By Cynthia Okoth

Migori, grapples with significant cultural challenge notably FGM. which exposes young girls to health complications. Globally, statistics by USAID  reveals that over 200 million girls are at risk of FGM with majority under the age of 15.  The Kuria community in Migori exhibits the highest rates in Kenya, despite ongoing efforts to curb this deeply entrenched tradition, still, FGM persists in Migori.

In the Kuria community, revered elders play a pivotal role in organising FGM ceremonies. To counter this, comprehensive measures, including government intervention to safeguard the rights of young girls, are imperative. Kenya’s commitment to eradicating FGM by 2026, as declared in June 2021, is a step in the right direction.

According to a report by National Library of medicine, Kenya has one of the highest child marriage rates globally, estimated between 25 to 30 percent. Migori County stands out as a hotspot for child marriages, where cultural traditions often take precedence over health of children. Girls as young as 12 are forced into marriages after circumcision, robbing them of their childhood and obstructing their educational pursuits. Breaking this cycle needs a lot; community education to challenge and eliminate such traditions.

Teenage pregnancy, intricately linked to FGM and child marriage, is also one of the challenges faced by young girls in Migori. About 1 in 4 (24%) girls aged 15-19 years in Migori County have begun childbearing – 3.4% are pregnant with their first child and 20.9% have ever given birth. The proportion of adolescents who are already mothers is large relative to the national level (14.7%).

Tackling these pervasive issues demands a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. Education emerges as a potent tool to combat these harmful practices. Incorporating sex education into school curricula to empower young people with knowledge about their bodies, reproductive health.

By Cynthia Okoth