Over 8,000 Pending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Cases Amid Court Backlog
Quote from Lawyer on January 28, 2026, 3:56 amKenya's judicial system continues to grapple with a significant backlog of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, with more than 8,000 matters still awaiting resolution. Between 2022 and 2025, courts recorded a total of 28,146 SGBV-related cases. Of these, 20,013 have been concluded, leaving over 8,000 unresolved and placing considerable pressure on the justice delivery process.
The breakdown of cases reveals varying levels of progress across different categories of offences. Grievous harm accounts for the largest share, with 17,712 cases filed and 13,869 resolved. Defilement follows with 8,071 cases filed and only 4,474 concluded, contributing heavily to the pending caseload. Other categories include rape (1,029 filed, 647 resolved), sexual assault (211 filed, 159 concluded), indecent or unnatural acts (575 filed, 480 resolved), incest (326 filed, 238 concluded), assault (133 filed, 58 resolved), and kidnapping or abduction (89 filed, 88 resolved).
The persistent delays stem from the rising volume of reported SGBV incidents, ongoing challenges in timely justice delivery, procedural gaps within the judicial system, and the complex and evolving nature of gender-based violence. These offences affect women, men, girls, and boys, though women and girls remain disproportionately impacted. Serious crimes such as defilement and rape particularly highlight difficulties in processing evidence and concluding trials swiftly.
The statistics form part of a broader report on SGBV, including findings on femicide, domestic violence, harmful cultural practices, and technology-facilitated abuse. President William Ruto described the revelations as deeply troubling, noting that they reflect the lived experiences, fears, and hopes of survivors across the country. He received the report at State House in Nairobi and commended the taskforce, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, for its extensive consultations with communities, survivors, experts, and institutions in all 47 counties.
The Judiciary's Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Strategy for 2023-2030 seeks to address these issues by prioritizing survivor-centered justice, improving case management systems, and working to reduce court backlogs. Efforts include calls for accelerated trial processes, stronger investigative support, and reforms to ensure survivors receive timely resolutions.
The high number of pending cases underscores the urgent need for sustained action to strengthen the justice system's capacity and protect vulnerable individuals from prolonged uncertainty.
Kenya's judicial system continues to grapple with a significant backlog of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, with more than 8,000 matters still awaiting resolution. Between 2022 and 2025, courts recorded a total of 28,146 SGBV-related cases. Of these, 20,013 have been concluded, leaving over 8,000 unresolved and placing considerable pressure on the justice delivery process.
The breakdown of cases reveals varying levels of progress across different categories of offences. Grievous harm accounts for the largest share, with 17,712 cases filed and 13,869 resolved. Defilement follows with 8,071 cases filed and only 4,474 concluded, contributing heavily to the pending caseload. Other categories include rape (1,029 filed, 647 resolved), sexual assault (211 filed, 159 concluded), indecent or unnatural acts (575 filed, 480 resolved), incest (326 filed, 238 concluded), assault (133 filed, 58 resolved), and kidnapping or abduction (89 filed, 88 resolved).
The persistent delays stem from the rising volume of reported SGBV incidents, ongoing challenges in timely justice delivery, procedural gaps within the judicial system, and the complex and evolving nature of gender-based violence. These offences affect women, men, girls, and boys, though women and girls remain disproportionately impacted. Serious crimes such as defilement and rape particularly highlight difficulties in processing evidence and concluding trials swiftly.
The statistics form part of a broader report on SGBV, including findings on femicide, domestic violence, harmful cultural practices, and technology-facilitated abuse. President William Ruto described the revelations as deeply troubling, noting that they reflect the lived experiences, fears, and hopes of survivors across the country. He received the report at State House in Nairobi and commended the taskforce, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, for its extensive consultations with communities, survivors, experts, and institutions in all 47 counties.
The Judiciary's Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Strategy for 2023-2030 seeks to address these issues by prioritizing survivor-centered justice, improving case management systems, and working to reduce court backlogs. Efforts include calls for accelerated trial processes, stronger investigative support, and reforms to ensure survivors receive timely resolutions.
The high number of pending cases underscores the urgent need for sustained action to strengthen the justice system's capacity and protect vulnerable individuals from prolonged uncertainty.