Stakeholders in Murang’a County have called for stronger and more coordinated efforts to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), citing alarming trends affecting vulnerable groups, especially children.
The call came during a county meeting on the prevention and response to GBV, which brought together officials from the health sector, security agencies, children’s services, and community representatives.
Data presented at the meeting showed that in 2025, 1,128 GBV cases were reported at health facilities across the county.
Of these, 708 were sexual in nature, with the majority of victims under 17 years old, raising concerns about child safety.
Murang’a County GBV Coordinator Peter Kamau warned that the actual number of cases could be higher, noting that many incidents go unreported due to poor sensitisation, fear, stigma, and lack of knowledge on reporting channels.
“Not all cases of gender-based violence are reported, and even those reported often come in late,” Kamau said.
“Late reporting makes it difficult to assist victims properly and gather evidence needed for justice.”
To address these challenges, the county is working with community health promoters (CHPs) to educate residents on the importance of early reporting, particularly for sexual abuse cases.
CHPs are being trained to guide victims and families on reporting procedures and available support services.
Kamau noted that the county government has waived fees for P3 forms, a key medical document required in court during criminal prosecutions.
“Waiving P3 fees removes barriers and supports survivors in seeking justice,” he explained.
He also emphasised the need for continuous police training to ensure cases are handled with sensitivity and professionalism.
Murang’a County Police Commander Kemboi Kimaiyo highlighted the difficulties faced by law enforcement, including late reporting and lost forensic evidence, which often weaken cases and result in few full prosecutions.
“In many situations, evidence is lost by the time a report is made, making it hard to build strong cases in court,” Kimaiyo said.
He urged families, health workers, and community leaders to support timely reporting and preservation of evidence.
Children’s Officer Nannies Mutegi called for establishing specialised court units for child victims of GBV, including child-friendly spaces and trained personnel to protect children from further trauma during the justice process.
Stakeholders agreed that ending gender-based violence in Murang’a requires joint efforts from all sectors, sustained community education, and strong support systems for survivors, particularly children.
By Bernard Munyao
