Government Initiates Construction of Safe Houses to Combat SGBV
The government is taking significant steps to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) by planning to build 17 safe houses for victims.
Nairobi – In a bid to address the prevalent issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the country, the government is set to construct 17 safe houses.
Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa revealed that this initiative aims to provide safe spaces, particularly for women who have experienced abuse, allowing them to recover and seek legal recourse.
The project, slated to run until the year 2027, will contribute to increasing the government-owned safe houses to a total of 20, further fortifying efforts to combat SGBV in the nation.
Currently, out of the existing 54 safe houses nationwide, only three are government-owned.
Cabinet Secretary Jumwa emphasized the collaboration between the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.
“NGAAF is one of the remedies that the government is offering, but we are also working with development partners to ensure that this project is completed,” noted CS Jumwa during an inspection at Kasagam Police Station in Kisumu County, where a Child Protection Centre constructed through the NGAAF was examined.
The CS highlighted the critical nature of this intervention amidst the escalating cases of SGBV in the country.
CS Jumwa also inaugurated a similar facility at Ahero Police Station and 72 business stalls at Ombeyi in Muhoroni sub-county, both funded by the NGAAF.
She directed the NGAAF board to ensure that the child protection units are equipped with necessities like mosquito nets and inbuilt toilets to enhance the well-being of the children within these facilities.
“These are children, some of whom have been molested by their parents or relatives, and it is important to have them inside the facility and not loitering around the police station,” emphasized CS Jumwa, underlining the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for the affected children.