By Bruno Mutunga
Isiolo County in partnership with development organizations, has launched a Geographic Information System (GIS) map and a contact directory to enhance the reporting and response to gender-based violence (GBV) in Ngaremara and Burat wards.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with NARET and Plan International, aims to improve access to critical services in the two wards, which have been identified as GBV hotspots.
The GIS map identifies the exact locations of key service providers, including police stations, chiefs’ offices, health facilities, and religious institutions, enabling faster and more coordinated responses to GBV cases.
Speaking during the launch, Omar Saruni Leterewa, a senior officer at NARET, said, “The GIS system is meant to inform communities about available service providers and institutions in the most affected wards, so that survivors can easily access help.”
According to Leterewa the GIS map and directory was launched in the two wards as the programme target areas following escalation of cases in the area.
He added that the tool will guide both survivors and responders by providing accurate, location-based information on support services within the community.
Alongside the map, officials also introduced a comprehensive contact directory containing details of service providers to facilitate timely referrals. “The directory ensures that whenever there is an issue in the community, people know exactly who to contact,” Leterewa noted.
County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Lucy Kaburu, emphasized the importance of the tools, particularly for Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
“These tools are very important not only to the victims but also to CHPs, who are often the first to engage with survivors and facilitate referrals,” she said.
She added, “The GIS map and directory will help bridge gaps in reporting pathways and ensure that survivors receive timely and appropriate care.”
Chief Officer for Health Services, Dr. Mohamud Abdikadir, reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting GBV survivors. “All victims of gender-based violence will receive free medical services in our health facilities, and P3 forms will be issued without any charges to support their pursuit of justice,” he said.
He further noted that reported GBV cases in the county have decreased from about 70pc to 49pc. However, he cautioned that teenage pregnancies and early marriages still contribute significantly, accounting for 17pc of GBV cases.
Grace Lolimu, Executive Director of Isiolo Gender Watch, welcomed the initiative, saying, “The launch of the GIS map and contact directory is a big step forward.”
She added, “The only missing link now is a comprehensive county gender policy, but we appreciate the progress made, including the establishment of a gender recovery centre.”
The launch marks a major milestone in Isiolo County’s efforts to combat GBV and strengthen support systems for survivors.
