The Government has embarked on a 90-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to halt the steady increase in gender-based violence (GBV) cases, suicide deaths and rampant consumption of illicit brews in Central Region.
Addressing the press at the conclusion of a Central Region stakeholders’ workshop in Nyeri, Gender Principal Secretary Dr Ann Wang’ombe said time had come to take these challenges head on and ensure they are eradicated for good.
Dr Wang’ombe said the Government was resolute in its efforts to address the menace of GBV and consumption of illicit brews in the area and that no effort will be spared in ensuring the war was won.
“We are here as a follow-up meeting that was held last week on Wednesday and during that meeting we agreed to have a multi-sectoral meeting. In this meeting we have representatives from the Ministry of Education, Gender, Ministry of Health, Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Judiciary, NGOs, CBOs and the National Police. The reason is that in the recent past the Central Region has been bleeding, there are so many social problems that need to be addressed,” she told the press.
Dr Wang’ombe said it was disheartening that the Central region has recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons with reports of children being abducted, defiled and later killed in a gruesome manner.
She also pointed out the region is currently grappling with a rising number of suicide cases with 680 people having been reported to have taken their lives since June 2024.
Majority of the victims are elderly men aged between 41 and 55 years.
Retrogressive cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) which was alien in the region have reportedly been creeping in some counties within the region.
“Today we are looking at issues ranging from GBV, femicides. Our children in the recent past have been abducted, defiled and brutally murdered. We have female genital mutilation which is creeping back slowly. We thought this was a problem of the past but it is creeping back again. We have agreed that within 90 days we are going to hit the road running and make a difference. There are those short term commitments that can be achieved within 90 days and there are those that are long term. But what we have agreed together is that within one year this is going to be a region of excellence,” she added.
The PS clarified the RRI is also going to be replicated in other regions in the country as well since the social problems being experienced in Central are being reported in other areas.
Among urgent recommendations expected to be implemented during the quarter include closing down of unlicensed drinking joints and those found selling illicit brews.
The Ministry of Education will also ensure all schools adhere to the stipulated time for reporting for children, an area that was identified as a weak link in protecting learners from pedophiles.
“What is happening here is not an isolated problem. It is happening all over the country but apparently the Central Region has been experiencing escalating cases. I want to assure this nation that there is going to be a difference. The President has given us a job and it must be done,” she affirmed.
Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha said every effort will be taken to ensure the entire network involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of illicit brews is dismantled for good.
He welcomed the new face of the multi-agency team that will be involved in implementing the RRI and exuded confidence that the efforts will bear fruit in tackling the challenges identified during the forum.
“We have agreed that the issues that are contributing towards gender-based violence like alcoholism and drug abuse must be dealt with immediately. Recently we had a RRI for 90 days and we did a lot of work but we are aware we didn’t finish. So we want to go for the second round and finish the job. The entire national leadership and the county leadership are behind this initiative which is meant to make sure that the rising cases concerning defilement are brought to a minimum or eradicated all together,” said the Regional Commissioner.
Earlier on Nyeri Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga had disclosed that GBV and suicide cases continued to pose a serious concern to the overall wellbeing of the community.
He said since 2024, a total of 349 cases on GBV that have been reported in the County were on upward trajectory with a total of 154 being defilement while 10 involved gang rape.
“Behind every statistic is a human story, a family in pain, a child affected by the trauma, a life lost, and many young people struggling silently with mental health challenges. Reports indicate increased cases of SGBV, femicide and other harmful practices. Reported suicide cases from June, 2024 to May, 2026 stood at 107, comprising 81 males and 26 females, with the youngest victim aged 11 years and the oldest 88,” he added.
“This underscores the urgent need for sustained interventions, coordination through a multi- sectoral approach, a strengthened SGBV technical working group and enhanced survivor support systems. The drivers of these challenges are complex and interconnected. They include mental health challenges and depression, drug and substance abuse, family conflicts, unemployment and economic hardship, harmful cultural practices, and weakening community support systems.”
Kahiga also pledged to continue partnering with the National government in the war against the emerging social evils including addressing the problem of mental health challenges that have been linked with suicide deaths.
“Going forward, the County Government of Nyeri will continue to work closely with the National Government, religious institutions, security agencies, schools, health facilities, civil society, and community leaders to strengthen prevention and response systems. We must all play our part in building safe homes, safe schools, and safe communities,” he promised.
“Let this forum not be just another meeting but a call to action one that strengthens partnerships and leads to real, sustained change in our communities. This might also include 90 days Rapid Results Initiative.”
By Samuel Maina and Sharon Nashipae
