The Girls’ rights advocates have raised the alarm over the persistent cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among pastoral communities in the country.
They said that despite years of awareness campaigns and government intervention, the cases has remained constant, threatening the girls’ education in the region, now a big concerns among stakeholders.
Margaret Kirwa, a leading anti-FGM crusader, condemned the ongoing acts, terming them “retrogressive and a gross violation of girls’ rights.”
She maintained that the harmful cultural practice has had far-reaching effects, particularly on girls’ education adding that many young girls drop out of school after undergoing the rite, cutting short their academic dreams and future opportunities.
“FGM is not only a health risk but a serious infringement on the rights of the girl child,” Kirwa said. “We need concerted efforts from the government, communities, and all stakeholders to completely eliminate this practice.”
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Former MP and Cabinet Minister Linah Jebii Kilimo also weighed in on the issue, welcoming the ongoing campaigns aimed at ending FGM. She emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and local communities.
“It is encouraging to see action being taken, but we must not lose momentum,” said Kilimo. “Community education, especially among elders and parents, is key if we are to win this battle.”
However, the fight against FGM faces serious challenges, with security and medical personnel reportedly aiding the practice in some regions. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms on the ground.
Despite these setbacks, the government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating FGM. Officials have vowed to take firm action against those found abetting the illegal practice.
FGM remains a criminal offense under Kenyan law, and authorities continue to urge citizens to report any cases to ensure the safety and wellbeing of girls across the country.
By Evans Langat
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