The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged National Administration Officers (NGAOs) to collaborate with counties and communities to eradicate harmful practices like child ‘marriages’.
Addressing the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, Gachagua emphasized that such traditions hinder girls’ access to education, a critical factor in socio-economic development.
Speaking at Isiolo Girls High School during a fundraising event for infrastructure development, Gachagua stressed the importance of education in ensuring equal opportunities for both genders and fostering national growth.
He called upon NGAOs to work alongside Isiolo County Government and others nationwide to eliminate these regressive practices.
Gachagua highlighted the adverse effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), stating that it often leads to early ‘marriages’ as girls are prematurely deemed suitable for family life, depriving them of their childhood and educational opportunities.
Research indicates that education significantly reduces instances of FGM in girls by up to 89% and cuts down teenage pregnancies from 38% to around 5%.
Despite efforts to eradicate FGM by 2022, Gachagua expressed concern over the high prevalence rate, especially in Isiolo County, where over 65% of girls between 15-49 years have undergone the practice, compared to the national average of 15%.
Gachagua affirmed Kenya’s commitment to ending FGM by 2030 and emphasized the importance of expanding educational access for girls as a key strategy.
He highlighted the Ruto Administration’s investment in education, allocating over Sh628.6 Billion to the Ministry of Education to support reforms such as the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Isiolo Women Representative, Mumina Bonaya, also advocated for the expansion of school infrastructure to create a safer environment for girls.
Gachagua pledged continued financial support for Isiolo Girls High School, aiming to enhance its national stature in the upcoming fiscal year.
