http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1088 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:01:39 GMT 2026-04-16T17:01:39Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1111 PURSUIT OF HARMONY BETWEEN CIRCUMCISION RITES AND SCHOOLING IN BUNGOMA COUNTY Otunga, Ruth N. There is a need for evidence-based research towards derivation of education policies. Such studies inform Bungoma County residents how to harmonize quality education with socio-cultural activities. UNESCO (2005) recognized that schools needed to have regular access to evidence based practical knowledge about what works best in the learning environments. Moreover, research enables teachers as well as schools to reect on their practices and their performance. This enables them and policy makers to inform their understanding of the strategies needed to improve teaching and learning and provide for their knowledge needs. Bungoma County has 61% of residents with only primary-level education and 18% with no formal education (Achoka et al., 2013). The primary school age population (6-13 years) has school enrolment of 97%, however, the dropout rate for boys is 57.5% and 53% for girls by Standard Eight (Onyango, 2013). The County is considered conservative in socio-cultural activities and specically circumcision. These preserve culture as outlined in the constitution of Kenya 2010 (The Republic of Kenya, 2010). However, circumcision rites tend to be disruptive to the education of both boys and girls as they take place in between the school terms. The rites also place a heavy economic burden on the families and community through diversion of available limited resources to the accompanying ceremonies. Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1111 2021-03-01T00:00:00Z