The Anti-FGM Board of Kenya has assured that individuals reporting Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) incidents will have their identities treated with strict confidentiality. This move aims to protect whistleblowers from potential backlash from their communities. According to Assistant Director of Programmes Joseline Katunge, many FGM cases in the Gusii Community go unreported due to fear of retribution.
The Anti-FGM Board has developed a mobile app called 'Pasha' to facilitate the reporting of FGM incidents while maintaining confidentiality. The app allows users to report cases and can be used by those with smartphones. For those without smartphones, a short message service (SMS) can be used by writing 'Pasha' to 20880. This initiative aims to encourage more people to report FGM incidents without fear of repercussions.
The 'Pasha' app and SMS service are part of a broader effort to eliminate FGM in Kenya. The Anti-FGM Board is mandated to do so under the Prohibition of FGM Act 2011. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) 2022 data, Nyamira County, where the app was launched, has an FGM practice prevalence rate of 74.4 percent, significantly higher than the regional average of 15 percent.
The Anti-FGM Board's efforts to combat FGM include sensitizing the public about the dangers of the practice. A sensitization forum was held for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) at Ekerenyo in Nyamira County. The event aimed to educate CHPs about the importance of reporting FGM incidents and the measures in place to protect whistleblowers.
Nyamira County Director of Gender, Sports and Social Services Rachael Okong’o welcomed the 'Pasha' app as a means to increase reporting of FGM cases. She noted that fear of victimization has previously discouraged many people from reporting incidents. The app is expected to help more girls access justice and prevent the lifelong detrimental effects of FGM.
The Anti-FGM Board will commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child at Ekerenyo grounds in Nyamira County on October 11. The event, themed "Ending FGM and Investing in Girls' Rights," will provide an opportunity for the public to access information about the dangers of FGM and the importance of eliminating the practice.
The Anti-FGM Board's initiatives aim to address the deep-rooted cultural practice of FGM in the Gusii community. By providing a safe and confidential way to report incidents, the board hopes to encourage more people to come forward and help eliminate FGM in Kenya.
Key points
- The Anti-FGM Board has developed a mobile app called 'Pasha' to report FGM incidents confidentially.
- Nyamira County has a high FGM practice prevalence rate of 74.4 percent.
- The Anti-FGM Board will commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child in Nyamira County.
