This study was an investigation of Girlsâ€Ÿ puberty rites (Ke Gehaja) of the Gumuz and explored itsrndevelopmental and psychosocial contributions. The study was conducted in three selected sites ofrnDibate District of Metekel Zone by using ethnographic qualitative design and data were collectedrnfrom fifty-five participants through in-depth interviews, focus groups and participant observation.rnSamples for the study were adolescent schoolgirls, mothers, elderly men and experts fromrnGovernmental and non-governmental Organizations. Participants for the study were selected byrnusing non-probability sampling techniques and data were collected through thirty-two in-depthrninterviews and six focus group discussions. The following developmental and psychosocial themesrnemerged from data analysis: Ke Gehaja rite practices; phases of Ke Gehaja ;perceived meaningsrnand contributions of Ke Gehaja rite; pubertal development and menarche; emotional reaction tornmenarche; stages in the Gumuz female life cycle; developmental cues for the transition fromrnDidea to Daguna stage; developmental tasks of a pre-menarcheal Gumuz girl; purposes of KernGehaja; the development of identity and intimacy by a Gumuz female; psychosocial benefits of KernGehaja rite; lessons of morality, sexuality and life skills; menstrual hygiene and taboos; andrnfuture prospects of Ke Gehaja. In general, the study explored that Ke Gehaja is perceived tornhave positive developmental and psychosocial contributions by initiated girls and mothers.rnNevertheless, non-initiated girls perceived the ritual as a harmful traditional practice. Thernfindings of the study have implication for the development of identity, marriage and psychosocialrnwellbeing. It has also implication for the development of indigenous theories of development