Machakos County has reported a worrying spike in gender-based violence (GBV), with 1,077 cases documented so far this year, according to a recent Kenya News Agency (KNA) report. Local officials say the rise includes an increasing number of femicide instances, alarming community leaders and prompting calls for more robust interventions.
According to the KNA, the surge is being attributed to multiple factors, including the lingering socio-economic stresses of the pandemic, limited access to support services, and a lack of consistent reporting mechanisms. Authorities point out that many survivors feel unsafe speaking out, while others are trapped in cycles of abuse with few safe options. The Machakos County government has acknowledged the gap and promised to partner with civil society groups, women’s rights organizations, and security agencies to strengthen prevention, support, and justice systems.
The public reaction has been one of concern and urgency. Community groups, especially women’s organisations, have called for the establishment of more shelters, the recruitment of trained counsellors, and tailored GBV awareness campaigns. Meanwhile, some local leaders are pushing for stricter enforcement of protection orders and faster prosecution of offenders.
Looking ahead, Machakos County officials say they will roll out a multi-pronged GBV response plan that includes scaling up hotlines, training first responders, and working closely with national agencies to ensure survivors have access to legal and psychological support. The county’s long-term goal is to build a more resilient and safer environment for vulnerable individuals and reduce the incidence of violence through prevention and enforcement.