NEXUS BETWEEN BIBLICAL STUDIES PROGRAM AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF STREET FAMILIES IN SELECTED FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION’S REHABILITATION PROGRAMS IN ELDORET TOWN, KENYA

Abstract

Despite numerous efforts, the number of street families in Kenya continues to increase over time. This threat that has existed since independent has proven to be difficult to overcome. However, faith-based organizations now recognize their biblical mandate for reaching out in love to the needy as a panacea to this threat. Therefore, this study explored the nexus between biblical studies programs and the spiritual development of street families drawn from the rehabilitation programs in selected Faith Based Organizations in Eldoret Town, Kenya. The study was underpinned by the Divine Command Theory, and adopted a descriptive mixed methods research design that triangulated data collection by infusing a mix of techniques, including questionnaire, interviews and field observations. The study targeted 52 FBO directors, 687 street families, 180 chaplains, and the chairman of the North Rift Child Care and Protection Association (NRCCPA). In retrospect, a sample of 246 individuals comprising of 12 FBO directors, 48 chaplains, 185 street families and the chairman NRCCPA was constituted. Validation and reliability of the study instruments was facilitated through a pilot study conducted in the nearby town of Kapsabet in Nandi County. Consistent with the mixed methods approach, data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data analysis was facilitated through frequencies/proportions and Chi-square tests of association. Conversely, qualitative codes were used to extract recurring themes from the qualitative nuances. The descriptive analysis results together with field observations and interview responses revealed that bible study programs continue to be a significant component of FBOs' efforts to rehabilitate street families in Eldoret town. The Pearson chi-square test, the likelihood ratio test, and the linear-by-linear test results confirmed that the nexus between these bible study programs and spiritual development among street families is positive and statistically significant. The study concludes that proactive employment of Bible study programs in FBOs in Eldoret town to rehabilitate street families has a direct impact on the spiritual growth of these families. Therefore, all FBO’s should also adopt policy guidelines that embrace bible studies programs.