Kiambu County is in the process of constructing a rescue centre for victims of gender-based violence and sexual harassment following the many cases being reported in the county, Deputy Governor (DG) Joyce Wanjiku has said.
The DG said they have set funds aside for the project which they hoped would commence early next year.
Speaking during the opening of Salama rescue centre by Girl Child Network that will help in rescue efforts of such victims in Thika town Saturday, Wanjiku said they were in the process of identifying land to put up the structure.
“We have set aside funds for the establishment of a rescue centre for victims of GBV that we hope to commence next year. It will complement the other centres that are in the county since we have several GBV cases in the County,” she said.
She blamed rising cases to uptake of illicit brews and the effects of Covid-19 that has made many jobless and unable to provide for their families.
She said they were partnering with non-governmental organizations to not only rescue but also offer key training to the victims to empower them to make it in life.
“Cases of violence against women are worrying. Other than the rescue centre, we will be working with the private sector organizations that help victims of such abuses to help them get to their feet,” she said.
On her part, Mercy Musomi, the Executive Director Girl Child Network, a philanthropic organization that helps such victims said rescued victims were put on basic technical courses training to get skills to make it in life.
Among the areas of training that they are taken through include tailoring, computer literacy, arts and crafts, masonry, carpentry and entrepreneurship.
“They are also taken for psycho-social support and counseling to reduce the trauma,” she added
By Charles Muoki
