Nyeri: The government, civil society organizations, and religious leaders in Nyeri County have pledged to work together in addressing the growing cases of suicide, Gender Based Violence (GBV), and alcoholism, which they described as major threats to social and economic development in the region. Speaking during a one-day sensitization workshop on GBV, illicit brews, and mental health held at the FK Resort in Nyeri, County Commissioner (CC) Josephat Biwott called on all stakeholders to unite in confronting what he termed as ‘deep-rooted societal problems’ affecting families and communities across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Biwott said the county continues to record alarming cases of suicide, especially among young people and men battling alcoholism and depression. He revealed that the county loses between eight and ten people to suicide every month, a trend he described as worrying and unacceptable. From June 2025 to date, Nyeri County has lost a total of 107 people through suicide, including 81 men and 26 women, pointing to an urgent need for intervention.
The CC disclosed that the youngest suicide victim recorded in the county was an 11-year-old child, while the oldest victim was an elderly person in his eighties. Biwott also revealed that an assistant chief in the county recently attempted to take his own life after struggling with alcoholism. The local administrator, who was reportedly a habitual drunkard, was rescued and later admitted to a rehabilitation facility in Kiambu County where he is currently recovering.
The administrator emphasized that parents have a major role to play in guiding their children and instilling discipline and moral values at an early age. The increasing cases of suicide should serve as a wake-up call to families, community leaders, and religious institutions to strengthen mental health awareness and provide support systems to vulnerable individuals.
Biwott further expressed concern over rising cases of school dropout among teenage girls, many of whom are reportedly cohabiting with older men. He disclosed that his office has handled several incidents involving girls as young as 16 years, who disappear from their homes only to be discovered later living with men in neighboring towns. A recent case involved a student from Kenya High School who disappeared mysteriously and was later found in Thika after weeks of search.
Gender Based Violence is another rampant issue, affecting both boys and girls. Biwott condemned the increasing cases of truancy among school-going children, particularly boys who abandon education for criminal activities, alcoholism, and drug abuse. He also highlighted a tragic incident where a nine-year-old girl was defiled, killed, and later dumped in a pit latrine.
Nyeri County Executive Committee Member in charge of Gender, Esther Ndung’u, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against GBV and illicit brews. She noted that some perpetrators of GBV are close relatives or people known to the victims, making it difficult for cases to be reported or pursued to conclusion. Defilement cases top the list of GBV incidents reported in the county, with records showing 349 GBV cases since 2024, out of which 154 were defilement cases.
Ndung’u provided statistics showing a gradual increase in GBV cases over the years, with several strategies being implemented by the county government. Collaboration with organizations such as the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) aims to create awareness at the grassroots level and encourage victims to speak out. Plans are underway to establish friendly GBV reporting desks in all police stations and to consider issuing free P3 forms to victims of GBV.
Ndung’u emphasized the importance of stakeholders working as one team to fight these vices and expressed hope that ongoing efforts will lead to significant progress in addressing these challenges.
