By Elizabeth Mwibanda, Bungoma
The Kenya Red Cross, in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Bungoma County and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) converged at Kibabii University grounds to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The NGAOs, who are crucial in the reporting and addressing of GBV and teenage pregnancies, were the primary focus of the event. These officers are often the first point of contact for the community when cases of GBV or teenage pregnancies are reported.
The meeting aimed to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively, especially in a region like Bungoma, which is among the top three counties in Kenya with high rates of GBV.
Jesse Wamocho, a health officer from Bungoma County Referral Hospital, shared alarming statistics about the prevalence of teenage pregnancies and GBV in the county. Wamocho noted that the sub-counties of Cheptais, Koopsiro, and Mt. Elgon are particularly affected, with the overall statistics for teenage pregnancies in Bungoma standing at 19 per cent for 2024.
“The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) report ranked Bungoma as number one in GBV cases, with 62 per cent of the reported cases coming from the county,” Wamocho stated. “Additionally, the KDHS report found that 34 per cent of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, compared to 27 per cent of men.”
From January to August 2024, the sub-counties have seen disturbing numbers. Bumula recorded 929 cases of teenage pregnancy, 17 of which involved girls aged between 10-14. Cheptais reported 730 cases, with 11 underage pregnancies. These statistics highlight the urgent need for action to address these issues.
Wamocho identified several drivers of GBV, including lack of proper education on GBV, poverty, early marriages, limited access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, sexual abuse, early initiation of sexual activity, family separations, and transactional sex.
He emphasized that youths are also engaging in risky behaviors, such as frequent partner changes and alcohol consumption, which contribute to the rise in cases of GBV and teenage pregnancies.
In response, the Kenya Red Cross has launched an “Adolescent Open Day” program aimed at educating youths about GBV and equipping them with the tools to manage these issues.
“NGAOs should become ambassadors by holding Chief Barazas with parents to create awareness on how to properly guide their children through adolescence,” ~Kong’ani
“We are engaging young people to raise awareness about GBV and provide them with information on how to navigate these challenges, even in our absence,” Wamocho explained.
The Assistant Chief of Kibuke Sub-location, Bridget Kong’ani, also shared her perspective on addressing GBV and teenage pregnancies. She called on the National Government to incorporate GBV education into the school curriculum and urged NGAOs to take a more proactive role in educating parents.
“NGAOs should become ambassadors by holding Chief Barazas with parents to create awareness on how to properly guide their children through adolescence,” Kong’ani said.
The NGAOs were given a comprehensive overview of the situation in their respective sub-counties, including the current statistics, and were trained on how they can help reduce the growing number of GBV and teenage pregnancy cases.
As the 16 Days of Activism draw to a close, there is hope that the continued engagement of NGAOs, the community, and local authorities will bring about meaningful change and help reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence in Bungoma County.
End.
