Traditional values attached to Female Genital Cutting (FGC) amongst the Pokot of West Pokot, Kenya

Abstract

Most of the Pokot community members, occupy an isolated and remote area within a very harsh environment, and are one of the pastoralist communities in west Pokot County which highly depend on nature. They have many strong beliefs, and traditional practices which they nurture. With limited knowledge and influence from outside, the pokot are perpetuating traditions and practices that are adapted to their context. This paper is set to identify the values that are attached to Female genital cutting among the Pokot community. The study was carried out in Sook Division of West Pokot District randomly selected out of the four Divisions in the District. A descriptive cross-sectional, qualitative research design was used.  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 Cutting among the Pokot. It is evident that some individuals still hold to the cultural values thus are still practicing FGC despite the many interventions against the practice. The study recommends collaboration of Government and NGOs in designing Pokot culture-friendly long-term interventions such as the use of existing forums like the elders barazas in giving education concerning FGC, and girl child education advocacy. NGOs should ensure full participation of the community in interventions such as ARP in the region, together with implementation of the anti FGC law.

Keywords: Female genital cutting (FGM), Culture, Values, Tradition, Ethnicity.