An investigation into the value transference system among the Kipsigis with emphasis on nthe rite of marriage and its implication on marriage ounseling ministry at Lifespring Chapel - Embakasi

Abstract

The Church today in urban Africa is faced with rising increase of divorce and broken homes. The church has developed material for premarital counseling in a bid to forward discussion on issues on marriage. However, a lot of the material that has been used has been adapted from the west. The contribution of the African system in relation to marriage and what went into marriage education is largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to take a look at the Kipsigis community and how it prepared members for marriage. The seven participants were drawn from Kericho district. The data collected from the interviews were analyzed using qualitative methods of open, axial and selective coding. The study uncovered a cycle of influencers and educators, with the core being family and widening to mentors and the community at large. The context of learning was imbedded in everyday life and moved from unstructured to focused learning, as one approached adolescence. The recommendations for Lifespring Chapel involved seeking points of integration in the curriculum so that from an early age, within the context of God's community, children, youth and adults learn and value the place offamily life. The preparation must be within this community finding in it influencers that will speak candidly and positively for family life.