This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
Kenya's National Crime Research Centre released a report in 2014 highlighting the country's alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV). The report revealed that Kilifi County has the highest prevalence of rape in the country, with a staggering 97.9 per cent of cases.
Other counties with high rates of rape include Kisii (85.7 per cent), Machakos (71.4 per cent), Mombasa (66.7 per cent), and Nairobi (64.9 per cent).
The report also shed light on defilement rates, with Mombasa recording the highest incidence at 60 per cent, followed by Machakos (58.3 per cent), Kisii (57.1 per cent), Nairobi (24.5 per cent), and Nyeri (17.5 per cent).
Regarding non-sexual assault, the top five counties were Samburu (42.9 per cent), Kisii (42.9 per cent), Mombasa (22.2 per cent), Nairobi (21.3 per cent), and Nakuru (20 per cent).
According to the report, hitting/battering/beating were the most prevalent forms of GBV, reported in all counties, with varying rates ranging from 38.5 per cent in Nakuru to 97.8 per cent in Mombasa.
Domestic conflict was also a significant issue, with rates ranging from 12.5 per cent in Kilifi to 90.5 per cent in Machakos.
Verbal abuse was another concern, with Mombasa recording the highest incidence at 95.6 per cent, followed by Busia (67.3 per cent), Machakos (66.7 per cent), Meru (66.3 per cent), and Kisii (57.1 per cent).
“Generally, the above findings are an indication that most counties experience different types of GBV in varying proportions. Focus needs to be on addressing all forms of GBV in all counties, but with emphasis on counties (such as Kilifi, Kisii, Machakos, Meru, Mombasa and Nairobi) which featured prominently, especially in the serious forms of GBV,” said the report.
Separately, the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014 found that 47 per cent of women aged 15-49 had experienced either physical or sexual violence, with 33 per cent experiencing physical violence, and 12 per cent both physical and sexual violence.
