Kenya Reported More Than 5000 Rape Cases From March

By Nsunjo Erica

The Ministry Of Health said that incidents of violence and rape against the vulnerable members of the society in Kenya have increased by 7 percent between March and June compared to the same period last year.

Ministry of Health in a statement on Friday said Wajir, Turkana, Kisii, Nandi, Lamu, Homabay, and Kisumu had recorded a 30 percent increase in incidents of violence.

According to the ministry, over 5,000 rape survivors received medical treatment at various hospitals across the country during the same period.

Additionally, the survivors are largely minors and comprise 5% male and 95% female survivors, however, the Government has put measures in place to ensure victims of these atrocities receive help.

Health CAS Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said that some measures put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 are fueling the violence being meted out on innocent members of the society more so, women and children.

According to reports, lockdown restrictions have brought new pressures to family and home environments which has ended up increasing the number of family violence incidents including rape

The increased number of homeless children and female citizens due to the inevitable COVID-19 challenges has increased the rate at which men are taking advantage of female citizens in the country according to The Ministry Of Health.

The National Prevention and Response Plan on Violence Against Children 2019-2023 which was launched last week by the State Department of Social Protection will seek address issues of violence against children.

At the same time, the response will be offering psychosocial support and counseling to victims through its toll-free number 1190.

The Ministry Of Health through the National Prevention and Response Plan on Violence Against Children 2019-2023, says that any Incidences of rape or violence can also be reported through 116 which is also toll-free.