Govts’ Update On GBV, SHA, PWD And Closure Of Alcoholic Drinks Outlets Near Schools
Govts’ Update On GBV, SHA, PWD And Closure Of Alcoholic Drinks Outlets Near Schools
Globally, a woman is killed every 10 minutes, with Kenya reporting 150 femicide cases last year alone. The recent escalation of GBV cases in Kenya is disturbing, with about 97 incidents reported in the last three months alone.
These alarming figures highlight the increasing risks to women’s safety, not just in their homes but at their workplaces too.
Speaking during a press briefing at KICC, the Government Spokesperson Hon. Isaack Mwaura said “The Government remains committed to addressing GBV and to promoting gender inclusion. Our focus is on ensuring women’s safety, empowerment, and equal representation in leadership roles, as a crucial step towards the attainment of the 2/3rds Gender Rule”
Govts’ Update On GBV, SHA, PWD And Closure Of Alcoholic Drinks Outlets Near Schools
As the world continues to observe the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) which began on November 25, 2024, the Government reiterates its unwavering stance against the vice and condemns any form of violence against women, girls and men.
On the other hand, the Persons with Disability Act was passed in 2003 paving the way for the establishment of the National Council for Persons With Disabilities.
Mwaura says, the sector has witnessed immense social, economic and political growth ensuring that persons living with disability are included in all spheres of life and citizenship.
Some of the key achievements over the past 20 years include advocacy and awareness raising, the devolution of disability matters at the county level, albinism sunscreen and support program, autism support, thirty percent preferential procurement, gains in Paralympics and sports sectors, gains in education, as well as marriage and the founding
of families.
These milestones have and continue to challenge the long held stereotypes on the identities, capacities and abilities of people living with disability.
The representation of persons with disabilities in politics and in higher rank of the executive has also increased. “Today, we have representation, in constitutional commissions, parliament, the executive including at the PS level as well at the county assemblies. The trainings at the National Youth Service (NYS), have also facilitated the appointment of various persons with disability in administrative capacities.” He added
Healthwise, The Social Health Authority has disbursed KES 1.25 billion towards pending NHIF claims, KES 1.1 billion to the linda mama program and another KES 1.35 billion for SHA campaign.
“The government remains committed to settling any other SHA dues including the October 2024 claims to facilitate the delivery of quality, equitable and affordable healthcare to all.” Said Mwaura
Additionally, level 4 hospitals can now register to offer level 2 and level 3 services. This will ensure that the public is able to access more primary healthcare options that were
initially only available at Levels 2 and 3.
The government is also urging the doctors to come to the negotiating table as opposed to going on strike.
Govts’ Update On GBV, SHA, PWD And Closure Of Alcoholic Drinks Outlets Near Schools
Even if the matter of the intern doctors is in court, we are willing to negotiate in order to safeguard the health and lives of Kenyans.
On education matters, The Ministry of Education has released the 2025 academic term dates. Term 1 will begin on the 6th of January 2025 and end on 4th April, 2025. Term 2 will start 28th April, 2025 and end on 1st August 2025. Term three will begin on 25th August and end on 24th October, 2025. Parents are therefore urged to plan accordingly.
Mwaura reported that the State Department for Basic education has mapped out 2,257 alcoholic drinks dispensing outlets that are within 300 metres of Basic Learning Institutions Countrywide with the aim of closing them down with immediate effect for breach of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
