On the 23rd of March, 2023 leading scholars, faculty and students from different universities in Kenya converged in Nairobi to step up efforts in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation/Circumcision (FGM/C).

The main aim of the meeting was to review the progress made by the Africa Coordinating Center For Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (ACCAF) in the training of students and staff from various universities in Kenya on FGM/C.

Leading ACCAF coordinator Professor Patrick Ndavi gave a detailed review of the organisation’s mission and vision geared towards eradication of FGM/C. The forum’s peak was wide and based with different proposals.

Among the universities present were KEMU, UON, CHUKA, MASINDE MULIRO, DAYSTAR, EMBU, KABARAK.

The participants presented their views and experiences on the training they had undergone on FGM courtesy of ACCAF.

All were in agreement that the knowledge acquired from the training had made them become anti FGM advocates.

Ahmed Nasir a student from Egerton University also shared his experience on FGM/C saying he comes from a community that heavily practices FGM/C.

Dr. Samuel Kimani gave a detailed report on the training of the first cohort. He acknowledged that the training had equipped the trainees with the relevant knowledge geared towards the fight of the vice. He also outlined ACCAF’S view on the training.

He also commended the programme for identifying hot spots, giving viable suggestions and
solutions in facing out the practice.

Several implementations were recommended notably inclusion of FGM in the curriculum as it will serve medical students a better opportunity to confront the practice.

In conclusion the meeting was able to provide a positive groundwork for the programme and its trainees.