DELORIS JORDAN COMMENDS KENYA ’s FIGHT AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
Deloris Jordan, the mother of basketball legend Michael Jordan, has commended Kenya’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV), urging the country to develop homegrown solutions to combat the crisis effectively. Jordan made the remarks during the launch of the Kenya Women and Children's Wellness Centre (KWCWC) medical facility in Nairobi, a project supported by the Jordan family for over a decade.
The newly opened Ksh. 1.3 billion facility is set to be Kenya’s largest GBV support center, offering medical, psychological, legal, and economic empowerment services to survivors. Speaking at the event, Jordan emphasized the importance of addressing GBV holistically, not just focusing on women but on entire families.
> "If you can heal the family, you can find growth. Continue to support—not just talk about it in the press, but what are you going to do? This is your country, and I’m just a foreign person in your land. What are you going to do?" she challenged attendees.
GBV Cases on the Rise
The event highlighted the growing GBV crisis in Kenya, with Dr. Hermes Gichane, the Director of KWCWC, revealing alarming statistics.
> "In 2019, we had about 14,000 cases reported in our health facilities. Last year, that number jumped to 54,000. While better reporting measures have contributed to this increase, the numbers still indicate a growing crisis."
Renee Kiamba, a mentor at the center, echoed these concerns, stressing that when a survivor seeks help, it often means the system has already failed them.
> "When a gender-based violence victim comes into this center, our society has failed. Where they come from is a family that is breaking apart—children witnessing violence, mothers agonizing over their daughters and wondering what went wrong."
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu called for collective action, urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and proactive in fighting GBV.
> "We call upon each and every one of us to be aware of gender-based violence. It's a very bad thing that is happening to our young people."
A Safe Haven for Survivors
The KWCWC facility is designed to provide comprehensive support for GBV survivors. With more than 33 consultation rooms and laboratories, it will offer services such as antenatal care, immunization, family planning, emergency care, obstetrics-gynecology, and minor surgical procedures. Beyond medical care, the center will provide legal aid, vocational training, financial literacy programs, mental health support, and leadership training—aimed at empowering survivors to rebuild their lives.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women globally experiences GBV, a statistic that underscores the urgency of tackling the issue. With Kenya witnessing a surge in reported cases, initiatives like KWCWC serve as a beacon of hope for survivors seeking justice and healing.
Deloris Jordan’s call to action serves as a reminder that addressing GBV requires a united effort, ensuring that survivors receive the support they need while working towards long-term solutions that foster safer communities.
