Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa on Wednesday, November 23, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Finish government to boost the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The multi-million bilateral program between Kenya and Finland will see both governments inject over Ksh751 million into the kitty.
Three counties have been selected, including Bungoma, Kilifi, and Samburu to be involved in the fight against GBV as well as other harmful practices in the regions.
The MoU was signed between the two governments at Pwani University in Kilifi County and attended by Finland Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Otto Kivinen and Kilifi Governor Gedeon Mung'aro.
Details from the event indicate that the Kenyan government contributed more than Ksh125 million while the Finish government raised at least Ksh626 million to the kitty.
The program is expected to run between 2022 and 2024 and is designed to fight GBV both at the national and county levels with the three counties being selected due to their unique context as well as the high prevalence of GBV.
Speaking at the event, Jumwa warned police officers against demanding money to fill out P3 forms for GBV survivors. She indicated that survivors should be provided with P3 whenever needed.
"I will discuss the matter with Interior Cabinet Secretary to make sure officers do not traumatize victims by asking for money to fill out the legal documents," Jumwa indicated.
While speaking at the same event, the Finland Deputy Ambassador to Kenya commended the Kenyan government for embracing a step towards eradicating GBV cases and efforts to achieve gender equality.
“I am pleased to be part of the local launch of this bilateral program and we look forward to cooperation between us and the County Government of Kilifi”, Otto told the stakeholders at the event.
Kilifi County Governor Gideon Maitha Mung’aro on his part revealed that GBV in the region has been a disaster that should be eradicated.
He ordered the health department in collaboration with the gender department in Kilifi County to ensure that no one is charged during treatment of any form of sexual abuse in all the public hospitals in the area.
