The rising cases of femicide and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kenya continue to spark national concern, with women’s rights organisations calling for urgent government intervention and accountability.
Speaking during an interview with Radio Generation, FIDA-Kenya Legal Counsel Brenda Yambo addressed the growing femicide crisis in the country, highlighting the underlying causes contributing to violence against women and girls.
The discussion focused on the urgent need for stronger preventive measures, improved law enforcement responses, and collective action to address GBV in Kenya.
Root Causes Behind Rising Femicide Cases in Kenya
According to Brenda Yambo, several social and systemic issues continue to fuel the increase in violence against women.
Some of the key contributing factors discussed include:
Misogyny and Patriarchal Attitudes
Deep-rooted patriarchal beliefs and harmful gender stereotypes continue to normalise violence and discrimination against women in many communities.
Harmful Cultural Norms
Certain cultural practices and societal expectations often silence survivors and discourage women from reporting abuse or seeking help.
Mental Health Challenges
The conversation also highlighted the role mental health issues can play in violent behaviour, while emphasising the importance of addressing these concerns responsibly and within broader prevention strategies.
Weak Accountability Systems
Concerns were raised over delayed investigations, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate protection systems for survivors of violence.
Role of the National Police Service in Addressing GBV
The discussion further examined the critical role of the National Police Service in responding to the growing crisis.
FIDA-Kenya emphasised the need for:
Faster investigations into GBV and femicide cases
Survivor-centred policing approaches
Improved protection measures for women at risk
Accountability for perpetrators
Strengthened coordination between institutions handling GBV cases
Advocates continue to call for more effective implementation of laws designed to protect women and girls from violence.
FIDA-Kenya Issues 40-Day Ultimatum Over GBV Crisis
FIDA-Kenya has issued a strong statement demanding immediate action from duty bearers and state institutions to address the escalating cases of violence against women.
The organisation warned that failure to meet these demands within 40 days would demonstrate a lack of commitment and accountability in addressing femicide and GBV in Kenya.
Planned Nationwide Protests Against Femicide
If no action is taken, FIDA-Kenya announced plans to organise peaceful nationwide protests involving:
Grassroots women leaders
Civil society organisations
Male champions
Partner organisations
Concerned Kenyan citizens
The protests aim to push for justice, accountability, and stronger protection systems for women and girls.
Strategic Interest Litigation to Push Government Accountability
FIDA-Kenya also announced plans to file a Strategic Interest Litigation (SIL) to compel the government to fulfil its legal responsibilities in preventing and responding to violence against women.
According to the statement, the State has a legal obligation to:
Prevent violence against women and girls
Investigate reported cases effectively
Punish perpetrators
Provide remedies and support for survivors
The organisation stressed the importance of proactive government action rather than reactive responses after violence has already occurred.
Ending Femicide Requires Collective Action
The growing femicide crisis in Kenya continues to highlight the urgent need for stronger systems to protect women and girls.
Advocates say addressing GBV requires:
Stronger law enforcement responses
Public awareness and education
Survivor support services
Community accountability
Challenging harmful gender norms
Women’s rights groups continue to urge the government, institutions, and communities to treat femicide and GBV as a national emergency requiring immediate and sustained action.
As cases of violence against women continue to rise, organisations such as FIDA-Kenya are intensifying calls for accountability, justice, and systemic reform.
The push for peaceful protests and Strategic Interest Litigation reflects growing frustration over continued femicide cases and delayed responses from authorities.
Advocates maintain that protecting women and girls must remain a national priority, with urgent action needed to prevent further loss of lives.
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