Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cases in Kenya are on a steady decline.

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, the prevalence of FGM went down from 21 per cent in 2014 to 15 per cent in 2022.

Gender and Affirmative Action Principle Secretary (PS) Ann Wang’ombe noted that the fight against the practice has not been easy as FGM is deeply rooted in culture and often conducted in secrecy.

She, however, expressed optimism that the outlawed practice will completely be done away with in the next two years as a result of spirited campaigns and sensitisation against the vice.

‘FGM cases have been declining over the years; we are confident that in the next two years it will have completely been done away with,’ she said.

Speaking at Elangata Wuas in Kajiado County during celebrations to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, Wang’ombe noted that FGM is an outdated cultural practice that has no significant benefit to the girl-child but instead destroys and limits their future.

She
called for an end to the cut, urging the communities that practice it to embrace Alternative Rites of Passage, which will allow the girls to continue with their education and achieve their dreams.

The PS underscored the need for all stakeholders to work together in eradicating FGM even as schools close for the long holidays during which the vice is usually rampant.

Wang’ombe further noted the significant progress that has been made with regard to issues affecting the girl child, adding that girls are now more empowered through various government projects.

‘When you empower a girl, you empower a society and a nation. Our girls have become more empowered through various programmes that target them, such as the free primary education, Youth Fund, and Women Enterprise Fund,’ she said.

The PS revealed that, apart from FGM, girls also face gender-based violence and early marriages.

Parliamentary Affairs PS Aurelia Rono, in her remarks, emphasised the critical need to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation, saying
that it was an outdated practice that infringes on the rights and health of the girls.

She noted that significant strides have been made in the legislative framework to protect girls.

‘The Prohibition Against FGM, Anti FGM Act of 2011 criminalised the practice and established severe penalties for those involved, marking a pivotal step forward. Since then, we’ve seen a decline in FGM cases, thanks in part to the establishment of the Anti-FGM Board and ongoing educational programmes,’ said Rono.

Anti-FGM Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bernadette Loloju reiterated that new FGM cases were on the decline countrywide, but the prevalence was still high in 5 counties, among them Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, and Kisii.

According to the KDHS 2022 report, prevalence ranking of FGM in Kenya by counties, Wajir County leads with 97.2 per cent, Mandera 95.9, Marsabit 83, 82.5, Kisii 77.3, Samburu 75.6, Nyamira 74. 7, Isiolo 66, Tana River 60.1, and Narok 51 per cent, while the least is Busia with 0.1 per cent
.

The International Day of the Girl Child is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges girls face worldwide and promoting their empowerment.

Established by the United Nations in 2012, this day highlights the need to address issues such as gender inequality, child marriage, and limited access to education and healthcare.

The observance aims to celebrate the potential of girls and advocate for their rights, emphasising the importance of ensuring their full participation in social, economic, and political spheres.

This year’s theme, ‘Girls Vision for the Future,’ aims to amplify the voices of girls, give them the power and freedom to be able to say no to FGM and early marriages, and to work collectively to push their agenda forward and realise their vision.

Source: Kenya News Agency