This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
On July 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta sounded the alarm on rising cases of Gender-Based Violence and instances of teenage pregnancy in Kenya.
Speaking at Harambee House, where he announced new COVID-19 regulations, the President ordered an immediate probe into the vices, stating that perpetrators must face the full extent of the law.
He appealed to social and religious institutions to exercise their civic responsibility to bring these unfortunate trends to a fast decline.
"I am concerned by increasing tensions within our homes. Cases of Gender-Based Violence have increased, mental health issues have worsened, and instances of teenage pregnancy have escalated," said the President.
He emphasized that the family is a projection of the State, and if the family is under attack, the State is under attack.
President Kenyatta directed the National Crime Research Centre to probe the escalating cases of Gender-Based Violence, the worrying trend of cases where the girl child has been disempowered, and the violation of children's rights.
He further directed the Centre to prepare an advisory to our security agencies on remedial action within 30 days from the date hereof and initiate immediate prosecution of all violators.
