The fight against Gender-Based Violence in the country has received a boost.
This is after police officers received training on GBV response and mitigation.
The course had 26 participants drawn from the National Police Service (NPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) and media representatives.
GVRC is involved in the prevention of GBV through awareness and advocacy, as well as the provision of free comprehensive medical and psychological support to survivors.
The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Sensitisation Training of Trainers (TOT) Course ended on Wednesday at the Leadership Academy in Ngong.
According to the Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA) David Mathiu, the training equipped participants with the requisite skills to effectively investigate and handle matters related to GBV.
It was also aimed to ensure they pass on the knowledge to other officers at the station level.
Mathiu, who also serves as Assistant Inspector General (AIG), officially closed the forum on Wednesday.
Mathiu underscored the importance of such training, as it aligns with the President's commitment to eradicating gender-based violence in the country.
Those present include GVRC Chief Executive Officer Alberta Wambua, the NPS Deputy Director of Training Gideon Kirui, the NPLA Dean of Students Sicily Gatiti, the NPLA Deputy Commandant David Muthondeki and other senior officers from NPLA and GVRC.
In January, President William Ruto gazetted 35 members of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, including femicide.
The team which is chaired by Nancy Barasa also includes a secretariat of three members and four joint secretaries.
In the notice, Ruto noted that increased cases of GBV and femicide continue to cause immense physical, emotional, and economic harm to individuals, families, and communities, exacerbating gender inequalities and impeding sustainable development.
