The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has raised concern over rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kisumu County.
NGEC Nyanza Regional Coordinator Davis Okeyo said over 576 survivors have sought help at the Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC) at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) since January 2025.
Speaking during a community engagement forum in Nyakach Sub-County, Okeyo said the majority of reported cases involved physical and sexual violence, with many more going unreported due to stigma and fear of reprisal. "Despite the numbers, we believe cases are still underreported.
Survivors often face shame, stigma, and even hostility from family members and the wider community," said Okeyo. "We have seen families gang up against a parent who dares to speak out about their child being violated.
