NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has called for enhanced collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, and community groups to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms against gender-based violence (GBV) in Gilgil.
The commission made the call during a Gender-Based Violence Cluster Group meeting that brought together community policing representatives, the National Police Service, county government officials, NGEC, and partner organisations.
The meeting focused on addressing persistent cases of GBV in the area and identifying practical measures to improve support for survivors and accountability for perpetrators.
According to NGEC, stakeholders expressed concern over the continued barriers that hinder effective reporting and response to GBV incidents.
Survivors Face Multiple Challenges
Participants noted that many survivors remain reluctant to report cases due to fear of stigma, retaliation, and social exclusion.
Other challenges highlighted included limited public awareness of reporting channels, delays in reporting incidents, poor preservation of evidence, and difficulties accessing medical, psychosocial, and legal support services.
Stakeholders observed that these obstacles often weaken investigations and reduce the likelihood of successful prosecution of offenders.
The meeting further noted that coordination gaps among institutions responsible for prevention, response, and prosecution sometimes delay interventions and affect case outcomes.
These challenges, participants said, underscore the need for a more integrated and survivor-centred approach to addressing GBV.
Proposed Measures
To strengthen response systems, stakeholders proposed a range of interventions aimed at improving prevention, reporting, and case management.
Among the recommendations were intensified public awareness campaigns on GBV prevention and reporting, improved coordination among duty bearers, and enhanced referral mechanisms to ensure survivors receive timely support.
The meeting also called for faster reporting of incidents and strengthened capacity-building programmes for frontline officers handling GBV cases.
Participants emphasised the need to improve skills in evidence collection, documentation, and survivor support to enhance the quality of investigations and justice outcomes.
Survivor-Centred Approach
NGEC said the engagement reaffirmed the importance of building a responsive system that prioritises the safety, dignity, and rights of survivors.
The commission stressed that effective GBV prevention requires collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement officers, community leaders, civil society organisations, and healthcare providers.
Stakeholders also underscored the need for stronger accountability mechanisms to deter perpetrators and reduce impunity.
By strengthening coordination and improving support services, participants expressed hope that survivors will have greater confidence in reporting cases and accessing justice.
