Abstract:
This journey has not been a mean feat. It was tough, scaring and draining both physically and mentally. I am grateful to God for making this study possible. This far, He is my Ebenezer. I am appreciative to Egerton University for giving me an opportunity to further my studies.
My deep appreciation goes to my supervisors, Dr. Milcah Mutuku, Dr. Adijah Olubandwa, and Dr. Lydia Kinuthia for their support and mentorship throughout my study. This study would not have been a success without your input that helped me shape this thesis. To the members and colleagues at the Department of Applied Community Development Studies for your support not forgetting all the examiners who played an important role that helped make this PhD study a success. Your contribution in my work is great and highly appreciated.
I am also grateful to my husband Moses Mwangi for moral and financial support throughout my study. To my lovely children: Rachael Njoki, Hope Wamahiga and Stanley Thiga for understanding and bearing with me as I juggled between education and family responsibilities.
I am indebted to my parents Stephen Mutiga and Peris Wamahiga for the sacrifice they made to lay a good education foundation for me. Dad, though you are in Heaven, I am full of gratitude. To my mum, your prayers, love, support and encouragement kept me going.
My appreciation goes to my parents, in-law Dr. Stanley Thiga and Rachel Njoki for their support and encouragement and more so being role models of what it means to give the best when it comes to education.
I am thankful to all my sisters, brothers, cousins, aunties and uncles for their support and follow up on how far I had gone. They kept asking when the graduation would be. This induced panic and made me work harder.
Special thanks to my research assistants, Michael, Naomi and Kibet for your support in the field work. There are many other people who played a role in this study that I have not mentioned by name. May the Lord bless you and lift His countenance to you all.
