Machakos County Public Transport Sexual Harassment Policy 2021

Abstract

The county of Machakos has experienced an unprecedented increase in SGBV over the last ten years resulting from an increase in drug abuse and the proliferation of illicit liquor. As highlighted in the County’s Draft Gender Policy (2021) the county has a low understanding of the concept of gender, entrenched ideas of gender roles and negative social attitudes that create an environment that fosters Sexual harassment. According to the policy there is lack of knowledge and understanding of Sexual harassment laws, legal rights and individual responsibilities towards combating Sexual harassment. Additionally, there has been insufficient and inconsistent coordination of prevention and response programmes and implementation (Machakos County Draft Gender Policy, 2021) Therefore, the policy provides guidelines to identify, prevent and respond to sexual harassment incidents experienced in public transport systems and the associated spaces. It also provides procedures for duty-bearers to handle claims, address incidents and support sexual harassment survivors to recover. Sexual harassment in public spaces is a significant violation of human rights and is recognized as a criminal offence according to the Sexual offenses Act 2006. However, such cases persist to the point of being normalized. Research reveals that female commuters don’t recognize behaviors like staring, leering and groping as forms of sexual harassment. The policy is based on the following three legislations on Sexual Harassment in Kenya.