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UBUNTU ESCHATOLOGY: A THEOLOGICAL INNOVATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS IN THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MACHAKOS, KENYA.
(THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2026-11-03) FR. PETER KYALO MBUVI
The doctrine of the Communion of Saints expresses the enduring communion of the Church on earth, the faithful departed, and the saints in heavenly glory through their union with Christ. Within African contexts, however, this doctrine is often interpreted alongside traditional understandings of ancestors, communal identity, and continuity beyond death. This study examined the doctrine of the Communion of Saints with the aim of inculturating it using Ubuntu values in the Catholic Diocese of Machakos. The study adopted an empirical theological approach integrating documentary analysis with qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary data were collected from forty-eight questionnaire respondents, twenty-nine Key Informant Interviews, and three Focus Group Discussions comprising thirty participants drawn from diverse parish communities within the Diocese. Documentary analysis of Sacred Scripture, the Magisterium, patristic writings, and African theological and philosophical writings provided the theological and conceptual framework, while the empirical data were interpreted through theological reflection. The study established significant convergence between Ubuntu and the doctrine of the Communion of Saints in their shared emphasis on relational personhood, communal belonging, solidarity, remembrance, and continuity beyond death. It also demonstrated important theological distinctions, showing that while Ubuntu provides culturally meaningful categories for interpreting ecclesial communion, the doctrine of the Communion of Saints remains grounded in Christ, divine revelation, and the sacramental life of the Church. Although participants demonstrated high awareness of the doctrine, the study identified varying levels of theological understanding, particularly regarding the relationship between saints, ancestors, and prayer for the faithful departed, highlighting the need for deeper contextualised catechesis and sustained pastoral formation. The study proposes Ubuntu Eschatology as an inculturated theological framework that brings Ubuntu into constructive dialogue with Catholic teaching while preserving the Christological, ecclesiological, sacramental, and eschatological integrity of the doctrine. It concludes that authentic inculturation of the doctrine of Communion of Saints can strengthen evangelization, catechesis, and pastoral ministry within the Catholic Diocese of Machakos and offers a framework that may be adapted to other African ecclesial contexts.
AN ANALYSIS OF COLLABORATIVE MECHANISMS FOR LAND DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN MSAMBWENI, KWALE COUNTY.
(THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2026-11-03) ASSUMPTA KEMUMA MAKORI
Land conflicts have remained a serious problem in the Msambweni Sub-County of Kwale County as far as social stability, economic progress, and the use of land resources are concerned. In this study, it has been examined the contribution of collaboration mechanisms in the settlement of land conflicts by assessing the impact of communication channels, actors involved, prevalence of land conflicts, and utilization of conflict resolution mechanisms. The study was anchored on
Institutional Theory, Collaborative Governance Theory, and Conflict Transformation Theory and employed a convergent parallel research design. The target population comprised 500 people, from whom a sample of 222 individuals was taken quantitatively by using Yamane formula and stratified random sampling, while the qualitative sample was purposively chosen until data saturation occurred. Data collection was done using questionnaires, interviews, and discussion
groups. Thematic content analysis was used in the analysis of qualitative data, while the SPSS 2024 was used in the analysis of quantitative data using descriptive statistics. It emerged that collaborative processes help in improving the management of land conflicts in Msambweni Sub-County. Traditional methods of communication, along with the engagement of community elders and local leaders, have proven to be more effective in resolving disputes than the official ones. However, the regularity of land disputes affected institutional performance and lack of public trust, thus leading to the regularity of disputes. Although alternative dispute resolution and customary mediation helped in resolving the disputes, their performance remained constrained due to poor implementation, ineffective coordination, poor enforcement, corruption and low stakeholder participation. From the study findings, it can be concluded that for sustainable management of land conflicts, there is a need to improve communication and stakeholder collaboration and implement the mechanism of conflict resolution. The study suggests improvement in institutional capability, transparency in land administration, and digitization of land records as means to improve land governance. Apart from this, the study highlights the need for expanded civic education, increased stakeholder participation, tackling of corruption and political interference and integration of customary and formal dispute resolution mechanism among others.
UCHANGANUZI WA MASUALA MTAMBUKO NA LUGHA KATIKA MASHAIRI TEULE YA NUHU BAKARI KWENYE JUKWAA LA MTANDAO LA VIUSASA, KENYA.
(THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2026-11-03) CATHERINE K. ABUYA
Utafiti huu umeshughulikia masuala mtambuko na lugha katika mashairi teule ya Nuhu Bakari yaliyowasilishwa kwenye jukwaa la mtandao la VIUSASA. Masuala mtambuko ni masuala yaliyovuka mipaka ya dhamira moja na kugusa nyanja nyingi za maisha kwa wakati mmoja. Mshairi Nuhu Bakari ni maarufu kwa ubunifu wake wa mashairi yenye ukwasi wa lugha. Mashairi ya Nuhu Bakari huakisi masuala mtambuko na lugha yenye uketo wa kisanaa. Husawiri kwa ukwasi wa kina lugha ya Kiswahili kwa kugusia masuala ya kijamii, kisiasa, na kiuchumi. Madhumuni ya utafiti huu yalikuwa kujadili masuala mtambuko katika mashairi teule ya Nuhu Bakari na kuchunguza namna Nuhu Bakari alivyotumia lugha kuwasilisha masuala mtambuko katika mashairi yake. Utafiti uliongozwa na Nadharia ya Uhalisia wa Kijamii kwa mujibu wa Lucas’z (2021) na Nadharia ya Umitindo kwa mujibu wa Leech na Short (1981). Muundo wa utafiti ni wa kimaelezo. Eneo la utafiti ni jukwaa la mtandao la VIUSASA. Kikundi lengwa cha utafiti ni mashairi simulizi ya Nuhu Bakari yaliyoghaniwa katika miezi ya Juni hadi Novemba 2024. Sampuli ya utafiti ni mashairi kumi na mawili yaliyoteuliwa kimakusudi kwa misingi ya uanuwai wa masuala mtambuko yaliyomo. Data zilikusanywa kwa kusikiliza kwa makini na kuyanakili mashairi ya Nuhu Bakari yaliyoghaniwa katika miezi ya Juni hadi Novemba 2024. Uchanganuzi wa data utafanywa kimaelezo. Data za kila lengo la utafiti ziliainishwa. Mtafiti alibuni mada ndogondogo kutokana na dhamira mbalimbali zilizojitokeza katika mashairi yaliyoteuliwa. Data za kila lengo la utafiti zilifasiriwa, mtafiti alinukuu madondoo na kuyajadili kwa kina huku akiongozwa na nadharia za utafiti. Mawazo ya wataalamu waliotangulia yalirejelewa pia ili kuimarisha mjadala. Matokeo yalibainisha kuwa mashairi ya Nuhu Bakari kwenye VIUSASA yanajadili masuala sita mtambuko. Haya ni usalama, uchumi, ulaghai, siasa, elimu na haki za vijana, jinsia, ndoa na dini. Masuala hayo yanaingiliana na kuakisi matukio halisi ya Kenya. Miongoni mwayo ni machafuko ya Baringo, Mswada wa Fedha wa 2024, maandamano ya Gen-Z, kashfa ya mbolea ghushi, na tukio la Butere. Mbinu ya ithibati tatu imethibitisha uhusiano huu, ikiimarisha Nadharia ya Uhalisia wa Kijamii. Kimtindo, mashairi haya yalitumia mbinu kumi na nne za kisanaa. Mbinu hizo ni pamoja na; sitiari, majazi na lakabu, takriri, nidaa, maswali ya balagha, misemo na nahau, tamathali za kidini, kuchanganya ndimi na kuhamisha msimbo, tashbiha, tashihisi, chuku, ritifaa, kinaya na tasfida. Mbinu hizi zinaongozwa na Umitindo. Zinaunganika kuimarisha uzito wa kihisia na kijamii wa ujumbe. Utafiti huu unatarajiwa kuwanufaisha wasomi, waandishi wa mashairi, wanaoghani mashairi katika vyombo vya habari, na waunda mitaala ya elimu nchini Kenya.
EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ON INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY IN PUBLIC SENIOR SCHOOLS IN MAVOKO SUB-COUNTY, MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA
(THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2026-11-03) ROY MUTHURI KABURU
This study examined the effectiveness of teachers’ professional development programs on instructional delivery in public senor schools in Mavoko sub-county, Machakos County, Kenya. The study focused on the following research questions: How do in-service training programs affect teachers’ instructional delivery in public senior schools in Mavoko sub-county? To what extent do workshops and seminars improve teachers’ instructional practices in public senior schools in Mavoko sub-county? To what extent do mentorship programs affect teachers’ instructional delivery in public senior schools in Mavoko sub-county? What challenges influence teachers’ participation in professional development programs in public senior schools in Mavoko sub-county? What strategies can be adopted to enhance the effectiveness of teachers’ professional development programs in improving instructional delivery? The study was grounded in Human Capital Theory by Theodore Schultz. A mixed-methods approach under a convergent design was employed. The quantitative component adopted a cross-sectional design, while the qualitative component was guided by a phenomenology design. The target population comprised 16 public senior schools, including 16 principals, 285 teachers, 2,850 Form Three and Four students, and one Sub-County Director of Education. Sampling techniques used included stratified sampling for schools, simple random sampling for teachers, systematic sampling for students, and criterion-purposive sampling for principals and SCDE sampling, resulting in a sample of 7 schools, 7 principals, 74 teachers, 285 students, and the Sub-County Director of Education. Data collection instruments included questionnaires for teachers, interview guides for principals and the Sub-County Director of Education, focus group discussion guides for students, a document analysis guide, and an observation guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 28, where descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used. Inferential statistics, including t-tests and ANOVA, were used to determine differences between variables. Findings were presented using tables. Instrument validity was ensured through face, content, criterion, and construct validity, while reliability was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha (0.8). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo, guided by credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability, with ethical considerations observed. The study found that mentorship, workshops, seminars, and in-service training enhanced teachers' delivery, practices, and delivery of instruction. Financial limitations, excessive workloads, restricted ICT access, and insufficient administrative assistance were also found to be obstacles to professional development in both quantitative and qualitative research. The research advises the Teachers Service Commission, the Ministry of Education, and school principals to enhance ongoing, adequately funded, school-based professional development that includes mentorship, ICT, and routine oversight support.
INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP IN “OCTOGESIMA ADVENIENS”: A THEOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO NEGATIVE ETHNICITY IN RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI, KENYA
(THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2026-10-27) Lucia Ndinda Nzomo
This dissertation examines inclusive leadership as articulated in Octogesima Adveniens (1971) as a theological response to the persistent challenge of negative ethnicity within religious communities in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya. Situated within an ecclesiological framework that understands the Church as the sacrament of communion, the study argues that religious communities are called to embody unity in diversity through participation, fraternity, and shared
mission. Although consecrated life is founded on the Gospel values of communion, equality, and evangelical witness, the study establishes that negative ethnicity continues to manifest itself in formation houses, leadership structures, community life, pastoral ministry, and decision-making through ethnic favoritism, exclusion, leadership bias, mistrust, and unequal participation. These practices undermine ecclesial communion, weaken missionary evangelization, diminish the credibility of consecrated life, and contribute to vocational frustration, weakened fraternity, and, in some cases, departures from religious life. Employing a dogmatic-contextual and interdisciplinary methodology, the study integrates Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, the Church's Magisterium, Catholic Social Teaching, African theological perspectives, social analysis, and empirical research. It situates the Archdiocese of Nairobi within its historical, cultural, and
pastoral context before examining the origins and contemporary manifestations of negative ethnicity in Kenya and their influence on the life and governance of religious communities. Qualitative data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and consultations with bishops, priests, religious men and women, formators, the Office of Consecrated Life in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, ACWECA, AOSK, RSCK, Ex - religious, and lay Christians. The findings
reveal persistent patterns of ethnic favoritism, structural injustice, inadequate intercultural formation, shallow catechesis, and insufficient integration of Catholic Social Teaching in leadership formation and community life. They further demonstrate that ethnic diversity enriches the Church when properly integrated but becomes destructive when ethnic loyalties supersede baptismal identity and the Gospel values of justice, reconciliation, and communion. Through a
hermeneutical reading of Octogesima Adveniens, interpreted in dialogue with the Second Vatican Council, subsequent papal teaching, African theological scholarship, and the contemporary synodal vision of the Church, the dissertation demonstrates that inclusive leadership is not merely an administrative model but a theological imperative rooted in Trinitarian communion and the Church's mission. It promotes participation, dialogue, accountability, justice, shared responsibility, intercultural fraternity, and respect for the equal dignity of every person, thereby providing a theological framework for overcoming ethnic divisions, strengthening ecclesial communion, and renewing the evangelical witness of religious life. The study concludes that authentic renewal of religious communities requires sustained spiritual conversion, intercultural and justice-oriented formation, transparent and participatory governance, and the integration of Catholic Social Teaching throughout initial and ongoing formation. It proposes inclusive leadership, inspired by Octogesima Adveniens, as a credible theological response for transforming negative ethnicity into positive diversity, fostering reconciliation, justice, and communion, renewing consecrated life, and strengthening missionary evangelization within the Archdiocese of Nairobi and the wider African Church. The dissertation contributes to the development of a contextual theology of leadership that integrates ecclesiology, Catholic Social Teaching, and consecrated life in addressing one of the most pressing pastoral and ecclesial challenges facing the contemporary Church in Africa.