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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked National Administration Officers (NGAOs) to work with counties and the community to end harmful and retrogressive practices such as child ‘marriages’, which are denying girls education.

He said women are critical to socio-economic development, but they can only do so when they acquire quality education.

Speaking at Isiolo Girls High School during a fundsdrive for infrastructural development of the institution at the weekend, Gachagua (pictured) said education is one of the ways of collectively alleviating the society for men and women contribute equally to the growth of the nation.

“We cannot allow the dreams of our girls to be subjected to practices that rob them the passport to a bright future. The Kenya of today and the future is for all girls and boys, men and women. I ask Ngaos to work with Isiolo county government to end these retrogressive practices,” Gachagua said.

The DP said FGM exposes girls to child ‘marriages’ as they are perceived to be ready for family life despite the tender age. FGM is a false transition that denies girls an opportunity to enjoy childhood. They are ready for school, not marriage. Girls are children, not mothers. They must be in school,” he said.

Isiolo Woman Rep Mumina Bonaya, an alumnus of the school, said the institution is a safe space for the girl child, hence the need to expand its infrastructure.