Kajiado county has marked a pivotal moment in its fight against gender-based violence (GBV) with the launch of the Kajiado County Gender Based Violence Response and Prevention Policy, 2025. The policy, which was unveiled on 24th September 2025, represents a comprehensive framework designed to confront deeply rooted cultural practices and strengthen survivor support systems.
The policy, which is tailored specifically to the socio-cultural context of Kajiado, is the result of a year-long collaborative effort spearheaded by the Forum for Women in Development Democracy and Justice (FODDAJ) in collaboration with International Rescue Committee (IRC), Irish Aid and other gender sector stakeholders. It was developed after extensive research and analysis of data from public health facilities, government databases and recovery centers.
The new policy comes against a backdrop of alarming statistics that indicate the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Kajiado county is at 78 percent which is far higher than the national average of 21 percent.
In the year 2024 alone, 3854 GBV cases were reported with the vast majority of those affected being women and adolescent girls.
One of the policy’s standout features is its strong emphasis on prevention through community awareness initiatives, targeted school programs and campaigns to eradicate harmful practices form the backbone of this approach.
The policy also recognizes that sustainable change cannot occur without the active involvement of men, boys, cultural leaders, and faith-based institutions which makes their participation essential in transforming entrenched norms and reshaping community attitudes toward GBV.
On the response front, the policy outlines clear priorities including strengthening GBV recovery centers, enhancing access to medical and psychosocial support as well as expanding pathways to legal aid. A major advocacy point throughout the policy’s development was the establishment of publicly funded safe shelters. At present, the county relies heavily on privately owned facilities, leaving many survivors without immediate refuge.
Improved coordination is another core focus with the policy aiming to reinforce the role of GBV technical working groups, streamline referral pathways, and promote inter-agency collaboration. The document also highlights the need for robust data systems noting that fragmented and inconsistent data collection has long hindered effective planning and monitoring. Subsequently, there are plans for a centralized GBV database developed in partnership with agencies such as the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics(KNBS) and Kenya National Human Rights Commission(KNHCR).
Implementation of the policy in Kajiado county will be spearheaded by the County Department of Gender with support from multiple sectors and integrated into the County Integrated Development Plan.
Funding is anticipated from county budgetary allocations, national government contributions and development partners.
Key policy recommendations include appointing GBV focal persons across all administrative levels, expanding shelters through public–private partnerships, institutionalizing capacity building for frontline workers, and enacting a County GBV Bill to secure long-term financing.
As Kajiado embarks on this roadmap, the policy lays the foundation for transformative change in the prevention of GBV and the protection of survivors.
By Amy Moyi
