The contribution of the Church of God-Kenya teachings to people’s participation in poverty alleviation in Emuhaya District, Western Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the contribution of the CoG-K teachings to people‟s participation in poverty alleviation in Emuhaya District, Western Kenya Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional research that sought to give an examining and descriptive scrutiny of the CoG-K‟s activities in Emuhaya District of Western Kenya. This study sampled a total of 312 respondents (1 Bishop, 1 General Secretary, 1 General Assembly Trustee, 1 General Assembly Treasurer, 16 Directors, 282 Pastors, and 10 Elders) through purposive sampling method. Oral interviews, questionnaire methods and focus group discussion were used to collect data from the respondents. Observation method was used to validate the information obtained through oral interviews and questionnaires. Secondary data was sourced from published and unpublished literature. Data was analyzed using the theological method of induction (TMI). Results: The findings of the study showed that the teachings of the CoG-K formed the basis by which social problems were viewed and addressed. This was revealed in the people‟s participations in religious, social and economic activities in Emuhaya District. Consequently, the research established that the CoG-K‟s teachings is a major force influencing efforts that promote religious values as an avenue for enhancing development at grassroots level where the majority of the poor live. Therefore, the contributions of the CoG-K‟s teachings to people‟s ideas about alleviation of poverty are closely connected to fundamental economic activities in Emuhaya District. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It is recommended that if Emuhaya District is to develop, it has to place the CoG-K‟s teachings and theology of the option for the poor at the top of the agenda and to consider it as is so often the case, as adjunct to core of the work that is development.