In a troubling revelation that underscores the urgent need for action, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has reported a disturbing surge in gender-based violence (GBV) in Kisumu County, where over 576 survivors have sought help at the Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC) at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in just the first half of 2025.
The statistics, coupled with parallel grassroots mobilisations in Kilifi County, point to a country grappling with the quiet epidemic of GBV and femicide. During a recent community engagement forum in Nyakach Sub-County, NGEC’s Regional head, Mr. Davis Okeyo, disclosed that the majority of the reported cases involved physical and sexual violence, most of them occurring within domestic settings. However, he warned that the real figure could be far higher due to widespread underreporting.
“Despite the numbers, we believe many cases remain in the shadows,” said Okeyo. “Survivors often face shame, stigma, and hostility from both their families and society. That silence is what we must break.”
Okeyo urged cultural and religious leaders to use their platforms to challenge harmful norms and encourage communities to report violence. His appeal comes as economic burdens on survivors continue to mount — with an NGEC study showing that survivors spend up to KSh 16,000 in their pursuit of justice and recovery.
