Commercialization Of Bride Wealth Among The Kipsigis Of Bureti Constituency, Southern Rift Valley, Kenya

Abstract

This study was carried out in Bureti Constituency, Kericho County, Kenya. The study examined the commercialization of bride wealth among the Kipsigis community. More precisely, the study looked at the forms of bride wealth among the Kipsigis, the factors that have led to its commercialization and the potential influence of the commercialization of bride wealth on the status of women. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, case narratives, focus group discussions and key informants interviews. The study reveals that the custom of bride wealth has transformed from being a mere cultural practice to a highly commercialized venture. It was established that certain socio-economic variables, for instance, the bride’s level of education, employment and the status of the groom or his family, determine the amount of bride wealth expected to be paid. This way uniformity in payment that existed traditionally has been eroded. The findings indicate that the main factors responsible for the commercialization of bride wealth in this area are modernization, economic forces, scarcity of land and capitalism. Moreover, it was established that the commercialization of bride wealth promotes gender-based violence among married couples. This emanates from the hefty bride wealth which causes husbands to ill-treat their wives. Additionally, once bride wealth has been paid most men feel they have bought their wives and so have the right to use and misuse them. This custom also has implications for women’s reproductive health rights and their access to and control over resources. The study concludes that the commercialization of bride wealth perpetuates oppressive gender relations where women are pushed to the subservient positions to their male counterparts. This study, therefore, recommends that advocacy campaigns should be conducted in order to sensitize the public on the importance of gender equality in marriage irrespective of how much is paid as bride wealth. These campaigns should aim at educating the public on how bride wealth is a breeding ground for gender discrimination in regard to access and control over resources and reproductive health matters