While Kenya has made significant progress in strengthening laws and policies to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), sustainable progress depends on effective prevention at the community level, where violence often occurs and where survivors first seek support. Recognising this, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) hosted World Vision Kenya for a courtesy visit to its Isiolo Regional Office to review ongoing collaboration under the Purpose II Project and strengthen joint efforts to build safer, more inclusive communities through coordinated, community-driven responses to Gender-Based Violence.
The engagement comes at a time when the country continues to prioritise the prevention of Gender-Based Violence and femicide through stronger institutional collaboration, public awareness, survivor-centred services and community-based interventions. As national and county governments intensify efforts to strengthen protection systems, partnerships with development organisations remain critical in translating policy commitments into practical action that reaches vulnerable communities.
Discussions focused on the implementation of the Purpose II Project, currently being undertaken in Isiolo, Burat and Oldonyiro Wards, where the Commission and World Vision Kenya are working alongside county structures and community actors to reinforce local mechanisms for preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence. The initiative seeks to strengthen coordination among institutions, improve referral pathways, enhance public awareness and ensure that survivors can access timely, appropriate and coordinated support services.
The partners reviewed progress made in strengthening county GBV response structures and empowering communities to take an active role in preventing violence before it occurs.
Particular attention was given to reinforcing referral systems that connect survivors with health care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and protection services while strengthening collaboration among government institutions, community leaders and frontline service providers.
The Commission commended World Vision Kenya for its continued partnership in supporting community-led protection initiatives that contribute to safer and more inclusive environments. Through sustained collaboration, the partnership has enhanced community awareness on Gender-Based Violence, strengthened institutional linkages and supported interventions that protect the rights and dignity of women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, minorities and other Special Interest Groups.
The engagement also recognised that preventing Gender-Based Violence requires addressing its underlying drivers, including gender inequality, harmful social norms, discrimination and limited access to information and support services. Community-based prevention programmes remain essential in promoting behavioural change, strengthening accountability and encouraging early intervention before violence escalates.
County-level partnerships provide an opportunity to ensure that national commitments are reflected in practical interventions that respond to the realities experienced by communities while improving access to justice and essential support services.
The discussions further explored opportunities to expand collaboration through civic education, capacity building, community dialogues and stronger engagement with local leadership to reinforce prevention efforts and improve coordination among institutions responsible for safeguarding vulnerable populations. For NGEC, strengthening partnerships with development organisations is central to advancing its constitutional mandate of promoting equality and freedom from discrimination. Collaborative initiatives such as the Purpose II Project contribute to more responsive protection systems by bringing together institutions, communities and development partners to address GenderBased Violence through coordinated, evidence-informed and survivor-centred approaches.
The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Commission and World Vision Kenya to strengthening community resilience, enhancing survivor protection and promoting inclusive development.
