The Role of the Redeemed Gospel Church in the Fight Against Hiv and Aids in Katangi Division of Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

In contemporary Kenya, social and economic instability have been aggravated by the changes in life patterns both in rural and urban areas. One of the contemporary issues which has led to increased social and economic instability is the spread and effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic. There are several studies on HIV and AIDS but most of these have a medical bias. There are few studies on the role of the Church in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This study endeavoured to investigate the role of the Church in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Katangi Division of Machakos County in Kenya. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of the RGC in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the Division. The objectives of the study were: to establish the contribution of the RGC in the fight against HIV and AIDS, to assess the RGC‟s teachings about HIV and AIDS and to evaluate the effectiveness of the RGC in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The RGC was relevant in this study due to its strong belief in faith healing and also its active involvement in development projects in Katangi Division. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used for data collection. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used respectively. The qualitative data was analysed through discussion and critical analyses while the quantitative data analysed though descriptive statistics. Data presentation was done through frequencies and percentages. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analyses. The findings of the study revealed that the RGC played a role in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Katangi division. This is evidenced by the programmes established by the Church to alleviate suffering brought about by HIV and AIDS. The study recommends that Religious organisations are in a better position to deal with the challenges posed by HIV and AIDS and other social malandies.