The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has raised the alarm over the escalating cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide across Kenya, urging immediate intervention to curb the violence. “It is devastating that women and girls, and increasingly boys are suffering harm, torture, and death solely due to their gender,” remarked Thomas Koyier, NGEC chairman, during a recent consultative meeting in Nairobi. He emphasized the need to protect vulnerable groups from targeted violence.
Koyier expressed deep concern over the emerging use of technology to facilitate GBV through tactics like device tracking, phishing, sextortion, and cyberbullying, which are becoming new drivers of abuse in Kenya. “These technology-driven abuses are not widely understood in Kenya, yet they are increasingly used to harm women and girls,” he said. NGEC is working with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and other partners to incorporate these trends into the Mini Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2025 to better understand the scope and drivers of technology-facilitated GBV.
Despite multiple public statements on the issue, Koyier acknowledged that NGEC must amplify its efforts even further, possibly addressing the matter daily to emphasize its urgency. “We must hold duty bearers accountable and intentionally increase protections for women and girls against GBV,” he added.
In a recent report, security agencies disclosed that 97 women and girls had been killed within three months, with the likelihood of additional femicide cases being misclassified as natural deaths. Many GBV cases remain hidden, with all women and girls, regardless of socioeconomic status or education, facing risks. “No case of violence is ever justified,” Koyier stated firmly.
NGEC warned that as children start a long holiday and festivities approach, heightened vigilance is essential. Economic hardship and seasonal celebrations may increase the likelihood of GBV. Koyier urged parents, caregivers, and communities, especially men, to stay alert, protect, and report any signs of violence.
He also called upon security forces, legal systems, private sector actors, and gender advocacy groups to intensify their roles in eradicating GBV and femicide. The media and human rights advocates were encouraged to continue spotlighting the issue, while academic institutions and statistical bodies were urged to expand research on GBV data.
“We stand with the Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV) in Kenya and encourage them to amplify prevention and response efforts. Our mission is clear: we must end GBV by 2030.”
