Senate urges swift action on Kenyans stranded in Russia, gender violence, mental health, and illegal construction
Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana sought urgent clarification from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding Kenyan youth who travelled to Russia seeking employment or educational opportunities but reportedly faced coercion to join the Russian military.
The Senate has called for decisive government action on four critical challenges affecting Kenyans: young citizens stranded in Russia, rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV), insufficient mental health services, and unlawful construction along Langata–Link Road.
During Senate proceedings, Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana sought urgent clarification from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding Kenyan youth who travelled to Russia seeking employment or educational opportunities but reportedly faced coercion to join the Russian military.
More To Read
- Ukraine accuses Russia of recruiting over 1,400 Africans for frontline combat
- Key Bills on county governance, climate construction set for debate as Senate resumes sittings
- Nairobi pushes for safe return of Kenyans recruited into Russia-Ukraine war
- Senate Bill outlines plan to achieve gender parity in Parliament
- New Bill proposes harsher penalties, mandatory compensation for SGBV offenders
- Mombasa Woman Rep calls for tougher laws amid surge in gender-based violence
Many are said to be trapped abroad due to a lack of proper travel documents and financial resources to return home.
The senator pressed for measures to safeguard young people from deceptive recruitment practices and called for swift evacuation initiatives.
“Our youth should never be exploited or placed in harm’s way while seeking opportunities abroad. The government must intervene without delay,” she stated.
Turning to mental health, Senator Kibwana raised concerns with the Standing Committee on Health over the country’s critical shortage of mental health professionals. Kenya currently has roughly 120 psychiatrists for a population exceeding 55 million, with mental health services largely confined to urban areas.
She urged the government to integrate mental health into primary healthcare and offer incentives to attract and retain trained personnel.
“Mental health services are essential, not optional. Every life matters, and neglect can no longer be tolerated,” she said.
On the matter of Gender-Based Violence, Senator Kibwana sought updates from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on progress in implementing the National Framework on GBV Response and operationalising the multi-agency taskforce.
She highlighted the need for survivor-focused support, including medical treatment, psychological counselling, and legal assistance.
“Survivors deserve protection, justice, and dignity. Bureaucracy and delays should never stand in the way of their rights,” she emphasised.
Senator Kibwana instructed the relevant committees to conduct thorough investigations and report back to the Senate with clear timelines for addressing each issue.
Top Stories Today
