NGOs laud conviction of 3,000 cases in gender-based violence war

Shofco founder Kennedy Odede attributes the convictions to strengthened community reporting systems and collaboration with law enforcement. [File, Standard]

The government has acknowledged the contribution of NGOs and the private sector in tackling gender-based violence in Nairobi slums.  

Officials, however, say progress recorded in the first quarter of 2026 has been overshadowed by the scale of the crisis, with 3,000 cases handled, 534 of which are sexual offences. 

The figures, released in a quarterly report, highlight the momentum in prosecutions and the persistent prevalence of sexual violence against minors.

Gender Officer Sheila Chebet, Kamukunji said that her office works closely with the Shinning Hope for Communities (Shofco) to monitor cases of gender-based violence and ensure they are taken through the justice system.

“We follow up on cases together to ensure they are not dropped or delayed unnecessarily. Their work in the community makes it easier to identify cases early and support survivors throughout the process,” Ms Chebet said.

Shofco has secured 18 convictions in defilement cases in Nairobi in the first three months of 2026.

Some 210 cases are pending in court for the period between January 2026 to end of March 2026. According to Irene Oiro, Shofco’s Nairobi Region Gender Lead, the organisation’s integrated model has been key to handling the high caseload.

“In the first quarter alone, we managed 3,000 sexual offence cases across Nairobi’s informal settlements. Each case is handled from rescue and medical attention to legal follow-up. Our teams work closely with families and authorities to ensure survivors are protected and cases are not abandoned,” Oiro said.

She noted that the 210 cases currently pending in Kibera and Milimani Law Courts reflect systemic delays that continue to challenge justice delivery.

“These delays can discourage survivors and families, which is why we remain actively engaged throughout the legal process,” she said.

Kiptoo Lagat, Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kamukunji Police Station, said: “Our collaboration has been very helpful. Shofco supports us with resources and also ensure that survivors receive the care they need. At our gender office, they have provided essential items such as computers, mattresses, blankets, and printers, which have improved our working conditions and the comfort of survivors,” Lagat said.

He explained that the organisation’s involvement helps build trust between the community and law enforcement.

“People are more willing to report cases when they know there is support beyond the police station,” he said.

Shofco founder Kennedy Odede attributed the convictions to strengthened community reporting systems and closer collaboration with law enforcement and the judiciary.

“We are doing so much, but we aren’t tired enough yet. We must push more. I need our community to stand up and do even better,” Dr Odede said.

Caroline Adhiambo, a mother from Kibera, credits the organisation for helping her seek justice for her 14-year-old daughter, who was defiled and became pregnant.

“I didn’t know where to start. I had no money and no knowledge of the legal process. They took my daughter to the hospital and covered the legal costs. Without them, the case would have gone nowhere,” she said.

Gender Champion Roseline Amondi, who ensured consistent follow-up with both the police and the courts, said they efforts led to the conviction of the 21-year-old perpetrator, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

“This case was painful, but it also showed what is possible when survivors are supported properly. We walked with Sheril and her mother every step of the way, from reporting the case to attending court sessions,” Amondi said.