In Kenya, according to the most recent Demographic Health Survey (DHS), the estimated prevalence of FGM in girls and women (aged 15-49 years) is 27.1% (DHS 2008-09). This represents a steady decrease from 37.6% in 1998, and 32.2% in 2003. There are significant regional variations, with prevalence ranges from 0.8% in the west to over 97% in the north-east (DHS 2008-09). Kenya has great ethnic and cultural diversity, as reflected in the differing rates of FGM across the ethnic groups, as well as the type of FGM performed and the underlying reasons for practising it. Somalis who live predominantly in the North Eastern province practice FGM at a rate of 97.7%, with 75% having undergone the most severe Type III infibulation. The next highest prevalence is found among the Kisii (also known as the Abagussi or Gusii) at 96.1% and the Maasai at 73.2%. The Kisii and Maasai practice Type I clitoridectomy and Type II excision respectively. By contrast, the Luhya and Luo have the lowest rates of less than 1%. (DHS 2008-09)