Gender-based violence and mental clinic facility commissioned in Nandi

Nandi County Government in collaboration with Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) Tea Company has commissioned a gender-based violence and mental (GBVM) health clinic at Nandi Hills County Hospital for referrals in the region.

The facility which was built and equipped by EPK Tea Company in partnership with Taylors of Harrogate and Infre Sa will play a key role in addressing the rising cases of GBVM and help achieve a milestone in the healthcare delivery.

Speaking during the event at the Nandi Hills County Hospital grounds, Eastern Produce Kenya Tea Company, Nandi Operations Manager Noel Smith divulged that the commissioning of the clinic marks an important milestone for the people of Nandi noting that the facility will enhance protection and restoration of the community.

Smith further observed that the clinic will heighten space for protection and specialized care of GBV victims in Nandi terming it a platform for shared commitment to attending to and supporting GBV survivors towards their healing journey revealing that across Kenya GBV continues to affect families and that its impacts go beyond the physical harm.

“Am very honoured today  to stand before you as we mark this important milestone. This occasion is more than just the commissioning of a building. It’s the heightening of a space of hope, protection and restoration of our communities.

Today  represents an important step towards more excessive care and assistance of GBV victims in Nandi Hills. This clinic will serve as a one-stop center where victims can access medical care, psychological support and referral services within the same environment,” Smith pointed out.

Nandi County Secretary Dr. Francis Sang lauded the company for the unwavering support to the community noting that the clinic will go a long way in addressing the GBVM issues amicably noting that this facility is a symbol of hope, dignity, healing and protection of the vulnerable members of the community.

He added that this kind of facility is a representation of a true corporate social responsibility, noting that developments become more meaningful when institutions come together for the benefit of the community, calling on stakeholders to continue offering such initiatives that benefit the community.

Dr. Sang regretted that many people continue to suffer silently due to fear, stigma, lack of support, or because they lack information on where to seek help, commending EPK for their commitment towards improving the health and well-being of the people.

“GBVM challenges are realities in our society. The establishment of this facility, therefore, comes at the right time, as it will provide a safe environment where survivors can access psychological support, medical care, counselling and referral services with compassion, dignity and confidentiality. I encourage members of the community to make full and proper use of the clinic,” observed Dr. Sang, calling on stakeholders to continue sensitizing the community to seek such services without fear.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Angeline Kirui called on those suffering from mental problems due to stress to visit the clinic and seek guidance, medical health as well as psychological support, thanking EPK for such an initiative.

“What started as an idea has moved on to reality that we are seeing today . GBV is one of the greatest contributors of mental health cases in society. There are a lot of psychological injuries. This is the place you need to come to seek guidance,” said Kirui, noting that the facility will enhance qualitative research and thus improve the health sector.

Nandi East Sub County Police Commander Jeremiah Leariwala revealed that GBV is one of the problems affecting our society, discouraging the community from solving such cases, especially cases involving child assault at kangaroo courts.

Leariwala called on the health sector to work closely with the police department to ensure they submit important information on time when dealing with GBV cases as a way to ensure justice is served to the victims before they are manipulated to solve such cases outside court.

“It’s unfortunate that GBV cases are still in our community. Please abstain from solving GBV cases at kangaroo courts, especially those involving children. Let us make use of this facility,” observed the sub-county commander.

By Ruth Mainye