Kiambu Governor signs MoU to establish SGBV recovery centre

 

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with World Vision Kenya to establish a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Recovery Centre at Nyathuna Level 4 Hospital in Kabete Sub-County.

The initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for survivors of SGBV, addressing a critical gap in services for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

The recovery centre will serve as a sanctuary for survivors, offering medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and life skills training to facilitate reintegration into society.

The two parties hope the facility will help break the cycle of silence and stigma surrounding SGBV cases while promoting justice and healing for victims.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wamatangi emphasized the county’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence.

“This partnership is a vital step in ensuring survivors receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives,” he said.

World Vision Kenya’s National Director, Gilbert Kamanga, described the partnership as a timely and significant achievement.

“It is a great milestone that we have achieved ahead of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence celebration. This initiative aligns with our mission to uplift communities and implement broad-based solutions.” Kamanga remarked.

The MoU also paves the way for implementing the USAID Tumikia Mtoto Project, which aims to improve access to health and social services for vulnerable groups, including 10,000 orphans and vulnerable children and 21,000 adolescents in Kiambu and Nairobi Counties.

For orphans and vulnerable children, the project will provide training in health, economic empowerment, social protection, and education.

Meanwhile, adolescents will benefit from targeted initiatives focusing on HIV prevention, care, and support.

The project integrates resources from both government and non-governmental partners to address the intersecting challenges of poverty, violence, and health inequities.

This initiative comes as the world prepares to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign running from November 26 to December 10.

This year’s theme focuses on the need for Unity to end violence against women and girls.

As part of the campaign, Kiambu County will also launch a new SGBV Data Collection and Reporting Tool on November 26, 2024.

The tool aims to improve the documentation and tracking of SGBV cases across the county, enabling more effective responses and evidence-based policymaking. Officials hope the tool will enhance transparency, accountability, and resource allocation in the fight against SGBV.

With SGBV cases often going unreported due to fear and lack of resources, the recovery centre at Nyathuna Level 4 Hospital and the new reporting tool are expected to be transformative.

Survivors will now have access to critical services in a single location, while improved data collection will provide a clearer picture of the prevalence of SGBV in Kiambu, guiding future interventions.

By Sylvia Wanjohi