FAMILY SOCIO-ECONOMIC STABILITY AND THE REINTEGRATION OF CHILDREN INSTITUTIONALIZED IN CATHOLIC CHURCH-RUN INSTITUTIONS IN LANG'ATA-KIBRA SUB-COUNTIES, NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
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Date
2025-09
Authors
ELIZABETH AKOTH
Journal Title
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Publisher
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA
Abstract
The reintegration of institutionalized children remains a challenge where families face socio-economic instability. The study assessed the influence of family social economic stability on the reintegration of children institutionalized in Catholic church-run institution in Langata-Kibra Sub Counties, Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess the influence of family socio-economic constraints, family employment opportunities, socio-economic stability challenges influence the reintegration of children institutionalized in Catholic Church-run institutions in Lang’ata and Kibra Sub Counties, Nairobi County, Kenya as well as to determine the strategies that enhance the reintegration of children institutionalized in Catholic Church-run institutions in Lang’ata and Kibra Sub Counties, Nairobi County, Kenya. Attachment Theory and Social Network Theory was used in this study. This study adopted a convergent parallel design. Study targeted 40 participants (4Directors, 4 Counselors, 12 Social workers and 20 Caregivers. Census sampling techniques was used to get a propionate 40 sample size. Questionnaire and interview guide was used in data collection. The data that was analyzed using (SPSS) version 26. Quantitative data was summarized using descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies). The qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study found that socio-economic constraints, particularly low income, financial instability, inadequate housing, and high debt, significantly hinder the reintegration of institutionalized children in Langata-Kibera Sub-Counties. Families often struggle to meet institutional financial requirements, while job insecurity further complicates their ability to provide for reintegrated children. Although education and healthcare were less consistently cited, they remain challenges for disadvantaged families. Stable employment emerged as a key factor in facilitating reintegration. To address these barriers, financial support, family counseling, and vocational training were identified as crucial strategies. The study recommends further research on socio-economic constraints, a focus on employment opportunities, and the design of effective reintegration programs to enhance family stability and improve outcomes for children.
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THESIS
Keywords
Socio-economic stability, child reintegration, institutionalized children, child welfare, family support systems, Catholic Church-run institutions, Lang’ata–Kibra Sub-Counties, Nairobi County, Kenya