Conclusion
Female circumcision has refused to die in Kenya because of deep-rooted attachment to the practice as a cultural or religious obligation. None of the ethnic groups that still practise FGM/C views it as violence against girls and women. In their languages, the terms for female and male circumcision convey notions of honour, framing genital cutting as just one phase of a rite of passage in which an individual leaves their childhood behind and becomes an adult. Circumcision is viewed as an equal right for both men and women. It bestows socially necessary rights upon the individual, such as the right to marry and have legitimate sexual relations, as well as having a voice in familial and clan affairs. KDHS reports consistently show that most circumcised women do not report adverse effects, while a minority of 22 to 37 per cent report negative outcomes. Moreover, the ethnic groups that practise female circumcision are highly diverse, meaning that strategies successful in one group may not necessarily work in another. Effective abandonment efforts must be reworked and tailored to the specific needs of each community, ensuring their full participation.
The criminalisation of female circumcision has further entrenched resistance among affected communities. Some groups face stricter enforcement than others, which has only hardened the resolve of those determined to continue the practice. Additionally, the promotion of ARPs since 1996 has largely failed to replace traditional circumcision. This failure highlights the need for a reassessment of current approaches, as communities cannot be indefinitely guided by external agencies. Sustainable change must come from within, with strategies that align with community values while addressing concerns about health and rights.
The increasing medicalisation of FGM/C has also contributed to its persistence. By shifting the practice to clinical settings, medicalisation has reduced the number of reported botched cases, thereby lowering the visibility of FGM/C and decreasing the number of complainants. While this may improve health outcomes for those undergoing the procedure, it also makes eradication efforts more challenging, as it allows the practice to continue in a less detectable form. Addressing medicalisation requires a nuanced approach that acknowledges the reasons behind this shift while reinforcing broader efforts to end the practice.