British High Commissioner Neil Wiggan Witnesses Gender-Focused Transformation in Garissa

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Garissa,3 December 2024

British High Commissioner Neil Wiggan visited Garissa County to witness the remarkable impact of the REINVENT Programme. Focused on enhancing the agency and role of women and girls in peace and security, the programme is redefining approaches to tackling gender-based violence (GBV) across the county and the North-East region at large.

Transforming Justice at Garissa Central Police Station

At the heart of the visit was Garissa Central Police Station, home to a gender unit redefining survivor support for GBV. Gone are the days of impersonal bureaucracy—this team embodies dignity, professionalism, and justice.

Corporal Rahma briefs British High Commissioner Neil Wiggan on the processes employed by the Gender Unit at Garissa Central Police Station to address GBV cases.

 

Leading this change is Corporal Rahma Ibrahim, heading a dedicated team of seven officers—six women and two men—working to create a safe space for survivors within the gender unit. From reporting cases to follow-ups, every step is focused on care and support.

A Facility That Works for Survivors

Corporal Rahma took the High Commissioner on a tour of the station, which includes a child protection unit offering refuge and care for vulnerable children. This facility is a joint achievement built with the Constituency Development Fund, equipped by UNICEF, and supported by REINVENT’s expertise.

The REINVENT Programme has equipped officers with practical skills, training them in handling GBV cases, following standard operating procedures (SOPs), and managing gender units with empathy and efficiency.

Real Impact, Real Lives

The numbers tell a powerful story. In 2024 alone, the gender unit at Garissa Central Police Station has handled 117 GBV cases, with 64 progressing to court. Each number represents a life impacted, justice pursued, and hope restored.

Garissa is one of 12 police stations REINVENT is supporting to strengthen GBV prevention and response. These efforts span across the country, from the North-East, region to the Coastal counties not forgetting stations in the Western, Rift and Central regions of Kenya.

A Collaborative Effort for Change

In addition to witnessing the transformative work at Garissa Central Police Station, the High Commissioner engaged in a broader dialogue on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in the context of the larger North-East region.

The discussion, co-hosted by REINVENT, the Deris Wanaag Programme (another UK-funded initiative), and Boma Kuza Jamii, focused on advancing GESI across the region. Moderated by REINVENT’s Gender Technical Lead, Jacinta Makokha, the session highlighted contributions from various stakeholders, shared best practices such as community-based reporting systems, and discussed challenges like cultural norms that discourage reporting GBV and resource gaps limiting survivor support.

Jacinta Makokha, Gender Technical Lead for the REINVENT Programme, moderates a stakeholder discussion on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI).

 

The High Commissioner also met with the County Gender Sector Working Group, a team of passionate advocates influencing policies and coordinating efforts for GBV prevention. Their collaboration with REINVENT and local stakeholders has been crucial in creating a supportive ecosystem for GBV survivors.

The REINVENT Programme continues to create a profound impact in Garissa County and other target counties by equipping officers, empowering communities, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. With sustained support from the UK, these efforts are driving progress toward equality, inclusion, and justice.