By MN Reporter

Stakeholders in Migori County said emphasis should be placed on younger generation to help in fighting Female Genital Mutilation.

The vice which is practiced among Kuria, Maasai and Somali communities in the area has been blamed for high teenage pregnancies, marriages and school drop out in the devolved unit.

Data from the county government indicates that the rate of teenage pregnancies stood at 19 percent.

From January to November this year, Kuria West had 720 cases of teenage pregnancy for girls aged between 15 to 19, whereas 22 cases were of girls aged between 10 to 14.

The data from the county indicated that Mabera recorded a high number of teenage pregnancy cases where 848 girls aged between 15-19 whereas 21 cases of girls aged between 10 to 14 were reported to have been pregnant within the same period.

Nyamosese Komosoko ward in Mabera was found with 331 cases of teenage pregnancy followed by Bukira East ward in Kuria West with 282 cases. Uriri Sub-County has recorded 18 percent of cases of teenage pregnancies.

Benter Adhiambo Obwayo, the Chief Executive Officer of Pan African Women Association (PAWA), based in Norway said it is youths who are most affected by the vice and stand a better chance to accept change.

Colleta Bwahi and George Alambo officers at Micontrap-Kenya said they have started health clubs in over 60 primary and secondary schools in Migori and parts of Narok counties targeting youths.

They said in the groups youths are trained on effects of FGM and work closely with 16 health facilities in the area as referral points in cases of SGBV in the area.

They said they hoped the vice which has been outlawed will be completely eradicated from the area.