A recent survey reveals that gender-based violence (GBV) is most prevalent in Kakamega County, where over 50% of women reported experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. The survey, conducted by the International Care for Reproductive Health Kenya (ICRH-Kenya), highlights the four counties with the highest rates of GBV in Kenya, indicating that these forms of abuse continue to be significant issues in the country.
Following Kakamega, Bungoma County ranks second, with 47.4% of women reporting such experiences, while West Pokot in the North Rift comes in third at 44.3%. Kiambu County, despite its proximity to Nairobi—where public awareness is notably higher—places fourth at 25.8%.
“Four in 10 women experienced different forms of GBV between January to December 2023,” the report states, estimating that 39% of Kenyan women have faced these challenges. Despite ongoing efforts to combat the issue, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse persist.
The survey, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, aimed to assess the prevalence of GBV in the four counties. “Sexual harassment remains the most prevalent form of abuse, with 47% from the four counties having experienced it,” the report notes.
Physical violence is also widespread, with 34% of women aged 15 to 49 reporting such experiences, making it one of the most commonly reported forms of abuse. Many of these women have also faced intimate partner violence, including an increase in financial and technological abuse. This occurs when perpetrators seek to control their partners’ finances and decision-making processes.
“Some 22% of women with partners have experienced economic abuse in various forms, including being forced or coerced into taking loans by their husbands,” the report reveals. “They also reported that many husbands forcefully ask for money, while other women are compelled to quit their jobs, which typically ends their cash flow.”
Privacy breaches
On technology being used as a tool of abuse, women have reported being stalked, monitored and controlled by their partners. For instance, most women reported that they were forced by their partners to give them passwords, a breach of their privacy.
“At Kenyatta National Hospital’s GBV Centre, 75 per cent of those seeking help are women and girls facing serious health consequences. GBV services are free, but how many girls know this?” said Prof Ann Kihara during the PMA Agile 02 Project launch.
She added: “We must confront GBV and say no to violence against women.”
In response to the survey findings, Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda cited the urgent need to empower women, emphasising that this is crucial in ending GBV.
“I am also urging political leaders to enact stringent laws and penalties against GBV offenders,” she said.
