Mombasa opens 24-hour SGBV call centres

To tame increased cases of teenage pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the County Government of Mombasa has opened five 24-hour call centres.

Speaking to the Nation, Reproductive Health coordinator EmilyMwaringa said police desks have also been established at the centres.

Cases of domestic violence have been on the rise in the county, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic period, with men also bearing the brunt of the abuse. 

“Increased stress levels have contributed to a rise in SGBV as families lost their sources of livelihood. The unprecedented turn of events during the pandemic has changed how families relate, affecting their social and economic abilities,” she said.

The closure of schools has exposed children and youths to societal ills that have left many teenage girls pregnant, while some have been infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Child labour, Ms Mwaringa said, is rampant with many children now on the streets hawking water, sweets, peanuts and other snacks.

“In some areas, girls as young as 13 years, are engaging in commercial sex work,” she added.

A rescue centre for children has been established at Hamisi Secondary School and local administrators involved in identifying the needy cases.

 “We also have tele-counselling for those with pressing needs,” said Ms Mwaringa.

Community leaders

The county government has also established the SGBV and adolescent sexual and reproductive health unit to respond to reproductive health issues facing the youth.

“Adolescents havehormonal, environmental and psychological issues and they operate within a dysfunctional environment that exposes them to situations they are ill-prepared to handle. Due to these circumstances, they remain vulnerable and end up being stereotyped,” said Selina Githinji, County GBV coordinator.

In October, the county is set to launch the Tusemezane programme, spearheaded by sub-county SGBV coordinators to involve community leaders to talk to the youth on responsible sexual behaviour.

This year, the county allocated Sh58 million for special programmes while the reproductive health unit received Sh15 million.

DSW Kenya, a non-governmental organisation, has been advocating for improved policies and better funding for family planning from the National government and 11 county governments including West Pokot, Kilifi, Laikipia, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Nandi, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu.