Baringo: A section of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) stakeholders in Baringo County have raised concerns following the scarcity of dedicated safe spaces and rescue centers for survivors. This issue was highlighted during the launch of a county Anti-FGM steering committee in Kabarnet town.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county recorded a 21.2 percent prevalence of FGM as per the Kenya Demographic Health Survey of 2022, a figure notably higher than the national index of 15 percent. Anti-FGM Board director of programmes, Nyerere Kutwa, who presided over the multi-sectoral forum, emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to tackle the vice, which is predominant in Tiaty, Mogotio, and some parts of Baringo South and North constituencies, areas mainly inhabited by the Pokot, Tugen, and Ilchamus communities.
Kutwa acknowledged that infrastructure and resource challenges remain significant setbacks in achieving the objective of a society free from FGM. He asserted the importance of having a structured operation, noting that advocacy efforts will persist as both levels of government and non-state actors seek funds for essential infrastructure across all 30 wards of the county.
Representatives from Community Based Organizations and FGM champions expressed concerns that the lack of safe spaces and a broken referral system are causing the county to lose many survivors who are trying to access healthcare services. Faith Cherutich, representing the Tugen Community, highlighted that survivors often miss medical care, leaving them demoralized and lacking psychosocial support and legal advice.
Cherutich urged Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Hanna Cheptumo, to support the establishment of adequate spaces to rescue more survivors. Rongai Leyakwara from the Ilchamus Community discouraged home deliveries, warning that traditional midwives might exploit such situations to perform FGM without the women’s knowledge. She advocated for using mainstream and digital media to transform societal views and eliminate harmful cultural practices.
Baringo County Government Director of Youth Affairs and Gender, Daudi Aengwo, admitted the challenge is beyond their reach due to budget constraints. He revealed that the county administration’s allocation for gender mainstreaming and sensitization is only 600,000, which is insufficient to cover the expansive region of over 11,000 square kilometers effectively.
Aengwo recommended involving council elders from the three communities in denouncing harmful cultural practices affecting women and young girls.
