ISIOLO, Kenya – In a major move to combat gender-based violence (GBV), Isiolo County has partnered with Plan International Kenya to fight the vice.
This week, Isiolo County Secretary Dade Boru welcomed Swiss Regional Head of International Cooperation, Horn of Africa Martina Durrer, and Commissioner Michael Nzomo from the National Gender and Equity Commission.
The Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response in the Horn of Africa Project’s impending launch was the main topic of the meeting held at the governor’s office.
To establish a strong basis for effective and long-lasting interventions addressing GBV in Isiolo, Dade underlined during the talks the significance of the close collaboration between Plan International and the county government.
“I am aware that through our partnership, two of our officers have been actively engaged in the project’s startup activities, which included community leadership engagement, inception meetings, baseline assessments, safeguarding training, and the identification and mutual appraisal of 10 Women-Led Organisations (WLOs) for potential partnership,” said Dade.
What role will the National Gender and Equity Commission play in the project
The county secretary explained that this early involvement ensured local knowledge and structures informed the design and rollout of the project that has been launched.
Dade cited the project’s emphasis on locating and involving local WLOs that are most qualified to handle GBV at the local level as one of its main strengths.
According to him, their involvement is essential to guaranteeing long-term sustainability, relevance, and community ownership.
The National Gender and Equity Commission’s dedication to working with all parties involved in preventing and reacting to GBV while preserving the advancements made so far was reaffirmed by Commissioner Nzomo.
“As a commission, we are ready to collaborate with all stakeholders working in this space, and, equally important, we are implementing measures to safeguard the gains achieved so far,” Nzomo asserted.
How the Isiolo County government plans to implement the anti-GBV project
George Otim, country director of Plan International, discussed the project’s emphasis on involving existing stakeholders and partners operating within the project’s site.
He underscored the importance of enhancing coordination, avoiding duplication of efforts, and leveraging ongoing initiatives to prevent and respond to GBV.
“We are engaging all stakeholders, including community-based organisations, civil society actors, local leaders, law enforcement, health providers, and other development partners. This collaborative approach fosters an environment where resources, expertise, and networks are shared,” Otim noted.
Otim also indicated that this strategy strengthens the local response system, ensuring that interventions are contextually relevant, community-driven, and sustainably integrated within existing support structures.
Moving forward, it was agreed that the project would maintain close collaboration with relevant County departments, such as Health, Gender, Children Services, and Justice.
What is the current status of the GBV cases across Isiolo County
This multi-sectoral approach is vital for achieving a coordinated and holistic response to GBV, ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive support and that prevention strategies align with county policies and systems.
GBV cases are a significant concern in Isiolo County, as highlighted by the rising global and local trends. Efforts are being made to educate communities about GBV and the importance of reporting all forms of violence.
Initiatives also address specific forms of GBV like female genital mutilation, early forced marriage, and beating. The focus is on intervention and preventing the normalisation of violence. Addressing the root causes and providing support to survivors are crucial for long-term solutions.
Meanwhile, as the community celebrated the project launch, the commitment from all parties involved signifies a unified front against GBV and a pledge to promote the well-being of women and children in Isiolo County.
The launch was also graced by Isiolo Deputy County Commissioner Christopher Siele, MCA Burat Ward Nicholas Lorot, a representative for MCA Ngaremara, and Chief Officer Trade and Investments Abdullahi.
