Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has criticized President William Ruto’s allocation of Ksh.100 million for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) sensitization, describing it as a misplaced priority. Instead, she advocates for tangible interventions, such as establishing GBV desks in hospitals and courts to better assist victims and expedite justice.
Addressing the media at Parliament Buildings on Monday, Orwoba argued that hospital-based GBV desks would streamline the reporting process by documenting victims’ and perpetrators’ information promptly. She dismissed the effectiveness of public barazas in sensitizing Kenyans on GBV, asserting that they fall short of addressing the core issues.
“In as much as we support the program, the budget should focus on establishing hospital desks and small claims courts, rather than being divided among the 102 women senators and MPs for a one-off program in all constituencies,” said Orwoba.
The Senator emphasized the need for GBV cases to be resolved within six months. She criticized the current slow pace of handling such cases, which, in her view, emboldens perpetrators. “If the process is expedited, perpetrators will fear,” she stated.
Orwoba highlighted that the current advocacy model targets 102 women leaders and their constituencies to enhance GBV awareness. However, she believes more resources should be allocated to creating effective reporting and judicial mechanisms, rather than distributing funds for temporary awareness programs.
The Senator further commended the formation of a technical working group to address GBV and femicide cases. She noted that a streamlined, expedited process for handling GBV cases would send a strong message to potential offenders, deterring them from committing these crimes.
Orwoba’s recommendations align with a broader push for institutional reforms to combat GBV in Kenya. By prioritizing resources for hospital-based support and swift judicial processes, she hopes to create a more effective system that ensures justice for victims while discouraging future offenses.
The Senator’s remarks have reignited conversations around GBV strategies, with many now questioning the effectiveness of the current allocation model.