Kwale County Governor, HE Fatuma Achani, has taken a significant step in the fight against gender-based violence (SGBV) by signing the SGBV bill into law.
The bill, which was passed by the County Assembly of Kwale last week, aims to address the growing issue of SGBV and ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law.
The bill, championed by Hon. Rachael Mutisyo, a nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA), received unanimous support during the assembly session on Tuesday.
With the signing of the bill, Kwale County is set to reinforce its commitment to protecting its citizens, particularly women and girls, from all forms of gender-based violence.
The implementation of the SGBV bill will be overseen by the Department of Social Services and Talent Management, headed by Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) Francisca Kilonzo.
The department, responsible for ensuring the welfare and well-being of the county’s residents, will work tirelessly to enforce the provisions of the bill and hold perpetrators accountable.
The SGBV bill was first introduced in 2016, reflecting the county’s long-standing commitment to addressing the issue of gender-based violence.
It aims to provide enhanced protection for victims, offer support services, and ensure that justice is served to those who commit acts of violence against women and girls.
Governor Achani expressed her satisfaction with the passage of the bill, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to combat SGBV in the county.
She highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and the public to eradicate this pervasive issue.
“We must stand together to put an end to gender-based violence in our county. The signing of this bill marks a significant milestone towards achieving justice and equality for all,” Governor Achani stated.
Through this new legislation, Kwale County aims to create a safe and secure environment for all its residents.
The SGBV bill will strengthen existing laws and provide a comprehensive framework to tackle gender-based violence effectively.
The signing of the bill has been met with widespread support from various stakeholders, including women’s rights groups and community leaders.
They have hailed this as a significant step towards addressing the deeply rooted issue of SGBV in Kwale County.
The implementation of the SGBV bill is expected to bring about a transformative change in the lives of survivors and aims to create a society where every individual feels protected and empowered.
As the county gears up to implement the new legislation, the government, together with the citizens, stands united in their commitment to eradicating gender-based violence and creating a brighter future for all residents of Kwale County.
