Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has called for quick interventions to arrest the increasing cases of killings and suicides caused by depression.
The country has witnessed worrying cases of spouses, couples and partners attacking each other resulting in death.
Sonko said the violence meted against women in the country is worrying and must be addressed.
“This is a very troubling phenomenon and we need to find the root cause,” said Sonko.
He spoke during the Mothers’ Honours Awards and International Mothers’ Day celebrations at Light International Academy in Nairobi.
Nairobi first lady Primrose Mbuvi received the Mothers’ Honours Award for her humanitarian work which has seen her help empower women and vulnerable children.
Sonko said men should care more about their women and not beat or kill them.
“I have been supportive of my wife and that is why she has been able to contribute more to the society.
“This is why today she has been honoured by this award,” said Sonko.
He said cases where uniformed officers turn their guns on their women, university students attack their colleagues and couples who have lived well together suddenly harm one another are inexplicable.
“Kenyans should continue to be a God-fearing people, and follow moral and religious teachings,” he said.
He said the health system must also become responsive to deal with increased cases of depression and suicide.
The Governor said action must be taken to address postpartum depression, another silent epidemic taking a huge toll on Kenyan women.
“Many mothers who have just given birth suffer from this condition which comes with feelings of helplessness, lack of support, and in some extreme cases, suicidal feelings,” said Sonko.
He directed the medical superintendents in all county hospitals to scale up psychological care for new mothers, including having counsellors to offer emotional support.
He urged the man in the country to be responsive to their women and engage in candid discussions about the affirmative action laws that seek to increase the number of women in legislative and leadership bodies like Parliament.
“We have seen that whenever this Bill comes up for debate and voting in the National Assembly, many men MPs walk out leading to lack of quorum.
“If affirmative action is something that will not work because men will not support it, then we should find others ways to ensure that we have more women at the decision-making table,” said Sonko.
He said his administration recognizes the special place that women hold in the society and that is why the county has provide a good environment for our mothers in county facilities.
The county recently launched a milk bank at Pumwani Hospital where new mothers who are unable to breastfeed their infants, can get safe, healthy human milk for their babies.
The county also pioneered the Kangaroo Mothers technology where women use their natural body heat to incubate their babies.
“We shall continue to do more to ensure a high rate of child survival, and reduce the number of women who die while giving birth. No one should die when bringing forth life,” Sonko said.
The function was attended by cabinet secretary for sports, culture and heritage Amina Mohamed, chairman light academy schools Ibrahim Bicakci county leadership among other guests.
