The effect of witchcraft practices on education in public secondary schools in Mwingi District, Kenya

Abstract

Witchcraft continues to dominate the minds of many teachers and students especially during moments of crisis when they are looking for the answers to vexing issues. They go back to traditional way of explaining misfortunes when current scientific technology, religions and medicine do not seem to provide the answers. This study was an investigation on teachers' and students' perceptions on witchcraft and its effects on formal education in Mwingi District, in Kenya. The sample included 26 public schools; involving ten head teachers, thirty teachers, 83 students and five District Education Officers. The findings of the study showed that teachers and students practiced witchcraft mainly for protection from being bewitched by their rivals and to perform better academically. The major types of witchcraft practiced in the district were white witchcraft, black witchcraft, "majini" and devil worship among others. The study also revealed that witchcraft practices caused school drop out, indiscipline, poor concentration in class hence poor performance and sicknesses.