MP Dawood proposes relocation of police gender desks to hospitals

Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood is urging the Interior Ministry and the National Police Service to consider shifting police gender desks from stations to hospitals, arguing that the move would ease the reporting process for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking during the Jukwaa La Usalama Forum in Meru County on Wednesday, Dawood highlighted that many GBV cases remain unreported due to fear, stigma, and the intimidating nature of police stations.

"Numerous incidents of GBV in our communities are never reported to gender desks at police stations, which suggests that these desks are failing to serve their purpose," Dawood observed.

He proposed that officers specially trained in handling GBV be deployed to key hospitals, where victims and witnesses would feel safer and more comfortable coming forward.

"Often, survivors prioritize receiving medical treatment and resuming their lives. Expecting them to then go to police stations to report adds another layer of trauma," he added.

Dawood stressed the need for firm action against GBV and appropriate punishment for offenders, saying this would help curb the rising cases.

He noted that Meru County has been particularly affected, ranking among the top regions in Kenya for GBV incidents.

He called on all stakeholders to step up public education on the lasting psychological impact of such violence.

"GBV victims can carry the trauma for a lifetime. It’s our duty to raise awareness and provide safer, more accessible avenues for justice," he said.