Despite ongoing global efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM), the practice continues among some communities in Kenya, notably the Maasai in the eastern part of the country. Although Kenya outlawed FGM in 2011 and has pledged to eliminate it by 2030, the deeply rooted tradition persists in regions such as Baringo County within the Rift Valley.

FGM, which involves the removal of external female genitalia and sometimes the clitoris, poses significant health risks. These range from permanent physical damage and difficulties during childbirth to profound psychological trauma. According to UNICEF, an estimated 230 million women worldwide have undergone the procedure, predominantly in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Italian-British photojournalist Siegfried Modola, who was raised in Kenya, has been documenting Maasai communities that continue to practice FGM despite legal prohibitions. His work aims to shed light on the experiences of the girls subjected to the procedure as well as the cultural dynamics that sustain it.

In Baringo County, Modola identified several factors that contribute to the practice’s persistence. These include traditional marriage customs, strong peer pressure within the community, and economic motivations tied to cultural rites. Families often face social exclusion if they reject the practice, complicating efforts to abandon FGM despite its classification as a violation of women’s and girls’ human rights.

While the Kenyan government has taken legislative and policy steps toward ending FGM, enforcement remains challenging in rural areas where traditional beliefs and social cohesion exert powerful influence over individual choice. As the 2030 target date for elimination approaches, the ongoing practice among the Maasai underscores the complexity of addressing deeply entrenched cultural traditions alongside public health and human rights concerns.