At least 30 cases of FGM have been reported in Elgeyo Marakwet County

(Photo: Courtesy)

Despite a government ban, female genital mutilation (FGM) appears to be on the comeback. In the past one week alone, at least 30 cases of this outdated practice have been reported in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

There must be more such cases that have not been discovered. Surprisingly, this is the country where the chairlady of the Anti FGM board, Lina Chebii, hails from.

In this part of Kenya, and other areas like Kuria, this cultural practice is deeply rooted and is defended by not only women, but the older generation of men, including local administrators.

In 2014, for instance, villagers in Kuria attacked and seriously injured police officers who had been sent to enforce the ban on FGM.

By itself, this calls for a change of tack if this practice is to be completely uprooted. The use of force in the past had little impact. At some point, experts advised the Government to seek alternative measures that included sensitisation campaigns on the downside of this practice on the health of women.

Early this year in Samburu, this approach paid dividends after a group of 300 elders publicly pledged to put an end to the practice, the dangers of it having been demonstrated to them.

Admittedly, FGM is a practice that has spanned generations and cannot be wished away overnight despite having been outlawed.

More concerted effort needs to be applied towards achieving the goal of eliminating this denigrating practice.