NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has welcomed the Ministry of Interior’s directive prohibiting mediation, withdrawal, or informal settlement in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases.
In a statement on Wednesday, NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa said the Commission fully supports the Ministry’s stance, which aligns with its mandate to promote gender equality and protect vulnerable groups.
“Defilement is a serious offence under the Sexual Offences Act and carries mandatory penalties. A criminal violation cannot be negotiated or resolved privately,” Jaldesa said. “Treating it fully within the criminal justice system protects survivors, ensures accountability for offenders, and maintains public confidence in our enforcement institutions.”
The directive, according to NGEC, responds to the rising number of defilement cases across the country and calls for coordinated action by law enforcement, community structures, and the wider justice chain.
Jaldesa emphasized that the measure upholds the constitutional duty to protect children from sexual violence while safeguarding their dignity, safety, and equality.
She added that informal settlements of defilement cases often expose children to further harm and weaken the rule of law.
“The Commission will continue working with the National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, county governments, and community structures to promote timely reporting and proper handling of all defilement cases. NGEC will also intensify monitoring, public awareness, and preventive measures to ensure every child grows up safe and able to reach their full potential,” she said.
The Ministry’s directive comes amid the ongoing 16 Days of Activism and follows the launch of the Jukwaa la Usalama report by President William Ruto on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi.
The report highlights the persistent prevalence of SGBV in Kenya, with incidents in some areas occurring daily, often exacerbated by stigma surrounding reporting.
The report cites systemic weaknesses that hinder effective SGBV response, including delays in forensic services, lack of gender desks, insufficient female officers in rural areas, inadequate psychological support, cultural interference, witness intimidation, and poor coordination between police, prosecutors, and medical services. These challenges frequently result in cases collapsing before justice is served.
The NGEC’s support for the Interior Ministry’s directive signals a firm stance by both institutions to strengthen the criminal justice response to sexual violence and protect Kenya’s most vulnerable.
