Diskosi Ya Mafunzo Ya Tendo La Ndoa Katika Jando Miongoni Mwa Wakipsigis Nchini Kenya

Abstract

Initiation ceremony is a very crucial avenue for advising intiates on matters of sexuality. Though sexuality in most African communities is a taboo issue that is rarely openly discussed, a number of scholars have written on discourse analysis in different fields. In this aspect not much has been done on sexuality discourse in the initiation context among the Kipsigis community. This study therefore, seeks to unravel the sexuality discourses in initiation context of the Kipsigis community. The specific objectives of this research was to discuss the themes of sexuality discourses and to evaluate modes of expressing sexuality discourses during Kipsigis initiation rites. This research was guided by the Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) theory guided by these pillars: Referential, predicational, argumentation, perspectivation, intensification and mitigation. The data for this research was collected from the library and in the field. At the library the researcher read articles, journals and books from different scholars on internet. At the field, the researcher interacted with the community while collecting data. The researcher used two methods of collecting data that is interview and discussions. Field work research was aided by a recording device called a digital tape recorder. The taped teachings were transcribed in order to identify sexuality discourse topics and strategies used to teach them. The target population was the Kipsigis community and all the topics taught during seclusion. This research dealt with discourses of sexuality taught during male initiation in Kipsigis community. The main place of research was Bomet County, where the Kipsigis community lives. Only three subcounties of Bomet County were selected to represent whole county, these were: Chepalungu, Bomet east and Sotik sub-counties. One specialist from each region was picked. The selection of these subcounties were based on cultural consideration since they have not been affected by urbanization. In order to get accurate data, this research also picked two initiates from the seven age sets. Some of the outcomes of this research revealed that the themes taught are; permission to engage into sexual intercourse, how to engage into sexual affair, persons with whom to engage sexual affairs with and ethics to consider during sexual affair. Some of the strategies used to teach these topics are metaphors, euphemism, symbolism and sarcasm. The findings of this research will be reference point to discourse scholars and discourse analysts. It is anticipated that this research will create a deeper insight into sexuality discourses in gender context. Hopefully the findings will help the policy makers in formulation of policies and strategies that will address gender issues.