The National Gender and Equality Commission has expressed alarm over the rising number of gender-based violence cases in Kisumu County, urging community action to stem the tide.
More than 576 survivors have sought help at the Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC) at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital since January, NGEC Nyanza regional coordinator Davis Okeyo revealed.
During a community forum in Nyakach subcounty, Okeyo said most cases involved physical and sexual violence, but warned the actual numbers are likely much higher, as many survivors remain silent due to fear, stigma, or family pressure.
“Even with these numbers, underreporting remains a serious challenge. Survivors are often shamed or intimidated and in some cases, families turn against those who speak up – especially when the abuse involves a child,” Okeyo said.
He urged elders and cultural leaders, who command influence in the community, to take a stand against GBV and encourage victims to come forward.
“We are appealing to respected voices in the community to break the silence. Their leadership is critical in changing attitudes and promoting reporting,” he said.
Okeyo also pointed to the economic burden GBV places on victims and their families, referencing a 2016 NGEC study that estimated survivors spend up to Sh44,000 per case in pursuit of justice and support services.
“For example, a family might spend Sh3,000 to report to a chief; Sh3,700 to reach a police station and significantly more for medical care, counselling and legal processes.”
Nationally, he added, Kenya loses nearly Sh10 billion annually in managing GBV cases – resources that could support vital development programmes.
While acknowledging existing laws and policies addressing GBV, Okeyo said implementation gaps persist and called for stronger community participation, particularly the involvement of men in prevention efforts.
“Men aged between 24 and 44 account for the highest number of perpetrators. Yet men are also increasingly becoming victims. We need to harness male voices to fight this vice collectively,” he noted.
Okeyo reaffirmed NGEC’s commitment to supporting grassroots campaigns against GBV, echoing President William Ruto’s recent call for intensified community engagement and prevention initiatives.
