Gender based violence increase in Trans Nzoia attributed to joblessness

Poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse are significantly increasing the vulnerability of women and girls in Trans Nzoia County, contributing to a troubling rise in gender-based violence (GBV), local leaders have warned.

Speaking during a public participation forum organised by the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, Jane Khaendi, a community leader, highlighted the challenges faced by women and girls, particularly in informal settlements. She noted that GBV in the county stands at 18 per cent.

“Sexual abuse and exploitation are very real in impoverished families. Many cases go unreported simply because survivors cannot afford the legal fees or transport to pursue justice,” she said.

Khaendi identified unemployed youths as key perpetrators of GBV, attributing this to widespread joblessness and substance abuse. She called on the national government to revive the Kazi Kwa Vijana programme to engage young people in meaningful employment and reduce idle time that often leads to criminal behaviour.

“Youths in areas like Kitale, Matisi, Tuwan, and Kipsongo are largely unemployed. Involving them in economic activities can significantly reduce cases of violence and exploitation,” she added.

She also urged the government and civil society to intensify public awareness campaigns to combat harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), which persist in parts of the county.

Ojiambo Opis, the chairperson of the County’s Persons with Disabilities Organisation, warned that a myth associating disabled girls with good fortune is fuelling their sexual abuse.

“There is a dangerous misconception that having sex with a disabled girl can lead to wealth. This has placed many of them at risk,” he said.

Opis also raised concerns over the general lack of awareness about laws that protect the rights of women, girls, and people with disabilities. He called for robust campaigns to ensure communities understand and uphold these legal protections.

The forum, chaired by Nancy Barasa, the Chairperson of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, called for collaborative efforts to address root causes of GBV in the county and improve access to justice and support services for survivors.