Nairobi: Efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Elgeyo Marakwet County by the year 2030 have intensified with the strategic engagement of journalists as critical stakeholders in the anti-FGM campaign. The county is among 22 in Kenya where the outlawed practice persists, posing serious threats to the health, dignity, and rights of women and girls.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a high-level stakeholders' forum, Masese Kemunche, Executive Director at the Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG), underscored the global commitment to eradicate FGM by 2030 in line with international frameworks and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "We are collaborating with journalists because they possess the channels to influence societal norms and communicate with both grassroots communities and policymakers," Kemunche stated. "Within the next five years, we aim to implement robust strategies to eliminate this harmful cultural practice. This intervention is supported by UNFPA Kenya and Novo Nordisk Fonden in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya."
Joseph Mecha, North Rift representative of the Media Council of Kenya, emphasized the significance of media involvement in advancing the anti-FGM agenda. "Journalists serve as the voice of the voiceless, particularly survivors experiencing trauma and exploitation," Mecha explained. "By consistently highlighting the health, psychological, and human rights implications of FGM across media platforms, they will help safeguard the welfare of the girl child while shaping public discourse and policy direction."
Community leaders also reinforced the call for change. Thomas Murkomen, an anti-FGM advocate from Kapyego in Marakwet East, highlighted the long-term complications associated with the practice. "FGM subjects' women to lifelong reproductive health risks, particularly during childbirth," Murkomen said. "As male elders, we have collectively resolved to reject and end this retrogressive tradition."
The County Director of Communication, Vincent Bartoo, affirmed the county government's commitment to supporting the anti-FGM movement. He revealed that plans are underway to establish safe rescue centers to shelter at-risk girls during school holiday periods, which have historically recorded heightened incidences of FGM.
The deliberations, which involved the Gender Technical Working Group, county leadership, and civil society organizations, focused on strengthening ethical journalism, survivor-centered storytelling, and community mobilization frameworks. "FGM is a gross violation of human rights and a direct threat to the well-being of future generations," Mecha reiterated. "This campaign requires a multi-sectoral approach, and media practitioners are vital in amplifying the discourse and sustaining behavioral change."
Although criminalized under Kenyan law, FGM remains prevalent in some parts of Elgeyo Marakwet due to entrenched cultural beliefs. The current initiative signals a renewed commitment to eradicating the practice, with journalists pledging to prioritize coverage of FGM-related issues, amplify survivor testimonies, and serve as ambassadors in the nationwide drive to end FGM by 2030.