Kisii County is set to open a gender-based violence (GBV) rescue center in three months’ time following a surge in gender-based violence cases in the region.
Speaking during the inspection of the unfinished rescue center in Kisii town, the Ministry of Public Service and Gender Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Rachael Shebesh said the rescue center will provide assistance to the rising number of GBV victims.“There are many cases of GBV that have been reported in the media during this coronavirus period, and as such, the President asked us to visit the entire country and ensure that we have enough rescue centers to assist GBV victims,” said Shebesh.
Shebesh also urged security agencies in Kisii County to follow up on GBV cases to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and charged in court.
On her part, Kisii County Women Representative Ms Janet Ongera decried the high prevalence of GBV in Kisii which is at 23 percent against the national prevalence of 17percent as well as partner offenses which stands at over 60 percent.
“You have seen some of the GBV victims here today, but because we have not finished the building, we have put them in other sanctuaries. Once complete, this center is going to be a very useful center that is meant to console them,” Ongera said.
Kisii Central Assistant County Commissioner, Mr Joshua Muthoka asked area residents to report cases of GBV to local administrators and police officers and promised that any person accused of perpetrating the vice would be dealt with severely.
By Mercy Osongo
