By Seliphar Machoni
In Western Kenya, gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies have become daily
struggles for women and girls, contributing to the rising number of street children.
In Busia, steps are being taken to address these issues through a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development (CCGB).
This agreement unites various stakeholders to tackle these pressing issues and accelerate the
gender and development policy process within the county assembly.
During the MoU signing, Governor Paul Otuoma highlighted the alarming rates of gender-
based violence (GBV) and teenage pregnancies in Busia County. He emphasized the county's
commitment to working with partners to address these challenges, particularly focusing on
unpaid care work, GBV, and providing gender-responsive financial services for young
women. Dr Otuoma urged the county assembly to expedite the approval of the gender policy,
which is currently under review, to provide a framework for action.
In a significant move, the governor announced that the county would allocate land for the
construction of rescue and rehabilitation centres. “We are grateful to our partners for their
support and are providing two pieces of land for these facilities. Additionally, I have directed
the immediate activation of the recovery centre at Busia County General Hospital to address
the growing concerns,” Otuoma stated.
Busia, a border county, faces unique challenges due to its location. “Our county is
unfortunately marked by increasing cases of GBV and child molestation. With substantial
cross-border movement and visitors from the East African region, we must ensure the safety
of our children and communities,” Otuoma added. He also stressed the importance of creating
safe environments for women, particularly those involved in cross-border trade, by
establishing daycare centres.
CCGB Executive Director Masheti Masinjila shared the organization’s plans to collaborate
with 1,000 women, predominantly aged 18 to 46, over the next two years. “We aim to double
the capacity of the Busia Children Child Care Centre from 300 to 600. The county’s support,
including the provision of land and commitment to human resources, is crucial. We expect
significant benefits for young women, girls, and boys by the end of this three-year initiative,”
Masinjila noted.
The county is also facing a rising tide of child neglect cases, with Busia town identified as a
hotspot for street children. Esther Wasige, the County Children's Services Director, reported a
slight increase in child neglect cases, rising from 58 to 59 per cent over the previous year.
This MoU represents a collaborative effort to safeguard Busia's vulnerable populations and
create a safer, more supportive environment for its residents.
