Child rights activists have warned of an alarming rise in cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage in Laikipia County during the festive season, calling on authorities to intervene urgently to protect vulnerable girls.
According to recent data from the Anti-FGM Board, the prevalence of the female cut in some areas of Laikipia stands at a staggering 80 percent, far above the national rate of 15 percent, which has dropped from 21 percent recorded in 2014. Activists fear that many girls may drop out of school if the illegal practice continues unchecked.
In one of the latest incidents, two Grade Nine girls from Laikipia North escaped their homes and sought refuge at the One More Day for Children rescue centre in Doldol Town after discovering plans to subject them to the cut. The centre is currently housing 75 girls, all of whom are survivors of harmful cultural practices.
Speaking at Kimanjo Market during the graduation of 250 girls who completed a four-day alternative rite of passage training, Anti-FGM Board CEO Bernadette Loloju said Kenya has made significant strides in eliminating the practice, but more effort is needed in hotspot regions.
“We have achieved a lot in the fight against FGM; in 2014 we were at 21 percent, and now FGM prevalence stands at 15 percent among women between 15 and 49 years,” she said.
READ ALSO:
In memory of Nelson Mandela: Let us teach our children that forgiveness is strength, not surrender
Loloju noted that their strategy now includes intensifying engagement with elders in pastoral communities, who hold strong influence over cultural practices. She added that the Board is also involving the youth through the “My Dear Daughter Campaign,” which encourages young men to marry uncircumcised girls—and in doing so, reject FGM.
As part of measures to protect girls during the festive period, Laikipia North Deputy County Commissioner David Boen issued a directive to local chiefs, banning night cultural ceremonies and instructing parents to ensure their daughters are home by 6 p.m.
Child protection organisations say that despite the legal ban, FGM remains prevalent in remote areas where it is secretly performed. John Muiruri, Director of Action for Children in Conflict (AFCiC), said the practice often serves as a gateway to early marriage.
“The female cut is a precursor of marriage, and though FGM is outlawed, it is still rampant in some parts of the country where it is done secretly, notably among pastoral communities,” Muiruri said.
AFCiC, a local organisation that works to promote children’s education and access to justice, has been championing community awareness campaigns aimed at ending the harmful tradition.
As the festive season continues—often a high-risk period for girls in FGM-practicing communities—activists are urging security agencies, local leaders and parents to remain vigilant and firmly protect children from the outlawed practice.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
