Ministry of Health offices. [Photo/mediamax.co.ke]
The government has been accused of failing to respect the rights of rape survivors.
Health officials have also been accused of failing to comply with standards set out in law, a cause for high prevalence in gender-based sexual violence.
The officials who were speaking on Thursday during the launch 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the officials said despite the progressive laws, chauvinistic tendencies render them meaningless in the lives of many rape survivors.
Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) deputy bureau chief Dr Wamae Maranga said there is need for collective efforts by government, civil society organisations and citizens for the vice to come to an end, citing that GBV services need integration.
Victim blaming He further condemned State service providers for victim blaming and urged them to create a space where people can talk about their experiences.
“It is time we begin talking about the underlying issues as to why rape survivors don’t report their cases. Survivors face victim-blaming, secondary victimisation and social stigma when they speak about the violence they have experienced,” he said.
According to AHF data, of the 186 GBV cases reported in Nairobi between July and August this year, only 14 have been prosecuted with just two ending with a conviction. The 16 Days of Activism will be marked from November 25 to December 10.