Kenya’s Hidden Crisis: Why Domestic Violence Persists Despite Faith and Laws
Gender-based violence remains a serious problem in Kenya, despite the country’s deeply religious society. Between 2016 and 2024, at least 678 women and girls lost their lives at the hands of intimate partners. Experts warn that more must be done to address the root causes and prevent further tragedies.
Many cases of violence stem from deep-seated societal attitudes. Men may feel entitled to control their partners, while women often face pressure to prove their loyalty. Jealousy and the belief that a partner is a possession can push individuals toward aggression. Financial struggles and the inability to provide for a family also contribute, leaving some men feeling hopeless and resorting to domestic violence.
The issue cuts across all social classes. Recently, the daughter of a well-known Kenyan politician was physically attacked by her husband, proving that even the elite are not immune. Social media often makes matters worse by downplaying incidents or blaming victims instead of holding perpetrators accountable. Educational reforms could play a key role in changing attitudes. Updating school curriculums to reflect modern realities and introducing literature that explores themes of jealousy, control, and emotional maturity—such as Shakespeare’s Othello—might help young people develop healthier relationships. Experts also stress that couples must recognize when a relationship has broken down and that separation can be a safer option than staying in a harmful situation. While organizations like Plan International run workshops on gender-based violence in the Horn of Africa, no specific groups in Kenya are currently known to use literature-based programs to tackle the problem.
The figures show a persistent crisis, with hundreds of lives lost over eight years. Legal and cultural shifts are needed to reinforce that violence is always a crime, regardless of circumstances. Without targeted education and awareness, the cycle of abuse is likely to continue affecting families across the country.
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