Kenya - January 2025

In 2024, Kenya experienced an unprecedented surge in femicide, with at least 170 women killed—the highest annual toll on record according to Africa Uncensored and Odipo Dev. This represents a 79 per cent increase from 2023, when 95 cases were recorded. Between September and November 2024 alone, law enforcement agencies recorded 97 femicide cases, averaging more than one woman killed every day. The Nairobi Women's Hospital's Gender Violence Recovery Center report receiving approximately 4,000 gender-based violence cases monthly, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis. Activists attribute the rise in gender-based violence to systemic misogyny and inadequate legal protections. In response to public outcry, President William Ruto established a 42-member task force to address gender-based violence, though concerns remain about its potential effectiveness. Advocates continue to call for comprehensive reforms to ensure women's safety and justice.

Sources: Africa Uncensored (1), Africa Uncensored (2), Foreign Policy, The Conversation, Al Jazeera, Nation