No Bursary for Circumcised Kuria Girls, NGO Official Confirms.
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) operating in Kuria Sub-County, Migori County, has issued a stern warning to parents who subject their daughters to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), cautioning that such families will be ineligible for education bursaries.
Speaking during the issuance of bursary cheques at the Kehancha Deputy County Commissioner’s office, Kirira Foundation partner Omahe Mwita emphasized that FGM remains a major obstacle for Kuria girls striving to achieve their educational goals.
He noted that the foundation aims to support vulnerable students but will not extend assistance to those who have undergone the practice.
“We know from our sources those that have subjected or aim to subject their girls to FGM and we will not consider any application from such people”, cautioned Mwita.
Kirira Foundation, an independent, secular, and non-partisan NGO based in Spain, collaborates with local partners in Kenya to combat harmful traditional practices such as FGM and child marriage. The organisation has actively contributed to the fight against these retrogressive customs while providing educational support to those in need.
During the event, the foundation awarded bursaries amounting to KSh 1.5 million, benefitting 85 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These funds will support students from secondary to tertiary institutions, ensuring they have a chance to pursue their studies.
Mwita reiterated that the bursary fund would strictly exclude students subjected to FGM. He warned parents against engaging in the harmful act, stating that the foundation had reliable sources identifying families involved in FGM, and their applications would not be considered.
Government’s Stand Against FGM
Deputy County Commissioner for Kuria West Sub-County, Andrew Mwiti, condemned the act of seeking financial aid from well-wishers while continuing to practice FGM. He urged the Kuria community to abandon the tradition, stating that it brings no benefits and only serves to hinder progress.
Mwiti lamented that many opportunities were being lost due to the community’s reluctance to abandon the vice. He encouraged bursary beneficiaries to work hard in school, emphasizing that their academic success would be a way of showing appreciation and contributing positively to society.
“We are losing a lot of opportunities simply because we have refused to shade off the FGM vice in the community”, lamented Mwiti.
Among the beneficiaries was Elizabeth Abel, a grateful parent, who expressed relief at receiving financial assistance. She shared that the KSh 17,500 bursary would ease her burden and help her daughter continue her education.
Abel urged members of the Kuria community to resist the urge to subject their daughters to FGM, pointing out that the practice only hinders their academic and future opportunities.
She cited examples of parents whose daughters had undergone the procedure in 2024 and consequently missed out on the bursary due to their non-compliance with government directives.
Kirira Foundation’s Continued Efforts
Since its establishment in Kuria in 2009, Kirira Foundation has significantly contributed to the region’s education sector. In addition to bursary programs, the organisation has constructed classrooms and ablution blocks and provided water tanks to various schools.
To date, the foundation has supported over 300 students through its education bursary initiative, reinforcing its commitment to empowering the community and eliminating harmful traditional practices.
No Bursary for Circumcised Kuria Girls, NGO Official Confirms.
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