The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is calling for increased alertness among parents and other stakeholders in Northeastern Kenya during the holiday season, warning that incidences of female genital mutilation (FGM) tend to rise at this time.
The appeal was made at a three-day meeting organised by the commission in Wajir town.
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Despite years of government action and community awareness campaigns, FGM, early marriages and gender-based violence remain widespread in the region.
KNCHR regional coordinator Hassan Omar said heightened vigilance could help curb new cases, noting that the long school break often gives perpetrators an opportunity to target girls under the guise of cultural ceremonies.
“The long holiday is when everyone must pay closer attention. This is the period when circumcision activities take place. We have previously seen young girls being taken to villages and subjected to this harmful practice in secrecy,” Omar said.
Although the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 indicates that FGM prevalence nationwide has dropped to 15%, the practice remains deeply rooted in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera, with rates at 83%, 97% and 96% respectively.
Omar urged security officers to remain alert and take action against those involved in harmful cultural practices.
He added that the commission is partnering with various groups to end FGM through approaches that respect community dynamics while promoting human rights.
The Wajir forum brought together civil society actors, security officials, human rights defenders, religious leaders and elders.
Speakers highlighted the emotional, physical and social harm inflicted on Somali girls through FGM.
Veteran nurse and anti-FGM advocate Hinda Ahmed outlined the health risks, noting that the use of unsterile tools increases the chances of HIV and Hepatitis B transmission. She added that the practice can cause marital complications, infertility, sexual dysfunction and dangerous childbirth complications such as prolonged labour and recurrent infections.
Local activist Safi Abdullahi urged the community to break with harmful traditions.
“We forgave our mothers for what they went through and what they did to us. But now we must protect our girls. That is the stand we must take,” she said.
Although illegal and condemned by government agencies and some religious scholars, FGM persists in secrecy, passed down as a cultural obligation.
Participants called for stronger cooperation between police, community groups and residents to ensure FGM reports are handled quickly and effectively. They urged clerics and elders to use their influence to publicly condemn the practice, insisting that culture must not be used to justify harm against girls.
