The Role of Emerging Trends in Male Circumcision on Morality of Youths in Tigania

The purpose of the study was to assess the emerging trends in male circumcision and its influence on the morality of youths in Tigania from by 2023. The main argument of this study was that the traditional circumcision was one of the cultural practices that marked the transition of an individual from childhood to adulthood; it also influenced the morality of the youths in the community both negatively or positively. However, the post-colonial change in Tigania has undergone significance change from a traditional detailed rite of passage to modern male circumcision which has created notable cultural shift and conflicting ideas in Tigania community. The study deployed descriptive design and a sample size of 38 respondents who were purposively sampled. Data was analyzed descriptively using historical narrative, thematic and document analysis. The study corroborated the oral sources, archival information and the relevant secondary data. Data interpretation was done through the use the acculturation theory. The study established that the traditional circumcision played a significant role of shaping the morality of youths both negatively and positively. It was also found that the change in circumcision in the post-colonial period continue to have significant influence to the morality of youths through urbanization, economic constrains, modern school system and government policies. These catalysts of change led to emerging blended trends in male circumcision that has continued to influence on the morality of youths significantly. The reduction in some traditional detailed circumcision practices has led to significant loss of the moral values of the Tigania community although there are also some significant benefits that the youths have gained by losing some negative aspects of the traditional circumcision. Some Tigania youths have also improved their self-awareness through modern education and instructions during the alternative rite of passage. It was also noted that some youths started to engage in negative aggressive behavior such as sexual immorality and disrespectful character after undergoing circumcision. The study recommends for the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Gender Culture the art and Heritage to establish a blended approach of circumcision that borrows the positive elements of traditional circumcision and combines with the positive modern circumcision practices to enhance the morality of youths. This will contribute to sustainable development goal on decent work and Economic Growth and to the cultural historiography among the Tigania community.