Kobia warns chiefs against abetting FGM

Chiefs from the 22 counties where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is prevalent will be required to give a comprehensive report about the vice every six months.

Public Service, Youth and Gender Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia issued the directive in Kajiado yesterday when she met chiefs and their assistants from the county.

Kobia, who was accompanied by the anti-FGM board members, said the ministry will fast track the fight against the practice to ensure it is eradicated by 2022 as directed by President Uhuru Kenyatta on November 9.

The CS also warned non-governmental organisations against exaggerating FGM figures to get more donor funding, saying  stern action will be taken against them. 

“It is time for action and any compromise against the fight on FGM will be taken with the seriousness it deserves. We will not tolerate anybody who stands in the way and robbing our girls and women dignity,” said Kobia. 

She directed all chiefs to ensure they capture data of girls in all households at the village level and protect them. 

“Chiefs and assistant chiefs have what it takes to know and protect the girl child if they are not biased. The cultural practice is outdated and meaningless. Government officers have no option and those clinging to outdated culture have no business being government officers,” she said. 

New tactics

Kajiado County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha said four chiefs have already been interdicted for supporting FGM. 

“We are on high alert over new tactics pro-FGM persons try to use.  We are closely monitoring those practising the vice on  young girls to avert being arrested,” said Nkanatha while the anti-FGM CEO Bernadette Loloju said stakeholders will work together and fight the vice. 

A recent survey carried out by anti-FGM organisations in Kajiado county shows the vice has significantly declined.