Kenyans cross border to get 'the cut'

Anti Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) activists in Migori County have raised the alarm over the large number of girls crossing into Tanzania to undergo the rite.

Speaking in Isebania town, along the Kenya Tanzania border, Cess Mugo, Project Manager, Education Centre for Advancement of Women, said this is hampering efforts to stop female circumcision.

"We are concerned that despite the reduction in number of girls undergoing the rite in the country, there are many girls crossing into Tanzania to undergo the cut," she said.

Mugo said Kenya's stringent anti-FGM laws and the Government's push to apprehend those caught violating the law have made the girls and circumcisers opt for Tanzania, which does not have rigid laws against the vice.

"We now have to ensure that we work with organisations across the border if we are to win this war. This will ensure that those who take part in this exercise have no place to hide," she said.

Mugo said Ecaw is seeking to form strong partnerships, with security personnel and public administrators from both countries, that will enable anti-FGM activists locate and arrest Kenyans found practicing the vice in the neighbouring country.