The UK and Kenya have renewed their commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), following a high-level event hosted by the British High Commission in Nairobi.
Led by Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Ed Barnett and attended by National Police Service (NPS) Inspector General Douglas Kanja, the event showcased system-strengthening and technology-driven approaches reshaping how Kenya prevents and responds to GBV both online and offline.
Held as part of the British High Commission’s flagship activities for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the event highlighted cross-sector partnerships spanning law enforcement, higher education, civil society and the private sector.
These collaborations, officials said, are driving significant progress in addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and responding to the rapid rise of technology-facilitated GBV.
A major focus was the deepening UK–Kenya cooperation with the National Police Service, the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, and local organisations to enhance survivor-centred policing.
Through this partnership, the POLICARE pilot has been rolled out, the Mombasa Situation Room established, and gender desks strengthened in 60 police stations to deliver more dignified, accessible and effective services for survivors.
Dr. Barnett reiterated the UK’s survivor-first approach, noting:
“The UK is proud to stand with Kenya in this fight. Our partnerships are built on a simple but powerful principle: survivors must be at the centre of our response.”
Inspector General Kanja stressed the urgency of curbing digital abuse, describing online platforms as both empowering and increasingly dangerous spaces:
“The sophisticated, borderless nature of these crimes demands sophisticated, collaborative solutions. This is why the partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom… is so vital.”
Higher education partnerships also featured prominently.
The British Council, Kenyatta University and the University of Warwick presented their two-year initiative (2024–2026), which includes a digital reporting tool enabling anonymous SGBV reporting on campuses.
The project combines technology with research, awareness campaigns and institutional reforms to improve safety and accountability in universities.
The Gwiji for Women platform developed through the UK- and Unilever-backed TRANSFORM programme was spotlighted as an example of tech-enabled economic empowerment.
The app connects women domestic workers with clients, enhancing their safety, improving working conditions and reducing vulnerabilities associated with informal labour.
Technology-facilitated GBV remains a growing concern, with global prevalence estimated between 16% and 58% of women. In Kenya, more than 60% of women in public life have reported experiencing online harassment.
To combat these trends, the UK-supported KICTANet Gender Programme is leading innovations such as TFGBV lexicons in local languages, mental-health-focused training for police and health workers, integration of digital safety into gender desks, and tools like the OGBV Tracking Map.
Beyond policing and digital safety, the UK’s Manufacturing Africa programme is expanding gender equity initiatives in Kenya’s industrial sector.
These include promoting gender-inclusive hiring, supporting women-led enterprises and creating safer, more equitable opportunities across agri-processing and manufacturing supply chains.
Closing the event, both governments affirmed their commitment to scaling solutions that protect and empower women and girls.
“Our shared ambition is clear: to end all forms of gender-based violence and build a fair, inclusive, and thriving society where everyone can live free from fear and discrimination.”
