Persistence moral decadence among youth in the Presbyterian church of East Africa, Chuka Presbytery, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the factors responsible for the persistence of moral decadence among the youth in PCEA Chuka Presbytery in spite of the measures taken by PCEA to curb it. Moral decadence among the youth has been rampant globally. Research and media reports indicate that a high percentage of youths indulge in anti-social vices such as indecent dressing, drug abuse, pre-marital sex, violence and crime, among others. Despite interventions by religious organisations, government sectors and other actors, the persistence of moral decline among the youth continues to be a threat to society. The study adopted the Descriptive survey design. It was carried out in Chuka Presbytery, located in the Eastern region of PCEA in Tharaka Nithi County. The target population was 3286 church members comprising 6 church ministers, 1743 adult church members and 1537 youths in the six parishes of Chuka Presbytery. The sample size was 334. Data was obtained using Focus Group Discussions, interviews and questionnaires. The study established that the persistence of youth moral decadence resulted from multiple factors, including inadequate parental upbringing, youth pursuit and the quest for materialism, peer pressure, a decline in religious, moral instruction, and an opulent lifestyle, among others. In view of the findings obtained in this study, it is recommended that the clergy and other Chuka presbytery members involved in implementing youth moral programmes should embrace the use of more innovative ways of delivering moral education to the youth.