The County Government of Homa Bay, through its Department of Gender and Social Services and Directorate of Public Participation, has initiated a public engagement on the proposed Ndhiwa Rescue and Hope Center in Ndhiwa Town, Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward. The center is aimed at addressing the persistent challenges of HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence in the sub-county. Once completed, the facility will serve not only Ndhiwa residents but also neighboring communities, offering support and interventions for vulnerable groups.
The discussions, led by County Executive Member Hon. Sarah Malit, brought together local residents, opinion leaders, government administrators, and civil society stakeholders. Hon. Malit highlighted the county’s commitment to curbing HIV transmission, reducing teenage pregnancies, and preventing gender-based violence at the grassroots level. The initiative is a collaborative effort with Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), aligning with Governor Gladys Wanga’s broader social service partnership plan, which focuses on transformative projects in education, healthcare, water and sanitation, economic empowerment, and youth development.
The partnership between Homa Bay County and SHOFCO will implement a range of community-focused interventions over the next five years, targeting healthcare, water, education, youth and women empowerment, and prevention of sexual abuse. Planned projects include sponsoring 250 TVET students, constructing water pans, establishing safe houses for survivors of sexual abuse, and creating community resource centers. County officials emphasized that these initiatives are designed to tackle poverty and inequality while providing sustainable support to vulnerable populations, promising a long-term positive impact on the wellbeing of Ndhiwa and surrounding communities.