People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua addresses the media as she calls for stronger investment in preventing gender-based violence/HANDOUT
People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has called for renewed national efforts to curb rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country.
Karua has urged the government, communities and stakeholders to strengthen systems that protect women before violence occurs.
Karua, in a statement shared on her official X account on Tuesday, highlighted the prevalence of violence against women in Kenya, saying the country must move beyond reacting to cases after they happen and instead invest more in prevention, survivor support and safe reporting mechanisms.
Quoting statistics on violence against women, Karua said nearly one in every three Kenyan women has experienced physical violence, while about one in every eight has experienced sexual violence.
"Nearly 1 in 3 Kenyan women has experienced physical violence, and approximately 1 in 8 has experienced sexual violence. These represent millions of lives disrupted and dreams cut short," Karua wrote.
She said the figures reflect the devastating human cost of GBV, which continues to affect women and girls across the country regardless of age, social status or geographical location.
Karua called for increased investment in measures that prevent violence before it occurs, arguing that stronger institutions and community-based interventions are essential to reducing the number of victims.
"We must invest in prevention through safe reporting systems, survivor support, and stronger community protection before violence occurs," she stated.
Her remarks came as Kenya continues to grapple with persistent cases of GBV and femicide that have prompted widespread public concern and repeated calls for tougher action from the government, civil society organisations and human rights groups.
Karua emphasised that effective prevention requires accessible and confidential reporting channels, support services that enable survivors to seek justice and recover from trauma, and stronger community structures capable of identifying and addressing risks before they escalate into violence.
She also used the hashtags #ActNowToEndGBV and #TuunganeTujikomboe, reinforcing calls for collective responsibility in combating gender-based violence through collaboration between government agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations and the public.
Gender rights advocates have consistently argued that addressing GBV requires more than legal action alone.
They say public awareness campaigns, economic empowerment of women, education on healthy relationships and improved access to psychosocial and legal support are equally important in reducing violence and protecting vulnerable groups.
Karua's statement adds to the growing voices urging Kenya to intensify efforts to eliminate GBV through preventive strategies while ensuring survivors receive timely protection, justice and comprehensive support.
Her appeal underscores the need for sustained national commitment to creating safer communities where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.
