Kilifi: Some 561 service providers have graduated as Gender-Based Violence counselors in Kilifi County. The officers, consisting of public servants and civil society organizations, completed a nine-month training under the Kenya-Finland Bilateral program led by the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.
According to Kenya News Agency, Finland’s Ambassador to Kenya, Pirkka Tapiola, emphasized the urgent need to tackle femicide as the country engages in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. Tapiola referenced United Nations Women reports, highlighting the alarming rise in femicide cases in Kenya, with 97 incidents reported in the last three months, including five from Kilifi County, stressing the necessity for enhanced national efforts.
The ambassador reaffirmed the Finnish Government’s commitment to supporting Kenya in its fight against femicide and gender-based violence, underlining the demand for more counselors nationwide. ‘UN Women reports that every 10 minutes, partners and
family members intentionally killed women or girls in 2023. In Kilifi, 5 women died in femicide, two unburied,’ Tapiola stated.
Phibbie Wakhungu, Director of the Kenya-Finland Bilateral Program, echoed Tapiola’s sentiments, emphasizing the critical need for increased counselor training in Kenya to mitigate firsthand GBV cases. Wakhungu also announced plans to train the graduates as trainers to expand the pool of GBV counselors, aiming to address issues like communication breakdowns and minor disagreements that often lead to violence.
In addition, the County Government of Kilifi pledged to integrate the newly graduated Gender-Based Violence counselors within the mental health sector to aid the health department in combating the vice. A speech delivered by Jane Kamto, County Executive Committee for Lands, on behalf of Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro, revealed plans to establish rescue centers to protect gender-based violence victims.
Kamto stated, ‘We are happy to integrate your services in the
mental health department under the Department of Health, ensuring you have the support and supervision required to excel in your roles. Your contribution as additional players of skilled hands will be instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for our people.’
Initiated in 2021, the Kenya-Finland Bilateral program covers the counties of Baringo, Turkana, and Kilifi, focusing on capacity building for duty bearers, including health department officials, Nyumba Kumi representatives, administrative officers, teachers, and other moral bearers. These individuals underwent training in counseling psychology, drug and substance abuse, and mediation over nine months.