Vihiga County Unveils 2024 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Policy – A Major Milestone in Combating GBV in Kenya

The County Government Takes Bold Action to Address SGBV, Strengthen Support Systems, and Promote Gender Equality

Vihiga County, Kenya – In a major step towards tackling the growing issue of sexual and genderbased violence (SGBV), the Vihiga County Government has launched the Vihiga County Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy 2024. The policy seeks to establish a comprehensive response to SGBV and reinforce the county’s commitment to protecting survivors, enhancing service delivery, and promoting gender equality.

The Vihiga County Government has implemented various initiatives aimed at supporting SGBV programs. These initiatives include the establishment of a dedicated County Department of Gender with a Director overseeing operations, the appointment of a County SGBV Coordinator, and the provision of capacity-building programs for clinicians and nurses to improve care for SGBV survivors. Notably, a court users' forum has been established at the sub-county level, alongside gender desks at police stations to ensure timely and appropriate responses to SGBV cases. The county is also in the process of operationalising a Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC) to further support survivors.

The policy, which will be operationalised with input from various local and national stakeholders, aligns with Kenya's broader efforts to combat SGBV. This includes the work of the National Syndemic Disease Control Council, which has formed a Triple Threat Committee to address the intersecting issues of HIV, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence through community dialogues. Such partnerships aim to foster a holistic response to these deeply interconnected issues.

The Vihiga County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2018 – 2022 reflects significant achievements in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. These include the coordination and harmonisation of gender-responsive interventions, the mainstreaming of gender in county development initiatives, and the increased participation of women in leadership and employment positions.

Anne Desma Chilande, the County Executive Committee Member for the Department of Gender, Culture, Youth, Sports, Children & Social Services, expressed her support for the policy, stating, "The Vihiga SGBV Policy 2024 is a bold step forward.

We are committed to continuing our efforts to end GBV and create a safe, supportive environment for all." Chilande emphasised that the policy is part of a broader, data-driven approach aimed at addressing alarming GBV statistics in Kenya and ensuring that survivors receive the care and support they need.

The Kisumu Regional Office of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has played a key role in supporting Vihiga County's commitment to addressing GBV, providing technical support in the development of a robust legal framework, including the GBV Act, the Gender Mainstreaming Policy, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for response and prevention.

The Vihiga County Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy 2024 aims to reduce SGBV violations by strengthening systems for prevention, protection, response, rehabilitation, empowerment, accountability, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and research. The policy also recognises the need for continued education and advocacy, with a focus on transforming societal attitudes and ensuring that both men and boys are engaged as strategic allies in the fight against SGBV.

As Kenya continues to face the challenges of rising sexual and gender-based violence cases, Vihiga County's policy represents a significant and timely intervention. It underscores the county's commitment to a comprehensive approach that will not only support survivors but also work towards ending the cycle of violence and creating an environment where gender equality can thrive.

With continued support from local and national partners, the policy sets a precedent for other counties in Kenya to follow in addressing this critical issue.

Participants pose for a group photograph during the dissemination of the Vihiga County Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy 2024