MARSABIT – Stakeholders led by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) have intensified sensitization campaigns against Female Genital Mutilation in Marsabit after rates hit 83 percent.
KNCHR North Eastern Regional Officer Ibrahim Abdi Kassim said the lobby has rolled out awareness drives to end the vice which remains entrenched in some communities, exposing girls to health and social harm.
As part of the interventions, community leaders have been urged to organize forums during circumcision ceremonies to ensure retrogressive practices are dropped.
Lawyer Abdikadir Adan said the law is clear on prohibition of FGM, warning perpetrators that the practice is outdated and punishable.
“The law clearly bans FGM. Those perpetuating it should stop immediately. This culture is outdated and has no place in modern society,” Adan said.
He called on parents, community leaders and youth to collaborate to protect rights, health and welfare of the girl child.
Speaking during a forum in Marsabit town, human rights activist and Director of Marsabit Women Advocay and Development (MWADO), Nuria Gollo, said the biggest challenge in the fight against FGM is parents conducting the cut secretly.
Nuria said girls subjected to FGM fear to disclose the cases, leading to many incidents being silenced and unreported.”A girl who has undergone FGM fears to report or take the matter to court due to evidentiary requirements in such cases,” she said.
She said one of the ways to address the challenge is to strengthen community awareness by involving mothers, elders, youth and school children, noting sustained education is key to changing perceptions and ending FGM in Marsabit.
Meanwhile, Marsabit Central Sub-County Children Officer Leaky Mukanzi said although child abuse cases increase during holidays, a recent FGM case reported and taken to court turned out to be false after medical examination.
Youth have been enlisted to lead community education on effects of FGM on health, education and well-being of girls and to condemn customs fueling the practice, with stakeholders saying youth involvement is critical to changing attitudes
