Alarming Statistics Reveal Pervasive Violence

A significant number of Kenyan children experience violence, a reality that has spurred urgent calls for the integration of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) education into the national school curriculum. The 2019 Kenya Violence Against Children Survey (VACS) revealed that 49% of girls and 48% of boys aged 13–17 had experienced physical violence. Furthermore, the survey found that 11% of girls and 4% of boys in the same age group reported experiencing sexual violence. These stark figures highlight the pervasive nature of School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), which experts say severely undermines the goal of providing high-quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all children in Kenya.

The Devastating Impact on Education and Well-being

The consequences of GBV on learners are profound and far-reaching. Research indicates that SRGBV leads to poor academic performance, increased absenteeism, higher dropout rates, early marriages, and significant psychological distress, including low self-esteem and stress. During a November 2024 meeting on the effects of GBV in learning institutions, the President's Advisor on Women's Rights, Hon. Harriette Chiggai, noted that SRGBV contributes to high school dropout rates as students perceive the school environment as unsafe. This violence not only violates children's fundamental rights but also perpetuates a cycle of violence and gender inequality that has broader societal and economic consequences for the nation.

Existing Policies and Implementation Gaps

Kenya has established several legislative and policy frameworks to ensure child protection and school safety. These include the Constitution of Kenya (2010), the Children's Act (revised in 2012), the Basic Education Act (2013), the Sexual Offences Act (2006), and the Ministry of Education's Gender Policy in Education (2007). These frameworks prohibit discrimination, corporal punishment, and abuse, and aim to eliminate factors like sexual harassment and gender stereotyping in schools. However, studies and stakeholders consistently point to a significant gap between policy and practice. A 2020 study by the Brookings Institution concluded that the prevalence of bullying and sexual violence in schools indicates that these measures are not being effectively enforced. A recent study highlighted in October 2025 on public secondary schools in Bungoma County similarly found that while policies exist, their implementation is hampered by resource misallocation, lack of proper personnel training, and inadequate reporting mechanisms.

The Case for Formal GBV Education

In response to these challenges, there is a growing consensus on the need for structured, curriculum-based interventions. Education stakeholders and civil society organizations are advocating for comprehensive sexual education programs that promote gender equality, consent, and healthy relationships. Proponents argue that such education empowers students to recognize, report, and prevent GBV. Organizations like Teach For Kenya are already implementing projects such as 'Let Girls Thrive' in partner schools in Kisumu and Nairobi counties, which aim to increase access to information on GBV, build support networks for survivors, and challenge harmful gender norms through gender-responsive teaching methods. Similarly, the Light and Hope Initiative partners with schools to establish GBV clubs, creating safe spaces for students to learn about their rights and speak out against violence. Studies have shown the effectiveness of such programs; a 2017 study on a six-week GBV curriculum for adolescent boys in Nairobi demonstrated a significant improvement in their attitudes towards women and an increased likelihood of intervening when witnessing violence.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the clear need and proven benefits, the implementation of comprehensive GBV education faces hurdles. A 2024 policy brief by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) and the Ministry of Education noted gaps in the availability, access, and sensitization on GBV guidelines within the school community. Only 18% of teachers surveyed in a Brookings study had received on-the-job training in guidance and counseling, highlighting their lack of preparedness to handle GBV cases. To move forward, experts recommend the development of clear SRGBV guidelines for all basic education levels, robust sensitization for teachers and students, and the establishment of safe, confidential reporting and support systems. The recent validation of the reviewed National Policy on Prevention of and Response to Gender-Based Violence in May 2025, which adopts a multi-sectoral approach, signals a renewed commitment at the national level to tackle this crisis head-on. Integrating GBV prevention into the core of Kenya's education system is presented not just as a policy option, but as a critical necessity for safeguarding the nation's children and its future.