Nairobi 8th March 2022
Nairobi City County Governor, Ann Kananu today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to pave way for the construction of Kshs 88M Safe house in Westlands Sub county for survivors of sexual and gender based violence in Nairobi County.
The MOU defined terms and conditions of partnership between Nairobi County, NGAAF Nairobi and NMS under which the Parties will collaborate in the establishment of a Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Safe House within Nairobi County for the benefit of the public.
The signing was witnessed by; Hon. Rachel Shebesh, Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender ; Hon. Esther Passaris, Nairobi Women Representative, Hon. Mishi Mboko, MP Likoni; H.E Caroline Karugu, Deputy Governor, Nyeri County, Assembly, Hon. Wanjiru Kariuki, Nominated MCA and Sponsor of SGBV act, Hon. Patricia Mutheu, MCA,Mlango Kubwa and Nominated MCAs; Hon. Millicent Okatch and Hon. Doris Kanario, Lucia Mulwa, County Executive, Education, Roselyne Mukabana, Nairobi Metropolitan Services representative and Charity Kanario, NGAAF Coordinator.
Nairobi City County Governor H.E. Ann Kananu affirmed that her administration would accelerate efforts towards the fight and elimination of all forms of GBV in Nairobi County and ensure perpetrators are severely punished. Said Governor, Kananu “I want to thank all our partners for their continued support and tireless work towards the advancement of women rights; and achieving a society free from all forms of Violence against Women and Girls.”
Said Governor Kananu, “Last year 1st of November, 2021, when I was the Deputy Governor and Acting Governor, I assented to the Sexual Gender Based Violence bill and I promised Nairobi residents that I would support and champion the elimination of violence against women and girls;
- Promote public awareness on causes, impact, consequences and means of preventing SGBV in Nairobi County.
- Establish an interconnected reporting and referral system that would guide survivors on where to seek help.
- Establish at least one safe house in each of the 17 sub-counties in Nairobi to guarantee the safety of victims while their cases were being prosecuted, ensuring budgetary allocation for the facilities as well as witness protection programme.
The three entities will ensure that the construction, installation and furnishing of the safe house is completed within a reasonable time. Once complete Nairobi County will operate and manage the safe house and will not charge any fees to the members of the public seeking refuge in the safe house.
Governor Kananu, condemned boda boda operator’s behavior terming it archaic, barbaric and outdated. Said Governor Kananu, “It is embarrassing and inhuman when grown men assault a woman. I want to urge men, especially boda boda riders to desist from meting violence on young innocent ladies. Let us desist from taking the law into our own hands. The Governor called upon the National Police Service to speed up the investigation on the boda boda operators who assaulted a lady motorist along forest road and ensure that the culprits are brought to book.
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