In a bold move to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and enhance child protection, Linköping University of Sweden and Moi University’s School of Medicine have partnered with the Uasin Gishu County government in a groundbreaking initiative.
The strategic collaboration seeks to strengthen institutional responses, improve service delivery, and build local capacity in handling GBV and child protection cases, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The partnership was launched during a meeting that brought together a Swedish delegation led by Laura Korhonen, Professor of Psychiatry at Linköping University and Dr. Risper Tororey of Moi University, who met with key county stakeholders to explore avenues for joint action.
Discussions focused on developing joint strategies to strengthen policies, build institutional capacity and provide integrated support for vulnerable children and GBV survivors across the county.
Following the meeting, the delegation toured the Eldoret Children Rescue Centre, where they assessed ongoing rehabilitation programmes and interacted with staff and children.
The visit emphasised the urgent need for professionalised frontline services and robust community-based support systems.
According to the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Vocational Training, Gender, Social Protection and Culture, Eng. Lucy Ngendo, this initiative marks a turning point in the fight against GBV and child exploitation.
“We must work together to professionalise our response and create lasting support structures for our most vulnerable citizens,” she emphasised.
Eng. Ngendo also pledged to provide free school uniforms for P1 and P2 ECDE learners at the rescue centre.
Additionally, Prof. Korhonen pledged Linköping University’s continued support through specialised training for social workers, healthcare professionals and law enforcement officers involved in child protection and GBV response.
She also applauded Uasin Gishu County Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii for prioritising safe spaces and survivor-centred interventions in the county.
On her part, the County Chief Officer for Gender and Social Protection, Marion Birgen, reiterated the importance of the partnership in addressing child abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Other attendees included David Magut (Centre Manager), James Bett (Therapist, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital), Sofia Toroitich (County GBV Coordinator) and Paul Sambu (Deputy Director of Culture and Heritage).
By Fredrick Maritim
