Kisumu sports, culture and youth affairs executive Beatrice Odongo during the launch./FAITH MATETE
Kisumu launches 16 Days of Activism Campaign, focus turns to technology-facilitated gender violence/FAITH MATETE
Kisumu launches 16 Days of Activism Campaign; focus turns to technology-facilitated gender violence./FAITH MATETEWith thousands of young people increasingly exposed to online abuse, Kisumu county opened its 16 Days of Activism campaign with a renewed call to strengthen laws, empower youth and curb technology-driven gender-based violence.
The launch took place at Akado Vocational Training Centre, bringing together the county government, the national government, the Office of the Woman Representative, civil society groups and the gender sector working group.
Sports, culture and youth affairs executive Beatrice Odongo said the campaign reflects the growing need to protect women, girls, boys and men from violence taking place through digital platforms.
“We all know what is going on online—the harassment, threats, exploitation and cyberbullying targeting women, girls, and even boys and men,” she said.
“As we head towards the election period, these cases are likely to increase. I appeal to everyone in Kisumu county, including the media, to join us in creating awareness and sensitisation during these 16 days.”
Odongo said the county will continue working closely with partners under the gender sector working group to ensure the campaign reaches communities in all subcounties.
Fida Kenya, represented by Angela Obada, said they will focus on public sensitisation and legal support.
“As Fida Kenya, we provide legal aid, legal representation, mediation and psychosocial support to women and girls facing violence,” she said.
“This year, we are also training the public on legal frameworks that regulate technology-facilitated violence. We will host virtual forums to educate people on these laws.”
The Office of the Woman Representative also outlined several interventions scheduled during the campaign period.
Speaking on behalf of Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Grace Jobita said they are prioritising youth empowerment as a long-term strategy to prevent digital forms of abuse.
“We have been working closely with vocational training centres and will soon host a joint graduation at Nita,” she said.
“All graduates will receive tools to economically empower them. Young people are the most targeted for technologically-driven GBV, so empowering them is essential.”
She said the office, through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), will begin groundbreaking for three gender-based violence recovery centres and a one-stop safe house in Kajulu, all within level 4 health facilities.
“These are part of strengthening the referral pathway. We plan to build six centres in total,” she said, adding that the groundbreaking will be scheduled within the 16 Days of Activism once coordination is complete with the governor and NGAAF leadership.
Civil society groups also raised concerns about gaps in legal protections, particularly around the controversial cybercrime law.
Elly Opondo from Champions of Peace Kenya said many provisions in the bill offer necessary redress for victims.
“The Cybercrime Bill contains nearly 60 per cent of legal frameworks needed to respond to technology-facilitated violence,” he said.
“We don’t want to condemn it entirely. We urge political and legal actors to help Kenya develop strong laws and policies to govern technology-driven violence.”
Participants from Akado Vocational Training Centre also shared personal testimonies, noting that young people often face online harassment, bullying, threats and exploitation.
They said the campaign provides a platform to speak out and asked leaders to continue supporting digital safety education and economic empowerment.
The county and partners will conduct awareness forums, legal clinics, community dialogues and sensitisation visits across Kisumu throughout the 16 days, which run from November 25 to December 10.
