NAIROBI, Kenya- Rising economic challenges and financial instability are driving an alarming increase in gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya, according to UN Women.
Data paints a grim picture: over 97 femicide cases have been reported since August, with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) documenting a consistent rise in GBV incidents over the past five years.
Sebastian Gatimu, Planning and Coordinating Specialist at UN Women, pointed to unemployment and lack of financial independence as key factors exacerbating GBV, particularly among young women in universities and recent graduates.
“Many victims are young women struggling financially in tertiary institutions or after graduation. With no steady income, they are more vulnerable to exploitative relationships and abuse,” Gatimu noted.
To combat these issues, Gatimu urged parents to provide financial support to young women and called for equal employment opportunities. He emphasized that addressing unemployment would go a long way in reducing dependency and vulnerability.
Kenya’s goal to eliminate GBV by 2026 hinges on tackling these systemic challenges, particularly through economic empowerment initiatives targeted at youth.
Efforts to combat GBV are also focusing on mobilizing communities and engaging men as allies. During the National Young Male Dialogue, hosted by UN Women Kenya and UNESCO, over 40 young men pledged their support for zero-tolerance campaigns against GBV.
Grassroots leaders, including Nyumba Kumi and village elders, were highlighted as critical in spreading awareness and rejecting GBV within communities. Gatimu proposed leveraging platforms like barazas to foster dialogue and encourage collective action.
President William Ruto has also weighed in, calling for a united front in addressing GBV.
Speaking at the launch of the National Police Service and State Department of Correctional Services Strategic Plans (2023-2027), Ruto emphasized the need for robust law enforcement measures alongside community-based initiatives.
While the government and organizations ramp up efforts to curb GBV, advocacy groups have raised concerns about inadequate protections for women and delays in delivering justice for victims.
They are urging for quicker legal processes and stronger safeguards to deter potential offenders.
The rising cases of GBV and femicide underscore the urgency of tackling the root causes, from financial hardships to cultural attitudes. By addressing economic dependency and fostering community advocacy, Kenya can make significant strides toward achieving its 2026 GBV elimination target.
