Abstract:
In the efforts to terminate Female Genital Mutilation globally, in the recent years some religious authorities have
openly opposed the continued practice of Female Genital Mutilation, at least the most radical operations. The
paper aims at identifying some of the interventions by the government and non- governmental organizations
undertaken to reduce the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya. It also seeks to examine the
attitude of the West Pokot Community towards the measures taken by these organizations in stopping FGM.
Focus was made in Sook Division of West Pokot County which was selected randomly out of the four locations
in the District. A descriptive cross-sectional, qualitative research design was used due to the nature of the study
as it inquired about people’s attitudes and feelings on FGM practice and interventions against it. The study
considered 63 participants for interviews, all above 18 years; 9 key informants and 54 members of 7 Focus
Group Discussions (FGDs) with between 6-10 participants. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to
collect data. The study revealed divided opinions about Female Genital Mutilation among the Pokot. Most of the
community members seem to be in favour of the practice, while others are against it. Government and the World
Vision Organization are intervening against the practice in the region and most participants seem to have
negative perception on the anti FGM measures laid down by the Government and the Non-Governmental
Organization (NGOs). To help the community understand and change these cultural practices, there is need to
involve other stake holders concerned with the FGM, these include the girls, parents, old women, men,
traditional circumcisers with whom the government and Non- governmental organizations should work with.
