How peer power and tech are driving Kenyatta University’s fight against sexual violence
The main entrance to Kenyatta University. Students here are increasingly turning to technology to confront sexual and gender-based violence.
What you need to know:
- Kenyatta University’s innovative SGBV reporting app has significantly increased reporting rates and awareness on campus.
- Paired with weekly student-led sensitisation efforts, the platform is reshaping how the university community responds to violence, enabling faster investigations and promoting preventive action.
The reporting app is giving survivors a voice by allowing anonymous reporting and offering immediate access to help.
Kenyatta University students are increasingly turning to technology to confront sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) on campus. To break the silence that often surrounds such incidents, the university last year introduced a digital application that enables survivors and witnesses to report cases anonymously—tackling stigma, one of the greatest barriers to seeking help.
Developed by the Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, the app enables students and staff to file SGBV reports securely. It also provides emergency contacts, including a private adviser on sexual assault and the police, as well as guidance on staying safe and resources on preventing GBV on campus.
“Reporting rates were low because of fear and the slow pace of justice,” says Prof Judith Ndombi Waudo, director of the centre and leader of the Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub. “We designed this application to encourage anonymous reporting. Once a case is submitted, a committee appointed by the vice-chancellor investigates immediately, giving survivors a chance at timely justice.”
Since tracking began early this year, nearly 200 reports had been submitted by July. Prof Waudo says the progress is encouraging, largely because the initiative combines technology with peer-to-peer engagement. Realising that top-down sensitisation often has limited impact, the university recruited 12 student ambassadors last semester (six men and six women drawn from six schools).
Each ambassador receives a weekly topic to discuss with fellow students, supported by printed bookmarks summarising essential information. The topics range from active bystander intervention to sexually transmitted infections.
“For example, when discussing active bystanders, ambassadors explain how a student can intervene safely if they witness an assault, shout for help, support the survivor, or take steps to interrupt the incident,” Prof Waudo notes.
“While engaging their peers, they also demonstrate how to download and use the application through a QR code that gives instant access across mobile and web platforms.”
The ambassadors submit weekly reports on their challenges and gains, with topics rotated to ensure wide coverage of SGBV issues. According to Prof Waudo, this blend of digital innovation and peer mentorship is helping the university reach more students, promote awareness, and nurture a culture of accountability and safety.
“It’s remarkable to see the impact when students take ownership of these conversations,” she says. “The application and our peer-to-peer approach are giving survivors a voice, while empowering the student community to act responsibly and prevent further abuse.”
