Land disputes and drug abuse linked to rising GBV cases in Kirinyaga

Land disputes and drug abuse have emerged as key drivers of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kirinyaga County.

This came to light during a public participation forum hosted by the Presidential Task Force on GBV at the Kirinyaga Central CDF Hall in Kerugoya.

The task force has been mandated to identify patterns and hotspots of gender-based violence (GBV), assess the effectiveness of existing laws, and recommend changes to bolster enforcement.

Anthony Nzioki, the team leader of the delegation that visited Kirinyaga County, commended residents for openly engaging in the national discourse, acknowledging that GBV is a pressing issue within their communities.

"We appreciate that the people of Kirinyaga have candidly addressed this issue, recognizing its presence in society," he said.

According to Mr. Nzioki, residents pointed to land-related conflicts as the leading cause of GBV in the area, followed closely by alcohol and drug abuse.

"This is a national process, and while findings here are not definitive, it’s clear that in Kirinyaga, land disputes, substance abuse, and alcohol consumption are major concerns. Additionally, we observed that family struggles, particularly in meeting basic needs, also contribute to the problem," he added.

Nationally, Nzioki noted that reported cases of gender-based violence rose from 535 in 2023 to 578 in 2024.

He added that the figures for this year could be more reflective of the true scale, given the frequent media reports highlighting GBV incidents across various counties.

Lucy Njeri, a task force member and nominated MCA in the Kirinyaga County Assembly, expressed gratitude to the President for establishing the task force to engage communities and uncover the root causes of GBV.

She emphasized that gender-based violence affects both men and women, stressing the need for inclusive dialogue involving everyone.

The forum saw the participation of National Government Administration Officers, GBV survivors, youth representatives, professionals in relevant fields, members of the clergy, and civil society groups, among others.