Law School
By Ronney Okello, a first year Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Student at Zetech University
Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most persistent and damaging social problems in Kenya today. It cuts across age, class, culture and geography. Although many cases never reach the public eye, the consequences are felt in homes, schools, workplaces and communities every single day. GBV is not just an issue for survivors; it is a national crisis that undermines our social fabric, our economy and our collective future.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO)1 in 3 women globally that is over 736 million women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real people whose lives dreams and dignity have been interrupted.
GBV in Kenya: A Closer Look
Kenya mirrors global trends, with alarming levels of violence reported each year. A Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) indicates that about 40% of Kenyan women have faced physical or sexual violence at least once. Even more troubling is that many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, economic dependence, or lack of trust in justice systems.
Young girls are disproportionately affected. Studies show that girls aged 15–19 are among the most vulnerable facing risks such as defilement, intimate partner violence, early marriage and sexual exploitation.
GBV in Schools: Violence Begins Early
Schools should be safe spaces yet many learners experience violence long before adulthood. Reports across Kenya show cases of sexual harassment, assault, bullying and coercion within school environments. Some incidents have gained media attention such as students assaulted by teachers or older students abusing juniors but countless other cases remain unreported.
Children often stay silent out of fear, shame or mistrust in the system meant to protect them. This early exposure to violence affects mental health, academic performance and self-esteem. It also normalises abusive behavior, shaping how these young people will view relationships and power later in life.
Adolescence: A Vulnerable Transition
Adolescence is a stage filled with identity formation, curiosity and new relationships but also heightened vulnerability. Many teenagers face defilement, emotional manipulation, online harassment and early pregnancies linked to exploitation. Social media has introduced new forms of GBV including cyberbullying, revenge porn and unsolicited sexual advances.
Poverty deepens the risk. Some adolescents engage in survival sex exchanging their bodies for food, transport, sanitary products or school fees. Although rarely discussed openly this practice is a form of economic violence that traps young people in cycles of trauma and lost opportunities. The emotional effects of depression, anxiety, shame or hopelessness often carry into adulthood.
GBV in Marriages and Intimate Relationships
GBV reaches its peak in adult relationships, particularly within marriages. Domestic violence whether physical, emotional, sexual or economic it remains a daily reality for thousands of Kenyans. Cultural expectations and gender norms worsen the situation. Phrases like “vumilia ndoa” pressure women to endure abusive marriages for the sake of children, reputation or tradition.
Marital rape though recognised by law remains highly underreported due to stigma and lack of awareness. Emotional and psychological abuse such as manipulation, threats, humiliation and isolation is also widespread but often minimized. Men, too face violence but societal expectations around masculinity make it difficult for them to seek help.
When abuse becomes normalised families suffer. Children who grow up witnessing violence often experience trauma, and some may carry violent behavior into adulthood. Homes that should provide safety instead become spaces of fear.
Cultural and Social Drivers of GBV
Cultural norms strongly influence how society treats survivors and perpetrators. Communities that uphold rigid gender roles where men are dominant and women submissive create fertile ground for GBV. Practices such as early marriage, wife inheritance and expectations of female silence reinforce harmful power imbalances. In times of conflict GBV becomes even more severe. Sexual violence has been used as a weapon during political clashes and community conflicts, targeting women and girls to break families and destabilise communities. These acts leave lasting scars on survivors and entire regions.
The Economic Burden of GBV
GBV is not only a moral and social tragedy : it is also an economic disaster. Survivors often face medical expenses, trauma counseling, legal fees and loss of income.
Some lose jobs or drop out of school. Others are forced to relocate for safety. For families already struggling financially these costs can be devastating.
On a national scale, GBV drains billions of shillings each year through healthcare costs, legal processes, shelter policing and lost productivity. When survivors cannot work or study, the economy loses human potential. GBV keeps families trapped in poverty and slows national development.
The World Bank estimates that the economic cost of GBV including lost productivity, health expenses and social support can exceed 1–2% of a country’s GDP. This means that GBV is not just a personal issue; it is a national development issue.
Legal Frameworks: Strong Laws, Weak Enforcement
Kenya has several laws aimed at preventing and addressing GBV including the Sexual Offences Act, the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act and the Children’s Act. These laws provide mechanisms for justice and protection. However enforcement remains inconsistent.
Survivors often face barriers such as:
- Police officers who dismiss or doubt their claims
- Long and expensive court processes
- Community pressure to “forgive” or settle quietly
- Stigma that blames survivors instead of perpetrators
Without proper implementation laws alone cannot end GBV. Justice must be accessible, timely, and survivor-centered.
How Communities Can Help Break the Cycle
Ending GBV requires more than laws. It requires cultural change, community accountability and education. Families must teach children about consent, respect and boundaries. Schools should create safe reporting systems. Community leaders and faith institutions must challenge harmful traditions rather than reinforce them. Men and boys play a critical role in stopping GBV. Transforming harmful ideas about masculinity such as dominance, aggression or emotional silence can reduce violence significantly. GBV is not a “women’s issue”; it is a human issue that affects the entire society.
Conclusion: Silence is Not an Option
Gender-based violence is a national crisis that demands urgent attention. From classrooms to homes from relationships to online spaces GBV shapes the lives of millions. It is a human rights violation, an economic burden and a cultural challenge.
Ending GBV will require stronger laws better enforcement, cultural transformation, survivor support and collective courage. Every Kenyan has a role speaking out supporting survivors, educating others and challenging harmful norms.
GBV is not inevitable. It continues because silence protects perpetrators. When society chooses awareness over ignorance, empathy over stigma, and justice over silence, we move closer to a safer and more equal Kenya.