By Daniel Odeke

The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 key indicators report depicted that Kenya is making progress in reducing the national prevalence of FGM, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence, with wide variations according to wealth, geographic location, and education. In fine print and regarding FGM, the survey report showed that the prevalence of FGM has been on a steady decline in the country. The national prevalence rate was at 15% in 2022, a continued downward trend from a high of 32% record in 2003. FGM occurrence was highest among women with no secondary education, at 56.3% as compared to 5.9% among women with more than secondary education.

As much as we would want to celebrate this ‘achievement’, it remains key that we access this in comparison to current times, seasons, and societal developments. In the current dispensation, recording statistics on inhumane acts such as FGM, which not only violates the rights of girls and women but also erodes the very fabric of humanity, no matter the scale, is not a cause for celebration. It’s rather a reminder that even though we seek to get there, more is yet to be done. This does not mean that we don’t appreciate the stride made, we do, it’s just that it shouldn’t be a comfort thought that we have made a stride when we still record cases of FGM in the country and even more disturbing, higher prevalences in specific communities.

A look into the current situation of FGM among communities presents a case for more to be done. It’s important to understand the protective effect of education as it regards FGM and seek to amplify this effect by implementing inclusive, community-centric, and informed educational efforts. Educating women and girls on their rights, and demystifying myths and misconceptions around FGM has been cited as positive engagement in combating FGM, as women with more than secondary education are more likely to say no to FGM at 47%, as compared to 23% with primary education (KDHS 2022). This clearly shows that sexual education can be leveraged more in combating and ending FGM.

Community-centric awareness creation carries an untapped ability to quench the thirst for knowledge on the dangers of FGM, the need to respect girls and women’s rights, the demystification of myths and misconceptions around FGM and addressing ill cultural practices without hurting the beliefs of a community. This is another intervention that can be effectively designed and implemented by all the stakeholders with emphasis on community leaders in a bid to end FGM. Legislation (Policies and the rule of law) cannot be ignored for they are the icing on the cake in the quest to end FGM. A collaborative effort including the national, and county governments, community elders, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders in designing, implementing, and monitoring legislation against FGM is important in this quest. A great example of such an engagement is the Migori County project titled ‘Catalysing Whole Community Response for Abandonment of FGM in Migori County’ launched on 19th October 2023 with multisectoral support and engagement, seeking to end FGM in Migori County.

It is evident that we still have a long way to go, as we appreciate the strides made in the campaign to end FGM in Kenya, we still call for more to be done, most importantly, for community-based approaches to be adopted, and the goal be zero FGM cases in communities and the country at large.

Daniel Odeke is an SRHR Advocate at NAYA Kenya. Email: danielodeke@outlook.com Twitter: @D_Oramisi