SHOFCO steps us community prevention drive as GBV cases rise in Nyeri

County health data shows a steady increase in reported sexual violence cases at public health facilities, rising from 335 in 2022 to 361 in 2023 and 371 in 2024. In 2025, the figure climbed further to 512 cases.

Speaking during the SHOFCO Urban Network (SUN) election in Nyeri Town, Nyeri County Executive Committee Member for Gender Esther Ndung’u, in remarks read on behalf of Governor Mutahi Kahiga, acknowledged SHOFCO’s role in supporting government efforts through community-based interventions.

“We cannot remain silent as violence continues to destroy families and rob vulnerable people of their dignity and safety. Nyeri County has continued to face serious challenges related to gender-based violence, and this rising trend demands action from all quarters,” the Governor said in the statement.

He noted that community-driven prevention approaches remain critical in addressing the root causes of GBV.

“SHOFCO is doing the right thing by investing in prevention and empowering communities to become protectors of one another. Creating awareness and training people at the grassroots level is an important step in changing attitudes and preventing abuse before it happens,” he added.

Ndung’u said the rising number of reported cases remains a concern, adding that many incidents still go unreported. She said the county government is engaging SHOFCO on possible areas of collaboration to help reduce the trend.

Nyeri Central Deputy County Commissioner John Ngunyi linked part of the problem to broader socio-economic pressures, noting that a significant number of perpetrators are young people.

“A worrying number of perpetrators are young people, and this points to a broader challenge around empowerment and opportunities. We must address the root causes if we are to reduce violence in our communities,” he said.

He also raised concern over the lack of safe houses for survivors of GBV in Nyeri and the wider region, saying victims often remain vulnerable even after reporting abuse.

“One of our greatest challenges is that we do not have a safe house for survivors of gender-based violence. In fact, there is no safe house in the whole region, leaving many victims exposed even after reporting abuse,” he said.

SHOFCO Chief Executive Officer Dr Kennedy Odede said the organisation is focusing on prevention through community-led structures.

“We believe prevention starts within communities themselves. Sustainable solutions to gender-based violence will come when people are empowered to identify harmful practices and speak up,” he said.