Kenya is grappling with a significant rise in cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), which has seen 7,107 reported incidents from September 2023 to date. Alarmingly, Nairobi County recorded the highest number of these cases, while Samburu and Mandera Counties registered the lowest. This surge in violence has captured the attention of the government and citizens alike, prompting urgent measures to curb this troubling trend.
During a security briefing at Harambee House, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the need for immediate action to address the crisis. He highlighted that between August and November 2024, Kenya saw 100 cases of murders of women, further underscoring the rising threat of femicide. These tragic events have prompted the government to take drastic steps, including the completion of investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the establishment of a specialized Missing Persons Unit under the DCI Homicide Unit. This unit is tasked with handling femicide cases more effectively, marking a crucial step in addressing the alarming violence against women.
To tackle this escalating issue, Mudavadi announced the formation of a Presidential Working Group on Femicide, which is expected to be gazetted soon. This working group will deliver actionable recommendations within 90 days, aimed at addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and femicide. It will engage with various stakeholders, including religious leaders, parents, schools, security agencies, and other relevant bodies, to identify gaps in the law enforcement mechanisms and societal values contributing to the crisis. The formation of this group is a significant step towards a collective approach to combat the pervasive issue of femicide in Kenya.
The move is part of a broader effort to address gender-based violence, which has been underscored by Kenya’s recent national launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on November 25, 2024. The campaign signals a renewed commitment from the government to tackle gender-based violence head-on, emphasizing the importance of societal change alongside legal and institutional reforms. Mudavadi stressed the need for a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and behaviors to protect women and girls, highlighting that addressing these crimes requires more than government action alone; it necessitates a collective effort from the entire nation.
Global data from 2023 provides a sobering context to Kenya’s situation, indicating that every 10 minutes, a woman is intentionally killed by a partner or family member. Locally, the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 revealed alarming figures: 16% of women and 10% of men reported experiencing physical violence in the past 12 months, and 34% of women and 27% of men have faced physical violence since the age of 15. These statistics paint a grim picture of disrupted lives, derailed futures, and weakened communities, calling for urgent action to stem the crisis.
In response to the increasing numbers of femicide cases, the Kenyan government’s initiatives include the establishment of specialized units within the DCI to handle such cases, alongside community engagement efforts. The Presidential Working Group on Femicide will engage with a broad range of stakeholders to identify the factors contributing to gender-based violence and will recommend concrete actions to mitigate these challenges. The group’s approach will include measures to strengthen legal frameworks, improve law enforcement capabilities, and foster community participation in prevention efforts.
Mudavadi’s call for a collective effort emphasizes that addressing gender-based violence requires a comprehensive approach. The government’s strategy involves not only revising legal frameworks but also addressing cultural norms and societal values that perpetuate violence. This holistic approach is crucial to create a safer environment for Kenya’s women and girls, ensuring that efforts to combat femicide go beyond temporary fixes to address deep-rooted issues.
The crisis of gender-based violence in Kenya is a wake-up call for the entire nation. The statistics are alarming, and the government’s response, while crucial, needs to be supported by concerted efforts from all sectors of society. As the Presidential Working Group on Femicide begins its work, it is hoped that the recommendations will lead to actionable steps that will protect the most vulnerable in society and create a safer, more equitable environment for all Kenyans. This moment calls for a unified response to build a future free from violence and discrimination.
