High cost of living pushes up GBV cases in Naivasha
Rift Valley
By
Antony Gitonga
| Mar 04, 2026
Cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) are on the rise in Naivasha, with informal settlements that house hundreds of flower farms being the most affected.
In the last week, six victims, including four minors, have been rescued, some suffering from wounds on the private parts inflicted by knives and hot objects.
This came as a mother was arrested after attacking and injuring her Grade 7 daughter on the hand with a knife after discovering she had an affair with another student.
READ MORE
Agoa renewal offers new chance to redefine Africa's place in global trade
Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle
China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect
Co-op bank shares set for further gains on strong profit growth, lower rates
Kenya slashes dollar debt to record low as Chinese yuan gains ground
Government plans stricter laws to clean up tea sector
Tourism earnings hit record Sh500 billion as arrivals near 8m
Kakamega youth, women eye avocado export cash after skills training
Portable kitchen: Designer taps into space-saving trend
Kenya urged to pilot AI regulatory Sandbox in bid to lead Africa's digital future
According to John Kinuthia, the chair of Naivasha GBV, the informal estates were recording at least four cases every week, with women and minors being the most affected.
In the latest cases, he said that two women had been arrested after assaulting their minors for alleged misbehavior and failing to attend school.
Kinuthia said that the most affected estates by the violence included Karagita, Kihoto, Mai Mahiu, and KCC estates, which house low-wage earners.
“We are deeply worried by the rising cases of violence targeting women and minors, and in all the cases, the main suspects are the relatives,” he said.
He attributed the violence to the harsh economic times, noting that many families working in the flower sector could not make ends meet.
“We have seen a rise in cases of gender based violence, mainly in estates that are home to flower farm workers, and a sensitisation campaign will come in handy,” he said.
In the latest cases, two women from Kabati and Site estate were arrested over the weekend after beating their children and leaving them with serious body injuries.
“In one of the cases, a woman was caught on CCTV brutally beating a six-year-old boy, while in another case, a mother slashed her daughter’s hand using a knife,” he said.
Kinuthia added that a mother of two was admitted to Naivasha sub-county hospital with a fractured hand and leg after the husband attacked her with a blunt object.
Naivasha DCIO Isaac Kiama confirmed the arrest, noting that the women would be charged in court with various offences.
“We are working with some homes where the abused children can be housed as we prosecute these cases to the end,” he said.
In the last couple of years, the lakeside town has also recorded several cases of suicide, with a majority of the cases involving school-going minors and youths.
MOST READ
- Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi
- China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi
- Co-op bank shares set for further gains on strong profit growth, lower rates
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi