Maasai elders from Kajiado and Narok counties have made a landmark declaration to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, signaling a profound cultural transformation in the protection of girls’ rights.

The elders committed to spearheading intergenerational dialogues to strengthen community accountability and champion legal, policy, and cultural reforms aimed at safeguarding girls across Maasailand.

The historic declaration was made during the launch of the 16 Days of National Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Suswa Girls’ Secondary School in Narok County, attended by Rachel Ruto, local Maasai leaders, and national and international partners.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Ruto described the moment as a defining chapter in Kenya’s journey toward justice and dignity for every girl.

“Today, we launch something beautiful. Something intimate. Something deeply African. We launch the My Dear Daughter Campaign, a movement of mothers, fathers, mentors, and youth declaring that every daughter deserves to walk into womanhood with dignity and not scars,” she said.

She hailed the elders’ declaration as a national turning point, noting that the Maasai community was taking ownership of change, following the example set by the Samburu, Pokot, and Sabaot communities.

“This is a national love letter from Kenya to her girls, assuring them that their dreams matter and are valid. Today is different, because today, we are not standing in silence; we are standing in defiance,” she added.

Mrs. Ruto highlighted significant national progress, noting that FGM prevalence in Kenya has declined from 21 percent in 2014 to 15 percent in 2022.

“This is encouraging and commendable—but it is not enough. The eradication of FGM is not optional. It is not negotiable. It is a cornerstone of the Kenya Kwanza Government’s Women’s Agenda,” she said.

Calling on families to serve as frontline defenders of girls’ rights, she urged parents to take responsibility in protecting their daughters and nurturing them to reach their full potential.

She, however, cautioned that 22 counties still record unacceptably high prevalence rates.

“FGM and child marriage are not cultural events. They are not rites of passage. They are violations—they are violence. They steal innocence, agency, and the promise of life itself,” she emphasized.

Among those present were State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe; Narok East MP Lemanken Aramat; spouses of the Governors of Kajiado and Marsabit counties, Edna Lenku and Alamitu Jattani; Ms. Viola Ruto, Country Director of AMREF Health Africa–Kenya; and Ms. Valeria Bouninfante, Director General of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, among others.

Mr. Daniel ole Kiplosh, Secretary General of the Maa Cultural Leaders in East Africa, representing 33 Maa-speaking sub-tribes across five countries, formally read the declaration. He announced that 17 of the 33 subsections from Kajiado and Narok had signed the commitment.

“This is a collective responsibility by the council of elders and Maasai leaders. It is the first time cultural leaders are appearing publicly in support,” he said.

Principal Secretary Wang’ombe described the declaration as a powerful signal to other counties to follow suit in protecting girls.

Alamitu Jattani shared her personal testimony of the long-term psychological trauma she endured after undergoing FGM, urging women and families to ensure the practice ends with the current generation.

“Let us say FGM ends with you as a woman. Our fathers, grandparents, brothers, and uncles have spoken today. I am confident it will end with our generation. We are ready to walk the talk and ensure it ends among pastoralist communities,” she said.

Dr. Nancy Baraza, National Chairperson of the GBV Technical Working Group appointed by H.E. President William Ruto, termed the elders’ commitment a lesson for the nation.

“Kenya is becoming a country of equality that protects the rights of all men and women,” she said.

Narok East MP Lemanken Aramat observed that the harmful practice has been overtaken by time and called for coordinated efforts to reach every village with awareness and protection measures.

Ms. Viola Ruto urged Maa clans to engage one another and deepen their resolve to end FGM, acknowledging the support of development partners and government agencies.

“What begins here today will echo across Kenya and offer protection to our girls,” she said.

Ms. Bouninfante commended the milestone, noting that elders publicly demonstrating their commitment sends a strong and transformative message in safeguarding the rights of women and girls.

The declaration marks a historic step toward ending harmful practices and advancing dignity, equality, and opportunity for every Kenyan girl.