Background/Aims Utilisation of skilled care delivery remains low in developing countries, including Kenya. Literature shows that predictors of skilled birth attendance differ from region to region. This study aimed to identify predictors of skilled birth attendance for delivery among women in Bomachoge Chache, Kenya. Methods This was a case control study conducted in 2015, in Bomachoge Chache Sub County, Kisii County, Kenya. The study targeted postnatal mothers who brought their children for immunisation. A total of 322 postnatal mothers (n=161 delivered at home; n=161 delivered in a health facility) answered questions about sociodemographic characteristics on a pretested researcher-administered questionnaire. Association of characteristics with skilled birth attendance was analysed using the chi square test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the strength of the associations and to control for confounders, with significance assumed at P<0.05. Results The likelihood of mothers delivering at home was higher in mothers who had two or more children (adjusted odds ratio=28.4, P=0.0005) and in mothers whose spouses were casual labourers (adjusted odds ratio=16.9, P=0.0048). However, the likelihood of delivering at home was lower in mothers who had at least secondary level education (adjusted odds ratio=0.33, P=0.03) and in mothers who were farmers (adjusted odds ratio=0.32, P=0.03). Conclusions Sociodemographic characteristics including parity, occupation, spousal occupation and education impact the use of skilled care at birth and should be evaluated to inform policy for maternal and neonatal care. Further studies at a household level are recommended to fully understand disparities in skilled attendance at birth.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the socio-economic challenges faced by CoG-Kenya in poverty alleviation in Emuhaya District, Western Kenya.Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional research that sought to give an examining and descriptive scrutiny of the CoG-K’s activities in Emuhaya District of Western Kenya. This study sampled a total of 312 respondents (1 Bishop, 1 General Secretary, 1 General Assembly Trustee, 1 General Assembly Treasurer, 16 Directors, 282 Pastors, and 10 Elders) through purposive sampling method. Oral interviews, questionnaire methods and focus group discussion were used to collect data from the respondents. Observation method was used to validate the information obtained through oral interviews and questionnaires. Secondary data was sourced from published and unpublished literature. Data was analyzed using the theological method of induction (TMI).Results: The study concludes that as much as the CoG-K has made concerted attempts towards development in Emuhaya District by influencing the peoples thinking on legitimacy of wealth and education, and on the moral value of saving and investing. However some of its programs and ceremonial functions like ordination, baptism, marriage and weddings tend to retard these efforts of alleviating poverty. Although such programs and celebrations serve the poor at the grassroots level, they delay change in behavioural and institutional transformation capable of sustaining economic growth.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: There is a need to change cultural practises that tend to retard development among the adherents of the CoG-K in Emuhaya District. The study posits that cultural practices surrounding marriage and death that are repugnant and detrimental to change should be discarded if development is to take place.