Authorities in Kisii have launched a programme under which girls will undergo an alternative rite of passage to adulthood.
More than 90 girls between the ages of 10 and 15 years have already enrolled for the programme currently held at Nyabururu Girls.
Elizabeth Ongwae, the wife to Governor James Ongwae and the Heart for Change organisation are spearheading the process that aims at curbing Female Genital Mutilation that is rampant in Gusii region especially during December holidays.
The girls are drawn from all 45 wards in the county.
Speaking to the girls at Nyabururu Girls Boarding school on Monday, Ms Ongwae said the training is aimed at protecting the girls from FGM and teenage pregnancy.
Ms Ongwae observed that FGM prevalence rate in the county is still high despite interventions from government and Non-Government Organisations and called on the community to shun the outdated culture.
She regretted that some girls willingly go for the cut with the support of their mothers and medics and warned that FGM is a criminal offence in Kenya under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, the Children’s Act and the Penal Code.
The girls are set to graduate on Wednesday, December 16.
