A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is urging the government to channel more resources to deal with gender based violence in the community.
Rural Women Peace Link, an NGO that operates across Nandi, Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu counties, has called on both the national and county governments to give specific attention to the increasing cases of gender violence.
Speaking at a conference held at Comfy Hotel in Eldoret town on Friday, Mr. Ambrose Nguti, the organization's coordinator in Trans Nzoia County said the Gender Based Violence (GBV) has become a big challenge in the community not only to women but also men citing various cases reported in Nyeri County.
"More funding is needed to fight this problem. Men also need to be involved in addressing the issue and more sensitization is paramount," said Nguti.
The organization says that it has so far received 14 cases of sodomy involving underage boys. Mr Nguti said that they are working towards creating awareness and is working hand in hand with the spouses of county leaders, and county governments as key advocates.
He urged women and men to participate in curbing the vice at the county level urging county governments to effectively address the issue through provision of funds and research.
Esther Kangogo, who heads the NGOs Uasin Gishu County office said that the vice is on the rise and called for concerted efforts between men and women in stamping it out. She urged the government to budget for the campaign and employ more people to create awareness.
"30 Female Genital Mutilation practitioners have reformed in Nandi County and we are on the forefront in preaching against FGM as this is not only a social issue but a cultural issue," said Ms Achieng' Lilian, an opinion leader.