First Lady of Marsabit County, Alamitu Guyo Jattani on Wednesday presided over the graduation of 200 girls at the 14th Edition of the Gaddis Gamme Girls’ Camp at Haweecha Primary and Junior School.
The five-day camp, held during the August school holiday, brought together girls from Sololo, Obbu and Uran wards for intensive mentorship on life skills, child rights, academic excellence, menstrual health, sexual and reproductive health, drug and substance abuse prevention, and advocacy.
Sessions also addressed challenges that continue to disrupt girls’ education in pastoralist communities, including FGM, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, abuse and school dropout.
Since its establishment in 2019, the Gaddis Gamme programme has reached more than 3,400 girls across Marsabit County. Over 900 beneficiaries are from Sololo alone, where the initiative was first launched.
The programme has since expanded to Laisamis, North Horr, Saku and Moyale sub-counties, bringing together girls from different ethnic backgrounds under one message: No to FGM, no to early marriage, yes to education.
Addressing the graduates, the First Lady urged them to guard their aspirations and use the lessons learned to mentor peers.
“Girls, be courageous always. Be strong, put more effort into your education and prepare for a better future,” she said.
“No to FGM, no to early marriage, and yes to education. We started Gaddis Gamme here in Sololo, and we are proud of what it has become. This programme will continue because protecting girls is not politics. It is a responsibility.”
She said the decision to hold the camps during school holidays was deliberate, noting that girls in pastoralist areas are most vulnerable to early marriage and FGM when schools are closed.
“We established Gaddis Gamme to create awareness and educate our children on the harmful effects of FGM. We can advocate, we can end the practice and we can save future generations,” she added.
Dahabo Abagaro, who represented facilitators, said the 14th edition deepened its impact by reaching girls at a critical time.
“They have learned about life skills, advocacy, hygiene, sexual and reproductive health, and drug abuse. More than 3,000 girls have now benefited across the county,” she said.
County leaders described Gaddis Gamme as a model of girl-child empowerment gaining attention beyond Marsabit.
County Secretary Dr. Arero Halkano said the county government’s investment in education complements the First Lady’s advocacy. He cited the construction and equipping of 377 ECDE centres, employment of 605 ECD teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, and a scholarship programme that has benefited 9,000 students.
County CECM for Education Mrs. Ambaro Abdullahi urged the graduates to remain focused.
“You have been trained and empowered. Use these skills well. Say no to drug abuse, no to FGM, no to early marriage, and yes to education,” she said.
Community elder Galm Dabaso said the fight against FGM must be owned locally.
“FGM is harmful and must stop. These trained girls should now become ambassadors and create awareness in their communities,” he said.
Halima Guyo of the Sololo Women Caucus called on the community to support the initiative.
“This is not Mama Guyo’s function alone. It is an educational initiative that we must all support,” she said.
During the ceremony, the First Lady also launched ECDE furniture and learning materials procured by the County Department of Education in partnership with LAPFUND. The support included 1,000 learner chairs and tables, 42 teacher desks and chairs, and 377 curriculum designs.
Co-op Bank Kenya was acknowledged for supporting this year’s camp.
County officials said several counties and development partners have expressed interest in replicating the Gaddis Gamme model to reach girls often left behind by mainstream programmes.
