Nyeri: Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe has called upon communities to join forces to stamp out Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Wang’ombe has cautioned that the country will continue to record high cases of GBV unless each and every one of us views it as a personal responsibility and actively works to address the issue.

According to Kenya News Agency, the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reveals that 43 percent of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 have experienced intimate partner violence from a spouse, ex-spouse, or boyfriend. In addition, 13 percent of women and girls have experienced sexual violence, while 5 percent of women aged 18-29 reported experiencing sexual violence by age 18.

At the same time, the 2020 Amref Health Africa report, dubbed Amref Health Africa Statement: Addressing Period Poverty and Stigma in Kenya, showed that sexual harassment was equally prevalent, affecting approximately 65 percent of women in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Additionally, a June 2025 report investigating the prevalence of intimate partner violence against men aged 18-54 years in Kisumu County, published by the BMC Public Health journal, confirms that men are also victims of GBV. The report findings showed that 76.1 percent of the 398 male respondents had experienced some form of intimate partner violence.

The findings indicated that emotional and economic abuse were the most prevalent forms of abuse, at 47.5 percent and 23.8 percent, respectively. From the findings, 16.5 percent reported experiencing sexual violence, while 12.2 percent had experienced physical violence.

Wang’ombe attributed the prevalence of GBV in the country to moral decay and urged for collective action to restore the society’s former values. The PS warned that stern action will be taken against perpetrators, adding that the government will not stand by as they continue to perpetuate harmful acts.

The PS spoke in Kiamwathi in Nyeri town when she paid a visit to 14 families whose houses were razed down by a fire on Saturday. The afternoon fire was caused by a gas explosion that emanated from one of the houses, leaving behind a trail of destruction. No casualties were reported. However, the families did not manage to salvage anything.

Wang’ombe extended gratitude to local firefighters who responded quickly, saving lives and neighboring homes. She called upon community members, local leaders, and the church to come together to help the affected families, while delivering her Sh100,000 donation to help the victims.