Catholic Church and rural development in Kenya; a case study of Makueni division in Machakos district

Abstract

Rural development focuses on the improvement of the living conditions of the rural people, the majority of whom have been neglected in the past by policy makers. Indeed, it is a vital subject that most developing countries cannot afford to ignore if they must attain equitable redistribution of the National Cake. It is also important that a genuine cooperation between the Government, the local people and NGOs be encouraged so as to realize meaningful rural development. In view of this call, some christian churches have positively contributed to the peoples' socio-economic welfare not neglecting their religious role. A notable example in this case is the catholic church in Kenya. She has adopted a universal approach to salvation by integrating evangelization with development. Inspite of the vital role played by the catholic church in rural development, little effort has been done to study the various approaches used by the church. This study therefore aims at investigating the role taken by the Catholic Church in the field of rural development in Makueni Division of Machakos District. In other words, it hopes to establish the nature, extent and impact of the church facilitated programmes in Makueni. In order that we could attain our goal, three key hypotheses were formulated. It was stated that the church has initiated various development activities in Makueni and that the local people are fully involved at all stages. Secondly that the church and the Government of Kenya have collaborated in order to attain a meaningful rural development; and Lastly that the poor people may not be benefitting much from these activities compared to the rich. A pilot study was then undertaken to test the possibility of gathering enough data in the proposed field of study. Alot of projects were unearthed in this area. Makueni, Kaumoni and Kathonzweni locations were then chosen to be the main area for our case study. The various programmes found in the three divisions were listed down and each category was studied on its own merits. Questionnaires, interviews and participant observation methods were adopted to ensure that the relevant data could be gathered. The study observes that the people of Makueni are facing problems such as poverty, poor infrastructure, exploitation by the rich and rural urban migration among others. Having noted this the catholic church has embarked on development activities hoped to improve the people's social welfare. She has initiated income generating projects, water projects, farming activities, savings and credit cooperatives, Adult literacy, public health and Family Planning Programmes. The study concludes that these church activities have benefited many people. However the rich and more so the powerful have benefited most as opposed to the poor. This is just compendium of the study. You are therefore invited to discover what the study has discussed at length and make your own assessment