Kenya Declares Gender-Based Violence a Major Security Threat Amid Rising Cases

The Kenyan government has identified gender-based violence as the country's most urgent security issue. Over the past four months, 100 women have been killed, mainly by men they knew, including partners. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi highlighted this growing crisis, stating that most cases are under investigation and awaiting court proceedings.

Since September 2023, Kenya has reported 7,107 incidents of sexual and gender-based violence. In response, the police inspector general has established a specialised unit to tackle femicides, which involve the killing of females due to their gender. This move aims to address the alarming rise in such crimes.

Human Rights Groups Demand Action

Human rights organisations have been actively demonstrating, seeking justice for victims and their families amid Kenya's ongoing struggle with gender-based violence. These groups are pushing for more effective measures to protect women and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

A United Nations report released in November coinciding with a global 16-day activism campaign revealed that Africa had the highest rate of partner-related femicide in 2023. This statistic underscores the severity of the issue across the continent and highlights the need for urgent intervention.

Government Initiatives to Combat Violence

In November, President William Ruto instructed police to thoroughly investigate cases of gender-based violence. He emphasised the dire situation by stating, "We know that four out of five women killed in Kenya are victims of intimate partner violence. This means our women are being killed in places they should feel safe."

This week, Kenya's Cabinet approved the formation of a presidential working group tasked with providing recommendations to prevent gender-based violence. The group's goal is to develop strategies that effectively address and reduce these incidents nationwide.

The Kenyan government's recognition of gender-based violence as a critical security threat marks a significant step towards addressing this pervasive issue. By implementing specialised units and forming working groups, authorities aim to create safer environments for women and hold offenders accountable.