Let's ensure circumcision is safe

Parts of western Kenya are getting ready for circumcision. However, local leaders must take necessary measures to ensure the rite of passage is done safely.

There are reports that out of the 3,000 boys set to undergo the cut, only 1,000 will be circumcised in hospital as the rest have opted for the traditional way. In this era of HIV, we must be careful that the initiates don’t contract the virus due to sharing of circumcision knives.

A recent initiative to train over 500 traditional circumcisers in Bungoma on safety is laudable. This will also ensure accidents witnessed in the past where initiates have bled to death are eliminated. We also need policies to guide traditional circumcision to enhance safety.