Child marriages, FGM reduced drastically in Samburu, thanks to boychild empowerment

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The main entrance of the Rescue Centre. [Mate Tongola, Standard]

Her fellow victim was also married off at the age of 7. She was a goat herder and one evening upon returning home, her father told her she had been married off.
The innocent girl narrated on how she used to sleep on trees for three nights and one day managed to walk to a police station in Maralal.

*Naisula* says her dream is to rescue girls who undergo outdated traditions.

During her narration, she reflected on how back then she could only communicate in the Samburu language but now she is fluent in both English and Kiswahili.

"My mum was helpless, the guy I was to get married to had 3 wives already. I objected since I knew I wanted to pursue my education so I had to run away from home with the help of my brothers. I am now safe and will be going to Grade 4 in 2024," she stated.

The girls say they enjoy the secure environment at the rescue centre which gives them ample space to study and pursue their dreams.

During the event, the Rotary Club of Samawati led by their President Thomas Wariithi donated a Sh1.5m scholarship, several computers, and stationaries to the girls.

Among the Samburu traditions, child marriages have been practiced for ages and girls have been undergoing painful FGM with some bleeding for days and may in some cases be fatal. This is despite being outlawed.

*Name changed to protect privacy.