Kisii: A bill sponsored by the Kisii County Member of National Assembly, Dorice Aburi, aimed at deterring Gender-Based Violence (GBV), is making its way through parliament. The proposed legislation, which seeks to amend the current Sexual Offences Act, is intended to implement more stringent measures to discourage potential offenders.
According to Kenya News Agency, the bill has already passed the first reading stage in parliament. Addressing chiefs and assistant chiefs from the county at Kereri Girls Secondary School during the country’s 16 days of gender activism, Aburi emphasized the importance of public sensitization on the amended bill. This nationwide awareness campaign is crucial for ensuring public ownership and effective enforcement of the proposed changes.
Aburi highlighted the alarming issue of sexual violence against the girl-child, including the defilement of individuals living with disabilities. She called on stakeholders to collectively condemn such acts and cooperate to eradicate them. Aburi
also praised the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) for their essential role in addressing these issues at the grassroots level and urged the government to provide them with vehicles to enhance their mobility.
Nominated senator Esther Okenyuri also addressed the gathering, advising adolescents to be mindful of their health to avoid contracting and spreading HIV infections during the end-year holiday. She encouraged residents to undergo voluntary HIV testing to ascertain their status and stressed the importance of community involvement in combating GBV to achieve significant economic progress.
Furthermore, Bassi Central Location Chief, Nyamache sub-county, Jane Yobesh, shared strategies being implemented to prevent Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during the holidays. These measures include public awareness meetings and regular home visits by Nyumba Kumi community policing committee members, who are tasked with reporting any FGM cases. Additionally, they are organizing alternative rite of pass
age seminars to engage the girl-child constructively.