Kenya Combines Investment and Enforcement Against FGM

Kenya faces ongoing challenges in eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) despite legal frameworks and a decrease in national prevalence to 15%. New trends indicate the practice is shifting, with parents seeking medicalized procedures or transporting girls across borders to avoid prosecution.

The Anti-FGM Board has reported a concerning increase in parents collaborating with medical professionals to perform FGM, often disguised as minor surgery. Another tactic involves transporting girls to Tanzania and Somalia to circumvent Kenyan law.

The Economics of FGM

FGM is not solely a cultural practice; it also functions as an economic activity for those who perform it and can be linked to dowry customs. Addressing the economic factors driving the practice is considered essential to its elimination. Proposals include funding alternative rites of passage and economic empowerment programs for women previously involved in performing FGM.

Challenges in Enforcement

Arrests related to FGM occur, but convictions remain infrequent. Community members often retract testimonies, and evidence can be lost, hindering prosecution. Strengthening the judiciary’s prioritization of these cases is seen as a deterrent.

Cross-border activity presents a significant obstacle, with perpetrators exploiting legal differences between Kenya and neighboring countries. Harmonizing anti-FGM laws with Tanzania and Somalia is proposed to close this loophole.

The involvement of nurses and doctors in performing FGM is a growing concern. The medical board is urged to revoke licenses of practitioners found to be assisting in the practice.

Government Response and Future Strategies

President William Ruto’s administration has reaffirmed a commitment to end FGM by 2030, following a previous deadline that was not met. To achieve this goal, the government is being called upon to strengthen enforcement measures.

This includes holding local chiefs and administrators accountable for FGM occurrences within their areas of responsibility. Increased support for grassroots activists, who often risk their safety to prevent FGM, is also deemed crucial. These activists serve as a vital intelligence network, alerting authorities to potential cases.

The need for consistent application of legal power alongside investment in community-based alternatives is emphasized as essential to ending the practice.