Trans Nzoia County is grappling with an increase in sexual and gender-based violence . (SGBV).[Courtesy]
Trans Nzoia County is grappling with an increase in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) made worse by its location along the Kenya-Uganda border.
According to Judiciary data, Trans Nzoia recorded 1,016 cases in 2025, with 704 concluded through the courts, up from 991 cases in 2024 when 339 were successfully resolved.
However, justice remains elusive for many survivors because of fear and the challenges associated with cross-border crimes.
County Coordinator for the Directorate of Children's Services, Oscar Wanjala, on Wednesday told the press that they are currently handling two defilement cases in which the suspects fled to Uganda after committing the offences.
“We have two active defilement cases in which the alleged perpetrators fled to Uganda. Cross-border cases present a challenge because tracing and returning suspects requires cooperation between authorities in both countries, which often delays justice," said Mr Wanjala.
At the same time, Mr Benjamin Kelwon, the Principal Prosecution Counsel in Trans Nzoia County, said the absence of a dedicated safe house has for years complicated prosecution of SGBV cases in the county.
"In many cases, survivors are unwilling to return to the scene of the crime because they fear retaliation or emotional trauma. This is especially common in incest cases where the perpetrator is a close family member," Mr Kelwon said.