Muhoroni:The construction of a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) rescue centre in Muhoroni Sub-County, Kisumu County, is progressing swiftly, with 85% of the facility now completed. This Sh16 million project is set to become the first of its kind in the devolved unit, located within the Muhoroni County Hospital compound, and aims to provide critical support for victims of domestic violence and individuals facing drug addiction challenges.
According to Kenya News Agency, the GBV rescue centre is funded by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) through the office of the Woman Representative, Kisumu County. The centre is expected to be operational by December 15, 2026, and will serve victims from the Nyando and Muhoroni constituencies, as well as neighboring Nandi County. Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga highlighted the importance of the centre, describing it as a significant milestone for the region.
NGAAF Board Chairperson Rebecca Gatti expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress during a recent assessment tour. She emphasized that the centre is one of NGAAF’s legacy initiatives to combat gender-based violence in the region and confirmed the fund’s commitment to fully finance the construction and equipping of the facility.
The centre, designed to accommodate 50 individuals, will include counselling, rehabilitation, and sanctuary rooms, alongside modern offices for staff. Data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reveals that 34% of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, with 13% reporting sexual violence. The facility aims to address these issues by offering safe spaces for survivors to receive care and counselling.
County statistics indicate that Kisumu recorded 1,007 cases of sexual and gender-based violence in 2025, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year. Ruth Odinga noted the vulnerability of women and girls in the region, often at risk from known individuals, and underscored the necessity of providing secure environments away from the stigma that impedes help-seeking behavior in traditional hospital settings.
Plans are underway to establish another GBV rescue centre in Gita, Kajulu, Kisumu East, as part of ongoing efforts to expand support for survivors across the county.
