Kenya has made significant strides in reducing cases of female genital mutilation (FGM), but new data from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Report 2025 warns that without a dramatic acceleration in efforts, both the country and the world risk falling far short of the target to eliminate the practice by 2030.
According to the report, over 230 million women and girls globally have undergone FGM, a harmful practice recognized internationally as a human rights violation.
Of these, Africa accounts for more than 144 million cases, making it the epicenter of the crisis.
Asia follows with over 80 million cases, while the Middle East accounts for 6 million.
Despite notable progress in countries like Kenya, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone, the report emphasizes that the global pace of change is far too slow.
To meet the SDG target of ending FGM by 2030, progress must accelerate to 27 times the speed achieved over the past decade.
The figures remain staggering: 4 million girls are subjected to FGM every year, and more than 2 million of these procedures occur before the age of five.
Experts warn that population growth in high-prevalence regions, combined with cultural and economic factors, could offset gains made in recent years.
Kenya has emerged as a regional leader in combating FGM, implementing legal bans, community-based programs, and public awareness campaigns.
These efforts have resulted in a steady decline in national prevalence rates over the last decade.
However, campaigners caution that these gains could stall without increased investment, especially in remote and marginalized communities where the practice remains deeply entrenched.
"Kenya’s progress is commendable, but the pace needs to accelerate dramatically," the report states.
"Without urgent action, millions of girls will continue to be cut, undermining human rights and sustainable development goals."
The SDG Report also highlights the persistence of other harmful practices such as child marriage, noting that nearly one in five young women globally (19%) were married or in union before the age of 18.
While Southern Asia has driven much of the global decline in child marriage, sub-Saharan Africa remains the hardest-hit region, with 31% of young women married as children.
Unlike global trends, the continent’s growing population and slow progress mean its share of the world’s child brides is projected to increase by 2030.
Experts and advocates are calling for multi-sectoral approaches that combine strict law enforcement with grassroots education, economic empowerment, and community-led initiatives.
In Kenya, these strategies are seen as essential for scaling up successful programs and ensuring no region is left behind.
"Ending FGM and child marriage isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a development issue," said an SDG spokesperson.
"Kenya and the world must act now to protect the next generation."