Nairobi: Stakeholders in Wajir County have called for improved reporting and enforcement systems to curb Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) amid concerns that cases may increase during the long school holiday. The appeal was made during a three-day forum in Wajir town convened by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) that brought together civil society groups, security officers, religious leaders, and elders.

According to Kenya News Agency, participants noted that despite existing laws, weak reporting structures at the community level continue to hinder timely action against perpetrators. They urged residents to utilize available channels to report suspected cases, especially during the holiday period when girls are considered most vulnerable. KNCHR Regional Coordinator Hassan Abdi Omar said the commission is working with local partners to strengthen community surveillance and ensure incidents are promptly flagged to authorities.

Hassan emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, 'We are encouraging community members to share information on any suspected FGM activities. Timely reporting helps security agencies respond before the act is carried out.' He noted that the long break often presents an opportunity for perpetrators to operate discreetly, stressing the need for parents and neighbors to remain alert. 'During the school holiday, we must not allow gaps that expose girls to harmful cultural practices,' he said.

Health professionals at the forum warned that unreported FGM cases continue to strain local health facilities due to long-term complications. Nurse and anti-FGM advocate Hinda Ahmed highlighted the challenges faced by health workers, who rarely receive advance information about planned FGM activities, limiting opportunities for preventive intervention. 'Many cases are only discovered when girls develop complications,' Ahmed said, urging communities to report early to prevent these harms.

Human rights defenders also raised concern over limited coordination between law enforcement and community structures, which they say has slowed progress in stopping the practice. Human rights defender Safi Abdullahi urged local leaders to help bridge communication gaps, stating, 'Reporting must start at the community level. When we act quickly, we protect girls from going through what many women have suffered in silence.'

A senior security officer, Ali Mohamud, emphasized the need for joint action between security agencies to facilitate faster response to reports and enhance cooperation with civil society and local administrators. 'We must work closely with communities to verify reports and take immediate steps to protect potential victims,' he said.

Stakeholders agreed to establish stronger linkages between community elders, health workers, police, and human rights defenders to ensure real-time reporting throughout the holiday period. As schools remain closed, they said, coordinated community alerts will be essential in preventing FGM across Wajir County.