Cultural prohibitions against women testifying against family members contribute to unreported cases, fostering a rise in incest and teenage pregnancies.
In Vihiga, cases of incest are alarmingly high, with Vihiga Health Centre recording 94 gender-based violence cases between March and November of 2023 alone.
"The majority of the cases are incest, the highest ever in my sixteen years of practice. All involving family members. On average, the facility records 10 to 20 cases of SGBV per month, with 100 pregnancies every year in Central Maragoli Ward alone," Boaz Aliona, a clinical officer at the health center said.
In the quiet corners of Lusengeti Village, a heartbreaking tale of innocence lost unfolds at the Blessed Heaven Rescue Centre. Amid pain and vulnerability stands two-eight-month-old Violet, a symbol of resilience and the harsh realities faced by the most vulnerable members of this society.
Jael Abukhutsa, the founder of the rescue center, recounts the disturbing events that befell Violet. "Violet was raped and left for dead six months ago by a relative. I was called to rescue her when she was unconscious, took her to the hospital, and filed the case," Abukhutsa reveals, her voice laden with the weight of the tragedy.
Despite the apparent agony, Violet's innocence radiates, creating a stark contrast with the brutality she endured.
Tragically, justice for Violet remains an elusive dream, obscured by the shadows of family secrets. The perpetrator, shielded by familial ties, continues to evade accountability, leaving a young girl's plea for justice unanswered.
The disturbing narrative of Violet echoes a broader societal issue highlighted by the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 report.
"I had a sexual affair with a man while in Form Two, got pregnant, and had to drop out of school. Later, my aunt kicked me to the streets. Luckily, I was taken in by the Women Concerns Centre in Nyalenda," Atieno recalls.
A similar plight is experienced by Amina, an 11-year-old victim of rape in Kaloleni informal settlement.
Zara Ismile, a witness in Amina's court case, highlights the concerning trend of families covering up incidents of defilement through informal negotiations, perpetuating a cycle of injustice.
This crisis stands as a formidable obstacle to achieving Sustainable Development Goal '5,' which aspires to attain gender equality and empower all women and girls by eliminating all forms of violence against them.
The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and national laws provide a legal framework in combating the widespread SGBV cases, but societal change remains imperative. However, the challenges persist, with poverty and negative gender norms identified as root causes.
In response to this urgent situation, the "Let it Not Happen Again" project, initiated in 2019 by the Governments of Italy and Ireland in collaboration with UN Women and The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), has been making strides in preventing and responding to SGBV, particularly violence against women.
UN Women in partnership with the Action Coalition on Gender-based Violence, are actively working to end violence against women and girls in Kisumu, Vihiga and Bungama counties. From legal reforms to comprehensive services for survivors, the goal is to foster a culture of equality and zero tolerance for violence.
'Without ambitious investments to scale up prevention programmes, implement effective policies, and provide support services to address violence against women and girls, countries will fail to end gender-based violence by 2030.
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation is partnering with UN Women to advance and support the Government of Kenya's efforts to end gender-based violence.
"This year, we launched the fourth phase of the 'Let It Not Happen Again' project, bringing our total commitment towards this very successful initiative to Sh446 million, specifically targeting women's empowerment, improving health, and environmental sustainability in arid and semi-arid lands,' Giovanni Grandi, Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation Regional Office in Nairobi, said.
The project's focus on community dialogues and capacity building within the justice system has seen progress in ending impunity for perpetrators.
The program has trained police officers and established gender desks to enhance coordination, setting up Court Users Committees, that bring together police, judicial officers, civil societies, and medical officers who play a pivotal role in fast-tracking justice for SGBV victims.
"The County's commitment to addressing SGBV has seen designated 12 magistrates specifically for SGBV cases and allocated dedicated days for each to handle these crucial matters," Kenneth Cheriyot, Senior Principal Magistrate, Kisumu Law Court, said.
Amina, Atieno Chebet, and Violet look up to the justice system for their case to be heard and determined.
"Through the Court Users Committee, we have been able to fast-track 50 cases to hearing and half to conclusion. Now, justice is seen as served as all parties are involved. The committee meets to review the pathway to justice," Fatuma Wambui, a member of the Court Users Committee at Winam Social Justice Centre in Kisumu, said.
Wambui said they discuss gaps in the system and the way forward which has limited blame games on who failed.
This she said has also ensured that justice is served to the victims within the timeframe.
Beatrice Odongo, County Executive Committee Member, Gender Department, Kisumu County, acknowledges challenges in access to justice, citing weak policy framework and lack of financing.
"Gender is underfunded in most of the counties, and this hinders us as stakeholders to implement programs geared towards mitigating the prevalence of GBV," she said.
The UN Women report indicates that poverty and lack of viable livelihoods still greatly drive gender-based violence.
This is worsened by the current economic climate, which has brought increased financial stress among families, further exposing women and girls to vulnerabilities.
The fight against SGBV in Kenya necessitates a comprehensive approach, including strengthening the justice system, raising community awareness, and providing economic empowerment for women.
Collaboration among the government, civil society, and international partners is crucial to eradicating the shadows cast by gender-based violence and achieving the goals of Sustainable Development Goal '5.'