Effects of Funeral Rituals on Social Development of the Giriama Community in Kilifi County, Kenya

Abstract

The study was looked at from a global perspective in the United Kingdom, South Africa at a regional perspective, Uganda at East Africa perspective and down to the Kenyan perspective. The research was designed to evaluate whether funeral rituals affect social development amongst the Giriama community in Kilifi County.Data was collected from 136 respondents to fill questionnaires in the wards of Ganda, Kakuyuni and Jilore all in Kilifi County. These wards were selected due to their rural set up where cultures are presumed to exist in such areas.The research used the cultural relativism theory and social mobility theory which were identified due to their relevance to the study. The study made use of existing relevant sources of literature so as to identify gaps that existed. This study employed a quantitative research method where both correlational and exploratory research designs were used. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The findings of this study showed that funeral rituals negatively affected social development across the three selected wards of Kilifi County. The recommendations of this study include; a need for policy framework to address the negative effects of the cultural practice, authorities to come up with development projects that are people centred and the community should be actively and directly be involved when formulating policies to encourage complete adherence.