National Police Service Pursues 125 Femicide Cases Amid Escalating Gender-Based Violence Crisis Across Kenya

The National Police Service is actively handling 125 reported femicide cases nationwide as incidents of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence continue to threaten the safety and well-being of women and girls.

According to police data, the Central Region leads with 31 cases, followed by the Western Region with 30 cases. Nairobi Region has recorded 17 cases, Rift Valley Region 16 cases, Eastern Region 16 cases, Coast Region 9 cases, Nyanza Region 4 cases, and North Eastern Region 2 cases.

Out of the total 125 cases, 98 cases, which represent 78.4 percent, are currently before the courts. The remaining 27 cases, representing 21.6 percent, are still under active investigation.

These figures highlight the police service's increased commitment to delivering justice for victims and affected families. A specialized team has been set up at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters. This team includes criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts, homicide investigators, and other professionals equipped to manage these complex cases.

The update follows concerns raised by the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya and the National Gender and Equality Commission regarding the rising killings. Advocacy groups have called for detailed information on the progress of the specialized unit, ongoing investigations, and efforts to train officers in handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.

Investigations show that most cases stem from domestic disputes, intimate partner violence, sexual offences, assault, and unresolved family conflicts. These patterns emphasize the need for stronger prevention efforts, greater public awareness, and active community involvement to tackle the underlying causes of gender-based violence.

To improve responses, the National Police Service has established the Directorate of Gender and rolled out Gender Desks and Child Protection Units in police stations throughout the country. These facilities support survivor-centered approaches, better access to justice, and prompt assistance for victims.

The service continues to provide ongoing training for officers on managing sexual and gender-based violence cases. This includes victim support, referral systems, trauma-informed investigations, and protection measures for vulnerable individuals in accordance with national laws and international standards.

Additionally, the police are expanding POLICARE Centres, which serve as integrated one-stop facilities offering free comprehensive services to survivors. These include police assistance, legal aid, medical care, psychosocial support, counselling, and referrals, all designed to deliver efficient and dignified help under one roof.

While progress continues, authorities stress that femicide and gender-based violence represent broader societal issues. Addressing them requires sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, religious leaders, community groups, and development partners. Efforts focus on prevention, victim support, and public education.

The public is encouraged to report all incidents of violence immediately, provide reliable information to law enforcement, and assist victims through community initiatives. Collective action and vigilance are essential to combat these crimes effectively.

The National Police Service has pledged to maintain maximum efforts in confronting and eradicating femicide and all forms of gender-based violence in the country.