The county government of Uasin Gishu is advancing grassroots campaigns aimed at educating communities on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and providing support for victims.

Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea further said the campaigns are also intended to rally families to focus more on dialogues to foster unity, empathy, and understanding as critical elements of social restoration.

Speaking as the county marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Kapkea said the efforts are part of the county’s Nguzo Number 5 initiative to strengthen programs targeting gender challenges and vulnerabilities.

“In our gender policy, we have highlighted the need for the provision of safe spaces for the most vulnerable,” the DG said.

In addition, he called upon men to break their silence, speak out, and take an active role in ending GBV.

Data on GBV Incidents in Uasin Gishu County between October 2023 and September 2024 shows that there were 13,606 cases of physical and emotional violence reported. 1,456 cases of sexual violence were also documented.

“These statistics, sourced from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and Uasin Gishu County Hospital, reflect the gravity of GBV in our communities,” the deputy governor said.

“The rise in teenage pregnancies also demands targeted interventions to protect young girls and secure their futures,” he added.

Key government officials, including CECM for Education, Gender, Culture and Social Protection Anthony Sitienei, Members of the County Assembly, Hon. Patrick Kimeli who’s the Chairperson of the Committee on Labour, Gender, and Social Protection, Hon. Mercy Jepkorir from the Gender Committee, and Hon . Regina Chumba, also graced the event.

The presence of National and County Government representatives Tecla Biwott and Director Joywin Sang and Esther Serem respectively, underscored the collaborative approach to tackling GBV.

Also present were Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network Chair Benedine Kipruto, and Uasin Gishu CSO Network Gender Chairperson, Collins Kemboi

Partners from across the civil society spectrum were also present, highlighting the unity and commitment needed to combat GBV. Participants included organizations such as SOS Villages, Rural Women Peace Link, Transparency International, Edmund Rice, PEPFAR, USAID, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, UK International Development, Reinvent, Amnesty International, Uasin Gishu Journalist Association, NCCK, SmartKey, Norta, and many more.