Tackling FGM in Elgeyo-Marakwet: A Call for Collective Action

During school breaks for the holidays, the risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Elgeyo-Marakwet quietly rises. Despite national laws prohibiting the practice, the cut is still carried out in secrecy, often disguised as cultural ceremonies or holiday trips. Rise to Shine Education Foundation is preparing to intensify efforts in the region, working closely with families, local leaders, and enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable girls.

Preparations for FGM are often well-planned. Parents or relatives may secretly agree that their daughters should undergo the cut during the school break. The traditional circumciser, usually an elderly woman regarded as a custodian of culture, is contacted in advance. Payment may be made in livestock, gifts, or cash, underscoring how deeply the practice is tied to tradition.

The act itself is dangerous. Simple razor blades or knives are often shared among several girls, raising the risk of infection. Herbal substances, ashes, cow dung, or cold water may be used to stop bleeding, practices that often worsen injuries and long-term health complications. To avoid detection, families may move girls to remote homes, cattle sheds, or even across county borders into areas where enforcement is weaker.

Ceremonial rituals often follow. Dancing, blessings, and new clothing are presented as symbols of womanhood. These celebrations attempt to mask the harm done, but the reality for the girls is pain, trauma, and lifelong consequences.

RTSEF is stepping up its community engagements in Elgeyo-Marakwet this season. By raising awareness, supporting survivors, and partnering with local authorities, the foundation is determined to break the cycle. Ending FGM requires courage, dialogue, and a united community voice that protects girls, values education, and replaces harmful traditions with safe, empowering rites of passage.