Meru Press Club (MPC) officials today paid a courtesy call to the Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Mbijiwe, to brief him on the upcoming Anti-SGBV (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence) and Mental Health Awareness Run, scheduled for 20th September 2025
The visiting delegation included MPC Chairman David Muchui, Welfare Secretary Lynette Kinoti, Welfare Treasurer Cedrin Kagwiria, and Executive Committee Member Gregory Murithi.
Established in 2019, the Meru Press Club is a registered association dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of journalists and promoting social progress.
In 2024, the association launched a mental wellness initiative targeting journalists in the Upper Eastern region, as well as the broader community.
Building on this initiative, the Meru Press Club is now organizing a run in collaboration with the national and county governments, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, community-based organizations, councils of elders, and other key stakeholders.
“The objective is to raise awareness and galvanize collective action SGBV and around mental health issues in the region. Working with various stakeholders, we also intend to set up a SGBV reporting grant for journalists besides supporting organisations working towards reduction of SGBV cases,” Muchui said.
Dr Mbijiwe lauded the initiative saying it would go a long way in complementing the governor Mutuma M’Ethingia’s administration to raise awareness and reduce SGBV cases.
“It is in the agenda of Governor M’Ethingia to ensure a safe and healthy community. We are ready to work with various stakeholders in the spirit of building Meru together,” the Chief of Staff said.
Meru County has consistently recorded alarmingly high cases of teen pregnancies, intimate partner violence, and mistreatment of widows.
County data shows that SGBV indicators in Meru surpass national averages. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) prevalence stands at 16% above the national average of 15%. Teen pregnancy rates are at 28%, and physical violence is reported at 36%.
A recent police report indicated that 336 gender violence cases including six femicide incidents were reported in the past 16 months.
The upcoming event seeks to involve journalists nationwide, alongside schools and communities most affected by SGBV, to ensure broad participation and impact.
It also aims to strengthen community solidarity in the fight against SGBV and to highlight the vital importance of mental well-being in society.
