A proposed Sh5 million shelter for victims of gender-based violence in Lamu has stalled for over two years.
The shelter was to provide refuge for victims of gender-based abuse and medical and psychological support.
The foundation stone for the facility was laid by Gender PS Safina Kwekwe during last year’s International Women’s Day.
The project was spearheaded by Lamu Woman Rep Ruweida Obbo, who has been a voice against gender-based violence in the region.
It was named the Mariam El Maawy Empowerment and Rescue Centre for physically and sexually abused women and girls in honor of the late Public Works PS Mariam El Maawy.
Maawy died in South Africa in September 2017 while undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in an al Shabaab attack at Milihoi area on the Lamu-Mpeketoni road on July 13 that year.
She was the only woman in Lamu to ever hold such a position in government.
The GBV Centre plan included four sections —one for rescuing and hosting abused women, a boarding school for sexually abused girls,. an ICT centre and a general section set towards improving education, economic and trade standards in the region.
The construction works were to commence that same year, according to PS Kwekwe since the funds had already been disbursed.
However, close to two years down line, only the foundation stone stands.
Lamu county commissioner Irungu Macharia said the project was cash-strapped and as such couldn’t takeoff.
“I am aware funds had been mobilised for the works but unfortunately nothing has happened. There is no money it seems,” Macharia said.
In her response, Woman Rep Ruweida Obbo blamed the delay on the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said the project was to be undertaken through the cooperation of various principal secretaries and Cabinet secretaries with the initial agreement being for them to pool funds together towards building the centre.
They have, however not been able to meet after that due to the Covid-19 situation in the country.
“Everything was so well planned out but the pandemic had its own plans and now we are here,” Obbo said.
She, however, noted that she had been able to source an alternative Sh6 million from the Kenya Ports Authority, which will be disbursed early December to enable for the construction of the GBV rescue centre.
“There is not a single safe house for victims of gender violence in Lamu and that is a key setback to the fight against GBV and that’s why I am making every effort to ensure the centre is up,” Obbo said.
Lamu Women Alliance chairperson Raya Famau said many victims of gender abuse have nowhere to run to and thus the centre would be very timely.
“Such a facility is key in helping survivors stay safe, heal and obtain the necessary support base they need,” Raya said.
