KISUMU, Kenya July 23 –Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has reiterated his administration’s commitment to justice, equity, and community resilience, emphasising the need to address the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the county.
Addressing judicial officers during the Kisumu Court Users Committee meeting, Nyong’o highlighted the urgent need for collective action to combat SGBV.
The county boss pointed out particularly informal settlements like Nyalenda and Manyatta, as well as rural areas like Nyakach and Muhoroni sub-counties.
The governor attributed the surge in SGBV cases to challenging economic conditions and emphasised the importance of empowering vulnerable populations.
To address this issue, the County Government of Kisumu, in partnership with ActionAid Kenya, is set to launch a Community-Based Gender Protection Centre in Nyakach.
The centre will provide critical support and protection for SGBV survivors, marking a significant step towards creating safer environments for vulnerable populations.
Nyong’o also outlined ongoing programs aimed at empowering youth and women to combat drug and alcohol abuse, issues he described as deeply intertwined with SGBV.
He lauded the judiciary for its collaboration and progress in expanding judicial infrastructure, including the upcoming opening of a new court in Nyakach sub-county.
The new court will enhance access to legal services for residents in the region, a vital step towards justice accessibility.
Nyong’o expressed gratitude for the judiciary’s dedication to justice reform and social protection, setting a hopeful tone for future collaboration and community empowerment.
The Kisumu Court Users Committee meeting served as a testament to the county’s proactive stance on justice reform and social protection, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing SGBV and promoting community resilience.