Homa Bay County Establishes Centers for Recovery from Gender-Based Violence
In a significant stride towards combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Homa Bay County, Kenya, two new GBV recovery centres have been established at Mbita and Rangwe Sub-county hospitals. These centres, known as Hope Centres, are now operational and provide essential services for survivors, such as medical care, psychological support, and legal aid[1].
The project was undertaken by the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) in partnership with the Homa Bay county government. The centres, which bring the total to four in the county, represent a significant boost in the county’s fight against GBV. They contribute to breaking the culture of silence by offering safe spaces and support systems for survivors, which is critical given the high rates of sexual violence reported in Kenya[1][5].
Healthcare providers and Community Health Promoters have been trained on how to address gender-based violence, ensuring that survivors receive the best possible care[1]. The centres complement county and national efforts to reinforce human rights and social justice frameworks for GBV survivors.
The centres were opened in a ceremony presided over by Homa Bay county Health Chief Officer Kevin Osuri, his Gender counterpart Dolphin Ochere, and GVRC manager in charge of Medical and psycho-social support services, Rebecca Gitau. Gitau started the project to address the gaps in addressing gender-based violence in the county[2].
Gitau announced that all necessary measures have been put in place in the fight against GBV. Dr Osuri expressed optimism that the new centres will help reduce cases of GBV in Homa Bay[3]. The Chief Officer called for other organisations to join the fight against GBV and other health issues[4].
Osuri urged men who are victims of GBV to visit the centres, emphasising that they are safe spaces for all survivors. The new centres will help women and teenage girls to overcome GBV as they are more susceptible[5]. The war against gender-based violence in Homa Bay county has received a boost with the establishment of these essential recovery centres.
While no detailed impact statistics from these centres since their establishment in August 2025 are available yet, their creation marks an important step toward better handling GBV cases in Homa Bay County, especially in light of systemic challenges faced by survivors, including stigma and underreporting[1][5]. The centres align with ongoing discussions at national events such as the Devolution Conference 2025, which focuses on human rights, social justice, and equity in access to services at the county level[2].
In summary, the current status of the two GBV recovery centres in Homa Bay County is that they are newly set up and functioning, acting as critical points of intervention for survivors to receive comprehensive support. Their impact is expected to grow as they help address the pervasive issue of GBV through improved survivor care, awareness raising, and integration into broader social justice efforts[1][2][5].
- The Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) and the Homa Bay county government collaborated to establish two new GBV recovery centres at Mbita and Rangwe Sub-county hospitals, bringing the total in the county to four.
- These Hope Centres provide essential services for survivors of GBV, including medical care, psychological support, and legal aid.
- Healthcare providers and Community Health Promoters have been trained to address gender-based violence effectively, ensuring that survivors receive the best possible care.
- The centres align with ongoing national discussions on human rights, social justice, and equity in access to services, like the Devolution Conference 2025.
- These new recovery centres are safe spaces for both men and women survivors of GBV, emphasizing that they are critical interventions for addressing the pervasive issue of GBV in Homa Bay County.
