This research report explores the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on patterns of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Kenya. The research entailed conducting interviews across the 47 counties of Kenya, including in informal settlements, to document sexual violence and other violations of adults and children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find 1) emergency measures are exacerbating the vulnerability of children and women; 2) the socio-economic impact of the crisis has increased tensions within households, with reports of physical violence and increased homelessness for women; 3) Vulnerability to violence has been amplified across the population as a whole according to reports by human rights actors, with there being numerous incidents of death and injuries caused by the police while enforcing the COVID-19 emergency measures put into place. Policy recommendations are offered.

Funded by Research Councils UK, ES/T010207/1 and AH/T008091/1, and the University of Birmingham Institute for Global Innovation.