Transformative Communicative Acts: a Reflection of Lived Experiences of Select Kenyans That Met Their Community Developmental Needs
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Daystar University Repository Transformative Communicative Acts: A Reflection Of Lived Experiences Of Select Kenyans That Met Their Community Developmental Needs by Rebecca Ng’ang’a 10-0621 A thesis presented to the School of Communication, Language and Performing Arts of Daystar University Nairobi, Kenya In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Communication May 2017 Library Archives Copy ii Daystar University Repository TRANSFORMATIVE COMMUNICATIVE ACTS: A REFLECTION OF LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SELECT KENYANS THAT MET THEIR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS by Rebecca Ng’ang’a 10-0621 In accordance with Daystar University policies, this thesis is accepted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication degree. Date _____________________________ __________________ Distinguished Professor, The Rev. Donald K. Smith, 1st Supervisor _____________________________ __________________ Professor Peter K. Ngure, 2nd Supervisor _____________________________ __________________ Rosemary Nyaole-Kowuor, PhD, HOD, Communication Department _____________________________ __________________ Professor Levi Obonyo, Dean, School of Communication, Language and Performing Arts ii Library Archives Copy Daystar University Repository Copyright© 2017 Rebecca Ng’ang’a ii Library Archives Copy Daystar University Repository STUDENT’S DECLARATION PAGE TRANSFORMATIVE COMMUNICATIVE ACTS: A REFLECTION OF LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SELECT KENYANS THAT MET THEIR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS I declare that this thesis is my original work and has not been submitted to any other college or university for academic credit. Signed: _______________________ Date: ________________ Rebecca Ng’ang’a (10-0621) ii Library Archives Copy Daystar University Repository ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Words fail me in expressing my gratitude to the Living and Almighty God who has been my very present help in ways I would never have imagined. The word of God “whose I am and whom I am serve” (Acts 27:23) and his indescribable voice asking me to be still and know that He is God, made what was a deep valley experience bring forth “precious jewels” in form of revelation that gave relevance to the content and context of the study. I know, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.” (Psalm 71:20-21). My prayer has been and continues to be “Lord, the LORD Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me”. (Psalm 69:6). I am also aware of people whose prayers done in secret have been the source of strength for the very long journey this study has been. Truly “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10). The people whose incredible help and support have made this study possible are so many that it is not possible to identify each one by name. To name but a few, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Distinguished Professor, The Rev. Donald K. Smith for the prayers, words of encouragement, patience and continuous support of my study through the jubilant ups and rather lengthy downs. After reading Smith’s book “Creating Understanding” and listening to the Daystar vision and mission, I longed to meet with the one God had used for what to me is a great revelation. This study has made this miracle a reality as I have been privileged to continually listen to Dr. Smith’s well brewed counsel. I would also express gratitude to my other supervisor, Professor ii Library Archives Copy Daystar University Repository Peter K. Ngure who like the biblical Good Samaritan, picked me up when in my journey of study, I was kind of ‘beaten up and helpless’, and he provided most valuable input, guidance, insightful comments which inspired me to not only widen and refine my research, but to also bring it to completion. I remain deeply indebted for the care, respect, wisdom and investment of experience that Prof. Ngure extended to me. My gratitude extends to Prof. Levi Obonyo for his patience, wisdom in listening to me when I could no longer trace the way and throwing in the towel seemed the best option. His wisdom and counsel served me well and proved to be a landmark in my study. I am also very grateful for Dr. Rosemary Kowuor’s kind words, prayers, and very respectful concern and encouragement. Besides those whose signature meant I had crawled forward in regard to the study, I would like to thank Professor Rebecca Oladipo whose “saintly acts” I had noted over time but had not imagined that I would be a grand beneficiary. Your love, professionalism, commitment to detail and immense knowledge of thesis requirements are deeply appreciated. I could not have imagined having a better editor and expert for my PhD. study. I am grateful for the valuable input of Teresa Fink who gave my Embu English some shape in her vernacular, that we to call English English(Standard English). I am grateful for the candid advice given by Prof. Faith Nguru as she introduced us to the awe and agony of the journey of PhD. She gave a very meaningful foundation to the study. My sincere thanks also go to my ‘classmates’ in the first PhD. cohort for the stimulating discussions that made learning fun, meaningful and relevant. Rev. Dr. Peterson Wang’ombe, Dr. Stephen Kimotho, John ii Library Archives Copy Daystar University Repository Kimotho, Elizabeth Luvonga and especially Antoinette Kamau who listened to my ‘cry’ and encouraged me to keep hope alive. There is a special category of people whose invaluable input was a treasure and necessary link for the study. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Dr. Benjamin Musyoka and Professor Robert White who walked some distance with me. Each provided invaluable and unique link to the study. Rev. Dr. Kingsbury’s reflectiveness was of great benefit and revitalization of which I am very grateful. I am grateful to Daystar University and particularly to the Research Department who gave me some money to complete the study. Last but not least, I would like to thank my family beginning with my husband John, Marie-Blessing Nyambura and Wilson Waihenya, Ruthpearl Wanjiru, Tabitha Wambui and Collins Muiruri Mwangi, and my granddaughter, TesiaWanjiku Muiruri. Their love, prayers, patience were almost tangible as they had to bear with my frustrations along the seemingly endless journey, and yet they remained with me throughout the study and my life in general. Special thanks to Elizabeth Guteta who has been special to me throughout my study journey. Thank you and May the Lord show you kindness on your journey of life. ii Library Archives Copy Daystar University Repository TABLE OF CONTENTS STUDENT’S DECLARATION PAGE ......................................................................... v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................ vi TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................. ix LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................... xii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................... xiii ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................ xiv DEDICATION ............................................................................................................. xv CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................ 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY ..................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 Background to the Study ................................................................................................ 5 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................. 10 Purpose of the Study .................................................................................................... 11 Objectives of the Study ................................................................................................ 11 Research Questions ...................................................................................................... 11 Justification of the Study ............................................................................................. 11 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................. 13 Assumptions of the Study ............................................................................................ 14 Scope of the Study ....................................................................................................... 14 Limitations and Delimitation of the Study ................................................................... 15 Definition of Terms...................................................................................................... 16 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 18 CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................