This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
On July 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered a probe into the alarming increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in Kenya, amidst a spike in domestic violence, GBV, and sexual offenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address, President Kenyatta expressed his deep concern over the escalating GBV cases and the violation of children's rights, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the issue.
As directed by the President, the National Crime Research Centre will investigate the worrying trend of cases where the girl child has been disempowered and the violation of children's rights, and prepare an advisory to security agencies on remedial action within 30 days.
President Kenyatta also appealed to social institutions, including religious institutions, to exercise civic responsibility and bring an end to the unfortunate trends.
“We must always remember that the family is a projection of the State. If the family is under attack, the State is under attack. If the family is weak, the country is weak,” said President Kenyatta.
Earlier in May, Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr. Mercy Mwangangi reported a surge in GBV cases perpetrated by close relatives and guardians of the victims, warning Kenyans against engaging in such vices during the pandemic period.
