NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 12 – A total of 10,894 people have been convicted of sexual offences in Kenya, with defilement ranking as the most common offence, followed by rape, according to Judiciary data.

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The figures from the automated register of convicted sexual offenders were presented by Judiciary Registrar Winfirda Mokaya during the FIDA Kenya Annual Conference.

The register lists defilement, rape, attempted defilement, incest and sexual assault among the leading sexual offences resulting in convictions.

The data also highlights significant differences across counties. Nairobi accounts for 17 per cent of the recorded cases, followed by Kilifi at 14 per cent, Murang’a at 13 per cent and Uasin Gishu at 10 per cent.

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Kitui, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kiambu and Makueni each account for eight per cent.

However, the Judiciary said officials received different findings during a recent engagement in Western Kenya, where they were informed that Vihiga was recording the highest number of sexual and gender-based violence cases.

The Judiciary said the growing database will help identify areas requiring urgent intervention and guide decisions on the deployment of resources to tackle sexual and gender-based violence.

Officials cautioned that prosecutions alone cannot resolve the problem, describing gender-based violence as a wider societal challenge that requires interventions beyond the courtroom.

The Judiciary is seeking partnerships with county governments, civil society organisations and other institutions to strengthen prevention and support services.

Among the proposed interventions are rescue centres for victims and greater use of Court Users Committees to promote public awareness, advocacy and community sensitisation.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya