Sessional Paper No. 03 of 2019 on National Policy for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation: Towards a society free from harmful cultural practices

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is detrimental to the physical, social and emotional well-being of women and girls. FGM is a human rights violation that has a trickle effect on the country's social, economic and political development. The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KOHS), 2014 shows that 21 percent of women and girls aged between 15-49 years in Kenya have undergone FGM. The prevalence of FGM varies widely across regions and ethnic communities. Despite the National decline in the prevalence, it is still high in such communities as the Somali at 94 per cent, Samburu at 86 per cent, Kisii at 84 per cent and Maasai at 78 per cent. The report indicates that the practice is rapidly changing as a result of government and non-governmental programmes. Notable changes are in the age at which FGM is performed, where it is done, how it is done, the performers of FGM and the prevailing belief system. These emerging trends are worrying due to the increased secrecy and collusion within the practicing communities to the extent of targeting newly born girls and married women. Equally disturbing is the opposition to the enforcement of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2011, and change agents. Despite these challenges, the government is committed to ensuring that FGM is eradicated amongst the communities that practice it.