Influence of Organizational Dynamics of Male Traditional Circumcision Ceremonies on Household Socio-Economic Wellbeing in Keiyo South Sub-County, Kenya

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue VIII, August 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705

Influence of Organizational Dynamics of Male Traditional Circumcision Ceremonies on Household Socio-Economic Wellbeing in Keiyo South Sub-County, Kenya

Ruth Jelagat¹, Evans Nyamwaka², Paul Sutter³

¹Department of Sociology and Development Studies, Kisii University, Kenya
²Department of History, Kisii University, Kenya
³Department of Sociology and Psychology, Moi University, Kenya

Abstract: Male circumcision ceremonies are part of cultural traditions in most African communities. These ceremonies require commitment of household social and economic resources which consequently impact on livelihoods. This paper therefore, examined how organizational dynamics of male traditional circumcision ceremonies influence household socio-economic wellbeing in Keiyo South Sub-County, Kenya. The study used exploratory research design to facilitate in-depth understanding of the impact of male traditional circumcision ceremonies among the Keiyos. The target population for the study consisted of all community members who have participated in one way or another in the male traditional circumcision ceremonies in Keiyo South Sub-County. The study used a sample size of 110 respondents informed selected through snow-ball sampling technique. Interview questionnaire and observation the main methods of data collection. The study found that boys are circumcised at an average age of 14 years where their household members are expected to pay a sum of Ksh. 2000. Findings further revealed that provision of financial and nonfinancial resources for traditional circumcision is burdensome to some families as some are left in a poor socioeconomic status. The study recommends that the mode of circumcision should be altered in order to allow families and households adopt modern circumcision methods. This will save them a lot of resources and time spend on the ceremonies.

Key Terms: influence; organizational dynamics; male traditional circumcision ceremonies; socioeconomic wellbeing

I. INTRODUCTION

Traditional and Religious circumcision ceremonies are celebrated all over the world. It has been celebrated since ancient times and is still performed on boys at puberty to symbolize their transition from childhood to adulthood.According to UNAIDS [1] 30% of men in the world are circumcised for religious and cultural reasons; as a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood, and as an initiation ritual [1].

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