Uasin Gishu Hosts Forum to Tackle Rising Gender-Based Violence Cases

By Isaac Kogei 

 

The Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide held a public participation forum in Uasin Gishu County to gather views and strengthen national efforts in combating GBV, including femicide.

 

The forum brought together local leaders, stakeholders, and the public, focusing on reviewing and recommending policy, legal, and institutional measures to address the growing cases of violence.

 

Speaking during the event, Harleen Kaur Jabbal, Chair of the Technical Working Group, emphasized the need to reintroduce sex education in schools to create awareness among children at an early age.

 

 

“There is need to reconsider the introduction of sex education in schools for learners to create awareness at early ages,” she said.

 

She also pointed to the erosion of traditional systems where parents played a key role in educating children about sexual matters.

 

“There has been a breakdown in the traditional system of education where both the girl and boy child were sensitized on sex education by their parents.”

 

Uasin Gishu County has recorded over 16,000 GBV cases in the past year alone, according to recent statistics. Of these, 13,606 cases involved physical and emotional abuse, while 1,456 were related to sexual violence.

 

The county-level task force present during the forum was led by Harleen Kaur Jabbal, Valentine Simei, and Hon. Mercy Jepkirui, among others.

 

The initiative aims to bring communities on board in the fight against GBV by encouraging education, prevention, and stronger legal frameworks.