Why the boy child is now central in Nakuru’s fight against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence has sparked a myriad of conversations in Nakuru, with one key group taking centre stage in the fight against abuse: the boy child.

This year's campaign is based on the theme 'Break Barriers, Build Safe Spaces'. 

In Nakuru, this broader approach has taken a more inclusive direction. County-led interventions this year have deliberately drawn boys and young men into conversations that have traditionally been dominated by women and girls. In Kuresoi South and North, for example, discussions have not only focused on the effects of female genital mutilation (FGM), but also on the role of boys in preventing digital gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful cultural practices.

A newly established GBV reporting and tracking website has further strengthened these efforts by offering a transparent and accessible tool for reporting, monitoring and responding to abuse cases across the county.

Tailored engagements have addressed localised risks across sub-counties. In Nakuru East and West, boda boda riders were educated about teenage pregnancies, defilement and sodomy. In Njoro, forums were held on children’s rights and the Sexual Offences Act, while in Bahati, the impact of digitalisation on teenage behaviour across generations was examined. Rongai highlighted an increase in cases of defilement using county GBV data, while Naivasha addressed child neglect and mental health issues.

Gilgil focused on rape, defilement and positive parenting, and Subukia examined the impact of online spaces on children aged 13 and above.

As Molo prepares to host discussions on female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriages and school dropouts, Nakuru’s approach reflects a growing truth: protecting girls also means raising responsible boys. By placing boys at the heart of prevention efforts, the county is redefining what it means to create safe spaces for everyone.