Kenya’s youth are facing a harsh economic reality that experts say is fuelling a surge in gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, with over 97 femicide cases recorded since August.

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that GBV incidents have been rising steadily over the past five years, a worrying trend that has prompted urgent calls for action.

UN Women has highlighted financial instability and unemployment as key contributors, particularly among young women in universities and recent graduates.

“Unemployment is a key contributor. Many victims are unemployed young women in universities or recent graduates with financial needs but no capacity,” explained Sebastian Gatimu, Planning and Coordinating Specialist at UN Women.

He urged parents to provide continued financial support to their daughters and called for equitable employment opportunities to address the issue.

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The Kenyan government has pledged to eliminate GBV by 2026, and efforts are underway to involve young men as champions of change.

During the National Young Male Dialogue, hosted by UN Women Kenya and UNESCO, more than 40 young men joined discussions on fostering zero-tolerance campaigns against GBV.

Grassroots structures, including Nyumba Kumi and village elders, were identified as crucial in mobilising communities against violence, with Gatimu advocating the use of barazas to create awareness and inspire collective rejection of GBV.

President William Ruto also weighed in on the issue during the launch of the National Police Service and State Department of Correctional Services Strategic Plans (2023–2027).

He called for a united approach and committed to enhancing law enforcement to combat GBV and femicide.

Despite these initiatives, advocacy groups have expressed frustration with delays in delivering justice for victims and insufficient protections for women.

These organisations continue to demand immediate and robust measures to address what they describe as a growing epidemic of violence against women.

With financial instability, unemployment, and systemic challenges converging, the path to eradicating GBV remains a daunting but critical task for Kenya.