By Georgina Nduta

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A National Emergency

Kenya is facing a disturbing rise in femicide — the killing of women because of their gender. What was once considered private has now become a public crisis, making headlines and sparking nationwide conversations about safety, justice, and societal values.

In recent years, younger women, including Gen Z, have been disproportionately affected. Many are in relationships where digital harassment, social pressure, and urban stresses have escalated into violence, often leaving little time or space to seek help.

“Each loss is not just personal; it’s a national tragedy,” says a gender rights activist in Nairobi.

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The Roots of the Problem

The causes of femicide are complex:

• Cultural norms: Deep-seated patriarchal beliefs still influence how men and women relate in many households.
• Economic dependency: Women lacking financial independence often remain trapped in abusive relationships.
• Legal gaps: Weak enforcement of laws and slow judicial processes hinder protection.
• Generational challenges: Young couples face new pressures, from online abuse to lifestyle stresses, which sometimes escalate into fatal situations.

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Safe Spaces: What’s Working, What’s Missing

Kenya has started building safe houses, but they remain scarce:

• Karura, Nairobi: Government-backed shelter for urban survivors.
• Murang’a County: NGO-run safe house accommodating women and children.
• Makueni County: Plans to construct multiple shelters.

Even where safe houses exist, capacity is limited, staff are under-resourced, and many survivors still have nowhere to go.

“Safe houses can save lives, but only if they are accessible and properly supported,” explains an official from the National Gender & Equality Commission (NGEC).

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Why Gen Z is at Risk

Recent reports indicate a surge in femicide among women in their late teens and 20s. Experts attribute this to:

• Digital-age abuse and harassment
• New relationship dynamics that are less visible to family or authorities
• Economic vulnerability

Activists stress the need for youth-friendly shelters, counseling, and preventive programs tailored to younger couples.

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Prevention: What Needs to Change

Ending femicide requires action at every level:

• Stronger legal frameworks specifically addressing femicide
• Expanded safe houses with trained personnel across counties
• Community education to shift harmful gender norms
• Youth-centered strategies to address digital abuse and early warning signs

Economic empowerment, accessible counseling, and law enforcement reforms are equally crucial.

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The Human Cost

The emotional toll of femicide is immeasurable. Survivors live with trauma, while families grieve loved ones whose deaths might have been preventable. For society, each case represents a systemic failure.

Yet hope remains. Movements like #EndFemicideKE and local NGOs are working tirelessly to raise awareness, support survivors, and push for systemic change.

“Protection is not just about laws and shelters,” says a local NGO leader. “It’s about creating a society where women can live and thrive without fear.”

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Conclusion

Femicide is more than a crime; it is a social crisis. Protecting women, especially the young, requires collaboration: government, law enforcement, communities, and families. Safe houses, strengthened laws, and cultural change are essential steps.

When society prioritizes empathy, vigilance, and shared responsibility, Kenya can begin to reclaim safety and dignity for its women — and break the cycle of violence.