An NGO official confirms that there is no bursary for circumcised Kuria girls.
A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in Kuria Sub-County, Migori County, has issued a firm directive: families who subject their daughters to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) will not be eligible for educational bursaries.
Speaking during the distribution of bursary cheques at the Kehancha Deputy County Commissioner’s office, Kirira Foundation representative Omahe Mwita underscored the damaging impact of FGM on the education of Kuria girls. He made it clear that the organization is committed to supporting vulnerable students but will not extend financial aid to those who have undergone the harmful practice.
“We have reliable sources that identify families engaging in FGM, and any applications from such households will be rejected,” Mwita warned.
A Stand Against Harmful Traditions
Kirira Foundation, a Spain-based independent NGO, has been actively working in Kenya to combat harmful traditional practices, including FGM and child marriage. Partnering with local stakeholders, the organization strives to empower communities through education and awareness while ensuring that girls have the opportunity to pursue their studies without cultural barriers.
During the recent bursary disbursement, the foundation allocated KSh 1.5 million to support 85 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The beneficiaries, spanning from secondary school to tertiary institutions, received financial aid to help them stay in school and achieve their academic aspirations.
Mwita reiterated that the bursary program would maintain a strict policy against awarding funds to students who have undergone FGM. He cautioned parents against perpetuating the harmful practice, stressing that the foundation has reliable informants monitoring compliance.
Government’s Push to End FGM
Deputy County Commissioner for Kuria West Sub-County, Andrew Mwiti, echoed the foundation’s stance, condemning parents who seek financial assistance while continuing to engage in FGM. He urged the Kuria community to abandon the outdated practice, emphasizing that it hinders development and denies girls valuable opportunities.
“We are losing countless chances for growth simply because we refuse to let go of FGM,” Mwiti lamented.
He encouraged bursary recipients to take their studies seriously, reminding them that academic success is not only a personal achievement but also a way to uplift their community.
Voices from the Community
One grateful parent, Elizabeth Abel, expressed immense relief upon receiving a KSh 17,500 bursary for her daughter. She highlighted how the financial aid would ease her burden and ensure her child continues her education uninterrupted.
Abel urged fellow parents to resist societal pressure to subject their daughters to FGM, pointing out that several families who underwent the procedure in 2024 missed out on bursary opportunities due to their non-compliance with anti-FGM policies.
Kirira Foundation’s Continued Impact
Since establishing its presence in Kuria in 2009, Kirira Foundation has played a crucial role in transforming the region’s education sector. Beyond bursaries, the organization has constructed classrooms, installed water tanks, and built ablution blocks in various schools.
To date, over 300 students have benefited from the foundation’s educational support programs, reinforcing its mission to break harmful cultural norms and empower future generations through education.
As the fight against FGM continues, the firm stance taken by Kirira Foundation and local authorities serves as a strong reminder that communities must prioritize education over harmful traditions. The message is clear: girls deserve a future free from FGM, and those who choose to protect them will be the ones to reap the benefits of support and progress.
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