Father Absenteeism on Social Vulnerability Among Modern Families in Kenyan Urban Households: A Case Study of Kibra County, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The study set out to investigate the impacts of father absenteeism on social vulnerability among Kenyan modern households in Kibra County. Interviews and observation were predominantly employed in data collection, with questionnaire, key informant‟s guide and focus group discussion guide were used as the key instruments in the process. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used in analysis of quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed qualitatively. A variety of data presentation methods were used such as frequency tables, pie charts, bar graphs and histograms among others. The study found that Father Absenteeism has caused social vulnerabilities among modern Kenyan urban household in Kibra, which could be the case in other urban places. Sixty (60%) of the respondents face acute socio-economic deficits due to lack of the father‟s financial contribution in the families. The phenomenon of irresponsible fatherhood is more prevalent in informal settlements in Kibra slums, just like in other cities in Africa and beyond. Other contributing factors include divorce, separation, and voluntary-neglect, fathers working away from home, death, imprisonment, alcoholism, and having children out of wedlock. It was revealed that 90% of the children developed negative behavior and unwillingness to study. Most girl children were withdrawn in life and were showing an aggressive character. The mothers developed harsh emotions towards males. The study recommends that the helping agencies such as churches, counselling institutions, family units in Governments and NGOs that deal with family issues should establish special counselling units to boost the emotional stability of the children and their mothers. Psychosocial therapeutic programmes could be established to help mentor them towards self esteem. Local leaders should create awareness about father absenteeism; mobilize the community toward minimization of father absenteeism. It is helpful to establish policy framework to guarantee that fathers whether living with the mothers or not, need to maintain direct contact with they children regardless of whether they financially support them or not, in order to boost their self esteem and social trust on other people. Indeed, no child has no father! Fatherhood should be mandatory in a child‟s birth records, and the father forced by law to maintain good relationship with the child.