The Judiciary and the Children’s Department have called for stronger community and institutional action to tackle sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Bungoma County, amid reports that 62 per cent of women have experienced physical violence while 30 per cent have faced sexual violence.
The figures have renewed concern over the scale of violence against women and children and the challenges survivors face in accessing justice and essential services.
County Children Officer James Mbesa said children rescued from abuse often lack safe spaces where they can stay as they pursue medical and legal processes.
“Children need a safe and child-friendly environment immediately after they are rescued or report abuse. We need the support of other players,” Mbesa said.
He said non-state organisations had helped equip Children Protection Units (CPUs) at Bungoma and Chesikaki police stations, but more support was needed.
One of the organisations supporting the response is Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), which has equipped the two CPUs to provide safer spaces for children reporting abuse while they await further legal and medical assistance.
Senior Principal Magistrate Ruth Maloba said survivors often face financial and practical barriers that can prevent them from pursuing cases through the courts. She said SHOFCO has supported some survivors with legal representation, transport, counselling and links to education opportunities.
“Some survivors face enormous challenges after abuse, making it difficult for them to attend court, seek medical attention or continue with their education,” Maloba said.
She cited the case of a minor who developed fistula after being defiled and required urgent medical treatment.
Shofco CEO Kennedy Odede said the organisation’s approach combines prevention, survivor support and accountability.
“Our responsibility is not only to support survivors after violence has occurred, but also to work with communities to prevent violence from happening in the first place. This means challenging harmful norms, equipping families and young people with knowledge, strengthening referral pathways and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable,” Dr Odede said.
In another challenge facing the justice system, prosecutors said some survivors arrive in court to testify without adequate emotional preparation.
Wycliffe Minishi of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said survivor support before court proceedings can help victims participate more effectively in cases.
“One of the serious challenges we have had is survivors coming to court while emotionally unprepared to testify,” Minishi said.
He said counselling and pre-court preparation can give survivors the confidence to testify and present their evidence.
“When survivors are supported, they are more confident and better prepared to participate in the justice process. This ultimately strengthens the ability of the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
Police said under-reporting remains another major obstacle in addressing SGBV.
Bungoma’s Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS) Winnie Chepkosgei attributed some cases to stigma, fear, family pressure and cultural beliefs.
“These are issues that cannot be addressed by the police alone. We need community organisations and government agencies to work together so that survivors know where to go and perpetrators understand the cost,” she said.
The challenge is particularly pronounced in communities where harmful attitudes towards women and girls persist.