The County Government of Nandi on Friday, May 22, 2026, officially opened a dedicated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Mental Health Resource Centre at Nandi Hills County Hospital.
According to the county, the facility is intended to offer medical, psychosocial and legal support to survivors and strengthen community responses to rising cases.
The centre was constructed and equipped through a public–private partnership led by Eastern Produce Kenya Limited (EPK) in collaboration with the County Government, Taylors of Harrogate and Infre SA.
The facility includes spaces for counselling, clinical assessment and administrative support for survivor services.
Noel Lindsay-Smith, EPK operations manager, highlighted the company’s commitment and warned about the growing scale of GBV across the country.
Impact of GBV in Kenya?
“We are seeing an increase in gender-based violence in Kenya. These incidents do not only harm individuals; they tear families and communities apart. This centre is part of our effort to provide immediate, compassionate care and long-term support,” Lindsay-Smith said.
Dr. Angeline Kirui, Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation, said reported cases of GBV and mental health issues have been increasing annually and stressed that much of the suffering is preventable.
“Our people suffer and it’s preventable. We must look at the big picture: prevention through sustained community dialogue, early intervention, and normalizing conversations about mental wellbeing in our homes,” Dr Kirui noted.
In addition, Dr. Francis Sang, County Secretary and chief guest at the opening, commended the partnership between the county and stakeholders such as EPK for helping deliver services to residents.
Dr. Sang also announced that the county government is constructing a safe house in Kapsisiywa that will serve as a resource hub for GBV survivors.
The safe house will provide temporary accommodation, legal support, basic needs and ongoing counselling for those fleeing violence.
“A safe house is a critical step toward protecting survivors and helping them rebuild their lives,” Dr. Sang said. “Combined with the services at Nandi Hills County Hospital, these resources will form a stronger safety net,” he said.
