KAKAMEGA OPENS CENTRE TO TRACK VIOLENCE INCIDENCES

The County Government of Kakamega has established a Gender Based Violence centre in Shinyalu Sub-County at a cost of Ksh 7.9 Million to provide safety to deserving members of the community. In addition to acting as a safe haven, the facility will also help to track incidences of violence in the region.

Addressing residents in Shinyalu Sub-County during the official opening of the centre, H.E Governor Fernandes Barasa said Kakamega County is ranked third nationally with Shinyalu Sub-County recording the highest number of gender-based violence cases in the County.

The Governor disclosed that over-indulgence in alcohol and drugs is the main cause of the vice, cautioning men against assaulting their wives as a way of asserting authority and discipline.

He however explained that admission into the facility will only be determined by County Government officers to ensure only the deserving cases are given custody; warning that perpetrators of violence will be dealt with accordingly.

Statistics indicate that between January 2022 to April the same year, 4,426 cases of gender based violence were reported in Kakamega, Shinyalu leading with 499 cases. The statistics puts Matungu, Lugari, Khwisero and Ikolomani as the other Sub-Counties with high incidences of gender based violence.

The event was also attended by the CECM for Social Services, Sports, Youth, Gender and Culture Mr Mophat Mandela and other senior Government officers.