Cabinet Secretary for Gender Affairs Sicily Kariuki. [Photo: standardmedia.co.ke]
Cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country are still on the rise despite elaborate plans by the state and non-state actors that are tailored towards curbing the outdated vice.
According to statistics released by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth, and Gender Affairs Sicily Kariuki, an estimated 47, 000 cases were captured and responded to through the national gender hotline between 2013 and this year.
According to the statistics, 47 percent of women and 40 of men aged between 15 and 49 years have experienced either physical or sexual violence.
“The prevalence rate of cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) is steadily coming down, with statistics showing that in 2009 it was at was 27 percent but by 2014, it had reduced to 21 percent although some regions are still practicing it,” CS Kariuki said.
“GBV has remained one of the most pervasive violence of human rights in Kenya and a big hindrance to the country’s socio-economic advancement,” the CS decried.
Ms. Kariuki released the statistics while presiding over the launching of a 16-day of activism against GBV at Ndumberi in Kiambu, in the presence of Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, Woman Rep Gathoni Wamuchomba, Kiambu Town MP Jude Njomo among other leaders.
The 16 days of activism against GBV takes place every year from November 25, which is the International Day for the elimination of violence against women, to December 5, the Human Rights Day, and is geared towards advocating for the elimination of GBV.