CHANGING TRENDS THAT LEAD TO THE PERSISTENCE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN KISII COUNTY, KENYA
CHANGING TRENDS THAT LEAD TO THE PERSISTENCE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN KISII COUNTY, KENYA
Phoebe Kemunto Maosa - Master Student, Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Grace Mose Okongo - Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Muthoni Mainah - Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
This study examined the current trends of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) that contribute to its persistence in Kisii County, Kenya, where prevalence remains alarmingly high despite ongoing eradication efforts. Recognized as a violation of women’s and girls’ human rights, FGM hinders gender equality and limits the full realization of women’s potential. The study sought to identify emerging forms of FGM that sustain the practice in the region. Its specific objectives were to review the traditional process of FGM in Kisii County and to identify the changing trends influencing its continuity. Anchored in Social Convention Theory (Mackie, 1996), the research adopted an exploratory design. The target population included members of a self-help group, the area chief, traditional birth attendants, social workers, a head nurse, female teachers, and female students from one secondary school. A multi-stage sampling approach was used, purposive sampling identified key informants such as the chief, teachers, and nurse; simple random sampling selected members of the self-help group and social workers; while snowball sampling was used for traditional birth attendants due to the sensitivity of the topic. In total, 112 participants took part in the study. Data were collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires for female learners to ensure anonymity. A desk literature review was also conducted to establish the historical context of FGM in Kisii. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed, quantitative data using SPSS and qualitative data thematically. Findings revealed that the age of circumcision has dropped from 15 years to 6 years, and the prevalence has risen from 84% in 2014 and 77.3% in 2022 (KDHS) to 86% in 2024 according to this study. The research recommends continuous monitoring of emerging FGM trends, promotion of positive parenting, and collaborative efforts among government, NGOs, schools, and families to ensure sustainable eradication of FGM.
