By Erick Otieno
The National Government and the County Government of Migori have intensified efforts aimed at eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kuria East and Kuria West sub-counties through a high-level stakeholders’ engagement tour.
The two-day working tour was led by Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Mrs Anna Wendot, together with Principal Secretary for Children Services, Mrs Caren Ageng’o, and Migori County Deputy Governor, Dr Mahiri Gimunta.
The tour brought together various stakeholders, including Migori County First Lady Dr Agnes Ochilo, Anti-FGM Board Chairlady Madam Ipato Komen, National Government Affirmative Action Fund Chairlady Rebecca Maroa, Chief Officer for Gender, Culture, Inclusivity and Social Services Prof Rose Ogwang Odhiambo, World Vision Kenya officials, NGAO officers and other development partners.
Speaking during the engagement, Cabinet Secretary Anna Wendot expressed concern over the increasing number of vulnerable children living away from parental care across the country.
“We currently have over 44,000 children who are not under the care of their parents and are being supported by the government and various children’s homes,” said the CS.
She urged parents and guardians to take full responsibility for the safety and upbringing of their children, warning against the growing cases of child abduction, murder and violence against women being witnessed in the country.
“In the recent past, we have experienced several cases of stolen children, killed children and also killings of women. We strongly condemn this emerging vice in our country,” she added.
Migori County Deputy Governor Dr Mahiri Gimunta, who hails from the Kuria community, commended World Vision Kenya for the impactful programmes it has implemented in Kuria since 2023, particularly those supporting the girl child and vulnerable families.
Dr Gimunta reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to completely eradicate harmful cultural practices in the region.
“As a county government, we will continue collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure that FGM, child marriage and Gender-Based Violence are totally eradicated in Migori County, particularly in Kuria,” he stated.
Principal Secretary for Children Services Mrs Caren Ageng’o noted with concern that the Kuria community still records one of the highest prevalence rates of FGM in Kenya.
“The Kuria community is still leading in Kenya on matters of FGM at 78 per cent, while other communities that previously practised the vice have significantly reduced their rates to nearly 15 per cent,” said the PS.
The leaders emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration between the National Government, county governments, development partners and local communities in advancing child protection and safeguarding the rights of women and children.
The tour focused on aligning strategic priorities and fostering a coordinated and results-oriented approach towards eliminating harmful practices and improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society in Migori County.
