Effects of alternative rite of passage on girls’ education among the Keiyo community of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya.

Abstract

Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) is an interventionist programme that was introduced in the 1990’s in different communities that still practice female initiation rites of passage to adulthood as a viable alternative to the controversial Female Circumcision (FC) also known as FGM. ARP simulates the traditional rituals as closely as possible without the physical operation of the genitals. Despite massive awareness about the harmful effects of female circumcision on women’s and girls’ reproductive health, education and human rights violation, and the law prohibiting the practice being in place, to date girls still undergo female circumcision within the Keiyo community. This study examined the emergence, success and failures of Alternatives Rite of Passage in light of girls’ education in Keiyo district. The study focused on the Keiyo people of Kenya, who have interacted with ARP since 2003. The study used a cross- sectional survey. One of the division was purposively chosen. A sample of 155 girls who had undergone the Alternative Rite of Passage were identified through the purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion conducted among community’s leaders and elders. Validity and reliability of the instruments, in a pilot study, were established through expert opinion and Cronbach reliability test, respectively. The data obtained were analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS Software, version 22.Statistics were tested at 5% level of significance while descriptive data were presented in percentages and frequency. The results showed that ARP approach has been accepted in Keiyo community as a rite of passage to replace the traditional rite of passage, it has also contributed positively in fostering girls’ education in Keiyo community and the community has a positive perception of ARP approach. However, interviews of community’s leaders and elders indicated that the mechanisms that sustain the practice of Female Circumcision are still firmly rooted in the culture. This study is significant in that the outcome may guide the expansion of existing approaches to FC eradication. One of the recommendations is that ARP crusaders should reach to the people who still practice female circumcision through education and awareness campaign with respect and understanding of community’s customary beliefs.