By C, KNA
Kisumu County will soon begin constructing a one-stop safe house and three gender-based violence recovery centres (GBVRCs) as authorities move to strengthen protection systems amidst rising cases of gender-based violence, including online abuse.
The initiative, spearheaded by Woman Representative, Ruth Odinga through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), was announced on Tuesday during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Akado Vocational Training Centre in Kisumu East Sub County.
Grace Jobita, representing the Woman Representative’s office, said the safe house will be established in Kajulu, while the first three GBVRCs will be located in selected level-four hospitals across the county.
The aim, she said, is to eventually build six centres, but will begin with the three once Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, NGAAF leadership and Ruth Odinga align their schedules for the groundbreaking.
Jobita said groundbreaking is expected within the activism period or in early December.
“Kisumu continues to record some of the highest cases of gender-based violence in the country. Strengthening the referral pathway is not optional—it is urgent,” Jobita said.
She added that the county was also focusing on economic empowerment as a prevention strategy, especially for youth, who have become major targets of technology-driven abuse.
The Woman Representative’s office, she said was working with vocational training centres, where GBV discussions and youth empowerment programmes will run throughout the campaign period.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Beatrice Odongo said this year’s theme—technology-facilitated gender-based violence—highlights a rapidly evolving form of harm that has become widespread in Kisumu and beyond.
She noted that cyber-stalking, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, digital blackmail and tracking through mobile devices were increasingly being used to intimidate and silence women and girls.
“These are not just online inconveniences—these are real-world violations with emotional, psychological, social and sometimes physical consequences,” she said.
“In 2025, digital space is not optional. Our work, activism, education and relationships all intersect with technology. Our solutions must do the same,” she added.
Odongo said survivors still face stigma, disbelief and barriers to reporting, leading many to suffer in silence.
She called for stronger laws, faster redress mechanisms, and digital literacy to help residents protect themselves online.
The CECM added that Kisumu was currently processing several policy frameworks, including the Gender Mainstreaming and Equality Bill, the ICT policy, the Access to Information policy, and a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence policy.
“We must build digital spaces where women and girls can speak, work, advocate, dream and lead without fear,” Ms Odongo said. “Ending gender-based violence in every space—online and offline—is our shared responsibility.”
FIDA Kenya, represented by Angela Obada, said the organisation would offer legal aid, representation, mediation and psychosocial support to women and girls facing violence during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
“As FIDA we have planned virtual forums to educate the public on the legal frameworks governing both offline and online abuse,” she said.
Civil society groups also weighed in with Eli Opondo of Champions of Peace Kenya noting that while the contentious Cyber Crime Bill has attracted criticism, parts of it contained important legal remedies for responding to technology-facilitated violence.
He urged political and legal actors to collaborate in shaping laws that adequately address digital harms.