Chiefs in Kanduyi, Bungoma county have taken the lead in the fight against sexual and gender based violence in the region.
This follows a GBV sensitisation meeting conducted by Kenya Finland bilateral programme and the Gender Ministry.
Kibabii Location Chief Geoffrey Khaemba said the meeting empowered them on how to handle GBV cases.
He said said backward cultural practices have contributed to the high cases of GBV and Female Genital Mutilation in parts of Mt Elgon.
"I urge Bungoma county and other NGOs to help us curb the rising number of teenage pregnancies in the county," Khaemba said.
Three counties namely, Bungoma, Kilifi and Samburu signed a three year partnership with the Finnish government to help prevent gender based violence early this year.
The partnership will see the three counties receive Sh700 million to help in the fight against GBV.
The signing of the partnership was officiated by Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa.
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 report says Bungoma county takes the lead in Gender Based Violence cases at 60 per cent and also leads in teenage pregnancies.
Jumwa, there has been a sharp increase in violations of rights of women, men, boys and girls.
Jesse Wafula, County Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Coordinator said Bungoma has recorded 1,500 new cases of HIV/Aids.
He said Bungoma county has lost 18 teenage girls to pregnancy complications.
