Gender desk in Tiaty to tackle rising cases of GBV

As the country continues to confront alarming cases of sexual and gender based violence, and femicide, a children’s and gender desk has been set up in Tiaty, Baringo County, as a counter mechanism.

The desk at Chemolingot Police Station will serve as a confidential reporting and support center for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and child abuse.

Currently, GBV remains a critical human rights violation that disproportionately impacts women and girls.

Data has shown that those with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. In Kenya, women and girls with disabilities face a double burden.

Data by the World Health Organization shows that one in three women is at risk of Sexual Gender Based Violence in Kenya, while 18 per cent of young boys are at risk.

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This data on GBV prevalence presents a grim picture, indicating that the incidence of SGBV has attained endemic proportions.

Kenya’s judiciary has established specialized SGBV courts, as a resolve for the complexities in addressing cases of sexual and Gender based violence.

The initiative is designed to protect vulnerable populations in Kenya’s marginalized regions, that has long struggled with insecurity, harmful cultural practices, and limited access to justice.

The establishment of the desk follows a 2023 Rapid Appraisal by Diakonia that revealed widespread GBV, limited justice access, and heightened vulnerability in Tiaty and neighboring Elgeyo Marakwet.

Established under Diakonia’s Democracy and Human Rights Program, the desk has full funding from the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi.

According to lady Justice Rachel Ngetich, Presiding Judge of the Kabarnet High Court, the desk is a bold and necessary investment in the lives and dignity of women and children.

“It sends a strong message that justice is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all—even in the most underserved parts of our country,” lady Justice Ngetich said.

Irenr Maina, Diakonia Country Director for Kenya and Uganda, notes that the initiave is aimed at restoring dignity and empowering communities.

“This initiative is not just about infrastructure. “We are committed to rights-based, locally anchored solutions that respond to the needs of survivors and strengthen institutional accountability,” Ms. Maina said.

Additionally, the desk will also serve as a referral hub, linking survivors to medical services, psychosocial support, legal aid, and safe shelters.

It also builds on local momentum promoting legal awareness and access to justice at the grassroots level.

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“The people of Tiaty deserve the same protections and services as any other part of Kenya. This desk is a powerful tool for change,” Tiaty Paralegal Network said.

Stakeholders at the launch of the desk highlighted that it is a concrete step toward responsive, inclusive, and survivor-focused policing in an area that has often been left behind.

Further, the need for continued collaboration from government actors, civil society, and the local community was emphasized, noting that the initiative promises to safeguard the rights of those who need it most and serve as a model for similar efforts across the country.

Despite Kenya’s legal framework, which includes the sexual offences Act and the protection against domestic violence Act, enforcement remains a major challenge. Many survivors face victim blaming, lengthy judicial processes, and police negligence when reporting cases.

The lack of comprehensive data on femicide has been found to also hinders effective policy responses.

According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS), the percentage of women who experienced physical violence declined from 20 per cent, to 16 per cent in 2022.

The demographic health survey shows that the experience of violence among women is higher among older women;

Further, 20 per cent of women aged 15-19 have experienced physical violence since age 15, as compared with 42 per cent of women aged 45-49.

“The percentage of women who have experienced physical violence since age 15 is highest in Bungoma (62 per cent) and lowest in Mandera (nine per cent),” UN Women Kenya.