Lack of funding a big stumbling block to FGM fight

While the fight against female genital mutilation has been an agenda on the National and County governments in Kenya, cash hitch has been cited as the biggest challenge to this course.

Anti-FGM board CEO Bernadette Resian Loloju has said the board requires adequate funding to work with already existing CBOs between County anti-FGM steering committees and other stakeholders.

Speaking in Igambang'ombe, Tharaka Nithi County when she graced an alternative rite of passage graduation for over 400 girls , Resian said that other than the national government allocation, devolved units should also create own funds for anti-FGM campaigns.

For instance, she noted that Tharaka Nithi County passed a policy on anti-FGM but it has never been implemented over funding hitches.

She asked elected leaders to push the County Assembly to allocate funds for the policy to take effect.

Her sentiments were backed by Kelly Karimi, the Chief Officer for gender, children and social services in Tharaka Nithi, who said the government’s agenda is to implement such polices before adopting others.

As per the Kenya demographics health survey 2014, the FGM rates stood at 49 % in Tharaka County against national average 21%.

The anti-FGM board CEO noted that even though they have not managed to end FGM this year as earlier envisioned, great strides have been made that will reflect in the upcoming survey.

She added that the board has come up with male engagement guidelines in ending FGM, which will be released in 2023.

She warned medical practitioners who have been conducting FGM after traditional specialists downed tools over harsh laws prohibiting them from the practice.

St Lifeline Organization Director Veronica Nyaga noted the number of girls attending the seminar this year has risen, proving that parents have embraced the alternative rite of passage for girls, shunning FGM.

Igambang'ombe DCC Julius Too lauded the steps taken to end FGM in the community and said no girl in the community will undergo the cut as mechanism are in place to counter the same.