Between 2022 and 2025, Kenya’s legal system processed a substantial number of cases related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The statistics indicate a total of 28,146 documented cases, underscoring the widespread nature of this societal issue.
However, the figures also demonstrate a judicial system actively working through its caseload, having resolved 20,013 cases during this timeframe.
The most frequent charge presented to the courts was grievous harm, comprising 17,712 filed cases. This particular category showed a high resolution rate, with 13,869 cases concluded.
Even more troubling are the statistics involving minors; Defilement cases totaled 8,071, with 4,474 of those achieving resolution. The gap between filed and resolved cases in this category points to an urgent requirement for additional resources to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.
Other severe offenses, such as Rape (1,029 filed) and Incest (326 filed), continue to pose challenges to the judiciary, while categories like Kidnapping and Abduction demonstrate nearly complete resolution, with 88 out of 89 cases settled.
While the volume of cases serves as a stark reminder of the violence present in communities, the resolution of over 70% of all filed cases suggests a deliberate initiative by technical working groups and the courts to deliver closure and accountability for survivors.