Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has directed health officers to enforce safety measures for over 3,000 Kalenjin youth who will undergo circumcision during the December holidays.
This initiative is set against the backdrop of tragic incidents in the past, in which lives were lost during rites due to harmful practices that did not meet health standards.
Public health officers will be dispatched to ensure that the circumcision is performed strictly in accordance with health requirements to prevent initiate deaths.
The county has started training service providers to perform the procedure.
“We must protect the lives of our youth as much as circumcision rites are important in our communities,” Bii said.
Abraham Serem, the county executive for health, emphasised the importance of ensuring safety and well-being, citing incidents of torture during the secluded rituals.
“As circumcisers, you are the mentors to the children you work with. As a result, ensure that all children who undergo the procedure emerge safely, as our primary mission is to save lives,” said Serem.
He said mistreatment and injury to the initiates would not be accepted. Serem emphasized the need to foster and instill positive values in the boys as they recover.
“Our goal is to ensure the safety of lives by raising awareness in our communities about standard procedures and guidelines for managing initiates. Let us all follow the health provisions,” Serem said.
Several infections-related deaths occurred in the seclusion camps in the region during the previous circumcision ceremonies two years ago, raising concerns about a lack of knowledge about health precautions to protect lives.
The county health departments will be on standby to provide assistance. Additionally, the executive urged the service providers to educate the public about the value of signing up for Social Health Authority, where they can take advantage of substantial government-funded medical services.
Chief of Clinical Services Joyce Sang urged providers of circumcision services to improve adherence to emergency referral systems and preventative and control measures.
“Our health offi cers will be ready to respond to any emergency situations requiring immediate attention,” she said.
She also urged providers to actively engage community members in sensitisation programmes to raise awareness of safe practices and emphasize the importance of prioritizing health during initiation ceremonies.
The County Administration’s pledge to strengthen safety protocols during the initiation season is consistent with the Governor’s commitment to upholding children’s rights and making sure that cultural norms change to protect lives.
Besides pay delays, the striking
lecturers and other workers have been demanding
the implementation of CBA agreements.