Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Anne Wang’ombe has called for closer collaboration between the two levels of government in tackling the challenge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The PS urged both the County and the National governments to strengthen coordination, increase resource allocation and invest in comprehensive Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response systems across the country.
Speaking during the handover of a multimillion Homa Bay County Safe House in Ndhiwa, the PS said that the national statistic is worrying and that, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), it stands at 34 per cent.
The statistics show that women aged between 15 and 49 years have experienced Gender-Based Violence, with one in three reporting sexual violence from intimate partners.
The PS emphasised that Homa Bay’s GBV rates are equally alarming, standing at 54 per cent, with 23 per cent reporting sexual violence.
Counties such as Kiambu, Meru, Nakuru and Machakos are also grappling with high GBV cases.
She noted that there is a need for the country to prioritise integrated support. “Today is a significant milestone, not only for this County, but for our national efforts to build a coordinated survivor-centred GBV prevention and response system,” she said.
The facility will provide emergency shelter, trauma counselling, medical support, legal assistance and economic empowerment services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“This facility represents hope, a new beginning for survivors. It is a significant milestone, not only for Homa Bay but also for our national efforts to build a coordinated, survivor-centred GBV response system,” said the PS.
Wang’ombe emphasised that the handover taking place during the 16 Days of Activism period was symbolic, signalling a national shift from awareness to action.
She called on civil society organisations to continue educating communities, supporting survivors and driving accountability, and appreciated SHOFCO for funding and implementing the safe house.
“This partnership shows the power of collaboration. It demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together,” she said.
Odede said the NGO took an initiative to put up the safe space facility in Ndhiwa to provide safety for survivors after realising that there are many GBV survivors who lack safety as they seek justice after their rights are violated.
He said the project will protect GBV survivors and give them a dignified pathway to healing.
Governor Gladys Wanga welcomed the completion of the facility, expressing optimism that it would offer a lifeline to survivors across the County.
“No one will now have to suffer in silence. This facility is open to everyone facing sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” Wanga said.
By Sitna Omar
