Kisii activist and writer Joshua Kiai says the best way to fight Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is going down to education.

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Speaking yesterday in Kisii town, Kiai said ignorance and poverty are to blame for the increase in FGM cases.

He adds that marginalisation is also a concern but the biggest problem is ignorance.

He said those who undergo the cut despite the challenges they face praise the process just because the society they come from support the same.

“The best alternative to fighting FGM is making it a subject like Mathematics or English at primary level and the same should be extended to high school," said Kiai.

He added that it is very hard to fight the culture.

“One of the wars hard to fight is culture. A people’s way of life is always rooted into old age. It is very difficult and use of force will not yield any much fruits. Just as one is ready to die for their faith so is culture," he said.

“The children from a tender age, both male and female when taught early will understand the adverse effects of the ‘cut’ and most of them despite the parent’s advice will shun the practice,” he said.

“The boys will not also wish in future to marry women who have undergone the 'cut' which most people who still believe in  now want. This will help in the fight against FGM.” he added.