The Anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Board has reiterated its commitment to ending the harmful practice in the country.
Perpetrators have also been warned of stern action as efforts to protect girls intensify.
Board Chairperson Ipato Surum described FGM as a retrogressive practice and a gross violation of girls’ rights, calling for concerted efforts to eradicate the vice.
Speaking in Narok County, Surum said perpetrators had changed tactics and were now conducting the cut on underage girls without the traditional celebrations that previously accompanied the practice.
She noted that FGM remained a major challenge in some communities, with cases increasingly being carried out secretly.
“Perpetrators have changed tact and are now cutting underage girls without celebrations. The practice is going on secretly, but we have information about what is happening,” said Surum.
Board warns perpetrators of stern legal action
She said the board was working closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the fight against FGM and ensure that girls were protected from the harmful cultural practice.
Surum warned that the board would not allow the vice to continue, insisting that those involved would face stern action in accordance with the law.
“As a board, we will not allow this practice to continue. We are committed to ensuring that the rights of girls are safeguarded by all means,” she said.
The chairperson further highlighted ongoing measures aimed at combating FGM, urging communities to abandon the practice and embrace alternatives that uphold the dignity and rights of girls.
December school holidays raise concerns over girls' safety
She expressed concern over the possibility of increased cases during the December school holidays, when many girls are at risk of undergoing the cut.
Surum said the board would remain vigilant during the holiday period and work with relevant stakeholders to prevent the practice.
“We will be vigilant during the December holidays to ensure that no girl undergoes FGM. The dignity and rights of our girls must be protected,” she added.
Church leaders also condemned FGM, urging local communities to abandon the practice and embrace change.
The religious leaders called on residents to work together with authorities and other stakeholders to protect girls from harmful cultural practices, noting the importance of safeguarding their future and well-being.
The renewed commitment comes amid calls for stronger community involvement, increased vigilance and sustained collaboration among stakeholders to eliminate FGM and ensure that every girl grows up free from the threat of the harmful practice.
Anti-FGM Board Chairperson Ipato Surum, who has warned that perpetrators are increasingly conducting female genital mutilation secretly to evade detection. She says the board will intensify efforts to protect girls, particularly during the December school holidays.
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