Role of Circumcision Rites and their Impact on Schooling of Public Primary School Pupils in Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to enabling majority of its citizens access education by introducing free and compulsory primary education (FPE) and subsidized secondary education (free day secondary education - FDSE) as a way of preparing them for future life. In Bungoma County, the primary school age population (6-13) is 245,000 (boys 48% and girls 52%) out of which the school enrolment is 97%. However, the dropout for boys is 57.5% and 53% for girls by Standard Eight. This negates the efforts and finances pumped in by the government to enable majority of its citizens access education. Bungoma County is considered conservative in cultural aspects especially circumcision rites, which is a way of preparing boys for adult life. The circumcision rites take place in between the school terms and tend to be disruptive to the education of the adolescent boys and girls. The rites also place a heavy economic burden on the parents and the community through diversion of financial and other resources to these celebrations. However, little research has been done on role of circumcision rites. The general objective of this study was to determine the roles of circumcision rites and modern schooling in preparing young boys for adult life.. The study adopted a descriptive design. The target population included primary pupils, teachers, village leaders and key cultural informants from the County. A total of 591 respondents were selected from these categories to participate in the study. Interview schedules, focused group discussions and questionnaires were used to collect data that were analysed both descriptively and inferentially. Data from interview schedules were used to explain the outcomes of quantitative data. It was found that traditional circumcision rites are instrumental in teaching and training initiates for future responsibilities; imparting sacred teachings and secretes of the community to initiates and imparting relevant virtues to the initiates. On the other hand, modern schooling plays the role of imparting relevant skills and knowledge; helps in moral development as well as instilling a sense of responsibility in preparation for adult life. It was concluded that circumcision be done in a hygienic hospital environment which is cost-effective and does not adversely interfere with the primary school calendar so that the youth are not denied the opportunity to live effectively in the modern competitive global community. It was recommended that deliberate move to educate the Bukusu community to embrace the modern method of circumcision so that the primary going youth in the County can concentrate on the formal school curriculum in preparation to live in a modern competitive global community.