Alternative Rite of Passage Preserving Culture, Protecting Futures

For generations, the Maasai rite of passage has carried profound meaning, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. Yet for girls, this journey was long overshadowed by female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful cultural practice that robbed many of their health, education, automony and dignity.

In Narok West  Sub-County, the picture is slowly changing. National data shows the prevalence of FGM dropping from 78% in 2014 to 51% in 2022, with some communities reporting rates as low as 22%. But in Narok West, FGM remains deeply rooted, making locally entrenched community-led alternatives critical.

A changing Narrative in Narok West

That urgency is fueling a cultural shift. In 2022 in Ilbaan, parents and elders proudly watched 72 girls graduate through the Community Led Alternative Rite of Passage (CLARP) a programme coordinated by The Maa Trust that recognises and celebrates the transition from girls to women, but without being cut. In 2025, the programme moved onto Laila, next to Enarau Conservancy. In August, 196 girls and 63 boys from across 12 villages celebrated the completion of a week-long intensive mentorship programme.

The graduation celebration is the end point of nine-months working with elders, religious leaders, cultural leaders, grandparents, families, and children to preserve what is beautiful in culture blessings, songs, and while replacing the cut with life affirming mentorship in leadership, reproductive health, and cultural identity.

“This was not just a graduation,” said Valerian Mbadi, Education and Child Protection Manager at The Maa Trust. “It was a cultural milestone. We are proving that traditions can evolve while safeguarding our children’s futures.”

His words were echoed by colleague Celestine Tayiana, Child Protection Coordinator She noted that “when girls, boys, parents, and elders walk this journey together, change takes root and becomes lasting.” From the grassroots, Elizabeth Seenkai, The Maa Trust’s Project Coordinator for Enarau, has been walking homestead to homestead to rally guardians and parents to embrace ARP as a dignified choice. Nice Nayianoi, Child Protection Intern, added that the team’s focus is ensuring every child grows up safe, educated, and proud of their culture, with ARP offering families a way to celebrate without endangering their daughters.

Building a Future Rooted in Dignity and Cultural Pride

Community leaders have also thrown their weight behind the initiative. Joel Nabaala, Committee Chair, praised the unity driving the programme forwards. Hon. Ipata Surum, Chair of the Anti-FGM Board, stressed that the fight against FGM will only be won when communities themselves lead the way. She noted during the graduation celebration that “What we see here is proof that change is possible.”

We are deeply grateful to our partners including Asilia Kenya, the Saruni Foundation, and many others, whose unwavering support has kept this program alive and thriving. Terry Davidson, the Chairman of The Maa Trust board of trustees, expressed gratitude to families, elders, and donors for sustaining such a profound transformation that is reshaping futures.