Bungoma County has made remarkable progress in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) through a partnership with the Finnish government.
This collaboration has led to major policy reforms, increased public awareness of GBV and female genital mutilation (FGM), and enhanced regional response mechanisms.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), Bungoma recorded a 19% teenage pregnancy rate, ranking 37th in the country.
The report also highlights that 62% of women in Bungoma County and 34% nationwide have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
Additionally, the national prevalence of FGM among women aged 15-49 years has steadily declined from 38% in 1998 to 15% in 2022.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 45% of Kenyan women aged 15-49 have experienced either physical or sexual violence, with a significant portion reporting abuse from their partners.
Transforming Lives Through Positive Parenting
Andrew Khisa, a father of five and a boda boda operator in Sirisia, Bungoma County, is one of the beneficiaries of training sponsored by the Finnish government under the bilateral program.
Recounting his past, Khisa admitted to being a violent husband and father, which created fear among his children.
He described himself as an absent father, revealing that frequent altercations with his wife led them to sleep in separate rooms, negatively affecting their children’s well-being.
Khisa also recalled that when his teenage daughter became pregnant, he chased her and her mother away, forcing them to seek shelter with neighbors.
However, after participating in the Positive National Parenting Program, Khisa transformed into a responsible husband and father.
He reconciled with his wife, took his daughter back to school, and became more involved in his family’s well-being.
“My wife and I are now on good terms and make decisions together,” he said.
His wife, Emily Muyuka, recalled how her husband used to be harsh and violent, making home life unbearable.
During the training, they learned how to improve their relationship, which positively impacted their marriage.
Their daughter, Yvonne, narrated how she faced mistreatment from her father after becoming pregnant. She dropped out of school and stayed home for two years.
“I never expected my dad to take me back to school. He never paid my school fees before, and I was always sent home for non-payment,” she noted.
Government and Stakeholder Commitments
Speaking at the program’s wrap-up conference, Dr. Josephine Obwonyo, Secretary for Gender at the State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action, praised the initiative’s achievements in addressing FGM and GBV, particularly in Mt. Elgon.
She noted that strict measures have been implemented to combat gender-based violence.
“We have trained counseling psychologists, mediators, and other key stakeholders, and so far, the feedback has been positive,” she said.
She assured the public that the campaign to eliminate GBV would continue beyond the Kenya-Finland partnership.
“Even as this program comes to an end, we have secured counter-funding from the government through the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, and we are in talks with the exchequer to ensure its continuity,” she added.
The Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Finland, Annu Rantala, emphasized that the program aimed to strengthen existing structures and workforce to better prevent and respond to GBV.
“I am happy to see that GBV cases are now being reported instead of victims suffering in silence. While we aim for a reduction in cases, it is a positive sign that survivors are speaking out and receiving justice and support,” she said.
Impact and Community Involvement
The initiative was implemented in Bungoma, Kilifi, and Samburu counties with a Ksh700 million budget.
It introduced data-driven interventions to improve GBV response, strengthen law enforcement, and enhance coordination among key stakeholders.
A key aspect of the program was engaging men, especially Sabaot and Bukusu elders, to challenge societal norms and promote gender equality.
Bungoma County Deputy Governor Jenipher Mbatiany highlighted the explicit rejection of FGM by the Sabaot community, led by the Supreme Council of Elders.
She acknowledged that structured risk assessments and targeted resource allocation have significantly improved Bungoma’s GBV prevention and response efforts.
“This achievement underscores the power of community-driven efforts in dismantling harmful cultural practices,” Mbatiany stated.
Partnerships with local NGOs, law enforcement, and community-based organizations have enhanced survivor support services.
Mentorship programs have also encouraged long-term behavioral change.
The Principle-Based Leadership (PBL) model, a cornerstone of the initiative, has played a crucial role in mobilizing collective action against GBV.
The Deputy Governor urged individuals, institutions, and governments to continue working towards the permanent elimination of GBV.
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