West Pokot the County Commissioner Abdullai Khalif has emphasized the importance of eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during the December festive season.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at the event held at Makutano primary in Kapenguria Constituency, the County Commissioner Khalif announced a key partnership with the Anti-FGM Board to ensure that no instances of FGM will occur during the festive period.
He directed all Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs) within their jurisdictions to establish Anti-FGM subcommittees at the sub-county level who would be responsible for sensitizing local communities, enforcing the law, and ensuring that every case of FGM is reported immediately.
He said any FGM cases discovered should be escalated to the authorities, emphasizing taking such cases would be taken to the courts for legal action without delay.
He stressed that the collaborative effort was aimed at ending FGM practices once and for all, especially during the holiday season when such incidents tend to increase.
He said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting young girls and women from harmful traditional practices, prioritizing their rights and safety throughout the country.
Khalif also said that as the festive season approaches, authorities in West Pokot have established a comprehensive security and safety mechanism to protect residents and travelers during the holidays saying the initiative comes in response to the expected influx of people traveling back to their rural villages from towns, leaving their rental homes in urban areas.
He announced that the local security teams have worked closely with county administrators, law enforcement officers, and community leaders to implement a robust operational order to maintain peace and security.
“We have taken proactive steps to ensure that those leaving towns are assured of safety as they travel, and those remaining behind are equally safe in their rental homes. Our main priority is to curb security threats and make this holiday season enjoyable for everyone.”
He issued a strong directive all sub-county security officials and Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs) regarding drug abuse near schools and called on individuals involved in drug trade or usage to desist from such activities while warning of strict action against perpetrators.
“This is part of a broader effort to maintain a secure environment for children and protect them from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol, “said Khalif.
In his remarks West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin shared the progress made in the county’s ongoing journey to combat poverty, improve education, and ensure access to good health for all citizens.
Kachapin highlighted the county’s efforts in improving educational infrastructure, supporting initiatives to alleviate poverty, and expanding healthcare services to ensure that every resident has access to essential medical care while working with local and national partners.
He acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the county, stating that the standard of living for many people remains very low emphasizing that this is a key reason why the county is still in the process of fighting for progress and development.
“We are still on a journey to ensure that our people live better lives, just like in other countries. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to working towards development in all sectors of poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare so that our communities can experience the progress they deserve,” Governor Kachapin stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving the living conditions of citizens, stressing that the fight for sustainable development will continue until the people of the county achieve higher standards of living and well-being.
“Devolution has been instrumental in taking our county forward. It has empowered local leaders to make decisions that directly benefit our communities, and we are already seeing the positive impact in various sectors, “said Kachapin.
Governor Kachapin highlighted that devolution has allowed for more direct and effective allocation of resources, enabling projects and initiatives in health, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation to be carried out more efficiently at the local level.
He revealed plans to collaborate with the national government in a bid to enhance healthcare services at the grassroots level.
He announced that they will work together to hire 2,500 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to ensure that essential health services are brought closer to the people.
“We recognize that access to healthcare is vital for the well-being of our citizens,” Governor Kachapin stated. “By hiring 2,500 CHPs, we aim to strengthen our healthcare system and ensure that health services reach even the most remote areas of our county.”
He revealed that both levels of government are allocating resources to improve infrastructure in schools and bolster security, especially in schools located near borders.
“We are working hand in hand with the national government to ensure that resources are set aside to improve the infrastructure in our schools and this will provide a better learning environment for our students and empower them to reach their full potential,” Said Kachapin
Additionally, the governor highlighted the importance of security in schools, particularly those situated in border regions and assured that efforts are underway to enhance safety.
“We are also committed to ensuring that our schools, especially those in border areas, are secure so that both students and teachers can work in a safe environment,” he added.
He reassured parents that all students in the county will receive equal bursaries in the coming year, regardless of political affiliations, saying that the allocation of bursaries will be based solely on merit and need, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for every student.
“Just like in the past year, I assure all parents that every student will receive the support they deserve, irrespective of political backgrounds,” Governor Kachapin stated.
He calls for unity among leaders and education stakeholders so as to ensure that no student is left behind due to political differences.
By Anthony Melly and Agneta Chebet
