The Ministry of Gender, Culture, Heritage, Arts & Children Services has raised concern over the increasing cases of femicide and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the country, as reports continue to show women and girls are being killed, assaulted, and attacked at alarming rates.
The growing crisis has sparked nationwide outrage, with civil society groups, legal experts, and women’s rights organisations calling for urgent government intervention to address what many now describe as a national emergency.
Rising Femicide Cases in Kenya
Kenya has witnessed a sharp rise in femicide cases in recent years, with most victims reportedly killed by intimate partners, relatives, or individuals known to them.
According to the Report of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Including Femicide, more than 1,639 women were killed between 2022 and 2024, representing a 10 per cent increase in reported femicide cases.
The report identified Nairobi County, Meru County, and Nakuru County among the regions with the highest number of reported cases.
Investigations further revealed that 77 per cent of the killings were committed by people known to the victims, with most incidents occurring within domestic or familiar settings.
Women aged between 30 and 44 years were found to be the most affected group, although cases involving teenage girls aged 15 to 17 also recorded an increase.
Acid Attacks and Brutal Violence Against Women
Activists have also raised alarm over the rise in acid and chemical attacks targeting women and girls.
These attacks often leave survivors with severe burns, permanent disfigurement, psychological trauma, and, in some cases, death.
Several recent incidents involving university students and young women have reignited public debate over women’s safety in Kenya, with campaigners warning that violence against women is becoming increasingly brutal.
Human rights groups argue that many of these attacks are preceded by warning signs such as stalking, threats, emotional abuse, and domestic violence that are often ignored or poorly handled by authorities.
Government Launches 90-Day Rapid Results Initiative
In response to the growing crisis, Hannah Wendot, the Cabinet Secretary for Gender and Heritage, announced the rollout of a 90-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) targeting the Central Region.
The initiative aims to strengthen prevention, surveillance, investigations, case management, and prosecution of GBV and crimes against children.
The ministry said the programme will intensify interventions through:
- Enhanced investigations and prosecution of GBV cases
- Strengthened community response systems
- Faster protection measures for survivors
- Multi-agency coordination between security agencies and local administrators
- Improved child protection mechanisms
The government also announced the formation of a regional multi-agency team that will work with county and sub-county officials to coordinate responses against SGBV and crimes against children.
Authorities hope the intervention will help reduce cases significantly within the next 11 months.
Calls to Declare GBV a National Crisis
Women’s rights organisations and advocacy groups continue to pressure the government to formally declare Gender-Based Violence and femicide a national disaster.
The Technical Working Group recommended that William Ruto officially recognise GBV and femicide as a national crisis requiring emergency funding, public attention, and institutional reforms.
Among the key recommendations made by the taskforce are:
- Creation of a stand-alone femicide offence in law
- Establishment of a national femicide database
- Faster court timelines for GBV cases
- Tougher penalties for interference with investigations
- Improved survivor protection systems
- Better police accountability and reporting mechanisms
The taskforce warned that the normalisation of GBV threatens constitutional rights, family stability, and national development.
The Law on GBV in Kenya
Kenya has several laws aimed at protecting women and children from violence and abuse.
These include:
- The Protection Against Domestic Violence Act
- The Sexual Offences Act
- The Children Act
- Constitutional protections under the Constitution of Kenya 2010
These laws criminalise domestic violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, harmful cultural practices, and child exploitation.
However, activists argue that weak enforcement, delayed investigations, corruption, stigma, and fear continue to prevent many survivors from accessing justice.
Where Women Can Get Help in Kenya
Women and girls facing violence or abuse can seek assistance through several organisations and emergency services, including:
- Coalition on Violence Against Women — Legal aid, counselling, and survivor support
- FIDA Kenya — Legal representation and women’s rights advocacy
- LVCT Health — Medical and psychosocial GBV recovery services
- Usikimye — Emergency rescue and safe spaces
- National GBV Toll-Free Helpline — Dial 1195 for confidential support and emergency intervention
- National Gender and Equality Commission — Reporting and advocacy support
- National Police Service — Emergency reporting and protection services
How Women Can Enhance Their Safety
Advocates say women experiencing threats, stalking, emotional abuse, or controlling behaviour should seek support early and avoid remaining isolated.
Safety measures may include:
- Reporting threats or violence to authorities
- Informing trusted family members or friends
- Keeping emergency contacts accessible
- Seeking counselling and legal support
- Identifying safe shelters or support centres
- Documenting abusive messages or incidents where possible
Experts also stress that preventing femicide requires community responsibility, stronger law enforcement, education, and cultural change to address harmful gender norms and violence against women.
The Way Forward
Stakeholders continue to call for urgent reforms to address the rising wave of violence against women in Kenya.
Advocates say stronger enforcement of laws, survivor-centred justice systems, public awareness campaigns, economic empowerment for women, and faster prosecution of offenders will be critical in reversing the crisis.
As the number of femicide and GBV cases continues to rise, pressure is mounting on the government to move beyond statements and implement lasting solutions that guarantee the safety and dignity of women and girls across the country.
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