Mombasa is among several counties in which the government plans to put up rescue centres where victims of gender violence can seek help.
Gender Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki said that besides setting up the rescue centres in key hospitals, the government will also partner with community and faith leaders to revitalise the war against domestic violence that has escalated lately.
Kariuki said the centres will be put up in key hospitals in Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
“The government will put up rescue centres where victims of gender violence can seek help in case of abuse. The government has not only invested in ensuring there is legislation on the vice, but will also invest in establishing rescue centres in major hospitals,” said Kariuuki.
She added, “We are engaging faith-based organisations, religious and community leaders to join hands with the government in fighting this vice.”
The Gender CS who condemned the recent attack on Ms Jackline Mwende, the woman whose hands were allegedly chopped off by her husband in Masii, Machakos County, said individuals who use violence against their spouses or offspring will be punished severely according to the law.
“Cases of gender based violence in the country are on the rise. The law and the Constitution are clear. No amount of provocation should lead one to physically harm another human being,” she added.