The National Gender and Equality Commission released a report on December 10, 2025, detailing the rising violence against girls and young women in Kenya between 2024 and 2025. It covers female genital mutilation, early marriages, sexual harassment, and digital abuse. The findings call for immediate interventions to safeguard vulnerable groups.
A new report from the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), released on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, sheds light on the deepening crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) affecting girls and young women across Kenya. Drawing from data over 2024 and 2025, the document outlines persistent challenges despite national efforts to combat these issues.
Key statistics reveal that 15% of school-going girls underwent female genital mutilation (FGM) during this period, a practice sustained by cultural norms, secrecy, and inadequate law enforcement. Similarly, 23% faced forced early marriages before age 18, often due to economic pressures, traditions, and family expectations, which disrupt education and lead to long-term harm.
Sexual harassment affects 65% of girls and women in settings like schools, homes, workplaces, and public spaces, ranging from verbal insults to physical assaults. The report notes a significant underreporting due to weak mechanisms and a prevailing culture of silence, denying many survivors access to justice.
Online, 64% of female students experienced digital GBV, including cyberbullying, stalking, and unwanted sexual solicitations. Increased internet access among youth has opened new avenues for abuse, with victims often remaining silent out of fear, shame, or insufficient digital safety awareness.
NGEC states, “More than 40% of the women and girls in Kenya face GBV in their lifetime. GBV is costing the country Ksh46 billion annually, more than 1% of the GDP.” The commission presses for stronger enforcement of anti-FGM and child marriage laws, broader digital literacy initiatives, and reliable reporting systems. It appeals to government bodies, educators, security forces, and community leaders to act swiftly, emphasizing the need for comprehensive protections in both physical and virtual realms.
