Kakamega County launches SGBV Act

By Jabali Media

The fight against Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases in Kakamega County received a huge boost on Friday, courtesy of the launch of the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Control and Management Act, 2024.

Unveiling of the Act happened alongside the launch of the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, globally marked from November 25 to December 10, every year. 

Kakamega Deputy Governor (DG) Ayub Angatia Savula presided over the event, on behalf of his boss, governor Fernandes Barasa.

Barasa, in a speech read on his behalf by the DG said 1 in 3 women experience Gender based Violence (GBV) at some point in her life, terming it a universal problem that undermines the dignity of victims.

The Kakamega Sexual and Gender Based Violence Control and Management Act 2024, the governor said, is a beacon of hope for survivors.

“It is a beacon of hope for survivors of violence as it provides clear guidelines on provision of services to survivors, including medical care, legal support and psychological assistance,” he noted.  

The Act establishes specific provisions for the protection of children and vulnerable groups, besides ensuring that offenders are held accountable in a way that prioritizes the rights and dignity of the survivors.  

Barasa called on all sector players, ranging from law enforcement officers to civil society to ensure the Act is fully implemented. 

“The passage of the law is only the first step. The law must be fully implemented.”

Savula applauded Members of the County Assembly for effectively playing their legislative role. “Thank you so much our MCAs. You have done a good job.” 

Kakamega County First Lady, Janet Barasa. Photo/JM

Professor Janet Kasili, the Kakamega County First Lady urged community members to speak up as one of the ways of tackling the menace.

“If we don’t speak about it or against it, we will let it thrive. If it does not affect you directly, it affects you indirectly,” said the First Lady.  

The Act, she said, will go a long way in assisting survivors, and dealing with perpetrators. 

The piece of legislation was developed in collaboration with various state and none-state actors, including Access to Medicines Platform. 

Isaiah Ochieng, the organization’s County Advocacy and Liaison Officer for Western region, said the launch of the Act is one of the milestones that Kakamega County is celebrating.