Speaking to journalists in her Iten office, Kiyapyap said chiefs and their assistants have been put on high alert to ensure that those parents who continue with this outdated practice are arrested.

"Some parents have resorted to conducting FGM secretly to evade arrest. Let me warn them that we are aware of what they are doing and we shall catch up with them very soon," she warned.

Scores of primary and secondary school students have been lined up for the rite in various parts of the region despite spirited efforts by government to clamp down on those promoting the vice.

Kiyapyap said it was unacceptable that in Elgeyo Marakwet, the region was hardest hit by FGM activities. "We will not relent in the fight against the promotion of this outdated culture among the local community," she said.

She said that FGM has contributed to high number of school drop out among girls who ar forced to get married once they receive the cut. FGM is outlawed in Kenya and the practice has been termed as retrogressive by the government.