Stakeholders seek to end sexual violence against women, children in Coast

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has revealed that it is currently prosecuting 892 cases of defilement involving children in the coastal region, with these offences having occurred in 2023 and 2024.

Speaking during a media briefing with the International Justice Mission (IJM) in Diani, Kwale County, stakeholders in the fight against sexual violence against women and children emphasised the need to step up efforts to end these crimes.

They expressed concern that the violence leaves many children disillusioned and traumatised.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Hassan Abdi stated that the success of sexual offences cases in courts heavily relies on the strength of the evidence gathered during investigations.

As sexual violence cases, particularly defilement, continue to be reported, stakeholders are searching for effective strategies to combat these offences.

The ODPP noted it has registered 1,274 cases of child defilement across the coastal region and has prosecuted 892 cases in under two years.

The ODPP's Regional Coordinator Peter Kiprop said Kwale County has seen a particularly high number of defilement cases, which has raised concerns among officials.

“When we narrow down to Kwale, we realise there are so many offences, particularly involving children. From January 2023 to December 2023, there were 763 cases of defilement across the coastal region, and between January and September 2024, we have recorded 511 cases,” Kiprop noted.

He said there are 493 pending cases from last year, while 399 cases are still pending this year.

“We want to understand why Kwale has such high numbers. Is it population pressure or perhaps lifestyle factors? This information has been shared with other government agencies and we aim to discuss and find solutions to this pressing problem,” he said.

Kiprop also revealed that action is expected within the coming weeks or months to address the alarming defilement rates in Kwale, comparing it with lower figures from counties like Taita Taveta.

Meanwhile, acting country director for the International Justice Mission, Vincent Shahale, outlined the broader issue of sexual violence in Kenya.

"Kenya has a high prevalence of sexual violence. Around 15.6 per cent of girls and 6.4 per cent of boys have experienced sexual violence during childhood, and 13 per cent of women have faced sexual violence in adulthood. Here in Kwale, the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 shows that 14.8 per cent of girls aged 15-19 have ever been pregnant. This is a significant concern,” Shahale said.

Impunity

He said gaps in the justice system allow offenders to act with impunity, while victims are often denied access to justice or the necessary support services.

“Millions of vulnerable women and children remain unprotected from sexual violence," he said.

During a training session for journalists on sexual violence cases, stakeholders committed to intensify efforts to find sustainable solutions to combat these offences.

“Since 2016, IJM has worked closely with the media and government stakeholders to raise awareness of issues in the justice system. Alongside partners like the Kenya Editors Guild, the Media Council of Kenya, and the Missing Voices Coalition, IJM has supported numerous media initiatives that have resulted in hundreds of credible, impactful stories,” Shahale explained.

The ODPP reiterated that successful prosecutions depend on solid evidence obtained through cooperation among all relevant agencies, ensuring that victims receive justice.

Mvita Sub-County Children Officer Emmanuel Tendet outlined the defilement cases recorded by the Department of Children Services in the last financial year. Kilifi had 181 cases, Kwale 65, Mombasa 97, Taita Taveta 33, and Tana River 8.

“We don’t have data for Lamu due to challenges, including the shortage of officers in the region,” Tendet said.

He also disclosed cases of incest had been recorded during the same period, with Kilifi registering 13, Kwale 3, Mombasa 4, and one in Taita Taveta.

Tendet said child neglect remains a major issue, encompassing emotional abuse and failure to enrol children in school.

“As an agency, we are implementing care reforms under the Children Act 2022 to reintegrate children back into their communities, either through guardianship or adoption,” he explained.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) emphasised that protecting women and children from violence is a collective responsibility involving both state and non-state actors.

“Policing plays a crucial role in a coordinated multi-sectoral response to violence against women and children. A strong frontline of police officers can enhance justice and reparations for survivors by improving documentation, strengthening investigations, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. How police officers engage with survivors, offenders, and witnesses significantly impacts outcomes, including preventing future violence and protecting survivors. However, they must be equipped with the right knowledge and tools to respond effectively,” said DCI boss Mohamed Amin.