Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) Among the Maasai Community in Kajiado County – Kenya2-0

Abstract

Female circumcision also referred to as Female Genital Mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is a valued tradition in the communities where it is practiced globally. There are many reasons why FGM/C should have been eliminated among the Maasai community in Kenya by now. These factors include the consequences of the practice, the awareness of the consequences by the community members and the numerous efforts made by the Government and Non-profit making organizations to end the practice. However, the practice still persists. This paper therefore set out to establish the reasons behind the persistence of FGM/C among the Maasai community in Kajiado County in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey approach that works both for qualitative and quantitative designs in order to assess the contribution of Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya (FPFK) to the fight against FGM/C in Kajiado County in South Rift region of Kenya. The estimated target population was about 1162 from which a sample of 200 respondents was drawn using both probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling techniques. Despite the community understanding FGM/C and their awareness of the consequences of FGM/C, the study established a lack of appreciation of just how detrimental FGM/C is to Maasai girls and women. Instead, the community still considers it a normal and indispensible rite of passage for the girl child. The study also found fathers to be most key in the proliferation FGM/C; and should therefore be targeted in the fight against FGM/C.