By JANE WAITHIRA
Administration officers and stakeholders in Murang’a County have raised concern over rising cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the region.
County Commissioner Hassan Ali Bule said findings from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) indicate that the county’s FGM prevalence rate stands at 17.5 percent.
Bule noted that the figure is significantly high compared to other counties in the Central region, describing the trend as worrying.
“We cannot ignore these statistics. The rate is still high, and we must work together as a community to end these harmful practices,” he said.
The remarks were made during a consultative meeting that brought together security officers, education officials, religious leaders, gender officers, and other stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at addressing GBV and FGM in the county.
The county commissioner revealed that the government has launched a 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to help curb the rising cases.
He said a multi-sectoral team has already been formed and will conduct sensitization forums across different parts of the county to educate residents on the dangers and consequences of GBV and FGM.
Bule observed that some retrogressive cultural practices may be contributing to the persistence of FGM in the county.
“There are cultural beliefs and practices that still encourage FGM. We have also noted that certain cult-like groups could be perpetuating the vice,” he said.
He added that security agencies, working with other stakeholders, will intensify community engagement forums and develop stronger measures to eliminate the practices.
To strengthen grassroots security, the commissioner proposed the revival of the Nyumba Kumi initiative and the reinforcement of community policing structures to help identify and report cases of abuse and harmful cultural practices.
He also announced that senior female security officers serving in the county will begin mentorship programmes targeting schoolgirls who are vulnerable to defilement and abuse.
Additionally, he urged day school administrators to ensure learners are released early enough to allow them to get home safely before dark.
“Allowing students to leave school at 7pm or 8pm exposes them to risks of kidnapping and defilement. Let us protect our children,” he warned.
The county commissioner further called on all stakeholders, including political leaders, religious leaders, and members of the community, to unite in the fight against GBV and FGM.
On his part, Murang’a County Gender Officer Peter Muhia described the level of GBV in the county as alarming.
Muhia noted that while women remain the most affected, men are also increasingly becoming victims of gender-based violence.
He said the Rapid Results Initiative, which began on May 21, aims to identify the root causes of GBV and FGM and develop long-term solutions to address them.
Muhia urged key stakeholders, especially religious institutions, to take a more active role in discouraging retrogressive cultural practices that continue to fuel FGM in some communities.
“We must all work together to protect our families and ensure harmful cultural practices are completely eradicated,” he said.
