Construction of a 156 gender-based violence (GBV) in Vihiga County is set to be completed in the next three months. This is according to project official who said the project is 90% complete.
The officials involving Gender CAS Rachel Shebesh, Women Representative Beatrice Adagala and County Commissioner Ochillo Oyugi gave assurance that the project will be ready in the next three months.
Developing of the facility comes a month after Principal Magistrate Samson Ongeri called for the establishment. Mr Ongeri noted that courts in the county were grappling with more than 156 gender-based violence (GBV) defilement and rape cases, but was concerned most of them did not get to full trial due to intimidation and lack of witness protection. He said a rescue centre would be a safe haven for victims.
Govt policy on GBV
“There is need for a rescue centre. Most of the time, defiled children cannot go back home. They need a holding place to enable them not get intimidated during the court process,” Mr Ongeri said.
The project is funded through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund, which is under the patronage of women representatives at a cost of Sh 5.7million. It is located at Vokoli in Sabatia. Upon completion, that the facility will be an avenue to protect victims and help with witness protection.
The facility, whose construction commenced in July, 2020, is the first in the county that has largely relied on centres in Kisumu and Kakamega counties to serve its people. It will house offices, washrooms, dormitories and an ICT centre to meet modern demands. It also has a training hall where victims will learn technical skills.
“The government policy is that GBV cases be prosecuted to ensure justice is delivered. The fear and intimidation at home make people withdraw cases, leading to dismissal of cases that are winnable. We are urging chiefs and their assistants, elders and religious groups to help in exposing GBV cases,” said Mr Oyugi.
