A new initiative aimed at eliminating harmful cultural practices and promoting gender equality has been launched in West Pokot County.
The Future4Binti Programme will run from 2026 to 2030 focusing on safeguarding girls and young women from Female genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and forced marriage.
The programme is spearheaded by key organisations including Amref Health Africa, Plan International, and Anti FGM Network (YANK) and will be implemented in partnership with I-REP Foundation.
Speaking at the programme’s inception meeting held at a hotel in Kapenguria Constituency, West Pokot County, Future4Binti Programme Manager Viola Rutto said the initiative aims to address deeply rooted harmful practices that continue to violate the rights of girls and women in the county.
She noted that FGM prevalence in West Pokot stands at 44 per cent, child marriage at 42 per cent and teenage pregnancy at 36 per cent.
“When girls undergo FGM, their health and well-being are affected. FGM also leads to child marriage and school dropout, cutting short their dreams and opportunities,” she said.
Ruto added that the programme will place girls at the centre of its interventions while also engaging community influential leaders, survivors and key service providers such as police officers, health workers and educators to drive change.
The programme will be implemented locally by I-REP Foundation, which has been working in the county for over a decade.
I-REP Foundation Executive Director Domtila Chesang said the initiative will focus on amplifying the voices of girls and women while promoting access to education, health services, and protection.
“This programme is unique because it brings together multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and the media, among other stakeholders, to ensure its success,” she said.
West Pokot County Commissioner David Saruni welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with the government’s commitment to eliminating FGM by 2030 and achieving gender equality targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He noted that the programme will involve collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society organisations, and community members to safeguard the rights of girls and women.
“FGM and gender-based violence are violations of human rights, and all stakeholders must work together to end these practices,” he said.
County Executive Committee Member for Culture, Tourism, Sports, Youth Affairs and social Services, Lucky Chemtai Litole lauded the initiative, noting it will strengthen efforts to address FGM, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies through education and community sensitisation.
West Pokot County Director of Children Services Philip Wapopa warned that FGM remains prevalent, often carried out secretly, and may be higher than reported figures.
He highlighted the severe effects of the practice, including health complications during childbirth, psychological trauma, school dropouts, and limited economic opportunities for girls and women.
“FGM has no benefits and causes lifelong harm. There is an urgent need to end it and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
The Future4Binti Programme aims to enhance social norm change capacity, build local actors to drive change, and increase access to health, legal and protective services for girls and survivors with the ultimate goal of securing a better future for girls in West Pokot and nine other hotspot counties in Kenya.
By Anthony Melly
