State and non-state actors in the gender sector have called for concerted efforts to address the alarming rise in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the country.
Deputy Inspector General of the Administrative Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, speaking during a visit to the Nanyuki Policare, a one-stop center for preventing and addressing SGBV cases in Laikipia County, revealed that 13 per cent of women and 34 per cent of men have experienced sexual and physical violence respectively since the age of 15.
“It is alarming that 578 femicide cases were reported last year, marking an 8% increase,” Masengeli stated.
He reaffirmed the National Police Service’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence, announcing plans to establish gender desks in all 47 counties to enhance response and support for victims.
Additionally, he noted that police stations across the country would undergo structural and operational transformations to improve efficiency in handling SGBV cases professionally.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu highlighted that limited resources continue to put women at greater risk of SGBV, calling for increased funding to support gender programs in the county.
Since its establishment in 2024, the Nanyuki Policare has recorded 500 cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, and emotional abuse.
Of these, 200 cases have been resolved, 50 cases are under active investigation, and 50 survivors are currently receiving legal aid and counseling.
Jaki Mbogo, Chief of Party for the REINVENT Programme, underscored the financial burden of treating and addressing SGBV cases, stressing the need for collaboration to lower costs.
“According to the Gender and Equality Commission, treating a single SGBV case costs approximately Ksh. 44,000—from the point of entry to accessing justice. Due to this high cost, many victims opt not to pursue justice,” Mbogo explained.
The REINVENT Programme, a five-year initiative, aims to strengthen Kenya’s ability to address inter-communal conflicts, weak community-police relations, violence against women and girls, violent extremism, and election-related violence.
Mbogo emphasized that the Policare model is designed to reduce the cost of accessing justice while ensuring survivors are treated with dignity, as many shy away from reporting cases due to fear of stigmatization.
British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, reiterated the UK Government’s commitment to supporting SGBV victims in Kenya.
Wigan applauded the National Police Service for its dedication to protecting women, children, and vulnerable community members, pledging continued support for gender-based violence prevention efforts.
The Nanyuki Policare, the first of its kind in Kenya, is staffed with judicial officers, clinicians, counselors, and police officers—all working under one roof to assist SGBV survivors efficiently.
Launched in 2022, the state-of-the-art facility was constructed at a cost of Ksh. 9 million, with support from the National Police Service, REINVENT Kenya, the UK Government, and other partners.
