Can technology help? Kenya unveils digital tool for tackling GBV and femicide amid rising cases
Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo.
What you need to know:
- Kenya launches a digital reporting platform as pressure mounts to address rising femicide and GBV.
- Rights groups demand stronger action while government introduces technology-based support for violence survivors.
In recent months, Kenya has witnessed growing public anger over the government's perceived failure to curb rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV). Rights organisations, gender advocates and human rights activists have accused the government of doing too little as cases of GBV, including femicide, continue to increase.
In response, the government has launched a new digital platform aimed at strengthening efforts to combat femicide and other forms of gender-based violence. GBV survivors and individuals at risk will now be able to report incidents and seek assistance through the National GBV Reporting WhatsApp platform on +254 724 884 444.
Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo said the platform is designed to provide quick and accessible support while ensuring timely intervention, prevention and referral services.
The platform guarantees confidentiality and enables users to access psychological support, legal assistance and counselling services. It also provides critical referral pathways for survivors of GBV, including technology-facilitated forms of abuse.
“This tool leverages widespread digital connectivity to provide immediate, automated and confidential psychological support, legal counselling and direct referral mechanisms for survivors of both online and physical violence,” she said.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the platform ensures every survivor, regardless of location, can access dignified, timely and effective support. Users can request psychological assistance, legal counselling and referral services. The platform has also been specifically designed to address cyberbullying, online harassment and other forms of digital abuse.
The digital reporting tool was launched amid growing public concern over rising cases of femicide and domestic violence. The rollout comes after a strong ultimatum from the Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya, which warned that the government's failure to take decisive action within 40 days would trigger large-scale peaceful demonstrations.
The proposed protests were expected to be led by a coalition of women’s rights groups, civil society organisations and human rights advocates. Among their key demands was the classification of femicide as a distinct criminal offence to help address the normalisation of gender-related killings and improve data collection and tracking.
“We are also calling on the government to urgently establish a rapid response team to support the reporting of GBV and femicide cases, provide legal and psychosocial support, and offer referrals for survivors and victims’ families. The President should also launch a national campaign to raise awareness and mobilise action against GBV and femicide,” the groups said in a statement.
The advocates argue that such a campaign should address the root causes of violence, challenge harmful myths and stereotypes, promote the prevention of violence against women and encourage the reporting of cases.
The launch of the WhatsApp platform has generated mixed reactions on social media. “A WhatsApp line alone will not stop violence,” one Kenyan posted on Facebook.
Onyango Ondiege said the initiative appears modern and technology-driven but fails to address deeper systemic challenges. “A reporting platform alone does not guarantee accountability for GBV. If reports disappear into silence, then it becomes digital decoration. Technology can improve access, but it cannot replace institutions, trust or justice,” he said.
Another reporting line
The WhatsApp platform will complement 1195, Kenya’s national toll-free helpline for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The helpline is operated by Healthcare Assistance Kenya in partnership with government ministries and United Nations agencies. It provides confidential 24-hour tele-counselling and emergency referral services.
Trained counsellors are available around the clock to offer emotional support, help survivors process trauma and provide guidance on the next steps. The service also connects callers to local shelters, legal aid providers, healthcare facilities and law enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated response.
In emergency situations, the helpline can mobilise ambulances, police officers and other emergency responders to assist survivors, particularly in cases involving physical violence or serious medical emergencies.
