The Contribution of PCEA-Initiated Projects on Socio-Economic Development in Laikipia West Sub-County, Laikipia County

Historically, the church is known to give socio-economic services voluntarily in addition to the key mission of spiritual enhancement. This is founded upon certain Biblical teachings that focus on promoting the livelihood and social well-being of humanity. The Presbyterian Church of East Africa has implemented various programs whose agenda is to improve the socio-economic well-being of the society all over the world. The objective of the study was to establish how the Presbyterian Church of East Africa’s church-initiated projects contribute to socio-economic development in Laikipia West. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study was guided by liberation theology and a comprehensive development framework, which are relevant to the Presbyterian Church of East Africa’s contribution to socio-economic development in Laikipia. The target population was church ministers, ordained elders, and members of communities where the Presbyterian Church of East Africa has specific projects in Laikipia Sub-County. The study utilised both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Secondary data was collected by the use of documentary analysis. The data collected was analysed by use of descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for interviews, where percentages and proportions were computed. The study findings revealed that the church-initiated projects contributed immensely to socio-economic development through: provision of better health care; financial development through the SACCO; street children have found a home; access to clean drinking water; environmental conservation through tree planting and access to education opportunities. The study recommends that the Presbyterian Church of East Africa should work with a strategic plan, enhance resource mobilisation, and foster unity both within the church and among community members to create a more conducive environment for development efforts.