A group of county officials during a meeting on GBV in West Pokot

West Pokot County is stepping up measures to tackle rising cases of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), Sexual Harassment (SH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the region.

The county is working with various stakeholders to strengthen prevention, reporting, response and referral mechanisms under the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP).

Read Also
Munyao’s Tokyo record inspires him for Valencia swift charge Sports
Muyoti banks on Leopards knowledge to plot Ingwe downfall Football
Adhiambo set for Lionesses return in Africa Sevens redemption bid Rugby

Stakeholders are being sensitised on an enhanced approach to fighting the vices, which have recorded a sharp rise in the region in recent years.

The initial sensitisation forum was led by the FSRP National Project Coordinating Unit team under Dr Muthe Gilbert.

It brought together members of the County Project Coordinating Unit, representatives of Community-Driven Development Committees and county GBV actors.

“We aim to bring on board all actors so that we achieve a more robust action plan that will help us deal with the challenges, including GBV,” Muthe said.

The stakeholders were sensitised on the different forms, causes and effects of SEA, SH and GBV, as well as the legal and institutional frameworks governing prevention and response.

The engagement also strengthened participants’ understanding of mechanisms for reporting, monitoring and responding to cases.

One of the key outcomes of the workshop was a move to update the county GBV referral pathway and retool GBV actors to enhance coordination.

This will ensure survivors are linked to appropriate support and services through established referral mechanisms.

Muthe said the sensitisation forms part of the FSRP GBV Action and Response Plan, which seeks to strengthen safeguards against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment while promoting safe, inclusive and responsive implementation of project activities across the 13 participating counties.

West Pokot has a GBV prevalence rate of 34 per cent, above the national average of 25 per cent.

The county also has a high teenage pregnancy rate of 36 per cent, the second highest in Kenya.

Governor Simon Kachapin said his administration was committed to fighting the vices, which mainly affect women and children.

“We must put in place measures that will ensure our people live dignified lives free from such abuses,” Kachapin said.