A new report by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has revealed the escalating crisis of violence against girls and young women in Kenya, revealing a worrying pattern of abuse both offline and online between 2024 and 2025.
According to a report released by the commission on Wednesday, December 10, 15% of school-going girls were subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during the two years, despite ongoing national campaigns to eradicate the illegal practice.
“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,” NGEC revealed.
The findings indicate that FGM remained deeply rooted in several communities, driven by harmful cultural norms, secrecy, and weak enforcement of existing laws by law enforcers.
The commission further disclosed that 23% of school-going girls were forced into early marriages, many before turning 18.
NGEC observed that economic hardships, entrenched cultural practices, and parental pressure continue to drive girls into early unions that cut short their education and expose them to lasting emotional and physical harm.
In a concerning revelation, 65% of girls and women reported encountering sexual harassment in various environments, including schools, homes, workplaces, and public areas, with incidents spanning from verbal abuse to physical attacks
The report highlights an alarming gap in reporting mechanisms and a culture of silence that leaves many survivors without justice.
In digital spaces, the problem remains severe. At least 64% of female students encountered digital forms of Gender-Based Violence, cyberbullying, online stalking, and unsolicited sexual advances.
The Commission warned that the rise in internet access among the youth and children created new ways for predators, with many girls suffering in silence due to fear, shame, or a lack of digital safety knowledge.
NGEC went ahead and urged the government, schools, security agencies, and community leaders to take immediate action to curb the rising tide of violence against girls and women.
The commission recommended more relentless enforcement of anti-FGM and child marriage laws, expanded digital literacy programs, and the establishment of safe reporting channels for both physical and online mistreatment.
The report paints a clear picture of the challenges Kenyan girls face, signaling the urgent need for nationwide interventions to protect minors and secure safer environments both on the ground and online.
