Rising Femicide Cases in Kenya Spur Educational Initiatives on Gender-Based Violence

KISII — A troubling increase in femicide cases across Kenya, particularly involving young women and university students, has prompted action by community organizations to enhance awareness and prevention measures regarding sexual gender-based violence (SGBV).

According to Kenya News Agency, 34 percent of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence, suggesting a significant risk of femicide nationwide. Femicide Count Kenya, an organization tracking violence-related fatalities among women, reported 150 cases in 2023 alone. Recent incidents include the tragic deaths of female students from various universities, who were victims of violence often perpetrated by acquaintances or intimate partners. These cases underscore a critical need for targeted interventions.

In response, Healthy Communities for Wealthy Nations (HECOWENA) in partnership with the International Solidarity Foundation (ISF), is focusing efforts on sensitizing students in Kisii County’s higher education institutions about SGBV. During a forum at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Kisii Branch, HECOWENA’s Executive Director, Alex Ontiri, highlighted the lack of awareness among students as a significant barrier to combating these violent acts. “Many students are unaware of how to identify GBV perpetrators or protect themselves from becoming victims,” Ontiri stated.

Ontiri called for increased collaboration among partners to educate young people on preventing GBV in academic settings. ISF’s Project Manager Gerishom Boiyo elaborated on their Grassroots Initiative program, which supports local partners in implementing strategies to eradicate GBV in Kisii and Nyamira counties. “Our initiatives include engaging students on how to prevent GBV and support for those affected to access psychosocial support and other referral services,” Boiyo noted.

Margaret Mogaka, a nurse psychologist in Kisii County, advised students to cultivate healthy relationships and be cautious, particularly when attending social gatherings. She stressed the importance of students informing trusted individuals about their whereabouts to enhance safety. Mogaka also urged students to negotiate safe sex practices to mitigate risks of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Mogaka emphasized the significant resources the government annually allocates to address SGBV in health facilities, suggesting that these could be redirected towards more proactive, preventive measures. She concluded by urging individuals in relationships to prioritize safety and well-being, advocating for leaving unsafe relationships as a necessary measure for personal security.