Narok County has launched the 16 Days of GBV Activism campaign in a concerted effort to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Trans Mara West Sub-County.
This initiative brings together various stakeholders and local residents to unite and take action toward ending GBV.
Speaking at the event held at DEB Primary School, Narok Principal Magistrate Phyllis Shinyanda emphasized the need for collective commitment of stakeholders and the broader Kenyan public in the fight against GBV.
She highlighted the crucial role of the judiciary in enforcing justice and ensuring accountability in addressing GBV cases.
Shinyanda identified some of the most prevalent forms of GBV in Narok County, as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early marriages stemming from defilement and teenage pregnancies.
She also announced plans for the establishment of a specialized GBV court to expedite the handling of such cases and provide quicker justice for victims.
In addition, Shinyanda expressed concern over the increasing number of GBV cases, urging all stakeholders to collaborate closely in combating the issue.
Techlah Mungushi, from Maendeleo ya Wanawake Trans Mara, attributed the rise in GBV cases to relationship issues and called on partners to foster understanding and mutual respect.
“When relationships end, they should do so peacefully, without resorting to violence,” Mungushi stated.
She also advised young university students to focus on their studies and avoid engaging in relationships that might lead to harmful consequences.
Mungushi, a strong advocate of the Anti-FGM movement in Trans Mara, emphasized that FGM is an outdated practice that the community must leave behind, focusing instead on progressive values that build the nation.
Mungushi urged stakeholders to ensure that both girls and boys are empowered, ensuring that the boy child is not left behind in these efforts.
Additionally, William Mbanyamlenge, a Program Officer with Crew Narok, noted that GBV is prevalent in pastoral communities and emphasized the need for increased awareness within these communities.
He highlighted the troubling issue of older men marrying young girls, a practice that is unacceptable and must be addressed.
Trans Mara West Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Chuck Masua, also encouraged the community to abandon harmful, retrogressive cultural practices and prioritize on education.
He called on parents to ensure that their children remain engaged in positive, educational activities during the long holiday to avoid involvement in harmful practices.
The DCC further warned that any individual found engaging in children GBVs would face legal consequences.
By John Kaleke
