Cabinet Secretary for Gender Hanna Wendot Cheptumo has called for urgent and coordinated action following a sharp rise in gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya, which she described as a national crisis.
Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, May 21. 2025, the CS disclosed that at least 97 women were killed in gender-related murders between August and October 2024.
“The recent surge in gender-based violence and femicide in Kenya has escalated into a national crisis, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive action,” she said.
The CS warned that reversing the trend will require systemic change and long-term commitment. She said the increase in GBV and femicide is driven by a mix of social, economic, cultural, legal, and institutional factors.
Here are the six major contributors identified by the CS;
1. Socioeconomic factors
Kenya’s patriarchal culture and harmful practices like underage marriages and female genital mutilation were cited. The CS said such norms often promote male dominance and silence survivors.
“We live in a patriarchal society, and patriarchal norms and gender inequality provide societies that prioritise male dominance and control over women, often normalise violence,” she said.
2. Economic hardships
The CS says poverty and unemployment increase household tensions, while women who are financially dependent are more vulnerable. Many cannot leave abusive relationships or report abuse due to economic constraints.
“Women in economically dependent positions are more vulnerable. An economic disempowerment of women limits women’s ability to leave abusive relationships or report violence,” she added.
3. Legal and institutional gaps
The CS criticised the weak enforcement of GBV laws. She cited corruption, poor policing, and lack of evidence as key reasons perpetrators often go unpunished. She added that protection mechanisms like shelters, legal aid, and counselling services remain limited.
4. Political and conflict-related factors
GBV often escalates during periods of insecurity and unrest. The CS noted that some devolved units lack the political will to tackle the issue effectively.
5. Media and technology
Violence is often normalised in the media. Social media platforms, the CS noted, have become breeding grounds for online harassment, especially targeting women in public roles.
“Exposure to violent content can desensitise audiences or perpetuate harmful gender norms. Cyberbullying and online harassment. Social media has become a new frontier for GBV, especially against women in public life,” she said.
6. Alcohol and substance abuse
She says increased use of alcohol and drugs is linked to aggressive behaviour, both at home and in public spaces. The CS urged both national and county governments to work together in challenging harmful norms, strengthening legal systems, and supporting survivors.
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined K24 Digital in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].
