SHOFCO launches Kilifi safe house as GBV cases rise

Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), in partnership with the Kilifi County Government, has launched a 48-bed safe house for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kilifi North Sub County, providing the county with its first dedicated shelter for women and children fleeing abuse.

The facility, known as Kimbilio Safe House, was officially opened on July 14, 2026, amid growing concern over rising cases of violence against women and girls in the county.

According to the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Kilifi recorded 1,024 GBV cases in court in 2025, up from 939 cases in 2024.

Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Gender Affairs and Affirmative Action Anne Wang'ombe said the facility would provide survivors with immediate protection and access to essential support services.

"Gender-based violence continues to rob many women and children of their dignity and opportunities. Facilities such as this safe house are critical because they provide survivors with immediate protection and access to services that enable healing and justice," Wang'ombe said.

She said addressing GBV requires collaboration between government and development partners and pledged continued policy and technical support to ensure the facility remains operational.

Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule said the county sought SHOFCO's support after recognising the growing need for a dedicated shelter for survivors.

"For years, survivors in Kilifi have faced enormous challenges in accessing protection and support services. The increasing number of reported cases has shown us that we need a dedicated facility where survivors can receive care and protection," she said.

Chibule noted that the facility is currently the only safe house in Kilifi County, providing survivors with temporary shelter and access to services aimed at helping them recover and rebuild their lives.

SHOFCO founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kennedy Odede said the organisation responded to the county government's request after data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) identified Kilifi among the counties with a high prevalence of gender-based violence.

He said the safe house will provide temporary accommodation alongside medical care, legal assistance, psychosocial counselling and economic empowerment programmes to support survivors.

Dr. Odede said community partnerships remain critical in strengthening efforts to prevent GBV and improve access to protection and recovery services for survivors.