Anti-FGM board refutes claims of school girls being screened

Anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) Board has refuted speculation that schoolgirls in Narok County were being screened for any FGM done to them during December holidays.
The board said that it has investigated these claims and found that all girls are back in school according to Ministry of Education’s calendar.
“The board hereby confirms that no girl has been paraded for FGM screening as per the allegations that have been circulating for the last few days,” said Anti-FGM Board Chairperson Agnes Pareiyo.
Pareiyo speaking to the media on Tuesday regarding the issue that has been circulating on social media confirmed that the board has been working with the County Commissioners in different counties to create awareness on the FGM Act, 2011 and the negative effects of FGM.
Some of the counties where awareness was done include Baringo, Narok, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Laikipia, Marsabit, Bungoma and Migori.
“Findings from The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KHDS, 2014) estimates prevalence of FGM among girls and women aged 15-49 in Kenya is 21%. This represents a steady decrease from 27.1% in 2009 and 32.2% in 2003. This decline is attributed to aggressive campaigns by the government and non-governmental organisations in the recent past,” explained the chairperson.
The chairperson went on to appreciate the efforts of the government and other stakeholders in the Anti-FGM Campaign and to bring the attention of the annual National FGM Conference in Narok on February 4 and 5, 2019 and celebrate the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM on February 6, 2019 in Loita Divison, Narok County.
By Caren Gichana/ Samuel Kitavi