Trans Nzoia County is making strides in combating gender-based violence (GBV) alongside infrastructure development under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2). A sensitization meeting held on Friday brought together the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development and local GBV service providers to address the issue.
Addressing GBV in Informal Settlements
The meeting underscored the rising GBV prevalence in project areas, including Kipsongo, Shanti, Matisi, Mitume, Tuwan, Shimo la Tewa, Khalabana, and Maridadi, located across Endebess and Kwanza Sub-Counties. These settlements are focal points of KISIP 2 operations aimed at improving living standards through infrastructure development.
Dr. Roselyne Nasiebanda, County Chief Officer for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, stressed the importance of gender mainstreaming in all project activities.
“With large-scale projects come increased economic activity and employment opportunities, which can inadvertently contribute to a surge in GBV cases,” she noted, citing county statistics that place Trans Nzoia’s GBV prevalence at 18%.”
Timely Interventions and Planned Safe Haven
Dr. Nasiebanda highlighted the urgency of GBV prevention during the festive season, a period marked by a spike in incidents. She called for strengthened partnerships among GBV service providers to curb the trend effectively.
One significant challenge discussed was the lack of a safe haven for GBV survivors in the county.
“Plans for a safe house are included in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), and we await budgetary allocation to commence the project,” said Robert Kibii, County Director of Gender.
Kibii also emphasized the need for collaborative policy formulation involving county and national authorities alongside stakeholders to guide GBV interventions.
Community Training and Stakeholder Collaboration
As part of the efforts, KISIP 2 GBV focal person Collins Khaemba announced a series of community training sessions to begin next week. These sessions aim to foster awareness among residents and contractors in project areas.
Khaemba also revealed plans for monthly meetings with service providers to address GBV challenges across settlements and the wider county.
The forum brought together key stakeholders, including:
- Edith Baraza, Trans Nzoia KISIP 2 Project Coordinator
- Jackline Mayabi, County Gender Director
- Sarah Makhanu, GBV unit representative from Kitale County Referral Hospital
- Oliver Omoto, USAID AMPATH Uzima
A Shared Commitment to Ending GBV
Dr. Nasiebanda concluded with a call for collective action:
“By working together, we can protect the most vulnerable and ensure a safer community.”
The meeting marks a significant step toward addressing GBV in a region grappling with increasing cases linked to heightened economic activity and infrastructure development. The planned interventions reflect a unified effort to create a safer environment for all residents.
