A Baseline Survey on Female Genital Mutilation and Early Marriages in Kajiado West, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence and persistence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages in Kajiado West, Kenya. Despite legal frameworks and advocacy efforts, these harmful practices remain widespread. Through a mixed-methods baseline survey, data were collected from 194 households, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Findings revealed high rates of FGM and child marriage, deeply rooted in cultural traditions, economic challenges, and gaps in law enforcement. The study underscores the need for comprehensive interventions focusing on education, economic empowerment, and community sensitization.

Introduction

Kenya has made notable progress in combating harmful practices such as FGM and early marriages through legal reforms and advocacy programs. However, national statistics often mask the harsh realities faced in rural regions. According to a 2022 UNICEF report, FGM prevalence among Kenyan women aged 15 to 49 has declined from 21% in 2014 to approximately 15% in 2022. Similarly, 22.9% of girls are married before the age of 18, as reported by Equality Now (2021). Despite these declines, the persistence of these practices in rural areas like Kajiado West highlights the complexity of cultural norms, poverty, and weak enforcement mechanisms.

Objectives of the Study

• To assess the prevalence of FGM, child marriage, and teenage pregnancies in Kajiado West.
• To understand socio-economic and educational challenges faced by girls.
• To identify gaps in community awareness and existing interventions.
• To provide data-driven recommendations for future programs and policy reforms.

Methodology

A cross-sectional, mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative surveys with qualitative data collection techniques. The study was conducted in Elangata Wuas, Shompole, and Oloika villages within Kajiado West Sub-County, regions characterized by entrenched traditional practices. A random sampling technique was used to select 194 households. Additionally, key informant interviews (KIIs) with community leaders, educators, and health officials, alongside focus group discussions (FGDs) with men, women, and youth, enriched the data. Structured questionnaires for quantitative data, semi-structured interviews for qualitative insights and observation checklists to validate community practices were conducted.

Findings

Prevalence of Child Marriage

• 22.9% of Kenyan girls are married before 18; in Kajiado West, cases of girls as young as 10 years were reported.
• In Oloika, 45.4% of women had their first child before 18, compared to 13% in Elangata Wuas.
• Despite 78% of respondents perceiving a decline in child marriages, the practice continues in secrecy.

FGM Practices

• Nationally, FGM prevalence stands at around 15% (UNICEF, 2022).
• In Kajiado West, FGM remains prevalent, performed in remote areas or across borders to evade legal detection.
• Communities acknowledge FGM's existence but underreport due to legal fears.

Educational Barriers

• 59.8% of girls surveyed had never attended formal schooling.
• Barriers include long distances to schools, poverty, and entrenched cultural norms.
• According to UNESCO, rural girls are twice as likely to drop out compared to urban counterparts.

Economic Constraints

• 76.6% of households rely on pastoralism, predominantly controlled by men.
• Women engage in small-scale businesses but face barriers in financial literacy and resource access.
• UN Women reports that rural women face significant economic barriers, despite representing over 60% of the population.

Discussion

The findings reveal that FGM and child marriage persist due to:

• Cultural entrenchment: Deep-rooted traditions resist legal reforms.
• Economic pressures: Poverty drives families to marry off daughters for dowries.
• Weak law enforcement: Fear of social backlash and inadequate policy implementation.
• Educational deficits: Lack of access to quality education perpetuates gender inequality.

Recommendations

1. Community Sensitization: Implement targeted awareness campaigns to change cultural perceptions.
2. Education Enhancement: Improve infrastructure, offer scholarships, and reduce barriers to girls' education.
3. Economic Empowerment: Provide financial literacy programs and support women-led enterprises.
4. Policy Enforcement: Strengthen legal frameworks with community-based monitoring systems.

Conclusion

While Kenya has made legislative progress, cultural norms, economic hardships, and weak enforcement continue to hinder the eradication of FGM and child marriage in rural areas like Kajiado West. Sustainable change requires a multi-sectoral approach, combining legal reforms with community-driven initiatives.

References

UN Women (2023). Economic Empowerment for Rural Women in Kenya.

UNICEF (2022). Female Genital Mutilation: A Global Concern.

Equality Now (2021). Child Marriage in Kenya: Status Report.

UNESCO (2022). Gender and Education in Rural Kenya.