A team of 40 healthcare workers have undergone specialized training to enhance mental health and psychological support for child survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nakuru County.
Speaking during the training, the County SGBV Coordinator, Jessicah Mung’ao said that this initiative aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to strengthening child protection and mental health services, ensuring survivors receive compassionate, survivor-centered care.
“We are equipping healthcare workers with trauma-sensitive approaches and self-care strategies, as part of reinforcing the County’s stand against SGBV and ensuring a safe, supportive, and just environment for all children,” said Mung’ao.
This will ensure that besides survivors receiving justice, they will also receive medical care that includes crucial mental health care. This will go a long way in strengthening their recovery and coping mechanism.
Nakuru County has already entered into partnerships with other Non-Governmental Organizations involved in mental health support programmes with a view to upgrading its mental health support facilities.
In recognizing that SGBV is a grave violation of human rights, impacting individuals physically, emotionally, and psychologically, the Governor has prioritized an approach to eradicate this menace.
Nakuru County has taken a bold initiative in its battle against SGBV by recognizing the need for collaborative efforts towards uniting various sectors to address the complex social issues.
Governor Susan Kihika’s vision for a safer and more resilient Nakuru County is taking tangible form, bringing hope and support to survivors and signaling a resounding message that the community stands together against the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence.
Likewise, there are plans to integrate a comprehensive 14-week curriculum for mental health education into the community through the existing school health programs.
This initiative aims to ensure that mental health issues are identified and addressed early, fostering a supportive environment for students’ mental well-being.
The County recognizes the importance of aligning the collaboration with national policies and structures while meeting the specific needs of Nakuru residents.
Nakuru County Government is actively implementing a range of other preventive and promotional measures to address mental health.
The devolved unit has acknowledged that mental health posed a challenge across all human resource sectors, underscoring the need for immediate action.
Last month, the County Government of Nakuru launched a new initiative for collecting data on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The programme will ensure a more coordinated and data-based approach in providing help for SGBV survivors and ensure they receive all the support that they need to recover from their ordeal.
Towards this end, more than 500 law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, and community leaders have been trained on SGBV response, while safe houses have been set up in high-risk areas such as Naivasha, Molo, and Njoro.
Women, children and persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable to SGBV and many cases remain undocumented due to stigma, fear and limited access to support services.
By Jane Ngugi
