RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATRIMONY AND STABILITY OF PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN FAMILIES IN KISUMU CENTRAL SUB-REGION, KISUMU, KENYA

Abstract

Stability of protestant families in Kisumu central sub-region, Kenya is threatened by high divorce and separation rates. If not checked, Protestants stands to lose sanctity of matrimony and reduced quality of life, which is critical under the international development goals (IDGs). This study sought to investigate the relationship between matrimony and stability of Protestant families in Kisumu Central Sub-Region, Kenya, focusing on assessing the relationship between pre-marital counselling programs and family stability; examining the relationship between matrimonial response of Protestants and their family stability; analyzing the relationship between matrimonial mentorship and family stability; assessing the relationship between matrimonial infidelity and family stability, and lastly, evaluating the moderating effect of financial capacity on the relationship between matrimony and stability of families. The study was anchored on divine command and sound relationship house theories; adopting a mixed method approach, which involved correlational research design and descriptive survey design. The study population involved 11, 075 Protestants Christians, targeting 6299 married; 2164 divorced; 2534 separated; 52 deacons and 26 senior pastors as respondents. A sample size of 384 was obtained using the fisher’s formula. Stratified sampling approach was generally adopted, with Simple random sampling used to select respondents. The sample size was proportionately distributed to each stratified group. Data collection was through questionnaires and key informant interview schedules. A pilot study was conducted on a sample consisting of 10% of the respondents. Quantitative data analysis was processed using computer Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program version 22. Presentation of analysed data were done through tables and bar charts. Descriptive statistics adopted involved frequencies, mean, standard deviation and percentages, while inferential statistics involved Pearson’s correlations and linear Regressions. Qualitative data analysis employed content analysis of merging themes. The study established a significantly large positive relationship between premarital counselling programs and family stability at p value of 0.004<0.05 and correlation coefficient of 0.16; a significantly large positive relationship between matrimonial response of couples and family stability at correlation coefficient of 0.152 and p value of 0.007<0.05; significantly large positive relationship between matrimonial mentorship and family stability at a correlation coefficient of 0.144 and p value of 0.01<0.05; and a significantly large negative relationship between infidelity and family stability at a correlation coefficient of -0.101 and p value 0.05. Lastly, the study found a relatively weak moderating effect of financial capacity of couples on the relationship between matrimony and family stability at p value of 0.049<0.05 for premarital; 0.05=0.05 for response; 0.046<0.05 for mentorship, and 0.05=0.05 for infidelity. This study concluded that since family stability increased with every increase in premarital programs, response of couples, mentorships and vice versa, they were thus critically beneficial and central to the promotion of Protestant family stability. The study however, concluded that an increase in infidelity decreased family stability; and a weak, insignificant moderating effect of financial capacity on relationship between matrimony and family stability. The study recommends prioritizing of premarital counselling, matrimonial response of couples and matrimonial mentorship programs; and further development of a robust education program on infidelity mitigation. Policy makers and stakeholders are advised to develop and sustain programs necessary for stable families.