Uasin Gishu Marks 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
Uasin Gishu County today launched its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide with a call to end violence in all its forms. The event, led by Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea, highlighted the alarming statistics of GBV within the county and emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the issue.
Kapkea shared disturbing figures, revealing that between October 23, 2023, and September 2024, over 13,000 cases of physical and emotional violence were reported, with 1,056 cases of sexual violence documented. These statistics were sourced from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Uasin Gishu County Hospital. The Deputy Governor acknowledged the tragic loss of renowned athletes like Agnes Cherop, Rebecca Cheptigei, Damaris, Ivy Wangeci, and other women who have lost their lives to GBV.
He expressed the county government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of GBV through grassroots campaigns aimed at educating residents about the impact of violence and encouraging families to engage in dialogue. “We have rehabilitation centers in Moiben to prevent alcohol abuse, which often leads to violence. We are also working on policies to provide safe spaces for GBV survivors,” said Kapkea. He also urged men to speak out and take action to help end GBV. “We cannot ignore the fact that many men are also victims of gender-based violence. To end this cycle, men must play an active role,” he added.
Patrick Kimaiyo, Chairman of the Gender and Labour Protection Committee at the Uasin Gishu County Assembly, reflected on the devastating impact of violence in families, especially against women. Kimaiyo shared his personal concerns as a father, urging men to rethink their approach to conflict resolution in marriages. “If you are tired of your marriage, leave peacefully. Don’t resort to violence,” he said. He called for the involvement of community structures such as Nyumba Kumi to educate couples on resolving issues without resorting to violence.
Benedine Kipruto, Chair of Uasin Gishu Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing GBV. “We will continue to partner with the Department of Gender. Our call today is for all of us to stand up and say no to violence. We are giving men a platform to discuss what is ailing our communities and find solutions,” she said. Kipruto also advocated for roundtable discussions to provide a space for open dialogue on GBV.
Collins Kemboi, Chairman of the Gender Committee in CSOs, urged the county government to allocate more resources to the gender department. “We are requesting the establishment of a safe house for women and girls suffering from GBV. The gender policy must be passed by the MCA and implemented without delay,” he stated.
The event was officially flagged off by Uasin Gishu County Commissioner, who reiterated the call for men to stop perpetuating gender-based violence and instead embrace dialogue. “If you are no longer happy in your marriage, walk away peacefully,” he urged.
As Uasin Gishu marks 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, the community’s commitment to ending violence is stronger than ever. Local leaders and civil society organizations have pledged to continue their efforts to create a safer environment for all residents, emphasizing the importance of education, dialogue, and policy implementation in tackling gender-based violence.
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