Practice of Female Genital Mutilation among Women of Reproductive Age in Kajiado County, Kenya
Abstract
Although Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya is outlawed and there are strict
legislations that prohibit it, some communities still practice it. This is attributed to ethnic
and cultural diversity across the ethnic groups who use it as a rite of passage. This
research‘s aim was to investigate the female genital mutilation practice among women of
reproductive age in Mashuuru Sub- County, Kajiado County. The study specific
objectives were; to determine the proportion of women, who have undergone female
genital mutilation, identify socio-cultural factors and the legal and policy actions
associated with FGM practice. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study
design. Both probability and no-probability sampling methods were employed. Two
hundred and forty-six (246) women of reproductive age were systematically sampled
from Kenyawa-Poka Ward of Mashuuru Sub-County at a predetermined interval of 4.
Interview schedules and questionnaires were used for data collection. All required
approvals from relevant authorities and informed consent from research participants was
obtained. Descriptive data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) version 22.0 with the aid of Microsoft Excel program to generate frequency
tables, graphs and pie-charts. Qualitative results from key informants were triangulated
with quantitative data as verbatim quotes. For inferential statistics, Chi-square test was
conducted at confidence interval of 95% with ≤ p<0.05 p-values deemed significant to
test variables‘ connection. The results of this study revealed that 68.6% of women of
reproductive age in Kajiado County had undergone FGM and this was attributed to their
culture. The study concludes that majority of demographic, socio-cultural and legal
factors were significantly associated with practice of female genital mutilation. An
approximately seven out of ten women of reproductive age in the county had undergone
female genital mutilation which is above the national average. The study recommends
that the county government of Kajiado to partner with other stakeholders to advocate for
an alternative rite of passage, scale up sensitization campaigns and involve men in
demystifying the cultural beliefs attached to FGM practice. The law enforcement officers
at the community level should create anonymous channels for reporting female
circumcision exercises.