Uasin Gishu county has agreed on a partnership with Linköping University of Sweden and Moi University to collaborate on enhancing child protection systems and addressing gender-based violence.
The county hosted a delegation from Linköping University, led by Prof Laura Korhonen, who is a renowned professor of psychiatry.
Also present was a team from Moi University’s School of Medicine, which was represented by Dr Risper Tororey.
They engaged in a joint consultative meeting, with top officials from the county department of education, vocational training, culture, gender and social protection, led by the county executive Lucy Ngendo, social protection chief officer Marion Birgen and social protection director Regina Keen.
“We are happy to host this team so that we can deliberate on key issues affecting our children and how deal with GBV issues that are also on the increase,” Ngendo said.
The meeting served as a platform for the Swedish team to gain first-hand insight into the prevailing challenges in the county concerning violence against children and gender-based violence.
The teams also discussed how to forge a strong collaborative framework to enhance the protection of vulnerable children and support distressed victims of GBV through policy support, systems strengthening and human resource capacity building.
After the discussions, the visiting team toured the Eldoret Children Rescue Centre, where they interacted with children and staff and observed ongoing interventions in child rescue and rehabilitation.
“This initiative marks a significant step towards building resilient community support structures and professionalising frontline services for the most vulnerable members of society,” Ngendo said.
She further urged collective action and a strengthened response, highlighting the recent reports concerning the rise in gender-based violence.
“This strategic collaboration will help mitigate the vice, which is on the increase as per the records we have,” Ngendo said.
Korhonen said as part of the collaboration, Linköping University has committed to offering comprehensive training programmes for social workers, healthcare providers and law enforcement officers directly involved in child protection and GBV response across Uasin Gishu county.
She praised Governor Jonathan Bii for providing access to safe spaces, healthcare, supporting GBV survivors and preventing further harm at the Rescue Centre.
Birgen said the collaboration will be crucial in responding and prevention of various forms of harm against children, including abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence.
“It's a fundamental aspect of safeguarding children's well-being and ensuring their rights are respected, protected and fulfilled,” she said.
During the visit to the facility, the county executive pledged to provide free uniforms to all ECDE learners of PP1 and PP2 at the Rescue Centre.
Also present were centre manager David Magut, MTRH therapist James Bett, county GBV coordinator Sofia Toroitich and culture and heritage deputy director Paul Sambu
Also in attendance were senior officials from the department of health, including acting county director of health Dr Billy Lubanga and principal programmes officer Johannes Kibet.
