WEST POKOT, Kenya – Kenya has strengthened its legal framework to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women and girls over the years.
However, GBV still affects a large number of women and girls in pastoralist communities in the dry north and northwest of Kenya, especially in areas where patriarchal social norms are ingrained.
But now stung by this saddening reality, notable organisations have joined forces to strengthen GBV response and survivor support in West Pokot County.
The Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC); Nairobi Women’s Hospital, with support from the Embassy of Denmark, is implementing the Accelerate Program to integrate GBV and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services in the North Rift county.
GBV is a significant issue in West Pokot County. However, efforts to combat GBV are underway, including programs like Accelerate.
Organisations such as GVRC are actively involved in strengthening GBV response and supporting survivors. Further, GBV is a prevalent issue that some key data may support.
As part of this initiative, GVRC is facilitating a dialogue forum to address key GBV challenges, explore solutions, and enhance shelter services for survivors.
The program collaborates with Komesi and St. Elizabeth Murpus shelters to strengthen survivor support systems.
What are other key interventions under Accelerate
- Establishing a Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC) at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital to improve access to justice for survivors.
- Training teachers on child protection to safeguard vulnerable children.
- Enhancing the capacity of police officers and healthcare workers to improve service delivery for GBV survivors.
Proposed solutions to West Pokot’s critical concerns
During the discussions, representatives from the County Government of West Pokot Department of Gender, Youth and Social Services highlighted critical concerns such as early pregnancies, mental health issues, and school dropouts, and proposed solutions included;
- Intensified awareness campaigns to educate communities on GBV prevention.
- Encourage active participation in GBV forums to foster dialogue and action.
- Strengthening mechanisms for reporting and addressing GBV cases
Against this backdrop, it is now emerging that addressing and mitigating GBV are crucial concerns within the community.
“Many individuals have been affected physically, socially and psychologically by GBV, including FGM, and we need to strongly advocate against it in our society,” said Scovia Chebet Kachapin, the county’s First Lady.
According to Mrs. Kachapin, it’s only when communities realise and acknowledge that GBV, including FGM, is a practice that is meant to alienate individuals that it derails development and interferes with how God created them.
“I’ve decided to be in the forefront to advocate against GBV and FGM, as I’ve witnessed how it negatively impacts individuals trickling down to the community,” stated Mrs. Kachapin.
As a member of the Anti-FGM Steering Committee, the county First Lady attended the West Pokot Anti-FGM Steering Committee capacity-building training and meeting at a local hotel.
How participants will benefit from in-house trainings
Under the Prevention and Response to GBV, including FGM of UNFPA and implemented by the Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development, the county Anti-FGM Steering Committee will be taken through capacity-building training.
The participants will be equipped with skills and knowledge to develop, implement and review laws, policies, plans and commitments on the prevention of harmful practices (FGM) and provide adequate advocacy skills and knowledge.
The move will effectively influence public opinion against FGM and map out local strategies for effective advocacy and engagement with duty bearers on eradicating FGM.
In February 2025, West Pokot County Senator Julius Murgor urged residents to reject harmful cultural practices and prioritise the education of girls in honour of the global campaign for zero tolerance to FGM.
Murgor, who spoke at Tamkal in Pokot Central, Sigor Constituency, stated that the county government stands with its mothers, sisters, and daughters and pledged to stop the practice from harming future generations.
Murgor bluntly stated that FGM is a practice that has been condemned by the entire globe, highlighting the disruption of the girl child’s future and desires.
He urged the people of West Pokot to join the global movement against FGM, highlighting how the practice perpetuates harmful health consequences and gender inequality.
