| dc.description.abstract | This research study aimed at investigating the measures influencing eradication of female genital
mutilation practices among the Maasai community in Maparasha constituency in Kajiado
County. In respect to this, the background of the study highlights the global regional and local
perspective of FGM. On the other hand the statement of the problem identifies the need to
concentrate on acknowledging the contributions made towards eradication of FGM despite the
numerous research studies that have been done. There was need to carry out the study as there
are many measures in place to eradicate FGM which the researcher have tackled in the study
with very little results from the people on the continued practice to date. The consequence of not
carrying the study may lead to more people in Maparasha constituency especially the women
being taken for granted and denied their rights, thus the need to enlighten them. Regular studies
are an important tool for highlighting new evidence that eventually contributes to the
improvement of existing strategies and government policy. The purpose of the study was to
investigate the measures influencing the eradication of female genital mutilation practices among
the Maasai community. Key factors influencing eradication of FGM are such as: girl child
education, international regulatory institutions, introductions of alternative rites of passage, the
new legal framework and community based rescue centres formed the objectives of the study and
the research questions. The study has both policy and academic significance. The research
findings are expected to assist the Maasai community and community based organizations in
effectively advancing eradication of FGM, and scholars may also use the findings to expand
other areas of research. The target population was 666 which comprised of male village elders-
60, women village elders- 40, girls from the community who were employed-396 and
community members-170. All of these respondents came from Maparasha constituency in
Kajiado County. Probability sampling technique and specifically stratified random sampling was
adopted. Furthermore the selection of the sample from each category was done using stratified
random sampling with a sample size of 250. A descriptive survey research design was used. The
study used questionnaires as the main data collection instrument. Completed instruments were
assembled, edited, coded and interpreted in relation to the research objectives. Data analysis was
done using descriptive statistics for quantitative data by use of Statistical Package of Social
Scientists Program (SPSS) and content analysis for qualitative data. The following statistical
measures were used to draw inference from the responses of the respondents: percentages and
frequency counts, the study had a response rate of 91.2%. The study had 250 respondents as the
sample size. Out of 250 questionnaires distributed to the targeted population 228 questionnaires
were returned. From the study, basing on gender, majority (68 percent) were female while the
remaining (32 percent) of the respondent were male. Furthermore, that majority of respondents
were of the age category of 19-29 with 42.1%. The study also revealed that girl-child education
had played the most important part in FGM eradication among the Maasai. It also revealed that
majority of the respondents (56.1%) agreed that the current Constitution of the Republic of
Kenya (2010) protects children from FGM. Alternative Rites of Passage was also considered as a
vital FGM eradication measure since majority of the respondents 48.2% agreed that public
ceremonies were held to celebrate girl’s entry into womanhood without necessarily going
through FGM. Majority of the respondents (46.9) also agreed that CBRC’S had created
awareness on the need to eradicate FGM, majority of respondents. Conversely, 42.5% agreed
that the international organizations have educated them on the dangers and harms associated with
FGM. | en_US |
