Nairobi: Kisumu County joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, with leaders calling for stronger measures to eradicate sexual violence during conflicts and other forms of insecurity. Speaking during the commemoration event held at the Huduma Centre in Kisumu on Friday, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, Sports and Youth Affairs, Ms. Beatrice Odongo Wathiaga, reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to protecting survivors and ensuring their voices are heard, respected and supported.
According to Kenya News Agency, sexual violence leaves lasting effects not only on victims but also on families and communities by weakening social cohesion and destabilizing social structures. Odongo emphasized the courage of survivors who continue rebuilding their lives despite the trauma they have endured, highlighting the significance of the day, observed globally every June 19, as a reminder of the devastating impact of sexual violence on individuals, families, and communities, particularly during periods of conflict and instability.
Odongo stated that Kisumu County remains committed to strengthening prevention, response, and recovery mechanisms through improved access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and safe shelters for survivors. The county is actively promoting awareness and prevention programs aimed at addressing harmful social norms, gender inequality, and discrimination, which often contribute to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
According to the CECM, the county supports initiatives enhancing access to justice and accountability for perpetrators while empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups through education, economic opportunities, and participation in decision-making processes. Odongo urged stakeholders to invest in survivor-centered approaches, strengthen accountability systems, and establish safe spaces where survivors can seek assistance without fear of stigma, discrimination, or victimization.
She announced policy reforms, revealing that the county’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy is under review. Additionally, a Gender Mitigation and Equity Bill will undergo public participation beginning June 25, 2026, across all seven sub-counties to gather residents’ views before implementation. The county government, in collaboration with human rights organizations, plans to establish a situation room and recovery centers in all seven sub-county hospitals to strengthen response systems.
Kisumu County Commissioner Mohamed Mabudzo emphasized the need to restore trust, dignity, and hope among affected individuals and communities. Mabudzo noted that recovery from sexual violence goes beyond treating physical injuries and should focus on restoring confidence, livelihoods, dignity, and hope among survivors. He explained that a survivor-centered approach places the rights, needs, and choices of survivors at the core of all interventions.
Such interventions, he said, should include comprehensive medical care, trauma counseling, mental health support, legal aid, access to justice, educational opportunities for affected children and adolescents, vocational training, and economic empowerment programs, as well as community support systems that promote acceptance rather than stigma. Efforts to reduce gender-based violence would also involve strengthening prevention structures at the community level.
Mabudzo announced plans to work with headteachers, religious leaders, and community health promoters to identify girls at risk of dropping out of school due to poverty, exploitation, early pregnancy, or other vulnerabilities that expose them to abuse. Boda boda operators and youth groups will be trained on gender-based violence prevention and reporting mechanisms to enable them to serve as advocates for community safety.
Local peace committees and community dispute-resolution structures will be strengthened to address emerging conflicts before they escalate into violence, particularly during elections and periods of insecurity. The County Commissioner recalled the 2007 post-election violence, noting that many women and girls suffered sexual assault during the unrest that followed the disputed general election.
Justice is a fundamental right, and sexual violence thrives where perpetrators believe they will not be held accountable. Efforts must ensure survivors obtain justice and that offenders face the consequences of their actions. Engaging men and boys as allies in promoting respect, equality, and non-violence is crucial, as community safety is a shared responsibility.
Data from the National Gender and Equality Commission and judiciary reports indicate that Kisumu County recorded a sexual and gender-based violence prevalence rate of 36 percent between 2024 and 2025, above the national average of 32 percent. Although increased reporting and prosecution of cases are encouraging, officials said the figures remain worrying.
Statistics show that Kisumu recorded 1,007 SGBV cases in 2025, representing an increase of 130 cases compared to the previous year. Nationally, 170 women lost their lives to gender-based violence-related killings in 2024, while 129 GBV cases had already been reported across the country during the first quarter of 2025.
County officials identified key drivers of SGBV in Kisumu as economic hardship in communities around Lake Victoria, persistent stigma that discourages reporting, and the high cost of prevention, response, and survivor support services. Despite the challenges, the county government expressed optimism that ongoing policy reforms, expanded survivor support services, community awareness programs, and strengthened partnerships with stakeholders will contribute significantly to reducing cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
