Renewed Commitment to End FGM by 2022

Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia, on Wednesday 26th August committed to continue strengthening the capacity of public service to deliver on H.E. President, Uhuru Kenyatta’s commitment to end FGM by 2022.

Prof. Kobia made her remarks as she held a meeting with cultural and religious elders who are working with the ministry on the End FGM Programme.

She emphasized on the need to be on high alert and protect girls during the COVID-19 pandemic period because they are at high risk of FGM. “Schools have been a safe haven for children. They are now exposed and are at very high risk of not only being subjected to FGM but are also at high risk of early and forced child marriage, rape and teenage pregnancy,” she said.

Prof. Kobia further called on parents and guardians to be the first duty bearers of their children and take responsibility to protect them against cultural practices that violate their rights.

She commended the Kenya School of Government for the steady increase in the number of public servants who are undertaking training and the development infrastructure geared towards creating a conducive learning environment.

She kick started the Greening Initiative in the Institution which is part of the Government’s on going project to plant 1.8 billion trees and achieve more than 10% forest cover in the country by 2022.

The Cabinet Secretary also unveiled 15 newly built residential cottages at the Kenya School of Government, Baringo Campus. Later on, Prof. Kobia issued Affirmative Funds from Women Enterprise Fund worth Ksh.8 million to various women groups in Baringo County. She also donated dignity kits for girls, masks and shukas.

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Mrs. Mary Kimonye, Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Service, Prof. Ludeki Chweya, Director General Kenya School of Government, Mrs. Agnes Pareyio, Anti-FGM Board Chairperson,Mr. Henry Wafula, Baringo County Commissioner, Dr. Ademola Olajide, UNFPA Country Representative, Mr. Titus Lotee, CEO National Government Affirmative Action Fund among other national and county officials.

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