Over 31,000 SGBV cases filed in Kenyan courts in 2024/25, report reveals

Over 31,000 sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases were reported in Kenyan courts in the 2024/25 financial year, with Nairobi, Kiambu and Meru topping the list.

According to the recently released report by the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), the 31,460 cases filed were slightly down from 32,909 in the previous year.

Nine counties recorded more than 1,000 SGBV cases each, revealing the regions where the burden of gender-based violence is heaviest. These are Nairobi, Meru, Kiambu, Nakuru, Machakos, Kisumu, Kisii, Kakamega and Bungoma.

Nairobi topped the list with 2,654 cases filed, including 2,094 cases of grievous harm, 364 defilement, 85 rape and 43 indecent acts. The county also resolved 2,549 of these cases during the year.

Kiambu followed with 1,793 cases filed, comprising 1,385 grievous harm and 265 defilement cases. The county resolved 1,751 cases in the same period.

Meru recorded 1,727 cases, including 1,447 grievous harm, with 1,376 cases resolved.

Other counties with high SGBV burdens included Nakuru (1,332 cases filed), Machakos (1,280), Kakamega (1,157), Kisii (1,140), Kisumu (1,007), and Bungoma (1,178). The report highlights grievous harm as the most prevalent form of SGBV across the counties.

All except Kisumu were also among the top counties in 2023/24. Kilifi, which previously had 1,024 cases, saw a decline to 939 in 2024/25.

Smaller counties such as Samburu and Wajir recorded the lowest numbers, with 97 and 153 cases filed, respectively.

Among the leading counties, three also recorded an increase in cases. These are: Machakos (up by 184), Kisumu (130), and Meru (87), while the rest experienced a drop.

Grievous harm remained the most prevalent form of SGBV, followed by defilement, rape, indecent acts, sexual assault, incest and assault. The report notes that grievous harm alone accounted for 23,221 cases, representing 74 per cent of all filings. Defilement cases totalled 6,088 (19 per cent), with Kilifi, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Bungoma among the highest contributors.

During the year, courts resolved 31,880 SGBV cases, slightly exceeding the number of cases filed. Grievous harm accounted for the bulk of resolutions, totalling 22,855 cases nationwide.

The findings highlight persistent gaps in addressing SGBV across the country despite ongoing awareness campaigns and judicial interventions.

The NCAJ report has called for continued support for victims, improved case management and strengthened mechanisms for prevention and prosecution.

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