Marsabit leaders sound alarm over FGM, child marriage as Girls’ Rights Take Centre Stage.

By Nyabande Orwa.

Leaders in Marsabit County have renewed calls for an end to female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, warning that harmful practices continue to threaten girls’ education, safety and future opportunities.

The call was made during celebrations marking the International Day of the Girl Child, held under the theme of ending child marriage and investing in girls’ rights.

The event was led by Anne Wang’ombe, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, under the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage.

Wang’ombe expressed concern that FGM continues to be practised despite years of campaigns to eliminate it. She called on girls to reject the practice and urged chiefs, assistant chiefs, community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to protect the girl child.

“When you protect a girl, you protect the future of Marsabit. When you educate a girl, you change generations,” Wang’ombe said, emphasising the importance of education in empowering girls to make informed decisions, defend their rights and build better futures.

Marsabit County First Lady Alamitu Guyo Jattani also raised concern over cases in which girls reportedly seek FGM themselves due to peer pressure. She urged them to resist such pressure and prioritise their education rather than engage in practices that could jeopardise their health and future.

Jattani further highlighted the challenges of gender-based violence (GBV) in the county, noting that its prevalence remains a concern. She expressed particular worry over girls who may view early marriage as an escape from difficult situations at school or pressure from adults, calling for stronger family and community support to keep them in school.

The First Lady urged parents, teachers and community leaders to create safe environments where girls can pursue their education without fear, coercion or discrimination.

The celebrations brought together Deputy Governor Solomon Riwe, Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande, and representatives of UNICEF, MWADO, Plan International and other organisations working to advance children’s rights.

Addressing students, Riwe urged them to spread the message of rejecting FGM and child marriage among their peers, while encouraging families and communities to invest in children’s education and wellbeing.

The leaders called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, parents, schools, community leaders and civil society organisations to eliminate harmful practices and ensure that girls enjoy their rights.

They emphasised that protecting the girl child requires collective action to ensure every girl has access to education, grows up in a safe environment and has the freedom to make decisions about her future.

The celebrations ended with a call for communities across Marsabit County to reject FGM and child marriage and support every girl to remain in school, realise her potential and contribute to the development of society.