MURANG’A, Kenya – The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has launched a nationwide campaign to address the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV), with Murang’a County as the starting point.
The initiative will include targeted community forums, with a special focus on engaging men.
Speaking in Murang’a, NGEC commissioner Mbithuka Nzomo revealed that the county has a GBV prevalence rate of 53%, based on recent surveys.
Nzomo highlighted that while some cases are reported, many more go unrecorded.
“The survey showed that the prevalence is high. Some cases are reported, but many more are not,” Nzomo said.
Today, the Commission held a powerful engagement with men in Maragua Sub-County in Murang’a to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the alarming rise in femicide cases—where Murang’a ranks among the counties with the highest prevalence. The session provided men a platform to…
To tackle the issue, the commission plans to set up sensitisation camps in every county, starting with a two-day forum in Maragua.
These forums aim to create awareness and foster community dialogue, particularly among men, who are often underrepresented in GBV discussions.
Nzomo emphasized the commission’s legal mandate to ensure GBV perpetrators face justice.
“The commission has the power to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted, and we offer support to ensure GBV cases proceed to court through our legal department,” he said.
Drug Abuse and Alcoholism Driving GBV
Nzomo attributed the high rates of GBV to factors like drug abuse and alcoholism, which he said contribute to femicide, discrimination, and domestic violence.
Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha echoed Nzomo’s concerns, revealing that at least one GBV-related death is reported in the county every week.
“Every week, we receive cases of people killed due to GBV or dying by suicide due to marital issues,” Nkanatha said.
He added that many perpetrators flee after committing crimes, often being arrested in other counties while in hiding.
Men Urged to Speak Out
The campaign also aims to encourage male victims of GBV to come forward, as societal expectations often prevent them from reporting abuse.
“We have noticed that the societal expectations placed on men make it difficult for many to report incidents where they are victims of GBV. Through this campaign, we hope they will be encouraged to speak up so they can access help,” Nkanatha said.
Nkanatha raised concerns about the re-emergence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the county, blaming outlawed gangs and sects for the practice.
Murang’a County Secretary Newton Mwangi acknowledged the rise in GBV cases and pledged the county government’s support for the campaign.
“We have been educating youths and empowering them through programmes that will save them from alcoholism and drug abuse,” Mwangi said.
He called for inclusive solutions to address GBV and the creation of safe spaces for victims.
The NGEC, in collaboration with national and county governments, aims to implement sustainable measures to curb GBV and provide support for survivors, ensuring justice and rehabilitation in affected communities.
