The Komesha FGM Sasa programme’s football tournament, held at Kajiampau Grounds in Kathwana, Tharaka-Nithi County, concluded its second day on Sunday after attracting a large turnout of young people from Igambang’ombe Constituency. Organized by Tumaini Africa CBO, the event sought to raise awareness about FGM’s dangers and mobilize communities to reject the practice. Linet Kawira, CEO of Tumaini Africa CBO, stated the tournament provided a platform to unite youth through sport while educating them on FGM’s consequences. She highlighted that 27% of the county’s population practices FGM, with Igambang’ombe recording the highest prevalence, and called for abandoning the tradition to protect children’s education and health.
Kawira emphasized that FGM is a criminal offense under Kenyan law, noting its links to early marriages, school dropouts, and hidden execution. She urged communities to report cases via the toll-free number 21094, starting messages with “HELP,” which also serves as a channel for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) reports. Waithera Malkia, a Tumaini Africa CBO member, encouraged youth and families to prioritize education over harmful practices, while Kabariange team player Murithi Moses described the tournament as a unifying effort to eradicate FGM. Kathwana FC coach Eric Mwenda stressed football’s role in sensitizing communities, urging parents to reject cultural practices that harm children.
The initiative, supported by Tumaini Africa CBO in partnership with ActionAid International Kenya, UNFPA, and the European Union, underscores the intersection of sports and advocacy. Kawira noted FGM’s secrecy complicates intervention, making public reporting critical. The event also highlighted the broader implications of FGM, including its impact on girls’ rights and national development goals. With 27% prevalence in Tharaka-Nithi, the tournament reflects ongoing efforts to align local action with Kenya’s legal frameworks against the practice.
Public engagement remains central to the campaign, as organizers stress the need for collective responsibility. The tournament’s success demonstrates how sports can transcend recreation, fostering dialogue and behavioral change. By leveraging community participation and institutional partnerships, the Komesha FGM Sasa programme aims to create sustainable shifts in cultural norms, ensuring children’s access to education and health without harmful traditions.
Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
The article also mentions unrelated headlines, such as the Sh96 million cooperative fund, but focuses on the FGM campaign as the primary subject.