By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, May 21, 2026 - An 11-year-old child is among 107 suicide victims reported in Nyeri County and the wider Central region in the last two years, as government officials raised alarm over a sharp rise in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), femicide and mental health cases.
The shocking revelations emerged during a high-level multi-agency stakeholders’ engagement forum held at Nyeri National Polytechnic on Thursday, where leaders warned that communities are facing a growing social crisis fuelled by depression, drug abuse, economic hardship and family breakdown.
Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Ann Wang’ombe, who presided over the forum on behalf of Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo, said the government had intensified interventions under the 90-Day Rapid Response Initiative aimed at curbing SGBV, suicide and child rights violations.
“The engagement focused on strengthening coordinated action and practical interventions to address the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, suicide and child rights violations across the region,” said Wang’ombe.
The meeting brought together County Commissioners, Police Commanders, Gender Directors and stakeholders from Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua counties.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who officially opened the meeting, described the situation as a devastating social challenge affecting families and communities across the region.
“Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and suicide cases continue to pose a serious concern in our society. This is a critical social challenge affecting individuals, families and communities,” said Kahiga.
“Behind every statistic is a human story, a family in pain, a child affected by the trauma, a life lost and many young people struggling silently with mental health challenges,” he added.
Statistics presented at the meeting showed that 349 GBV-related cases have been reported at the National Police Service since 2024.
The cases include 154 defilement incidents, two gang defilement cases, 26 rape cases, 10 gang rapes, seven attempted rapes, 36 indecent assaults, three incest cases, 23 sexual assaults and 16 murders linked to gender-based violence.
Authorities also disclosed that 71 domestic cases involving threats to kill had been reported.
On suicide, officials revealed that 107 cases were recorded between June 2024 and May 2026, involving 81 males and 26 females, with victims aged between 11 and 88 years.
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Kahiga warned that the rising cases of SGBV and suicide reflect deeper societal problems that require urgent and coordinated interventions.
“The drivers of these challenges are complex and interconnected. They include mental health challenges and depression, drug and substance abuse, family conflicts, unemployment and economic hardship, harmful cultural practices and weakening community support systems,” he said.
“These issues require a multi-sectoral and whole-of-society approach,” the governor added.
Kahiga admitted that despite ongoing interventions, major challenges still persist, including inadequate funding, underreporting of cases, limited safe spaces for survivors and rising mental health concerns among young people.
“This underscores the urgent need for sustained interventions, coordination through a multi-sectoral approach, a strengthened SGBV technical working group and enhanced survivor support systems,” he said.
The governor praised the National Government, Judiciary, security agencies, religious leaders and civil society organisations for supporting efforts to combat the crisis.
Going forward, Kahiga said the county government would intensify collaboration with schools, health facilities, religious institutions and community leaders to strengthen prevention and response systems.
“We must all play our part in building safe homes, safe schools and safe communities,” he said.
He also issued an emotional appeal to young people and survivors of abuse.
“To our young people, your life matters. Seek help, speak out and never suffer in silence. To survivors, we stand with you, and we remain committed to ensuring access to justice, protection and support,” Kahiga said.
The leaders said the forum should serve as a turning point in the fight against SGBV and suicide in the region.
“Let this forum not be just another meeting, but a call to action. One that strengthens partnerships and leads to real, sustained change in our communities,” Kahiga said.