The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Social Protection has commenced a series of site inspection visits across selected regions to assess the implementation of programmes addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and child welfare.
Chaired by Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a, the Committee has constituted sub-committees to undertake the exercise across different regions, allowing Members to engage more closely with institutions on the ground.
In Laikipia County, the team conducted its inspections in Nanyuki, with key attention placed on the POLICARE Centre as part of efforts to assess the effectiveness of frontline response mechanisms.
POLICARE, a first-of-its-kind facility whose construction was funded by the British High Commission, is designed to offer survivors a single, safe space for reporting, medical care, counselling and legal support, shielding them from the retraumatization that often comes with navigating multiple institutions.
Despite handling an average of four to six GBV and child abuse cases daily, the Members learnt that the facility operates without a clear policy framework or dedicated Government funding.
Legislators further heard that since its handover, questions around ownership and management have left its operations in limbo. Even basic needs, such as an ambulance, adequate staffing, and on-site medical equipment remain unmet.
The delegation also heard that a medical officer, not stationed at the facility, ferries critical supplies such as rape kits from a nearby hospital. Legislators reiterated that with survivors, every delay should be avoided.
Principal Secretary, Ms. Anne Wangombe, who joined the inspection, acknowledged the urgency of the situation, pointing to rising cases of GBV, child abuse, and even suicide across the country.
She emphasized the need for increased funding, stronger prevention strategies, and public sensitization to address root causes.
The Committee is now pushing for a clear national policy to anchor POLICARE’s model, alongside structured collaboration with the National Police Service and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Members, on inspection of the offices designated for Children Welfare noted the dire need to improve the dilapidated spaces and provide basic office furniture and equipment.
For lawmakers, the goal is to ensure the root causes of Gender Based Violence and any issue affecting children is dealt with adequately.
By Anthony Solly
