Marsabit residents urged to shun FGM, early marriages

Marsabit, Kenya: Marsabit County Commissioner Peter Thuku has urged communities living in the area to stop retrogressive culture of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) saying it is hampering the education sector.

Speakiong during a function at Marsabit Stadium, Thuku also pointed out early marriages that disadvantage the girl child in the region.

"These practices are outadted. There are cultural practices that we can retain, but those that disadvantage girls should be shunned", he said.

He added that residents need to be sensitized on importance of education.

Thuku further issued stern action against individuals who will be found abetting early marriages and FGM.

AnnMaria Gelle, the principal of St Theresa Girls Primary School said the center had rescued many girls from the outdated cultural practices.

"The girls are taking advantage of the boarding facilities in the school", she said.

The school, which is under the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit, is the only girl school in the entire county.