INITIATION OF DOMESTIC WATER PROJECTS BY NEOPENTECOSTAL CHURCHES TO ALLEVIATE DOMESTIC WATER SCARCITY IN TIGANIA WEST CONSTITUENCY
Abstract
Purpose: This study explores the role of Neo-Pentecostal Churches (NPCs) in addressing water scarcity in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, Kenya, where 97% of the population lacks adequate water access, despite their biblical mandate and strong community presence.
Methods: Using an interpretivist approach and qualitative methodology, the research employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to assess NPCs' involvement in planning, implementing, and maintaining domestic water projects. Data was collected through interviews with 22 pastors, focus group discussions with 59 church members, and analysis of church documents. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following the interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework.
Results: The study found that despite their strong presence and biblical mandate to address community needs, NPCs have demonstrated minimal engagement in water project initiatives. Most churches prioritized spiritual activities over practical water solutions, with only one church showing limited involvement through material and technical support to a community water project. This lack of engagement contrasts with successful water initiatives by other faith-based organizations both globally and locally.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Neo-Pentecostal Churches (NPCs) in Tigania West have minimal engagement in initiating domestic water projects despite their biblical mandate. Addressing this gap requires a paradigm shift through theological reflection, strategic partnerships, and community-driven water initiatives.
Recommendation: The study recommends that Neo-Pentecostal Churches (NPCs) enhance their involvement in water projects through capacity building, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization. Integrating water development into church policies and emphasizing biblical teachings on social responsibility can foster sustainable solutions.
Keywords: Water project initiation, water scarcity Faith-Based Organizations, faith-based community development, religious social responsibility, Neo-Pentecostal Churches
References
Burgess, R. (2015). Pentecostalism and democracy in Nigeria: Electoral politics, prophetic practices and cultural reformation. Nova Religio, 18(3), 38-62. https://doi.org/10.1525/nr.2015.18.3.38
Burgess, R. (2015). Pentecostals and development in Nigeria and Zambia: Community organizing as a response to poverty and violence. Penteco Studies, 14(2), 176–204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1558/ptcs.v14i2.176
Cutcliffe, J. (2003). Reconsidering reflexivity: Introducing the case for intellectual entrepreneurship. Qualitative Health Research, 13(1), 136-148. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732302239416
Donkor, K. (2020). The Church of Pentecost and sustainable development in Ghana. Journal of Pentecostal Theology, 29(1), 95-118. https://doi.org/10.1163/17455251-02901006
Hudelson, P., Cleopas, K., & Perneger, T. (2014). Validity and reliability of qualitative data analysis: Inter-rater agreement in reconstructing interpretative frames. Field Methods, 26(2), 156-171. https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X13520382
Hudelson, P., Gayet-Ageron, & Courvoisier, D. (2014). Sample size for pre-tests of questionnaires. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263815867
Karuti, F. M. (2015). Influence of beneficiary participation on effective monitoring and evaluation of community-based water projects in Kenya: The case of Kiabaibate-Nchura in Tigania West Sub-County. [Master’s Thesis, University of Nairobi]. http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke>handle
Kaunda, C. J., & Kaunda, M. M. (2018). Mobilizing religious assets for social transformation: A theology of decolonial reconstruction perspective on the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs (MNGRA) in Zambia. Religions, 9(6), 176. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9060176
Leung, L. (2015). Validity, reliability, and generalizability in qualitative research. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(3), 324-327. https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.161306
Marsh, C., & Tonoyan, A. (2009). The civic and political role of the Russian Orthodox Church. In M. D. Steinberg & C. M. Wanner (Eds.), Religion, morality, and community in post-Soviet societies (pp. 271-296). Indiana University Press.
Methodist Church in Kenya (2020). Rural & Urban Development. https://methodistchurchkenya.org/rural-urban-development/
Muller, G. (2016). Religious communities as partners for development cooperation. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. https://www.bmz.de/en/publications
Mwaura, P. N. (2012). The dynamics of traditional religions, African Traditional Religion, Islam, and Christianity in contemporary Kenya. In E. K. Bongmba (Ed.), The Wiley-Blackwell companion to African religions (pp. 239-254). Wiley-Blackwell.
Mwaura, P. N. (2020, February 14-15). Neo-Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches as Agents of Social Transformation through Harnessing of Social and Spiritual Capital [Paper presentation]. 11th GloPent Conference Basel on Pentecostal Strategies of Public Engagement, VID Specialized University, Norway. https://glopent.net>basel2020
Obi, L., & Omulo, C. (2018, January 30). Kenya scores poorly on access to treated water. The Daily Nation, Healthy Nation pullout, p. 8.
Parsitau, D. (2014). The civic and public roles of neo-Pentecostal churches in Kenya (1970-2010). [Doctoral thesis, Kenyatta University]. https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789/11920
Pietkiewicz, I., & Smith, J. A. (2014). A practical guide to using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in qualitative research psychology. Psychological Journal, 20(1), 7-14. https://doi.org/10.14691/CPPJ.20.1.7
Revolvy (2018). Tigania West Constituency. https://www.revolvy.com/page/Tigania-West-Constituency
Ruden, S. (2020). The God of running water among the radical prophets of wild water. http://www.laphamsquarterly.org/water/god-running-water
Samaritan Purse International (2018). Celebrating over 500 new churches in South Sudan. https://www.samaritanspurse.org
Sande, N. (2020, February 14-15). Spiritual welfare or abuse? Towards good practices for Pentecostal public engagement [Paper presentation]. 11th GloPent Conference Basel on Pentecostal Strategies of Public Engagement, VID Specialized University, Norway. https://glopent.net>basel2020
Singleton, A. (2011). The rise and fall of the Pentecostals: The role and significance of the body in Pentecostal spirituality. Scripta Instituti Donneriani Aboensis, 23, 381-399. https://doi.org/10.30674/scripta.67398
Smuts, R. (2019). Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42): A Paradigmatic Encounter for Discipleship [μαθητής] and Witness [μαρτυρία]. [Doctoral Dissertation, Stellenbosch University]. https://scholar.sun.ac.za
WHO (2019). Water-related diseases: Information sheets.
https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases-risks/diseases/diseasefact/en/
Zane, D. (2020, June 29). Lazarus Chakwera: Malawi’s president who ‘argued with God’. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53221035
