Kitui County on Wednesday officially launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with key leaders rallying residents to unite in the fight against all forms of abuse. The County Minister for Culture, Gender, Youth, ICT, Sports and Social Services, Hon. Phoebe Ndunyu, joined Kitui County Commissioner Mr. Kipchumba Rutto for the ceremony held at the County Commissioner’s compound from 9:00 a.m. The launch marks the beginning of a countywide campaign aimed at intensifying awareness and strengthening community action against GBV.
The event was formally flagged off by a Resident Magistrate from the Kitui High Court, symbolizing the judiciary’s central role in delivering justice for survivors. In her remarks, the magistrate emphasized the need for deeper collaboration among government agencies, legal institutions, civil society, and communities to ensure survivors receive timely protection, support, and legal intervention.
Hon. Phoebe Ndunyu lauded the campaign as an important opportunity to reaffirm Kitui’s commitment to a safe and inclusive society. She noted that the ministry continues to strengthen gender mainstreaming initiatives, support systems for survivors, youth sensitization programs, and community engagement forums. Ndunyu underscored that GBV remains a threat to social progress and must be confronted collectively.
This year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” resonated strongly throughout the launch. Hon. Phoebe Mutemi emphasized the growing need to protect women and girls from harassment, exploitation, and abuse within digital spaces. She stated that no woman or girl should be silenced or intimidated online, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to fostering safe and empowering digital environments.
County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto thanked partners, security agencies, and local leaders for their unwavering collaboration in tackling GBV across the county. He urged residents to break the culture of silence, report cases promptly, and support survivors without discrimination or stigma. Rutto stressed that GBV remains a serious human rights violation and must be addressed at all levels of society.
The launch ushers in a series of activities across Kitui County, including school outreach programs, legal awareness clinics, media campaigns, and community dialogues designed to educate and mobilize residents. As Kenya joins the global 16-day campaign, Kitui leadership reaffirmed its dedication to a GBV-free society and called on all residents to play an active role in ending violence both offline and online.
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