Femicide in Kenya: Unmasking the Epidemic of Violence Against Women

Femicide: It’s is not just a women’s issue; it is a national crisis that affects the entire society. The time for empty rhetoric is over.

In recent years, Kenya has witnessed a disturbing surge in cases of femicide— the intentional killing of women, often perpetrated by intimate partners or family members. This rising tide of gender-based violence has sparked outrage, grief, and calls for urgent action across the nation. But what is driving this epidemic, and what must be done to stop it?

The epidemic of violence against women in Kenya is driven by a complex interplay of cultural, social, economic, and legal factors. Deep-seated patriarchal norms continue to foster gender inequalities, relegating women to subordinate roles and normalising domestic violence. In many communities, harmful practices such as forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and dowry-related violence further endanger women’s lives.

Economic hardship and financial dependency also contribute to the vulnerability of women. Many survivors of abuse remain in dangerous situations due to a lack of financial independence, housing, or support networks. Moreover, the normalisation of violence in some relationships means that warning signs are often ignored until it is too late.

Despite Kenya’s legal framework, which includes the Sexual Offences Act and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, enforcement remains a major challenge. Many survivors face victimblaming, lengthy judicial processes, and police negligence when reporting cases. Corruption within law enforcement agencies has further eroded public confidence, with many perpetrators escaping justice through bribery or political connections.

The lack of comprehensive data on femicide also hinders effective policy responses. Cases of murdered women are often recorded as ‘homicides’ without gender-specific categorisation, making it difficult to track trends or implement targeted interventions.

Public perception and media reporting play a crucial role in shaping responses to femicide. Sensationalist coverage that focuses on victim-shaming, or framing cases as ‘love gone wrong,’ downplays the seriousness of gender-based violence. The media must shift towards survivorcentred reporting, amplifying the voices of victims and their families while holding authorities accountable.

Civil society organisations, activists, and community leaders have been at the forefront of advocating for justice and policy reforms. Initiatives such as the #TotalShutdownKE movement and the #EndFemicideKE campaign have mobilised public discourse, pushing for systemic changes in how cases of violence against women are handled.

Ending femicide requires a multipronged approach that involves government, law enforcement, the judiciary, communities, and civil society.

Key actions include:

Strengthening Law Enforcement: The government must prioritise genderbased violence cases, ensuring thorough investigations and swift prosecution of perpetrators. Specialized GBV desks in police stations must be adequately play a crucial role in shaping responses to femicide. Sensationalist coverage that focuses on victim-shaming, or framing cases as ‘love gone wrong,’ downplays the seriousness of gender-based violence. The media must shift towards survivorcentred reporting, amplifying the voices of victims and their families while holding authorities accountable. Civil society organisations, activists, and community leaders have been at the forefront of advocating for justice and policy reforms. Initiatives such as the #TotalShutdownKE movement and the #EndFemicideKE campaign have mobilised public discourse, pushing for systemic changes in how cases of violence against women are handled. Ending femicide requires a multipronged approach that involves government, law enforcement, the judiciary, communities, and civil society. Key actions include: Strengthening Law Enforcement: The government must prioritise genderbased violence cases, ensuring thorough investigations and swift prosecution of perpetrators. Specialized GBV desks in police stations must be adequately resourced and staffed with trained officers.

Legislative Reforms: Laws must be strengthened to offer better protection for women, with stricter penalties for perpetrators of femicide and domestic violence.
Economic Empowerment: Empowering women financially through skills training, employment opportunities, and access to credit can reduce dependency on abusive partners and enable survivors to escape dangerous situations.

Public Education and Awareness: Changing cultural norms requires continuous education on gender equality, respectful relationships, and the rejection of violence. Schools, religious institutions, and media platforms must be engaged in promoting positive societal change.

Support Services for Survivors: Accessible shelters, legal aid, psychological support, and medical services for survivors of violence must be expanded to offer comprehensive care.

Femicide is not just a ‘women’s issue’—it is a national crisis demanding collective responsibility. Every life lost to gender-based violence is a stark reminder of the work that remains in ensuring the safety and dignity of women and girls in Kenya.

The time for action is now. The government, judiciary, civil society, and communities must come together to dismantle the structures that enable femicide and build a safer future for all women.

Femicide