A government taskforce has raised concern over the rising number of unreported sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases in Kenya, warning that the silence is hampering efforts to address the crisis. The Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide revealed that many cases of rape, femicide, suicide, and mental health struggles go undocumented, making it difficult for the government to allocate resources effectively.
Speaking during a public participation forum at Tononoka Social Hall in Mombasa, taskforce chair Anne Ireri urged victims to report abuse and emphasized that accurate data is critical for planning. She noted that perpetrators exist in all sectors—from schools and religious institutions to hospitals and police stations—and called for collective community vigilance.
Ireri highlighted the strong link between mental health issues and GBV-related crimes, warning that unaddressed psychological struggles could lead to harm within families. She called for parents, teachers, and leaders to monitor online content accessed by young people, acknowledging both the benefits and dangers of the digital space.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said social media merely reflects deep-rooted societal problems such as harmful cultural norms and family disintegration. County Commissioner Mohammed Nur pledged swift action, citing recent gruesome femicide cases in Kisauni and Likoni, and warned perpetrators that they will be tracked down and prosecuted.
Nur also revealed ongoing investigations into abuse cases in orphanages and mandated short-stay apartment owners to verify guest identities to prevent SGBV. Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed urged for stronger GBV laws, while activists called for faster judicial processes and better preventive mechanisms to stop crimes before they escalate.
