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Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and other harmful cultural practices by 2026, during a high-level meeting between the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage and a delegation from the Government of the Netherlands.
The visiting delegation was led by Joris van Bommel, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands, and was received by Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo at the Ministry’s headquarters in Nairobi.
Speaking during the courtesy call, Cheptumo described the meeting as a timely opportunity to consolidate international efforts in safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls.
“FGM is a gross violation of human rights. It denies girls the opportunity to live full, healthy, and empowered lives,” said Cheptumo. “We are committed to ending this practice, and we welcome partners like the Netherlands who stand with us in this crucial mission.”
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2022), FGM remains highly prevalent among certain communities, with rates as high as 93.6% among the Somali and 86% among the Samburu. The practice, though illegal, continues to pose a significant public health and human rights challenge.
Cheptumo noted that the government has implemented several interventions through the State Department for Gender. These include the enforcement of laws such as the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act (2011), and the establishment of GBV courts and shelters for survivors.
“One of our greatest strengths is the multi-sectoral approach we’ve adopted. We are working closely with the Ministries of Health, Education, and Social Protection, as well as religious and community leaders,” she explained.
The CS highlighted the success of a previous bilateral program with the Finnish Government, which focused on combating GBV and FGM in three hotspot counties. However, she raised concerns over sustainability following the conclusion of Finnish funding in March 2025.
“We must not lose the gains we’ve made. We need sustainable partnerships that ensure continuous support to these communities,” she emphasized.
Community involvement remains central to the Ministry’s strategy. Cheptumo pointed out that six elder declarations have been signed in high-prevalence areas like Sabaot, Pokot, and Kuria, signalling growing grassroots momentum against harmful practices.
“We are engaging male champions and religious leaders, particularly within the Muslim community, through the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya. This has proven effective in shifting cultural attitudes,” she added.
Van Bommel commended Kenya’s strides in gender equality and affirmed the Netherlands’ readiness to explore new areas of collaboration.
“We recognize the strength of Kenya’s approach and stand ready to support efforts that protect girls and empower communities,” he said.
The meeting ended with both sides expressing a strong desire to develop a strategic partnership roadmap to accelerate the eradication of harmful practices and promote gender justice.
