Technology to combat FGM: Pasha app launched to curb FGM in Kuria

The PASHA App aids in sharing information with the & other relevant authorities & duty bearers in text or voice & one can remain anonymous.

The Kenya Anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) board, in partnership with UNICEF on Wednesday, launched Kenya’s digital mobile application called Pash, aAPP, which will be used in reporting and tracking cases of FGM.

The new system will allow users, especially those from the Kuria Community, to report anonymously unfolding cases of FGM for quick tracking and arrest of the culprits.

Mr Jackson Onyando, a child protection specialist from UNICEF Kenya, while speaking during the launch of the Pasha Mobile App, stated that the launch of the app has come at the right time when children are expected to close schools for long holidays and the anticipated time for the vice to escalate in December.

The official explained that the application is free of charge and can be downloaded directly from the google play store by anyone.

This comes only after previous multiple Anti-FGM campaign meetings conducted along the Kenyan-Tanzania border and especially in Migori County revealed that most of the surrounding population lived in fear of exposing the FGM culprits.

This Pasha mobile application will complement other existing mechanisms of reporting FGM cases like the 116 and 195 for reporting GBV concerning children, and now we have improved on that by launching the pasha application,” he said.

Mr Nyerere outlined that in addition to the launch of the App, the board also got an opportunity to meet various Anti-FGM stakeholders at the grassroots level, including community leaders, religious leaders and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), to help the sensitisation take the application. This will enhance reporting avenues and mechanisms, he concluded.

Migori County Director of Gender, reverend Kenneth Orom, lauded the move of coming up with the Pasha application, saying it will help narrow down challenges faced in the fight against FGM and help realise the 2022 goal of ending FGM as directed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.