Kenya has seen a decline in female genital mutilation (FGM) rates, but child pregnancies continue to rise, according to the Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Board.

Chairperson Ipato Surum said that while FGM prevalence among women aged 15 to 49 dropped from 21 per cent in 2014 to 15 per cent in 2022, child pregnancies now stand at 24 per cent.

According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, the national decline masks significant regional disparities.

Wajir County leads with an FGM prevalence of 97.2 per cent, followed by Mandera at 95.9, Marsabit at 83, Kisii at 77.3 and Samburu at 75.6 per cent.