Gender-based violence (GBV) within Kenya's agricultural sector represents a severe and escalating business and economic risk, undermining productivity, destabilizing supply chains, and costing the Kenyan economy billions of shillings annually, a new study has revealed. The report, co-authored by IDH and the UN Global Compact Network Kenya, highlights the pervasive nature of GBV at every stage of the agricultural value chain, from farms to processing plants and distribution networks.

The findings, discussed at a forum in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, underscore that GBV is a core environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concern that businesses can no longer afford to ignore. Globally, the cost of GBV is estimated at $1.5 trillion annually, approximately two percent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For Kenya, a study by the National Gender and Equality Commission found that the country loses Sh46 billion each year due to GBV. In the agricultural sector specifically, GBV can cost a country up to two percent of its GDP.

A Hidden Tax on Productivity

Women are the backbone of Africa's agricultural labor force, constituting as much as 70 percent in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. However, they face a disproportionate risk of violence, which directly impacts their ability to work and contributes to significant economic losses. The violence manifests in various forms including sexual harassment, physical abuse, and economic coercion.

In Kenya's flower and tea industries, which are major contributors to the nation's GDP, the problem is particularly acute. Women, who make up about 70 percent of the workforce on flower farms, report high rates of sexual harassment and exploitation, often linked to job security and the demands of male supervisors. A 2023 BBC exposé on tea farms in Kericho revealed widespread sexual abuse of female employees by their supervisors, with more than 70 women recounting their experiences. Studies have shown that two out of three women on tea estates report experiencing sexual or domestic violence.

The consequences of this violence are stark. A study in Nigeria found that victims of GBV lost 5-8 hours of productive agricultural activities per day and at least 16 days per month. This lost labor, coupled with increased absenteeism and health costs, directly reduces farm productivity and overall economic output. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has stated that GBV severely undermines efforts to strengthen rural development, nutrition, and food security.

The Business Case for Action

The report argues that addressing GBV is not merely a social imperative but a strategic business necessity. Sebastian Gatimu, a planning and coordination expert at UN Women Kenya, stated that ignoring GBV is a “core business risk.” Organizations that proactively implement measures to combat GBV have seen tangible benefits, including reduced absenteeism, improved morale, and increased profitability.

Data from such interventions shows significant positive outcomes: absenteeism drops, productivity rises, and harmful social norms can decrease from 80 percent to as low as 15 percent. Furthermore, awareness of reporting systems among workers can increase from 17 to 79 percent, while early marriage rates have been shown to decrease by 46 percent in supportive environments.

Initiatives like the Women's Safety Accelerator Fund are demonstrating the impact of coordinated action. By embedding GBV prevention into business strategy, promoting women's leadership, and engaging men as allies, companies can create safer and more productive workplaces. Experts urge businesses to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on GBV, establish clear and confidential reporting mechanisms, and invest in training for both employees and management.

A Call for Systemic Change

The prevalence of GBV in agriculture is deeply rooted in systemic issues of gender inequality, power imbalances, and weak legal and social structures. Women often hold insecure, low-paying jobs, making them vulnerable to exploitation. The remote and isolated nature of many agricultural workplaces further heightens the risk.

Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach involving businesses, governments, and civil society. Nancy Baraza, chairperson of the Technical Working Group on Gender Based Violence including Femicide, has called for stricter prosecution of perpetrators to set a precedent and combat the culture of impunity. The working group, established by President William Ruto, is currently conducting public forums across the country to identify gaps in the existing legal and policy frameworks.

By tackling GBV head-on, Kenya has the opportunity to not only protect the fundamental human rights of women but also to build more resilient, sustainable, and profitable agricultural value chains, setting a benchmark for the region and the world.