Faith-Based Organisations’ Rehabilitation Programs and Spiritual Development of Street Families in Eldoret City, Kenya

Abstract

This study was motivated by the persistent challenge of understanding why some street families relapse into destructive behaviours after completing rehabilitation programs provided by Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), despite having actively participated in spiritual activities. The primary objective of the study was to examine the relationship between FBO rehabilitation programs and the spiritual development of street families in Eldoret City, Kenya. The study addressed the following objectives: to explore the Bible study programs; assess leadership skills programs; analyse the role of guidance and counselling programs; and evaluate the impact of outreach programs on the spiritual development of street families in selected FBOs in Eldoret City, Kenya. Divine Command Theory underpinned the study. A mixed-methods research paradigm was adopted, utilising correlational and descriptive research designs. Data collection tools included semi-structured questionnaires, field observations, and oral interviews. Purposive, proportionate stratified, simple random, and census sampling techniques were employed to obtain various samples used in the study. Mugenda and Mugenda’s formula was used to determine the sample size for street families, which was the unit of analysis. The target population consisted of 687 street families, 52 directors of FBOs, 180 chaplains, and the chairman of NORCCAPA. The sampled participants included 12 directors of FBOs, 185 street families, 48 chaplains, and the chairman of NORCCAPA. The validity and reliability of the instruments were tested and confirmed. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive statistics were presented using graphs, pie charts, frequency tables, pictures, and figures. Inferential analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test of association to examine the relationship between various rehabilitation programs and the spiritual development of street families. The Spiritual Well-Being Scale was used to measure the spiritual development of street families. Qualitative data were analysed using NVIVO and presented thematically in the form of verbatim reports. The study findings revealed that all four rehabilitation programs offered by FBOs in Eldoret City Bible studies, leadership skills, guidance and counselling, and outreach programs were positively associated with the spiritual development of street families. These programs helped street families hold fellowships and prayer retreats post-rehabilitation, while also fostering the development of their God-given talents, life skills, confidence, and core values such as transparency and sexual purity. However, it was observed that some street families relapse into former destructive behaviours after exiting FBO rehabilitation programs, attributable to deeply entrenched ancestral strongholds and generational inequities. The study recommends that breaking spiritual bondage among street families requires the anointing of the Lord, ministered through Spirit-filled leaders. It suggests that Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) enhance existing spiritual and rehabilitative programs and adopt all four key components where absent, to ensure holistic deliverance and successful reintegration. Additionally, this study recommends that Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) integrate chaplaincy services that include spiritual deliverance ministries to provide holistic pastoral care and support for street families. In addition, FBOs are encouraged to develop and implement policy frameworks that institutionalise these interventions within their rehabilitation programs. Future research is recommended to focus on the lived experiences of street families within FBO-operated programs in Eldoret City, examining the implications for policy, practice, and the long-term reintegration of street families into the broader community.