Elgeyo Marakwet County Faces Disturbing Surge in Gender-Based Violence

Iten County Referral Hospital in Elgeyo Marakwet County has documented an alarming increase in gender-based violence (GBV) cases during the past three months, with 28 incidents reported. This disturbing trend highlights a critical societal issue demanding immediate action.

Particularly concerning are the reports of 18 defilement cases involving minors below the age of 18, including four instances of rape, as shared by a clinician at the hospital. Additionally, Chemurgui area reported three cases of sodomy, while Sergoit emerged as a hotspot for rape cases.

Compounding the situation is the lack of sufficient female police officers in most Kerio Valley stations, creating a significant obstacle in the proper handling of GBV cases. Recognizing this deficiency, stakeholders are advocating for retraining police officers in the region. This training would focus on enhancing their skills in investigative techniques and the meticulous preservation of forensic evidence relevant to GBV cases.

Further concerns have been raised by members of the judiciary regarding the manner in which clinical officers have been completing P3 and PRC forms, which are vital documents for prosecuting GBV offenses. Disturbingly, some PRC forms were missing, posing a serious impediment to legal proceedings and underscoring the need for significant systemic improvements.

During the annual GBV advocacy forum, organized by CASCO county GBV coordinators, Neighbors in Action (NIAK), and ICWK, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need to establish safe spaces for GBV victims. Notably, only 13 counties in the country currently have established rescue centers. However, stakeholders are actively campaigning for the nationwide implementation of safe spaces by 2026 to ensure comprehensive support for GBV survivors.

Uasin Gishu County has reported a particularly high number of intimate partner violence cases, with at least 400 SGBV cases reported every month at the MTRH Centre for Assault recovery hence highlighting the need for a coordinated effort from various stakeholders. This collaborative effort would involve law enforcement, healthcare workers, the children’s department, county and sub-county GBV focal persons, and rights holders. Their collective objective is to address key issues of violation and remove barriers to accessing justice for GBV survivors.

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Soroptimist Organization Lead Walk Against Gender-Based Violence

The journey towards a society free from gender-based violence necessitates a unified front, unwavering commitment, and a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the well-being of all individuals.