Over 3,000 cases in three months: Delayed justice worsens Nairobi GBV crisis
The Kibera Law Courts in Nairobi. Some 210 GBV cases are pending before courts in Nairobi, mainly at Kibera and Milimani, underscoring delays that continue to slow justice.
What you need to know:
- More survivors in Nairobi informal settlements are reporting GBV cases despite persistent court delays and trauma challenges.
- Community organisations and police partnerships are improving survivor support while exposing the widespread scale of Nairobi violence.
More than 3,000 gender-based violence (GBV) cases were reported and handled across Nairobi’s informal settlements in the first three months of this year, highlighting the persistent scale of abuse even as efforts to secure justice for survivors show progress.
Data released by Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco), a community organisation, shows that of the 3,000 cases recorded from January to March, 534 were sexual offences and 18 defilement cases resulted in convictions. At the same time, 210 cases remain pending before courts in Nairobi, mainly at Kibera and Milimani, underscoring delays that continue to slow justice.
The figures paint a troubling picture of widespread violence, particularly against children and women living in vulnerable communities, despite growing collaboration between civil society groups, law enforcement agencies and the Judiciary.
According to Shofco Nairobi regional gender lead Irene Oiro, the number of reported cases reflects both the severity of the crisis and increased confidence among survivors and families in seeking help. “In the first quarter alone, we managed 3,000 GBV cases across Nairobi’s informal settlements, with 534 involving sexual offences. Each case requires intervention ranging from rescue and medical care to legal follow-up and psychosocial support,” Irene said.
She noted that while convictions are encouraging, the backlog of unresolved cases remains a major concern. “These delays can discourage survivors and families, which is why sustained support is necessary throughout the legal process.”
Among the cases handled was that of Sheril*, a 15-year-old girl from Kibera who became pregnant after being defiled. Her mother said she initially felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to seek justice. “I didn’t know where to start. I had no money and no understanding of the legal process. Without support, the case would likely have gone nowhere,” she said.
The perpetrator, 21, was later convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Sheril’s case was followed closely by community-based gender responders who coordinated medical care, police reporting and court attendance.
For the teenager, however, justice in court has not erased the personal scars of the abuse. “I was supposed to join Grade 10 this year, but everything changed. I had to stop school because of the pregnancy. It has been hard to accept what happened and to think about my future. I will return to school after I give birth,” she said.
Law enforcement officers say partnerships with community organisations help improve responses to GBV, especially in informal settlements where many cases often go unreported.
Kiptoo Lagat, Kamkunji Officer Commanding Station, said cooperation with community groups has strengthened case management and survivor support. “People are more willing to report cases when they know there is support beyond the police station,” he said, adding that improved resources at gender desks and closer follow-up of cases have helped authorities to serve survivors better.
Sheila Chebet, a gender officer based at Kamukunji Police Station, said joint monitoring of cases has reduced the risk of matters being abandoned. “We follow up on cases together to ensure they are not dropped or delayed unnecessarily. Community presence makes it easier to identify cases early and support survivors through the justice system,” she said.
*Name changed to protect survivor’s privacy.
