Factors Influencing Divorce: A Case of Mwiteria Circuit in Imenti North- Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Divorce is unexpected experience among married men and women that cut short their life dreams against the divine intended purpose for marriage and family as a unit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing divorce among Christian couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of infidelity on divorce among couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit, to evaluate the influence of domestic violence on divorce among couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit, to assess the impact of socio-cultural factors that influence divorce among couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit and to investigate the economic factors that influence divorce among married couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit. The study was founded on Albert Bandura social cognitive theory and social cognitive theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 320married men/women of all ages among Christian affiliations, 45separated/divorced men/women, 12Church elders and 2 Methodist Church Ministers in MCK Mwiteria Circuit. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The study established that, infidelity strongly contributed to divorce among couples. In addition, the study revealed that some respondents had experienced domestic violence. Also, the study observed that economic factors influenced divorce among couples as was confirmed by the divorced respondents. However, the study found that socio-cultural affairs did not influence divorce among couples as was the case of infidelity, domestic violence and economic factors. Moreover, the study revealed that divorce can be prevented or minimized through improved communication, financial transparency and accountability, as well as, avoiding sticking to the cultural beliefs and practices. The researcher recommends the need to create more enlightenment and awareness in order to enhance transparency and mutual fidelity among couples. In addition, there is need to advocate and sensitize couples on the effects and consequences of domestic violence in a family set up. In order to address economic issues, there is need for couples’ seminars with arrangement of the Church ministers and professional counsellors, through which couples can be taught about financial accountability and transparency, as well as, financial sustainability.