Kilifi County has taken a significant step in its fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with the launch of the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Policy (2024-2028). The policy aims to eliminate GBV by focusing on prevention, survivor support, accountability, and multisectoral collaboration. During the launch event held at Tezo Grounds, Kilifi Deputy Governor Florence Chibule expressed her concern about the rising cases of GBV in the county, especially femicide, incest, and sodomy, which have become increasingly alarming in recent times.
The policy addresses multiple facets of GBV, emphasizing the creation of safe and inclusive spaces for all members of society, with particular attention to vulnerable groups. The launch, which coincided with the start of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, marks a pivotal moment in Kilifi’s journey to combat GBV and bring about meaningful change. Deputy Governor Chibule highlighted the tragic loss of more than five young women’s lives in horrific incidents, shedding light on the alarming trend of GBV in the county. Specifically, sub-counties like Ganze and Magarini have seen a disturbing rise in cases of incest and sodomy.
“This is a disturbing trend that all stakeholders must work together to address,” Chibule said, calling on the community to unite in condemning such acts. She stressed the importance of collective efforts to combat GBV and assured that the county government was committed to intensifying its efforts in this regard.
In addition to the policy, Kilifi County has established a rescue centre that provides a safe haven for survivors of GBV. The centre offers a space for healing and rebuilding lives, ensuring that those affected by violence receive the support they need to move forward. Kenneth Miriti, the County Health Department’s Gender-Based Violence Coordinator, emphasized the importance of continuing to address the root causes of GBV and supporting survivors in their recovery. He acknowledged the significant decline in teenage pregnancy rates in the county, from 33% to 14% in the past three years, but highlighted the worrying rise in intimate partner violence within households.
Miriti also pointed to the increasing awareness of GBV as a key factor in the rise in reports. “It’s not that cases are necessarily increasing, but more people are now aware and willing to report them,” he explained. Currently, around 25 health facilities across the county are equipped with comprehensive GBV reporting systems to ensure accurate data collection, which is vital for shaping effective policies and interventions.
Beatrice Zige, from the National Gender and Equality Commission, described the launch of the Anti-GBV Policy as a milestone in Kilifi County’s ongoing fight against violence. She urged the county government to allocate more resources to the gender docket and prioritize economic empowerment programs for survivors of GBV, which would help them regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
The Kenya Red Cross, represented by Kauthar Alwy, also contributed to the discussion, particularly in the context of disasters like floods and drought, which exacerbate GBV cases. Alwy highlighted the impact of displacement into IDP camps and food insecurity on the prevalence of GBV in Kilifi. Through partnerships with organizations like Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kenya Red Cross has been working on raising awareness and strengthening healthcare, community awareness, and legal support systems in Magarini Sub-County.
The launch of the Anti-GBV Policy is a crucial step in Kilifi’s commitment to eradicating gender-based violence. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of community involvement and heightened awareness in reducing GBV cases. They urge residents to take proactive steps in supporting survivors and reporting cases to ensure that Kilifi County becomes a safer, more inclusive place for all its residents. The success of this initiative depends on the continued collaboration between the county government, civil society organizations, and the community at large.
