Colonial policies against female circumcision among the Nyakoe people, Kisii county, Kenya, 1907-1963

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the colonial policies against female circumcision among the Nyakoe people, Kisii County, Kenya, between 1907-1963. This study used Cultural Attraction Theory (CAT) as a tool for analysis. Methodologically, qualitative research was applied; hence, the study used the descriptive study design. This study was carried out in the village of Nyakoe, south of Kisii County, because of the continued female circumcision among the Nyakoe people. Fifty Respondents were purposively sampled using snowball techniques. The data was collected from primary, archive, and secondary sources that were corroborated to ensure the reliability and objectivity of the study. This survey collected data through oral interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed and presented by qualitative data analysis. The main research findings were that Christian missionaries and the African chiefs in the local native councils, the building of schools, forced labour of Gusii men, the narrative of European superiority, taxation, prosecution of the participants, trade and evangelisation used to protest against female circumcision. Female circumcision continued in the study area despite the colonial government's efforts to stop it.