A new criminal justice report reveals that Nairobi is becoming the epicenter of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Kenya, with the highest number of cases reported in the country. According to the 2023-24 report by the National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ), the capital recorded 2,800 SGBV cases during the review period, significantly outpacing other regions.
This surge in cases aligns with the growing concern over femicide, particularly incidents linked to intimate partners, most of which occurred in Nairobi. Kiambu follows with 1,871 cases, while Meru recorded 1,640 cases, Bungoma 1,486, Nakuru 1,357, Kilifi 1,024, and Machakos 1,096. Mandera and Samburu reported the lowest numbers, with just 98 and 97 cases, respectively.
In total, 32,909 SGBV cases were filed nationwide, with 30,877 resolved. Nairobi also leads in the number of cases resolved, with 2,355 cases closed. Kiambu follows with 1,676 resolved cases, Nakuru 1,499, Bungoma 1,445, Meru 1,305, and Machakos 1,199. Other counties with significant resolutions include Kilifi (1,089), Uasin Gishu (1,019), and Kisii (1,001).
The report highlights efforts by the sector to prioritize the monitoring and resolution of SGBV cases, citing the inaugural National Conference on SGBV held in October of the previous year. The conference focused on survivor-centered interventions, expediting the disposal of SGBV cases, leveraging technology, and addressing emerging issues related to SGBV.
The findings have reignited calls from human rights organizations urging the government to declare femicide a national disaster. The Coalition of Grassroot Human Rights Defenders argues that the rising femicide, particularly at the hands of intimate partners, demands a strong and coordinated response from both government and non-governmental actors. Rachel Mwikali, the lobby’s director, emphasized that such a declaration would mobilize resources and create a more robust response to the crisis.
“We urge both state and non-state actors to stop normalizing femicide and recognize it as a violation of the right to life, dignity, and freedom from torture and degrading treatment,” Mwikali said.
A recent police report shows that 97 women were killed in the last 90 days, prompting Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lang’at to call for urgent action to address the growing problem of gender-based violence in Kenya.
However, the NCAJ report also notes some positive outcomes from its campaigns, including the development of county-specific SGBV laws and policies in areas like Taita Taveta, Wajir, Meru, Nairobi, Embu, Makueni, Nandi, Kisumu, Kakamega, and Migori. Additionally, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has reviewed guidelines for grievance mechanisms related to gender responsiveness within the business and human rights framework.
