Civil Society Organizations in Kwale County have called on the county government to allocate funds for implementing the Kwale County Sexual and Gender Based Violence Prevention Protection Act, 2023.
The groups argue that the lack of budgetary allocation is hindering the enforcement of crucial provisions within the law.
Linah Mulongo, an officer from the Hijabi Mentorship Program organization, emphasized the importance of financial support in addressing gender-based issues.
“When we came together as CSOs last year, we realized that the 2023 Kwale County Sexual and Gender Based Violence Protection Act had no budget allocation. Yet, as CSOs, we have been actively educating citizens about gender-based laws and policies,” said Mulongo.
Also read: New law to punish SGBV offenders in Kwale
Mulongo also urged the county government to explain the slow pace of the law’s implementation.
Meanwhile, Emma Anyango, an officer from the Kwale Women Focus Initiative, encouraged women to actively participate in public forums to voice their concerns about budget allocations, particularly for gender-related issues.
“When women fail to participate in public discussions, many of the issues affecting them may not be addressed. Even if they are implemented, it will take longer,” she noted.
In 2023, Kwale County enacted the Kwale County Sexual and Gender Based Violence Protection Act to combat gender-based violence, establishing a County Sexual and Gender Violence Protection Board, Sector Working Groups, recovery centers, and safe houses for victims.
