Narok County has taken a significant step in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) by establishing a dedicated Safe House Committee. The committee was introduced through an inaugural meeting convened by WeWorld Kenya, under the IMARA project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). IMARA addresses the root causes of violence, promoting lasting cultural and institutional change.
The meeting focused on outlining the committee's roles and responsibilities, identifying key stakeholders, and deliberating on the project’s objectives, scope, target beneficiaries, and land acquisition processes necessary for the establishment of the facility. The committee is co-chaired by two key county officials: Robert Simotwo, the Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, and County Commissioner Rueben Lotiatia.
"This safe house represents a major milestone in strengthening our county's response to Gender-Based Violence," said Robert Simotwo. The committee will play a key role in coordinating efforts, mobilizing resources, and ensuring the successful implementation of the safe house project, which aims to provide refuge and support services for affected women, children, and boys.
The IMARA initiative played a key role in making this initiative possible by working closely with the county government and local communities. County Commissioner Lotiatia reaffirmed the national government’s support for the project through the State Department of Interior and expressed commitment to working collaboratively with key stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of the project.
The meeting was attended by the committee secretariat, led by Agnes Ngeno, Director at the State Department of Gender, and Esther Malaso, Narok County Gender Director. Other officials present included Anthony Makori, State Department of Education; Lilian Loonkushu, Narok County Director of Education; and Eric Tarakuai, County Director of Youth. WeWorld-IMARA Project Manager Fabrizio Fiore and Lynet Audi project Officer WeWorld along with other members of the Narok County Gender Technical Working Group.
"We are creating more than just a shelter," Esther Malaso, Narok County Gender Director, emphasized. "This is about creating a safe space, a place of hope and healing for survivors of gender-based violence."
This initiative stands as a powerful testament to the potential of collaborative action. The partnership between WeWorld, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, and Narok County demonstrates how targeted, compassionate interventions can create meaningful change.
