Kilifi County, 25th September 2024 – In a significant step toward addressing gender-based
violence (GBV) in Kenya, the Accelerate National Shelter Program was officially launched in
Kilifi County. The implementation of the shelter component is led by the Gender Violence
Recovery Centre (GVRC) through a partnership between the Kilifi County Government, the
Embassy of Denmark in Kenya, Population Services Kenya (PS Kenya), Population Services
International (PSI) and Nairobi Women’s Hospital, will provide a haven and vital support
services for women and girls who survived GBV violence
Kilifi County, like many parts of Kenya, has been grappling with high levels of GBV, with 45%
of women aged 15-49 having experienced physical or sexual violence. Cultural practices,
poverty, and the lack of shelter services have worsened the situation, making this shelter a
critical solution for the region. Nairobi and Kisumu also face similarly serious GBV issues,
highlighting the national importance of this program.
The event was officiated by Kilifi County reaffirming their commitment to fighting GBV, “Kilifi
County recognizes the severe impact of gender-based violence on our community, and we
are taking bold steps to change this reality. This shelter is not just a response; it is a
promise—a promise of safety, healing, and a future free from violence for our women and
girls and stands as a beacon of hope, dignity, and protection. Together, with our partners
and the community, we will continue to work tirelessly to create a safer, more just Kilifi,” said
Hon. Florence Mbetsa.
This shelter is part of a broader national plan to establish 13 similar facilities across Kenya,
each providing safe housing, medical care, counseling, legal aid, and skills training to help
survivors rebuild their lives. The Kilifi shelter is expected to serve over 500 women and girls
annually in a region where GBV is rampant.
Henrik Larsen, Head of Cooperation and Team Leader in Governance and Health from the
Embassy of Denmark, emphasized on the role of partnerships in driving sustainable change.
“This shelter is not just a place of safety; it is a key step towards improving gender equality
and human rights in Kenya. By working together, we can help break the cycle of violence and
empower survivors to take back control of their lives.”
“Today, as we launch the National Shelter Program here in Kilifi County, we reaffirm our
commitment to providing safe havens for survivors of gender-based violence. These shelters
are not just buildings—they are sanctuaries of hope, healing, and empowerment. Together,
we will break the cycle of violence and build a future where every woman and child can live
free from fear.” Alberta Wambua, Executive Director, GVRC
“We are actively addressing a critical gap in GBV management by re-establishing shelters
across the counties of implementation, a commitment made during a ‘Human Rights’ Café.
These shelters will not only provide safety and support for survivors but also ensure access
to care and justice, directly impacting 12% of the GBV burden in Kenya,” Dr. Margaret
Njenga, CEO, PS Kenya
As we take this vital step in fighting GBV, we call on all stakeholders’ government agencies,
civil society organizations, the private sector, and the public to join us in supporting this
cause. Whether through advocacy, donations, or volunteering, every effort matters.
Together, we can build a safer Kenya where survivors are protected and empowered to
rebuild their lives. Let’s work together to make this vision a reality.
About Accelerate Program
Accelerate is a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based
Violence (GBV) program funded by DANIDA and implemented in a consortium led by
Population Services Kenya (PS KENYA) in partnership with Gender Violence Recovery Centre
(GVRC) and Population Services International (PSI). The program will contribute towards
ICPD25 Promise of zero unmet need for contraception, zero preventable maternal deaths and
zero gender-based violence and harmful practices hence working towards the three zeros.
Accelerate seeks to build on the milestones that Kenya has achieved towards the realization of
true universal access to quality sexual and reproductive health services (SRHR), prevention
and management of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and reduction in Harmful Traditional
Practices (HTPs). The program focuses on 13 underserved, hard-to-reach Counties of West
Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homabay, Kajiado, Kwale, Nairobi, Samburu, Garissa, Mandera,
Marsabit, Baringo, Kilifi and Narok. These counties share common challenges mentioned.
