The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has launched a countrywide campaign to combat the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV), beginning with Murang’a County, where the prevalence of GBV stands at a staggering 53%, according to recent surveys.
Speaking during the campaign’s launch in Maragua, NGEC Commissioner Mbithuka Nzomo emphasized the need for urgent interventions, citing both the physical and psychological toll GBV inflicts on victims. Nzomo expressed concern over the high prevalence of unreported cases, which exacerbate the challenge of eradicating the vice.
“We are committed to ensuring perpetrators face justice. Through our legal department, we provide support to victims, ensuring their cases proceed to court,” Nzomo said.
The campaign includes sensitization camps across all counties, targeting root causes of GBV. In Murang’a, the initiative features specialized forums for men to encourage open dialogue and provide safe spaces for male victims, who often suffer in silence due to societal expectations.
Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha highlighted the severity of GBV in the region, revealing that at least one death related to GBV or suicide is reported weekly. He linked these incidents to drug abuse, alcoholism, and deep-rooted societal issues.
“Many perpetrators flee after committing these heinous acts and are later arrested while hiding in other counties,” Nkanatha said, adding that the resurgence of outlawed practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) further complicates the fight against GBV.
The campaign is a collaborative effort involving the national government, county administrations, and community stakeholders. Murang’a County Secretary Newton Mwangi emphasized the importance of youth empowerment programs to tackle contributors like drug abuse and unemployment.
“The county has been proactive in educating and empowering youth to steer them away from destructive habits. This campaign will complement our efforts and provide inclusive solutions to curb GBV,” Mwangi noted.
Nzomo underscored the need for community-driven strategies to create safe spaces for victims while addressing systemic challenges. He commended Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata for supporting the campaign and prioritizing the issue.
The Maragua sensitization forum marks the first of many planned engagements aimed at fostering awareness and encouraging victims to speak out. Nzomo expressed hope that the initiative would reduce GBV cases and create a culture of accountability and support for survivors.
With GBV cases rising nationally, the NGEC’s campaign signals a critical step toward addressing the epidemic and ensuring justice for victims while tackling the root causes of this societal menace.
