A recent survey conducted by the International Care for Reproductive Health Kenya (ICRH-Kenya) has highlighted alarming levels of gender-based violence (GBV) across four counties in Kenya.
Kakamega leads the list, with over 50% of women reporting experiences of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. The data underscores the critical need for effective interventions to combat this pervasive issue.
Bungoma follows closely with 47.4% of women reporting similar experiences, while West Pokot ranks third at 44.3%. Kiambu, despite its proximity to Nairobi—the capital where public awareness about GBV is relatively high—still recorded a troubling 25.8% prevalence.
The survey, which gathered input from the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, reveals that nearly four in ten women faced various forms of GBV between January and December 2023, translating to approximately 39% of Kenyan women. Sexual harassment emerged as the most common form of abuse, affecting 47% of women surveyed, while physical violence was reported by 34% of women aged 15 to 49.
Financial abuse is also a significant concern, with 22% of women in relationships experiencing economic coercion, such as being pressured into taking loans. Furthermore, technology has increasingly been weaponized against women, with many reporting monitoring and control by their partners, including forced sharing of passwords—a clear breach of privacy.
At the Kenyatta National Hospital’s GBV Centre, it was noted that 75% of those seeking assistance are women and girls facing severe health consequences as a result of GBV. Prof. Ann Kihara emphasized the importance of raising awareness about available help, stating that GBV services are free but often unknown to potential victims.
In light of these findings, Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda has called for urgent action to empower women. She urged political leaders to implement stringent laws and penalties against GBV offenders, emphasizing that a collective effort is essential to eradicate violence against women in Kenya.
