In an historic media led initiative to tackle rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and mental health challenges in Meru county, the Meru Press Club ( MPC) has announced the region’s first ever Anti-GBV media initiated Awareness Run, scheduled for September 20th at Meru University.
Backed by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the event is expected to draw over 2000 participants from across the country in a powerful show of solidarity and activism against gender based violence and mental health.
Meru Press Club officials including Dorcas Mbatia (vice chairperson), Mwenda Kinoti (Executive Director), Musa Edward (Treasurer ) and Moses Mungatia on August 11 met the MCK Regional Coordinator Jackson Karanja, who pledged full support for the initiative.
The event is being hailed as a national first community run organized by journalists, for the people.
“We are fully behind this initiative and recognize the critical role of media in driving social transformation .This run sets a new benchmark for how journalism can move beyond the newsroom to lead real change,” said Karanja.
In addition, MCK also revealed plans to establish a media digital hub in Meru that will offer training, collaborative workspaces, and digital resources for local journalists, cementing Meru’s emerging role as a regional media powerhouse.
“We’re also exploring the possibility of having MCK CEO David Omwoyo gracing the event which would greatly amplify the impact of this cause,” Karanja added.
A Run with Purpose
The Anti-GBV Run aims to spotlight the alarming rates of sexual and gender based violence in the county, while also promoting mental wellness among the youths who are greatly affected.
Speaking during the meeting, Ms Mbatia said the road run will feature 21km, 15km, 10km, 5km and 3km for elites, masters, VIP and fun categories respectively.
“By taking a visible stand on social transformation in the society, we’re showing that media is not just about reporting. It’s about leading and being part of impacting changes ,” said Mbatia.
GBV & Mental Health: Meru’s Alarming Stats
Meru County faces a worrying trend in GBV and mental health according to government data.
It shows that teen pregnancy stands at 24 percent (above the national average) FGM prevalence at 16 percent and Physical violence at 36 percent.
According to the Vice chair, these statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness, intervention, and multi stakeholder collaboration.
“GBV is not a private issue. It’s a public crisis. This run is not a one day event but we will be held every year to help mitigate the vice,” she added.
Mbatia urged churches, NGOs, government agencies, and civil society organizations to join the movement and make a collective impact.
“We want to be the mirror of society, the voice of the voiceless. And that means taking action,” she noted.
The officials said that the MPC organizing teams are already engaging both county and national government, churches, charity organizations and local leaders among others to institutionalize the Anti-GBV Run as an annual event.
Since its formation in 2019, the Meru Press Club has worked to safeguard journalists’ welfare and promote social progress.
This latest initiative marks a bold expansion of their mandate from watchdogs to change makers.
“When the media becomes proactive in shaping societal values, we move from commentary to impact,” said Mwenda
