International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XII, December 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
K’Odipo, Walter Otieno
Kaimosi Friends University (Kafu), Kenya
Abstract: The objective of the study was to analyze the nature and role of leadership and governance in Homa Bay County in pre-colonial period. The findings of the research would help the state to reform the institution of the chief regarding the ever-changing administrative framework for people at the grassroots. The role of chiefs as per the findings of this study was key in socio-economic transformations in Homa Bay County during the colonial period. Chiefs directed virtually the social, economic and political affairs in the communities. For example, the prime movers of the socio-economic activities in today’s Homa Bay County, whose economy largely relied on livestock, agriculture, fishing, pottery and weaving were the chiefs. With the establishment of Local Native Councils and later on the African District Councils, chiefs became the fulcrum around which these institutions of governance revolved.
Key Words: Nature, role, leadership, governance, pre-colonial
I. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research analysis was based on qualitative approach. This research relied on both primary and secondary sources. The methodology followed the qualitative research approach and therefore, the analysis was done through the coding of participants’ responses in thematic manner before drawing conclusions which were drawn based on the objectives of the study. The work relied on oral interviews to gather the required information from the participants.
The archival sources were quite useful in this work as they provided reliable materials for referencing and evidence about propositions. The Kenya National Archives (KNA) in Nairobi were most useful. Relevant political records were consulted. The staff at the KNA assisted me a great deal in accessing information required for my research work.
Oral interviews were conducted for the purpose of obtaining information from the eye witness accounts. Oral tradition was important to the study because of its advantages. It was easy to gather and through mythology it helped to trace the migration of the Southern Nyanza Luo in Homa Bay County. It helped to understand their religious beliefs and cultural practices of the people in the study area. Mythology in the Oral Tradition helped the people to develop their morals, that is, customs and norms into law and order in their society.
Oral Tradition had some shortcomings. Oral Tradition may not have given the actual date of the events. Periodization therefore faced limitations as some participants could only estimate the