Community elders, gender rights advocates, and health workers in Kilifi County have called for stronger collaboration between local leaders, government agencies, and law enforcement to address escalating rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and teenage pregnancies. The push for improved coordination emerged during a forum organized by the Zamara Foundation, which gathered village elders, Nyumba Kumi representatives, and Community Health Promoters to discuss systemic challenges in reporting and managing SGBV cases and adolescent pregnancies.
The stakeholders highlighted persistent communication gaps between community leaders and government institutions as a critical obstacle to addressing these issues. Lilian Samba, a Zamara Foundation official focused on girl-child welfare, emphasized that fragmented coordination undermines efforts to protect vulnerable populations. 'The gaps between leaders and government make it hard to handle cases. There is a need for cooperation between them to improve the handling of these issues,' she stated.
Village elder Alex Gharama echoed the call for closer ties, noting that improved collaboration would create clearer pathways for victims to report incidents and access support. 'Victims need clear channels to report cases, seek help, and receive necessary assistance,' he said. Caroline Baya, a Community Health Promoter from Kibarani, described delays in case resolution due to poor interagency communication, citing bottlenecks from Nyumba Kumi elders to police authorities.
Moses Kiti, a Nyumba Kumi elder in Fumbini village, criticized the lack of recognition for community leaders by administrative bodies, including police. 'It feels as if we have no power, especially in front of police officers who do not recognize us,' he said. Hafsa Karema, a Takaungu-based Community Health Promoter, criticized the handling of SGBV cases, urging police to acknowledge the role of health workers in addressing the crisis.
Police representatives at the forum acknowledged the concerns and pledged to enhance communication with community leaders to expedite victim support. They emphasized that stronger partnerships would improve case follow-ups and streamline access to services. The stakeholders reiterated their commitment to sustained collaboration, as Kilifi County intensifies efforts to curb SGBV and its associated challenges.
The call for action comes amid alarming statistics from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, which reported 7,358 girls aged 10–19 became pregnant in Kilifi County in 2023. The findings underscore the urgency of systemic reforms to protect young people and ensure equitable access to justice and healthcare.
The forum highlighted the need for institutional accountability, community empowerment, and cross-sectoral cooperation to address the root causes of SGBV and teenage pregnancies. Stakeholders stressed that sustained dialogue and structured partnerships remain critical to achieving tangible progress in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering trust between communities and authorities, ensuring that victims of SGBV and teenage pregnancies receive timely, effective, and dignified support.
The Kenya News Agency reports that the discussions reflect broader regional efforts to combat gender-based violence through grassroots engagement and institutional reform.