- The stakeholders said focus should be put on outreach programmes in areas where FGM is still rampant
- Some communities have medicalised FGM
Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO
More needs to be done to completely eradicate female genital mutilation and boost gains made so far.
This is the resolution reached during the celebration of International Day of Zero Tolerance on FGM at Hyuga Girls Primary School in Garissa town.
Government, non-state actors and community members in Garissa said although the fight against FGM had made tremendous gains, more needs to be done to end the outlawed practice.
The stakeholders said focus should be put on outreach programmes in areas where FGM is still rampant.
Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Makah Suleiman, an activist, said some FGM perpetrators are enjoying protection from government officials.
She said for the war to be won, there must be good will from all stakeholders.
Garissa Human Rights Activists chairman Muktar Dahir said there are cases still being reported despite sensitisation.
“We still have some cases in the subcounties and villages but we are working closely with the national and county government to fight the vice and the violation of girls’ basic human rights,” he said.
Action Aid Kenya project coordinator Zamzam Hassan said previously, Garissa county was practicing type three and four of FGM but it has now moved to type one.
Type one FGM involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris or prepuce. Type two also involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the inner labia, sometimes with or without excision of the outer labia.
Type three involves narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a covering seal while type four involves all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes such as pricking, incising, scraping and cauterising the genital area.
“The biggest challenge we have had on the implementation of the Anti-FGM programmes is that communities have medicalised FGM," Hassan said.
"They call health practitioners to their homes to administer FGM to reduce severity of the cut.”
Forum for African Women Educationalists Communication officer Daniel Shikolo said the organisation will remain steadfast in promoting the rights of girls.
“As FAWE Kenya we believe in working with communities to fight FGM since it is a harmful practice that hinders development of the girl child,” he said.
Mrs Grace Mbuvi, a teacher at Hyugi Girls Primary School said they teach their students about the harmful effects of FGM.
She also urged stakeholders to sensitise parents as well since the permission to perform FGM comes from them.
Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO
“I would like to urge state and non-state actors to continue supporting Garissa residents in their efforts to eliminate this harmful practice. I hope that we will one day completely get rid of it," Mbuvi said.
The Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2022 says FGM prevealence is at 15 per cent.
Of the 22 counties practicing FGM, Garissa county has the highest prevalence at 83 per cent.
The Somali community leads at 98 per cent, followed by the Samburu at 94 per cent.