Kenya and Tanzania are intensifying joint efforts to prevent a potential rise in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among the Kuria community ahead of the December 2026 circumcision season.
Activists and government officials from both countries recently met in Tarime, Tanzania, to strengthen coordination, address enforcement gaps, and prevent cross-border circumcision practices that have historically undermined anti-FGM efforts.
Why December 2026 is a concern
The renewed urgency follows signals that 13 Kuria clans — four in Kenya and nine in Tanzania — are planning to conduct circumcision ceremonies simultaneously later this year.
In December 2025, only the Bwirege clan, which spans both countries, carried out circumcisions after a pause by other clans. Despite the limited activity last year, authorities say enforcement challenges remain, especially along the porous Kenya–Tanzania border.
Activists warn that coordinated ceremonies across multiple clans could strain rescue efforts and law enforcement if preventive measures are not strengthened early.
Cross-border challenges
Cross-border FGM remains difficult to control because communities transcend national boundaries, allowing families to move girls across the border to evade arrest.
“We are here to map out the best strategies to stop cross-border circumcision in December. We have also reflected on challenges from last year; despite only one clan undergoing the cut, we still faced difficulties,” said Vincent Mwita, an activist with Tunaweza Empowerment based in Kenya.
Mwita said the meeting focused on ensuring rescue centres for girls fleeing FGM are positioned closer to border areas and improving coordination in tracking suspects and monitoring circumcisers who cross between the two countries.
Michael Marwa of C-Sema in Tanzania’s Mara Province noted that enforcement slowed during Tanzania’s election period last year, weakening previously active communication channels that had helped disrupt cross-border activities.
Rescue efforts and arrests
Authorities reported new and troubling developments during the 2025 season.
For the first time, eight boys and men who had undergone medical circumcision in hospitals were reportedly forced to undergo re-circumcision under traditional practices. Two suspects were arrested in Kenya in connection with the incidents.
In addition, 120 girls were rescued after fleeing planned circumcision, with two active court cases currently ongoing in Kenya.
On the Tanzanian side, authorities controlled eight identified hotspot areas linked to cross-border circumcision. Two cases remain under investigation.
Schools and health facilities on alert
Tarime District Commissioner Major Edward Ngoele, speaking through District Secretary Salm Mwaisenye, said authorities protected 63 children in 48 primary and secondary schools from undergoing circumcision.
Officials also monitored 63 health facilities in the border region to promote anti-FGM messaging and prevent medical professionals from facilitating the practice.
“That children can escape the vice shows that as regional governments, we must remain vigilant to end it. The younger generation is aware of the problem,” Ngoele said.
Economic alternatives and community engagement
Beyond enforcement, Tanzania is investing in economic alternatives aimed at addressing cultural and financial drivers of FGM.
Across the Mara region, authorities issued Tsh 10.2 million in health insurance support to about 2,000 elders and disbursed Tsh 1.063 billion in digital funds to 60 community groups as part of broader anti-FGM and empowerment initiatives.
Officials believe such interventions can reduce reliance on harmful traditional practices tied to social status and economic incentives.
Regional cooperation framework
Kenya in 2019 joined Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania in forming joint task forces to end cross-border FGM among communities that span national borders.
The latest Tarime meeting builds on that framework, with officials calling for additional coordination forums before August 2026 to establish clear operational plans ahead of the December season.
Mwaisenye emphasised the need for early preparation, noting that previous coordination meetings had helped reduce cases but required consistent follow-up.
What happens next?
With multiple clans planning ceremonies later this year, authorities and activists say prevention efforts must begin months in advance.
Improved intelligence sharing, stronger border surveillance, accessible rescue centres, community awareness campaigns, and swift legal action are expected to form the backbone of the 2026 strategy.
As December approaches, the success of the renewed Kenya–Tanzania cooperation will be closely watched as a test case for regional efforts to eliminate cross-border FGM practices.
