Nakuru: A team of 40 healthcare workers have undergone specialized training to enhance mental health and psychological support for child survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nakuru County. Speaking during the training, the County SGBV Coordinator, Jessicah Mung'ao, stated that this initiative aligns with Governor Susan Kihika's commitment to strengthening child protection and mental health services, ensuring survivors receive compassionate, survivor-centered care.
According to Kenya News Agency, this effort equips healthcare workers with trauma-sensitive approaches and self-care strategies, reinforcing the County's stand against SGBV and ensuring a safe, supportive, and just environment for all children. This training ensures that besides survivors receiving justice, they will also receive medical care that includes crucial mental health care, significantly strengthening their recovery and coping mechanisms.
Nakuru County has already established partnerships with other Non-Governmental Organizations involved in mental health support programs, aiming to upgrade its mental health support facilities. Recognizing that SGBV is a grave violation of human rights impacting individuals physically, emotionally, and psychologically, the Governor has prioritized an approach to eradicate this menace.
Nakuru County has taken a bold initiative in its battle against SGBV by uniting various sectors to address these complex social issues. Governor Susan Kihika's vision for a safer and more resilient Nakuru County is taking tangible form, bringing hope and support to survivors and signaling a resounding message that the community stands together against the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence.
Plans are also underway to integrate a comprehensive 14-week curriculum for mental health education into community programs through existing school health initiatives. This effort aims to ensure mental health issues are identified and addressed early, fostering a supportive environment for students' mental well-being.
The County recognizes the importance of aligning its collaboration with national policies and structures while meeting the specific needs of Nakuru residents. The Nakuru County Government is actively implementing a range of other preventive and promotional measures to address mental health, acknowledging that mental health challenges span across all human resource sectors, underscoring the need for immediate action.
Last month, the County Government of Nakuru launched a new initiative for collecting data on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This program will ensure a more coordinated and data-based approach in providing help for SGBV survivors, ensuring they receive all the support needed to recover from their ordeal. More than 500 law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, and community leaders have been trained on SGBV response, and safe houses have been set up in high-risk areas such as Naivasha, Molo, and Njoro.
Women, children, and persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable to SGBV, with many cases remaining undocumented due to stigma, fear, and limited access to support services.