Controversy: Sharp rift over FGM test on learners

A directive by Narok County Commissioner George Natembeya that schoolgirls be subjected to mandatory examination of the genitalia to establish if they have been circumcised has elicited mixed reactions.

Natembeya said the inspection should be carried out when schools reopen.

A fortnight ago, the county commissioner announced that all upper primary and secondary schoolgirls would be subjected to pregnancy tests as well as inspection of their genitalia to establish if they had undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

He said the parents of any girl found to have undergone the rite would be arrested and prosecuted.

While the local chapter of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and some area politicians have openly opposed the move, county parents association Chairman Joseph Pareiyo supports it.

“I fully support the fight against FGM. Civic education sensitisations on dangers of the vice on the girls have been done, laws put in place by the Government but nothing has happened. If the last resort in ending the retrogressive culture is to conduct the tests, then we have to support it,” said Mr Pareiyo.

He said the move would serve as a deterrent to parents who continue to secretly circumcise their girls.

Pareiyo also advised parents to embrace alternative rites of passage spearheaded by churches and non-State organisations.

Nominated MP David Sankok told off the county commissioner over the directive, saying the move will stigmatise schoolgirls.

“The plan to examine our girls' privates to determine whether they have undergone FGM should be resisted. After finding out what will be done? Will it be reversed?” posed the MP.

The lawmaker reiterated that in most cases where FGM is done, the minors are innocent and do not deserve the embarrassment of being examined.

Natembeya was angered by the rate of teenage pregnancy in the county, which stands at 40 per cent. Narok has the most cases of teenage pregnancy in the country.

The county commissioner linked the high cases of teenage pregnancies in the county to FGM, saying girls who undergo the ‘cut’ feel mature enough to engage in sex.

“We will not relent on this. We are serious and we are going to do it as this is the only solution to end FGM and teenage pregnancies that has affected the education of the girl-child in this county,” vowed Natembeya.