

COURSE: Contemporary Political and Economic Realities in Kenya

 Topics Researched:  

• Ethnicity Versus Nationhood: The Kenyan Experience ... Views from the Nairobi Metropolitan Residents. (Dan Amolo, Kenyan)

• Age Set Antagonism as a Factor of Political Change Among the Kipsigis of Kenya. (David Kiprono Cheruiyot, Kenyan)

• Traditional Leadership Among the Nandi Ethnic Group. (Francis Kimani, Kenyan)

• Is there a Need and Desire for a New Political Party to Represent the Nubians of Kibera? (Damian George Martell, British, Kenya Resident)

• Factors Destroying Effective Leadership Today. (Catherine Kisasa Muthonde, Kenyan)

COURSE: Towards the Inculturation of Religious Life in Africa

 Topics Researched:  

• Religious Community in an African Context: The Challenge to be One-Hearted. (Sabina Amaguru, Ugandan)

• Religious Life as Marriage: Towards Inculturating Traditional African Marriage Values into Christian Religious Life. (Joseph Efanga Archibong, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• The Causes of Conflict in Religious Communities. (Emmanuel Bazimaziki, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• Kinship Obligation/Solidarity in Africa: An Attempt at Inculturating Religious Life Today. (Emmanuel Edet, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• At Home in Religious Life. (Francis Hall, British)

• Relations Between Ex-Religious and their Former Religious Communities: Charity and Justice. (Marius Jiodio, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• Relating Among African Families and Religious Communities: A Comparative Study of African Families in Kibera and Religious Communities in Lang'ata. (Julius Ambrose, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• Towards a Pedagogy of Accompaniment and Participation of the Families of Religious. (Kevin Kraft, American, Kenya Resident)

• Sociological and Incarnational Considerations in Inculturation. (Rose Macharia, Kenyan)

• An African Understanding of Sisterhood. (Teresa Mwaniki, Kenyan)

• A Sense of Belonging in International Communities: An African Perspective. (Urszula Pietrzak, Polish, Kenya Resident)

 JULY IMMERSION COURSES

COURSE: African Culture: An Overview

 Topics Researched:  

• Promotion of Health by Diviners in the Context of African Traditional Spiritual Maturity. (Virginia Egwuchukwu, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• An Exploratory Study on the Luo and Kikuyu Social Mechanisms on Pre-marital Sex in View of the Contemporary Society. (Sophia Wangechi Muchiri, Kenyan)

• Contrasting the Socialization Process of the African Traditional and Modern Families: A Case Study of the Luhyias. (Apollonia Ibekwe, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• Spending Leisure: The Phenomenon of Nairobi Bar-goers and the Understanding of Leisure. (Julius Thouri Ambrose, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: African Marriage and Family: Challenge and Change

 Topics Researched:  

• Challenges Facing Mate Selection Among the Kisii Ethnic Group in Kenya. (Amanda Eiman, American)

• The Emergence of Single Motherhood as a Social Norm in Nairobi Today. (Catherine Kisasa Muthonde, Kenyan)

• Specific Challenges that African Families are Facing Today. (Rodrigo Ulloa, American)

• The Contemporary Challenges of Bridewealth Among the Luo People. (Samwel Otieno Sudhe, Kenyan)

• Levirate Marriage: A Case Study Among the Luhyia in Kenya. (Emmanuel Bazimaziki, Rwandese, Kenya Rsident)

COURSE: Justice and Peace in East Africa

 Topics Researched:  

• Human Rights, Death Penalty and African Culture. (Marius Jiodio, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• Democracy, Multipartysim and Ethnic Clientelism in Kenya. (Dan Amolo, Kenyan)

• African Traditional Law and Justice Systems. (Francis Kimani, Kenyan)

• Good Governance and African Culture: Some Roots of Corruption in Kenya. (Marie Adele Dennis, American)

• HIV/AIDS and Justice in African Culture. (Dinh Hung, American, Tanzania Resident)

• The Effects of Darfur Conflict and Violence on the Local People. (Stembridge Maimbo, Zambian)

• The Role of the Media in Promoting Human Rights in the Slums: A Case Study of Lang'ata and Kibera Slums. (Joseph Kinyuru Mwongi, Kenyan)

• Human Rights, Justice and Religious Life. (Teresa Mwaniki, Kenyan)

• Causes of Conflicts in the African Society and Possible Ways of Resolving them. (Lilian Uche, Nigerian, Kenya Resident) 

2004/2005 ACADEMIC YEAR FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS

 SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER SEMESTER COURSES  

COURSE: African Cultures: An Overview

 Topics Researched:

•  Cultural Norms and Customs in the Lives of African Religious.  (Janine E. Coleman, South African)

•  The Religious Function of Marriage Rituals in Contemporary African Society.  (Raphael Ngong Teh, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• Traditional African Religious Values which have been Incorporated into Christianity and Enrich the Lives of African Christians Today.  (Maureen Castello, American)

• Some Aspects of Cultural Adaptation of Rwandese in Nairobi. (Emmanuel Nsabiyaremye, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• Impact of Drugs and Alcohol on the Youth Sub-Culture of Selected Slum Areas of Nairobi.  (John Olsen, American, Kenya Resident)

• Hospitality in African Society.  (Epimarck Mkenda, Tanzanian)

• Traditional African Kinship Relationships as Lived and Experienced today in an Urban Context.  (Richard Nnyombi, Ugandan)

• Initiation into adulthood for Gikuyu Boys and Girls. (Clement Mulenga, Zambian)

• Responsible Parenthood in African Culture.  (Mary Pereira, Indian, Kenya resident)

• “Street Children in Nairobi.”  (Maria Sheila, Indian, Kenya resident)

• The Family in the African Conception.  (Denis Katusiime, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

 COURSE: African Traditional Religion: Major Beliefs, Practices and Contemporary Forms:

 Topics Researched: 

• Continuity of African Traditional Religion with Special Reference to the Ancestral Beliefs and Practices.  (Richard Nnyombi, Ugandan)

• The Role of Religious Functionaries with Particular Reference to Medicine People in Contemporary African Society.  (Raphael Ngong Teh, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• Adoption as a Religious and Moral Practice in the African Society.  (Mufungizi Mosala, Congolese, Kenya Resident) 

• Commitment of an African to Catholic Religious Life within African Tradition. (Russell Peters, Australian, Kenya Resident)

• A Study of Four African Communities understanding of Death and Significance of Funeral Rites.  (Loretta Brennan, Australian, Kenya Resident)

• Conflict Resolution Among Rwandese People in Nairobi. (Emmanuel Nsabiyaremye, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• A Comparative Study Between the View of Roles of Ancestors in African Traditional Religion and Korean Traditional Religion. (Sylvia Eunja Lee, Korean)

• The Role of African Traditional Religion in Environmental Conservation. (Epimarck Mkenda, Tanzanian)

• The Role of Burundi Women Toward African Traditional Religion. (Gloriose Sakubu, Burundian, Kenya Resident)

• The Role of Spirits in Healing among the Akamba People.  (Flavian Mwendwa, Kenyan)

 COURSE: Sage Philosophy: The Root of African Philosophy and Religion

 Topics Researched: 

• The Concept of a ‘Person’ in the Traditional African Society.  (Mufungizi Mosala, Congolese, Kenya Resident)

• Community-Living as a Cherished Value in Africa. (Elzbieta Kowiel, Polish, Kenya Resident)

• Proverbs for Normative Education: African Wisdom as Enshrined in their Proverbs. (Richard Ng’ong’a, Kenyan)

• A Person as a Relating Being Rather than a Thinking Being in African Worldview. (Epimarck Mkenda, Tanzanian)

• The Philosophy Behind African Family Relationships.  (Athanasius Onyoni, Kenyan)

• Concept of Time Among Africans. (Joshua Ongeta, Kenyan)

• Home Grown Conflict Management Resolution Among the Kikuyu Community (Girmay Berhane, Eritrean, Kenya Resident)

• ‘Traditional Rites of Passage’ Their Relevance to Contemporary Problems of our Country: with Reference to Gikuyu Rites of Passage. (Joseph Gitau, Kenyan)

• An Evaluation of Cultural Issues in the Media Using Sage Philosophy. (Rosemary Wambui Kamau, Kenyan)

• The Herbalists. (Tobias Mutale, Zambian)

• There is a lot of Wisdom Among the African People (Sages). (Fred Kenyanya Onchonga, Kenyan)

 COURSE: Spirituality, Personhood and Psychotherapy In An African Context 

 Topics Researched: 

• African Beliefs and Wisdom that can be Compared to or Contrasted with the Christian Religion.  (Janine E. Coleman, South African)

• The Religious Function of Death Rituals in Contemporary African Society. (Raphael Ngong Teh, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• The Role of Traditional Medicine Specialists in African Communities.  (Elzbieta Kowiel, Polish, Kenya Resident)

• Healing in Luo Society: Reconsidering a Holistic Approach to Healing.  (Richard Ng’ong’a, Kenyan)

• Healing Among the Displaced People: A Case Study of Rwandese Refugees in Nairobi.    (Emmanuel Nsabiyaremye, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• Rituals as Psychotherapy among the Luo of Kenya.  (Mufungizi Mosala, Congolese, Kenya Resident)

• Attitudes of Religious Leaders (Christians and Muslims) and Government Leaders Towards Traditional Medicine. (Richard Nnyombi, Ugandan)

• Witchcraft is a Worldwide Evil.  (Fred Kenyanya Onchoga, Kenyan).

JANUARY - APRIL SEMESTER COURSES

COURSE: African Culture: An Overview

 Topics Researched:

• An Outline of Mythical Origins of the Agikuyu Community and its Implications on the Cultural Set up of the Agikuyu Community Today.  (Flavian Mwendwa, Kenyan)

• The Pre-Christianity Maasai Conception of the Creator God.  (Jose Eudes, Brazilian)

• Marriage Among the Kisii and Akamba Communities.  (Shaji Kongamalayil, Indian, Kenya Resident)

• Marriage Among the Luo of Kenya.  (Saji Puthenpurackal, Indian, Kenya Resident)

• Critical Analysis of Gikuyu Traditional Political Systems and the Contemporary Political System in Kenya.  (Ravi Yerraji, Indian, Kenya Resident)

• An Overview of the Gikuyu Marriage System.  (Joseph Prameel, Indian, Kenya Resident)

• The Socio-Cultural Significance of Clitoridectomy among the Agikuyu: Showing How this Significance can be applied Today.   (Rita Njau, Kenyan)

• Marriage and Family in Contemporary Kenya.  (Perla Rivera, American, Kenya Resident)

• Challenges of Socializing Children in Contemporary Kenya.  (Joshua Ongeta, Kenyan)

• The Changing Role and Status of the African Woman in Urban Post-Colonial Era.  (Joseph Gitau, Kenyan).

• The Challenge of Cultural Loyalty for Urbanized Kikuyu Focused on Initiation. (Jose Valderrama-Alvarez, Indian, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: African Christian Theology: Historical and Systematic Development

 Topics Researched: 

• New Trends in the Development of African Christian Theology with a Kenyan Relevance Today.  (Flavian Mwendwa, Kenyan)

• The Comparison between Herbalists’ Instruction Way of Healing and Gospel Way of Deliverance for Christians. (Richard Ng’ong’a, Kenyan)

• Assessment of the Factors that Hindered Inculturation in Africa and a Way Forward.  (Girmay Berhane, Eritrean, Kenya Resident)

• Africans Response to Womanist Concerns in African Christian Theology.  (Emmanuel Nsabiyaremye, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• African Christian Theology presented as a Reflection to Violence Against Women.  (Epimarck Mkenda, Tanzanian)

COURSE: African Marriage and Family: Challenge and Change

 Topics Researched:  

• Forms of Bridewealth in Kenya.  (Emmanuel Nsabiyaremye, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• Conflict and Compatibility Between African Customary Marriage and Christian Marriage (Epimarck Mkenda, Tanzanian)

• An Analysis of Cross ethnic Marriages in Kenya.  (Rita Njau, Kenyan)

• Towards an Integrative Model of Understanding Culture: A Case study of Marriage among the Agikuyu and Akamba of Kenya.  (Denis Odinga, Kenyan)

• Cohabitation in Kenya’s Urban Towns: A Case Study of Nairobi City.  (Franklin Carpio, Ecuadorian, Kenya resident)

 COURSE: African Traditional Religion Interprets The Bible

 Topics Researched: 

• A Case Study on Selected Biblical and African Women on the Places and Role of Women in Religious Communities in the Bible and African Tradition. (Rita Njau, Kenyan)

• The Challenges of Biblical Interpretation in African Religious Formation Houses: A Case Study of the Initial Formation of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Kisubi Uganda.  (Denis Katusiime, Ugandan)

• The Place and Role of  Symbols in Religious Communities in the Bible and in the Luo Traditional Society.  (Zachary Kyungu, Congolese, Kenya resident)

• Incorporation into the Christian Community Today: A Case Study of Embu Naming Practices Vis-à-vis Christian Incorporation Rites.  (Edith Kayeli Chamwama, Kenyan)

COURSE: Contemporary Political and Economic Realities in Kenya

 Topics Researched: 

• Factors that Perpetuate Neo-Colonialism- Ego Underdevelopment in Kenya.  (Joseph Gitau, Kenyan)

• Political Parties and the Democratic participation of Kenyans in Politics.  (Emmanuel Nsabiyaremye, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• A Brief Study of Civic Education in Kenya in the 1990’s.  (Loretta Brennan, Australian, Kenya Resident)

• The Impacts of Culture and Colonialism on the Akamba Women Socio-Economic Development Today.  (Flavian Mwendwa, Kenyan)

COURSE: Moral Teaching and Practices of African Traditional Religion

 Topics Researched:  

• The Cycle of Life: The Role of Ancestors in African Ethics and their Relevance in Christianity.  (Nicola Bortoli, Italian, Kenya resident)

• Red and White: Moral Perspectives in Dinka Reconciliation.  (Alberto Deng Lamana, Spaniard, Kenya resident)

• The Role of the Agikuyu Oral Tradition in Moral Formation, with Specific Reference to Songs.  (Simon Agak, Kenyan)

• Rebuilding of Moral Formation in Africa.  (Justine Nwankwo, Cameroonian)

• The African Moral and Ethical Imperative to Reverence Planet Earth.  (Russell Peters, Australian, Kenya Resident)

• The Ethics of Taboos in African Society.  (Raphael Ngong Teh, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• Ancestors as Watchdogs of Moral Behavior in Africa.  (Clement Mulenga, Zambian)

• Religio-Ethical Understanding of Peace in the Traditional Agikuyu. (Richard Nnyombi, Ugandan)

• The Role of African Elders in Maintaining Moral Order in African Society.  (Epimarck Mkenda, Tanzanian)

• Witchcraft in Moral Education: A Comparative Study in Luo and Bayeke Society.  (Zachary Kyungu, Congolese, Kenya Resident)

• The Moral Dimension of Naming Customs in the Agikuyu, Luo and Baluba Traditions.  (Patrick Fumbisha, Congolese, Kenya Resident)

JUNE IMMERSION COURSES  

COURSE: African Culture: An Overview

 Topics Researched:  

• Death as a rite of passage and the present challenges Among the Luo of Kenya. (Evarist Bikorwomuhangi, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• The Living Dead among the Luo People.  (Joseph Shippen, American)

• Comparison of the Modern and the Traditional Wedding Celebrations of the Kamba Tribe.  (Tuuli Kastemaa, Finish)

• Naming Systems in African Culture.  (Suzanne Hobby-Shippen, American)

• The Process and Significance of the Gikuyu Ceremony of “Roracio” (Bride Price) in Modern Africa.  (Francis Kimani, Kenyan)

• Old Giants Meet: Ancient Catholicism “Discovers” Ancient African Religion.  (Vincent Kuna, American)

• The Religious Experience of African Christians.  (Stephanie Chan Shin-Ying, Chinese, Kenya Resident)

• Polygamy.  (Gloria Alvarez, Colombian, Kenya Resident)

• The Place, Role and Relevance of Herbalists in Contemporary African.  (William Rojano, Ecuadorian, Kenya Resident)

• Effects of Culture on Education of Women in Kenya.  (Bernadette Munyao, Kenyan)

• Single Mothers as a Challenge to Society in African Traditional Culture.  (Olga Cristobal, American)

   

   COURSE: African Traditional Religion Interprets the Bible

 Topics Researched: 

• Towards Understanding the Relationship Between African Christians and the Bible with Particular Reference to Gikuyu of Kenya in Contemporary African Society.  (Raphael Ngong Teh, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• Salvation, Healing and Wholeness in Scriptures and African Tradition.  (Martin Sima, Tanzanian, Kenya Resident)

• Disseminating Cultural Wisdom: What can Bible Translation Agencies Learn From African Ways of Passing on Knowledge.  (Elizabeth Newport, British)

• The Key Issues Affected the African Family Today: Observations from the Kenyan Context.  (Flavian Mwendwa, Kenyan)

• Women in the Bible and African Tradition.  (Stephanie Feder, German)

• Life Beyond Death in African Cultural Perspective and Biblical View.  (Oscar Sutachan, Colombian, Kenya Resident)

• The Concept of God Among the Kikuyu People.  (Domingo Ramirez, Colombian, Kenya Resident)

      

  COURSE: Contemporary Political and Economic Realities in Kenya

 Topics Researched:  

• Ethnicity and Political Democracy among Adult Voters in Kayaba Slum of Nairobi and Rural Karatina in Kenya. (Cecilia Nibyobyonka, Ugandan)

• Critical Success Factors for Handicraft-Focused Women’s Groups in Nairobi: Opportunities and Challenges. (Shelly McCullum, Canadian)

• Political Conflict in Karura Forest: A Case Study of the 1998-2005 Period. (Russell Peters, Australian, Kenya Resident)

• An Investigation into the Perceptions in Respect to the security of People Towards the Role of an Area Chief in the Modern Kenyan Society: A Case Study of Nairobi.  (Denis Katusiime, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• The Divide Between the Ethnic and National Interest: Case of the Kikuyu Middle Class.  (Marius Jiodio, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• Leadership in Contemporary Kenya: Difficulties in Emerging Prophetic Leadership.  (Bafana Hlatshwayo, South African)

   

   JULY IMMERSION COURSES

  COURSE: African Traditional Religion: Major Beliefs, Practices and Contemporary Forms

 Topics Researched:  

• Concept of God in Africa with Particular Reference to the Akamba and the Agikuyu of Kenya. (Deodita Dias, Indian, Kenya Resident)

• Blessings as Spiritual Realities in Dinka and Gikuyu Communities.  (Elizabeth Newport, British)

• Traditional Marriage among the Luo of Kenya.  (Evarist Bikorwomuhangi, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• The Heart of African Prayer.  (Francis Hall, British)

• The Purpose of Traditional Prayers in Agikuyu Community.  (Martin Sima, Tanzanian, Kenya Resident)

• The Presentation of African Religious Heritage Through Christian Religious Education Syllabus in Nairobi Secondary Schools.  (Stephanie Chan Shin-ying, Chinese, Kenya Resident)

   

  COURSE: African Marriage and Family: Challenge and Change

 Topics Researched:  

• African Children and Family Life in Modern Kenya.  (Bafana Hlatshwayo, South African)

• Urban Influence on the Practice of African Bridewealth.  (Benno Kikudo, Tanzanian)

• Challenges of Single Motherhood in Contemporary Kenya.  (Bernadette Munyao, Kenyan)

• The Status of Polygamy in Contemporary Kenya.  (Francis Kimani, Kenyan)

• Mate Selection in the Akamba and Luyia Communities of Kenya.  (Marius Jiodio, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

   

  COURSE: Justice and Peace in East Africa

 Topics Researched:  

• Traditional Methods of Peace Restoration in Families and Clans of the Abaluyia and Gikuyu in Kenya.  (Cecilia Nibyobyonka, Ugandan)

• The Agikuyu Family Values: A Case Study of Lang’ata Constituency.  (Denis Katusiime, Ugandan, Kenya Resident)

• Distributive Justice from an African Perspective: A Case Study of Lang’ata Constituency.   (Emmanuel Nsabiyaremye, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• The Role of Kikuyu Elders in Maintaining Peace in the Community.  (Epimarck Mkenda, Tanzanian)

• The Perception of the Concept on Human Rights among Youth in Lang’ata.  (Flavian Mwendwa, Kenyan)

• Post Colonial Land Settlement: A Road Block to Justice in Kenya.  (Greg Gaut, American)

• The Critical Socio-Economic Challenges of Human Rights in Kenya Urbanization: A Case Study of Nairobi City.  (Kapis Owuor, Kenyan)

• Towards Understanding Traditional African Conceptions of Democracy with Particular Reference to the Akamba of Kenya in Contemporary African Society.  (Raphael Ngong Teh, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

2003/2004 ACADEMIC YEAR FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER SEMESTER COURSES

COURSE: Spirituality and Psychotherapy in an African Context

Topics Researched:

• Treatment and Healing of the Chemically Addicted Person in the African Context. (John Olsen, American, Kenya Resident)

• African Understanding of Sickness and Healing. (John Byung-Keun Ahn, Korean, Kenya Resident)

• The Spirituality of Healing in Africa. (Timothy Matolo, Kenyan)

• The Rite of Naming Ceremony. (Petronilla Kpanah, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• The Role of Childhood Rites in Formation and Projection of Personality. (Timothy Gachanga, Kenyan)

COURSE: Sociology of Development/Underdevelopment and African Religion

Topics Researched:

• Can African Spirituality Ensure and irradiate Development in Africa? (Timothy Gachanga, Kenya)

• Mystical Power: Is Witchcraft Among the Gusii Community a Challenge to Development? (Richard Ondimu Muma, Kenyan)

• Kinship System Among the Abagusii. (Fred Kenyanya Onchoga, Kenyan)

• Church and Development in Kenya: A Case Study of Development/Outreach Initiatives in the Nairobi Environs with Specific Reference to Kibera Slums by Nairobi Baptist Church, Ngong' Road. (Emmy M. Gichinga, Kenyan)

• Zakat and Its Social -Economic Role in Development. (Shamsia Ramadhan, Kenyan)

• Divine Commandments and Sacramental Dimension: A Case Study of the Luhyia Community. (Patrick O. Musumba, Kenyan)

COURSE: African Traditional Religion: Major Beliefs, Practices and Contemporary Forms

Topics Researched:

• The Role of Ancestors in Traditional African Life. (Petronilla Kpanah, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• Levirate Union in the Contemporary Luo Community. (Salmon Akoth Obiero, Kenyan)

• Views About African Morals and Religion: A case Study of the Members of the Parish Pastoral Team in the Guadalupe Catholic Church. (Xavier Gonzalez, Kenya Resident)

• Beliefs and Practices Surrounding Health and Medicine in the Gusii Community of South Western Kenya. (Richard Ondimu Muma, Kenyan)

COURSE: African Cultures: An Overview

Topics Researched:

• Children and the African Family. (Athanasius Onyoni, Kenyan)

• An Exploration of the Teachers Perceptions of African Culture. (Timothy Gachanga, Kenyan)

• The Meaning and Value of Life Expressed in the Rites of Passage Among the Gikuyu People. (Elzbieta Kowiel, Polish, Kenya Resident)

• Iwa-akwa: The Igbo Rite of Initiation. (Petronilla Kpanah, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• Marriage and Family Among the Agikuyu. (Alice Ndirangu, Kenyan)

• The Symbolic Meaning of Ritual Shaving Among the Luo. (Girmay Berhane, Eritrean, Kenya Resident)

• The Rituals Performed at Death by the Luo community. (Salmon Akoth Obiero, Kenyan. 

COURSE: Introduction to East African Art

Topics Researched:

• The Makonde Family Tree: The Tree of Life. (Marta D. Bennet, American, Kenya Resident)

• African Marriage: A Case Study of Kamba Community. (Brenda Betty Kiema, Kenyan)

• Art as an Instrument of Informal Education: Its Impact on Building Professional Skills; An Overview Among the Maasai Community. (Paola Benvenuto, Italian, Kenya Resident)

• Art in Luo Marriage. (George Otieno Obiero, Kenyan)

JANUARY - APRIL SEMESTER COURSES

COURSE: African Traditional Religion: Major Beliefs, Practices and Contemporary Forms

Topics Researched:

• The Concept of Good and Evil in Abagusii Traditional Society. (Athanasius Onyoni, Kenyan)

• Punishing Wrong Doing in the Traditional African Society. (Timothy Gachanga, Kenyan)

• Diviners and Divination System Among the Meru of Mount Kenya. (Elzbieta Kowiel, Polish, Kenya Resident)

• Manifestations of African Traditional Religion in the Life of Young Christians of Nairobi. (Girmay Berhane, Eritrean, Kenya Resident)

• Christian Faith Re-interpreted from the African Worldview of African traditional Religion: A  Case Study of Roho Churches in Kenya. (Daniel Obiero Oguso, Kenyan)

• Ancestors in the Boran Community. (Todd McGregor, American, Kenya Resident)

• Elements of Eschatology in African Traditional Religion. (Maurice Scheppers, American, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: African Christian Theology

Topics Researched:

• African Concept of Time: Its Implications on African Theology. (John Byung-Keun Ahn, Korean)

• Death and After Life in African Christianity. (Richard Ondimu Muma, Kenyan)

• Spirits and Demon Possession in the African Traditional Belief system and in African Christianity. (Elzbieta Kowiel, Polish, Kenya Resident)

• The Concepts of God, Christ and Holy Spirit in Christianity in Africa. (Timothy Matolo, Kenyan)

COURSE: Gospel and Culture: The African Experience

Topics Researched:

• "They Shall Never Die." An Examination of the Surviving Elements of African culture in the Mainline Churches. (Emmy M. Gichinga, Kenyan)

• Rites of Passage. (Daniel Oguso Obiero, Kenyan)

• Did the Agikuyu Find Christianity Beneficial than African Religion? (Alice Ndirangu, Kenyan)

COURSE: African Cultures: An Overview

Topics Researched:

• A Visitor in African Society. (Mosala Mufungizi, Congolese, Kenya Resident)

• The Meaning of Bridewealth. (Fred Kenyanya Onchoga, Kenyan)

• Women's Role and Social Status in Africa. (Sylvia Eunja Lee. Korean, Kenya Resident)

• Africa-Africas: Traditional Education and Challenges. (Fernando Rui, Angolan, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: Contemporary Political and Economic Realities in Kenya

Topics Researched:

• Akamba Socio-Economic Organization. (Petronila Kpanah, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• Refugees Crisis in Kenya. (Mosala Mufungizi, Congolese, Kenya Resident)

• Reasons for Gikuyu Playing a Leading Role in the Struggle for Independence. (Salmon Akoth Obiero, Kenyan)

• The Effects of Colonialism in Kenya. (Timothy Gachanga, Kenyan)

COURSE: Sage Philosophy: The Root of African Philosophy and Religion

Topics Researched:

• Luo Communalism. (Petronilla Kpanah, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• Sage Philosophy on Death Among Luo Community of Kenya. (Timothy Matolo, Kenyan)

• Sages and African Proverbs the Philosophy of Welcoming: Solidarity. (Richard Ondimu Muma, Kenyan)

• Children Taboos as a Source and Conduit of African Philosophy. (Timothy Gachanga, Kenyan)

• Elders and Sages. (Loretta Brennan, Australian, Kenya Resident)

• Understanding Leadership: African Beliefs. (Fernando Rui, Angolan, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: Justice and Peace in East Africa

Topics Researched:

• Agikuyu Conflict Management and Resolution. (Petronilla Kpanah, Nigerian, Kenya Resident)

• The Peace Traditions Among Refugees in Kenya. (Mosala Mufungizi, Congolese, Kenya Resident)

• Kenya Women in Democratization Process. (Salmon Akoth Obiero, Kenyan)

• Protecting Our Children: Understanding the Needs of Urban Refugee Children and their Families. (Melissa Browning, American, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: African Marriage and Family: Challenge and Change

Topics Researched:

• Issues Surrounding African Polygamy Based on the Gusii Community of South Western Kenya. (Richard Ondimu Muma, Kenyan)

• Sororate Marriage Among Ethnic Communities in Kenya. (Timothy Matolo, Kenyan)

• The Meaning of Bridewealth in Traditional African Marriage. (George Busieka, Kenyan)

• The Single-Woman Family Phenomenon Among the Africans in Kenya. (Phylis Muraya, Kenyan)

• Marital Violence: Sources and Effects. (Fernando Rui, Angolan, Kenya Resident)

JUNE IMMERSION COURSES

COURSE: African Cultures: An Overview

Topics Researched:

• Family Life in Urbanized Africa. (Nathan Farley, American)

• Contemporary Changes in African Culture as Expressed Through the Practice and Interpretation of Rites of Courtship and Pre-marriage. (Solveig Meling Kvamsoe, Norwegian)

• How Do Young, High Risk Kenyans Survive? (Russell Peters, Australian, Kenya Resident)

• When Christianity and African religion Meet. (Heidi Lillemoen, Norwegian)

• Bringing Up a Child, Now and Before. (Inger Marie Jakobsen, Norwegian)

• Importance of Elders in the Luo Community. (Richard Ng'ong'a, Kenyan)

• Traditional African Life Challenged by Modernism: Life Giving in Maasai Society. (Marius Jiodio, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• The Effect of Urbanization on the Cultural Values Associated the Position of Older African People in the City of Nairobi. (John Carrigg, Australian, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: Towards the Inculturation of Religious Community Life

Topics Researched:

• Factors Influencing the Discernment of Male Religious in Initial Formation in Africa. (Benedict Croell, American, Kenya Resident)

• Religious Life: Cultural Expectations, Difficulties and Challenges in Formation. (Fernando Rui, Angolan, Kenya Resident)

• The African Concept of Hospitality and its Authentic Expression in Societies of Apostolic Life (Missionary Societies). (John Barry, Irish, Kenya resident)

• Monastic Practice Concerning Fault, Guilt, Reconciliation and Penance in the Light of Gikuyu Tradition. (Pius Muehlbacher, German, Kenya Resident)

• The Effects of some African Patterns of Inter-generational Communication on Religious Communities in Africa. (Vincent Wiseman, American, Kenya Resident)

• African Traditional Values and Religious Vow of Poverty. (Tony Vismara, Italian, Kenya Resident)

• African Socio-cultural Sense of Community Spontaneous Relations and of Solidarity in a Community of African Religious. (Cecilia Nibyobyonka, Ugandan)

COURSE: African Traditional Religion Interprets the bible

Topics Researched:

• African Experience of Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare with Special Reference to Nairobi Churches (Emmy M. Gichinga, Kenyan)

• Jesus Christ Our Ancestor. (Eva Haunreiter, German)

• The Significance of Symbols in Religious Communities in the Bible and Africa. (James O. Etiyat, Kenyan)

• The Role of the Bible in the Changing Agikuyu Family System. (Justine Nwankwo Cameroonian)

• The Religious Interpretations of the Rites of Passage Through Christianity in Africa. (Timothy Matolo, Kenyan)

• Challenges of Disabilities in Africa: A Case Study of Kenya. (Fred Kenyanya Onchoga, Kenyan)

• The Worship and Belief System of AICs. (Daniel Oguso Obiero, Kenyan)

JULY IMMERSION COURSES

COURSE: Gospel and Culture: The African Experience

Topics Researched:

• Christianity in Africa; Conversion and Inculturation: A Case Study of Legio Maria (Marius Jiodio, Cameroonian, Kenya Resident)

• Evangelism Within African Culture. (Timothy Matolo, Kenyan)

• Religious Formation in an African Context. (Fernando Montero, Bolivian, Kenya Resident)

• Do Leaders of African Churches Exploit their People? (Russell Peters, Australian, Kenya Resident)

• African Oral Literature: A Bridge to the Gospel. (Arata Sato, Japanese, Kenya Resident)

COURSE: African Traditional Religion: Major Beliefs, Practices and Contemporary Forms

Topics Researched:

• Observations on the Interaction Between Christianity and African Traditional Religion. (Stephen B. Pattee, American)

• Elders as Agents of Reconciliation in Agikuyu Traditional Community. (Justine Nwankwo, Nigerian, Kenya Resident) 

• The Spirituality of Naming in African Traditional Religion. (Fernando Rui, Angolan, Kenya Resident)

• A System of Morals Among the Agikuyu in Traditional Society. (Cecilia Nibyobyonka, Ugandan)

• Marriage as Practices by the Luo Community. (Richard Aketch Ng'ong'a, Kenyan)

• A Comparative Study of how God Reveals Himself Through Nature Between the Agikuyu and Hutu. (Boniface Dukuzemungu, Rwandese, Kenya Resident)

• Role of the Ancestors Among the Gusii. (Fred Kenyanya Onchoga, Kenyan)

COURSE: African Cultures: An Ove