1 in 4 Girls Forced Into Early Marriage as Digital Violence Explodes

A new report by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has exposed a deepening crisis of violence and exploitation targeting girls and young women in Kenya between 2024 and 2025.

According to the report released on Wednesday, December 10, at least 15% of school-going girls were subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) over the two-year period, despite sustained national campaigns and strict legal prohibitions.

NGEC notes that harmful cultural traditions, secrecy in communities, and weak enforcement of anti-FGM laws continue to fuel the practice.

The data further shows:

23% of school-going girls were forced into early marriages, many before turning 18.

Drivers include economic hardship, cultural pressure, and parental influence, all of which cut short girls’ education and expose them to long-term harm.

The report also highlights rising cases of sexual harassment, with 65% of girls and women reporting experiences ranging from verbal abuse to physical violations in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces. 

Many incidents go unreported due to stigma and limited safe reporting systems.

With the rapid spread of internet access among young people, online abuse has become widespread. The commission found that 64% of female students experienced online Gender-Based Violence including:

Cyberbullying

Online stalking

Unsolicited sexual advances

NGEC warns that digital platforms have created new avenues for predators, while many girls suffer silently due to shame, fear, or a lack of digital safety awareness.

The commission is urging the government, security agencies, schools, parents, and community leaders to take urgent coordinated action. Recommended interventions include:

Stronger enforcement of anti-FGM and child marriage laws

Expanding digital safety and literacy programs

Establishing safe, accessible reporting channels for both offline and online abuse