The fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the North Rift has received a major boost after stakeholders signed a collaborative agreement to intensify efforts to eradicate the harmful practice.
The agreement was signed during a high-level forum held at St. Michael's Secondary School in Embobut, Elgeyo Marakwet County, which brought together representatives from various government departments, civil society organisations and community-based groups.
Led by activists Neddy Kiptoo and Regina Chesir, the stakeholders condemned the practice, terming it retrogressive and dangerous to the health and future of girls and women.
"FGM has devastating consequences for girls and women and should not be allowed to continue in our society," they said.
The team pledged to roll out aggressive awareness campaigns across the region, emphasizing that the rights and welfare of the girl child must be protected at all costs.
"We will take the campaign to different villages and ensure that the rights of the girl child are protected," they added, noting that they will remain vigilant especially during school holidays when cases of FGM are rampant.
The stakeholders welcomed the new pact, saying it will strengthen coordination and eliminate duplication of efforts in the fight against what they described as an outdated cultural practice.
Sadia Hussein of Brighter Society Initiative expressed optimism that the renewed campaign will succeed, but called for greater synergy among all actors.
"We are hopeful that this campaign will succeed, but we need greater cooperation among all stakeholders. No single organisation can win this fight alone," Hussein said.
Security officials present at the event warned that stern legal action will be taken against anyone found facilitating, aiding or participating in FGM, affirming the government's commitment to end the vice.
"The government is fully committed to eradicating this practice, and those found involved will face the full force of the law," the officials warned.
The renewed push comes three years after a bishop and a police officer were tragically killed while conducting an anti-FGM campaign in the same area, a grim reminder of the challenges facing the campaign.
FGM is often carried out secretly during school holidays, with some rogue health workers and local administrators previously accused of abetting the practice. The stakeholders said they will strengthen community sensitisation, surveillance and reporting mechanisms to ensure girls remain safe.
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