This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Kenya's women detainees are facing a crisis that demands urgent attention.
Between January 2012 and December 2017, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) conducted 790 inspections, revealing that police facilities perpetuate the violation of detainee rights, particularly those of women.
The National Police Service has been slow to implement its draft gender policy, hindering effective gender mainstreaming within the service.
Chapter 8(11) of the Service Standing Orders created the Directorate of Gender, Child Abuse, and Protection, but it has largely been ineffective and has been operationally joined with Community Policing.
It is essential to extend the directorate to the Inspector General's office, working with or within the Internal Affairs Unit of the NPS, and for the National Police Service Commission to guide the development of clear policy guidelines to ensure gender issues are respected, protected, and fulfilled.
Gender perspectives in police detention facilities highlight several parameters to be considered in terms of policy, including access to reasonable standards of sanitation, adequate supply of clean and safe water, and provision for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.
The dignity of women detainees is compromised due to lack of separation from the rest, and poor policing culture, attitudes, and lack of training on gender issues contribute to women's fear of reporting complaints to police facilities.
Ms. Fatuma Mohamed, a gender and governance specialist, sits on the IPOA board and emphasizes the need to seize this opportunity to highlight the plight of women in police custody.
