SOLYMONE BLOG: UNDERAGE GIRLS FORCED TO MARRY IN KENYA

In some rural Kenyan communities, tradition dictates that December is the month when boys and girls are circumcised.

The communities, which still practice female genital mutilation, make girls marry off immediately after the circumcision is completed.

Both practices are carried out secretly as they are illegal in Kenya.

A report based on research in eight rural areas, found 43% of girls interviewed and 11.6% of boys were married before 18. Both rates are higher than Kenya’s national rate, which stands at 34% for females and 1.4% for males.
Al Jazeera's Catherine Soi reports from a rescue centre for such girls in the western town of Kilgoris.