Fit for Future Kenya is helping drive progress in ending FGM in Kenya through grassroots action and youth leadership. In Tharaka Nithi County, community-driven efforts are showing clear signs of change, combining advocacy, culture, and youth engagement to challenge deeply rooted practices.
Recent work led by Fit for Future Kenya highlights how local initiatives are creating real impact where it matters most.
Fit for Future Kenya: Community Action in Tharaka Nithi
Tharaka Nithi remains one of Kenya’s FGM hotspots, with a prevalence rate of 27%.
In response, Fit for Future Kenya, supported by Frontline GMC Kenya, implemented a series of targeted interventions:
- 9 community dialogues (segmented by age and gender for effectiveness)
- 6 Born Perfect Caravans reaching 25 locations and over 70 villages
- Football-led engagement bringing together men and boys
- Media outreach, including coverage on Weru TV
A key milestone was the formation of 9 anti-FGM village committees, strengthening local monitoring and response systems.
Collaboration with county officials and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution also helped reinforce legal awareness and enforcement.
Investing in Youth Champions
A major highlight was the one-day Youth Champions training held on 1st April 2026, supported by GMC.
This workshop brought together 40 young champions, mainly from universities and colleges, to strengthen the next generation of anti-FGM advocates.
The training focused on:
- The Advocacy Cycle – equipping youth to engage policymakers, religious leaders, and communities
- Social Media Engagement – amplifying anti-FGM messaging online
- Writing for Reproductive Health Rights – increasing visibility through print media
This investment is already paying off.
Youth champions are leading conversations, creating content, and influencing their peers. One standout example is a youth advocate who won a national UNICEF essay competition on child protection—demonstrating the power of informed young voices.
Results and Impact
The programme is delivering measurable results:
- 2 public declarations by young men rejecting FGM
- Increased community reporting and monitoring through village committees
- A network of 5 grassroots football teams engaging men and boys
- Youth-led theatre and edutainment groups raising awareness
- Stronger collaboration between government, community leaders, and activists
What Is Changing
There is a visible shift in attitudes and behaviour:
- Young men are publicly committing not to marry cut women
- Communities are more willing to discuss FGM openly
- Cultural tools like music and dance are being used to challenge harmful norms
- Youth are emerging as powerful advocates for change
Even in the face of challenges, such as cultural taboos around discussing sexuality and beliefs linked to curses, communities are adapting.
Separate dialogue groups and culturally sensitive approaches are helping break barriers.
Why It Matters
These efforts show what works: locally led, youth-driven, and culturally relevant action.
Ending FGM in Kenya requires more than awareness—it requires sustained community ownership. This is exactly what Fit for Future Kenya is helping to build in Tharaka Nithi.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the focus is on scaling impact:
- Expanding youth champion networks
- Strengthening village anti-FGM committees
- Increasing media and digital advocacy
- Rolling out more caravans across high-risk areas
With continued support, these grassroots efforts can be replicated across other counties, accelerating progress toward a Kenya free from FGM.
Donate to Fit for Future Kenya
This work is already changing lives—but there is so much more to do. If you’d like to stand alongside Fit for Future Kenya and support their work, you can donate directly and help protect more girls at risk.
Bank Name: Family Bank
Acc: 054000009026
Bank Address: Chuka Branch
Account Name: Fit For Future
IBAN code: DE93500604000000146676
SWIFT CODE: FABLKENYA
