CS Margaret Kobia calls for commitment in eradicating FGM

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia is calling for enhanced interventions in the fight against female genital mutilation, a vice she says remains prevalent among some Kenyan communities.

The calls coming even as the latest statistics indicate that the Country has made progress in the fight against the vice with the prevalence rates having reduced to 21% from 27% in 2009.

While reports indicate there is significance progress in eradicating Female Genital Mutilation in the Country, Kobia says the prevalence rates are still too high in some communities.

Kobia saying that the Government in collaboration with non-state actors has undertaken measures to respond to incidences of Gender based violence and FGM by developing requisite policies.

Speaking during the launch of the Anti—FGM board 11 strategic documents in Nairobi, Kobia affirmed that the documents will play a big role in the success of the campaign against FGM in the country.

The policy is currently being reviewed and is expected to be approved by February next year.

Meanwhile, United Nations Population Fund representative Dr. Ademola Olajide says Kenya should resort to new ways of gathering data on FGM.

According to UNICEF, there are more than 200 million girls and women alive today who are living with the negative effects of Female Genital Mutilation.

Globally, FGM is considered a violation of the rights of women as it interferes with the health of the victims.