Kenya's FGM decline stalls as 475,000 girls remain at risk by 2030

Kenya has made progress in reducing female genital mutilation (FGM), with national rates dropping from 37% in 1998 to around 15% today. Despite this decline, the practice remains deeply entrenched in some regions, with prevalence exceeding 95% in counties like Wajir and Mandera. Authorities now face the challenge of meeting the 2026 target to eliminate FGM entirely.

FGM was outlawed in Kenya in 2021, yet enforcement and investment gaps threaten to undo years of progress. Without sustained action, up to 475,000 girls could still be at risk by 2030. Experts warn that meeting the 2026 elimination goal requires stronger budget commitments and prioritisation of prevention programmes.

Community-led initiatives, such as the Komesha FGM Sasa! programme, have shown success in shifting local attitudes. By empowering residents to challenge harmful traditions, these efforts help reduce reliance on the practice. However, long-term funding remains critical to scaling up such models.

Kenya also ranks among the five countries where FGM is most frequently performed by health professionals. This medicalisation of the practice complicates eradication efforts, as it lends a false sense of legitimacy. Traditional and religious leaders have been urged to use their influence to publicly oppose FGM, reinforcing legal bans with social change.

While national figures have improved, stark regional disparities persist. In areas like Mandera and Wajir, near-universal prevalence highlights the need for targeted interventions. Without these, the 2026 deadline risks slipping out of reach.

The government's pledge to end FGM by 2026 hinges on more than just legislation. Increased funding, community engagement, and leadership from cultural figures will determine whether Kenya can protect hundreds of thousands of girls. Failure to act now could leave nearly half a million girls at risk in the coming decade.