The ministry of Health has made steps to plug gaps in healthcare provision for children who are survivors of violence by revising the National Guideline on Prevention and Management of Gender based Violence (GBV) and Standard Operating Procedures for the management of GBV.
Speaking at the 2025 Regional Health Promotion Conference, Liz Washika, the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Coordinator at the Division of Reproductive Health said the government identified gaps in the previous National guideline which lacked clear protocols for handling child survivors and primarily focused on just sexual and gender based violence management.
“We identified a significant gap in the handling of child survivors of violence. Many healthcare workers were not well-equipped to provide appropriate psychosocial support for children, which differs greatly from adult care. To address this, we developed the National Guide for Psychosocial Support for Child Survivors of Violence,” Washika explained.
The urgency of these revisions is underscored by the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in Kenya.According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 34 per cent of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while 13 per cent have experienced sexual violence
The revised version includes a module on prevention and updated according to the current best practices on handling survivors of sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).Alongside the updated framework, the ministry also developed The National Guide for Psychosocial Support for Child Survivors of Violence, a comprehensive framework designed to equip healthcare workers with the skills needed to provide age-appropriate care for young survivors.
The previous National guideline on prevention and management of gender based violence was done in 2014.
The guide provides best practices for counseling, play therapy, and communication strategies tailored to children of different age groups, ensuring they receive care in a safe and supportive environment.
“This was a critical gap in service provision,” said Washika. “Children are at different developmental stages, so the approach to psychosocial support must be adapted accordingly. Engaging with a child requires patience and healthcare workers must remain calm, connect at the child’s level, and use techniques like play therapy, art therapy, or even sand play to create a sense of comfort. Only then can a child feel safe enough to open up about their experiences and receive the support they need.”
“Our goal is not just to provide services but to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality. By equipping healthcare workers with the right tools and knowledge, we can help restore the smiles of child survivors and ensure they receive the care and justice they deserve,” Washika emphasized.
Recognizing that GBV often occurs at the community level, the Ministry has also introduced a Community Resource Persons Orientation Package to raise awareness and challenge societal norms that have normalized violence and stigma.
In an effort to provide comprehensive support to all survivors, particularly children. The government through the ministry of health has trained 3000 Healthcare Workers using an online training material and conducted county level quality assurance assessment using the National GBV QA tool.
In a call to action, Washika urged Kenyans not to contribute to the normalization of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by remaining silent.
“Speak out and condemn GBV, it’s time to leave the bystander mentality behind. Don’t be the person who knows a neighbor where a child is constantly beaten or hears parents fighting every evening and chooses to stay silent, convincing yourself that it’s none of your business. This kind of inaction can have devastating effects on a child. Let’s be a society that cares for our children and speaks out against violence.”
