Source: The Star
Recent reports that a 13-year-old girl died after excessive bleeding due to botched female circumcision in Kajiado county and the subsequent arrest of a chief who aided the circumcision of four girls including his two daughters in Narok county shows that the war against female genital mutilation is far from being won.

It is also reported that several young girls underwent the rite in some parts of Rift Valley, Nyanza and North Eastern provinces during the April holidays despite the practice being illegal.

It is unbelievable that chiefs are colluding with some parents in some parts of the country to allow the outlawed rite to take place and yet it is the same administrators who should lead in enforcing the law in the fight against the vice.

The Children's Act 2001 and the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act 2011 outlaw various forms of violation against children, including FGM, for girls aged 18 and below.

Any conviction for FGM related-offences carries a penalty of 12 months imprisonment or fine of Sh50,000 or both.

The establishment of the Anti-FGM Board chaired by former assistant minister Linah Kilimo demonstrates the government's commitment in the war against the practice.

Kilimo has been instrumental in heightening political will to address the issue, serving as an outstanding model for women, girls, and activists both in Kenya and internationally.

The Anti-FGM Board should launch campaigns that involve men to sensitize the people on the dangers posed by the practice in areas where it is prevalent. This is because in most cases girls are subjected to FGM in order to be suitable for marriage and men's support is necessary to enforce adherence to anti-FGM.

Thus, a change in attitudes among men is very important in diminishing the practice.

Men and boys should publicly support and take part in 'alternative rites of passage' ceremonies which mark the transition of girls into adulthood without subjecting them to FGM. Politicians are doing little to actively combat FGM because the practice is still so culturally ingrained and esteemed in Kenyan society.

Despite the passage of the anti-FGM Bill, majority of the parliamentarians have showed reluctance to discuss FGM.

Indeed it appears that politicians fear losing voters as well as risk isolation by their peers as a result of openly speaking against the practice.

Unlike other gender issues, such as access to education, FGM is viewed as cultural practice, which, if threatened, endangers the cohesion of an entire community. FGM enhances tribal cohesion, providing girls with important recognition from peers.

Although laws alone are not enough to end the practice, there is need for concerted effort by the provincial administration, political leaders, churches and NGOs in the fight against the practice. Government cannot single-handedly monitor FGM, which is usually under reported especially in remote areas.

• Kenya