GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST FEMALE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN KENYA

Abstract

Background: Over 350,000 persons were internally displaced in Kenya during Post-Election
Violence (PEV) in 2007. As a result, the rights of most vulnerable people in the society, such as
women and children were grossly abused. Forced displacement as a result of conflicts, disaster or
projects results in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) populations who rely on their respective
governments and humanitarian organizations for basic needs and protection. The aim of this study
was to ascertain the nature and extent of sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) amongst internally
displaced females in Eldoret IDP camp; Kiambaa and Yamumbi transit camps.
Methods: a cross sectional study design was used where respondents were sampled from the Kenya
Red Cross list of IDPs. Systematic random sampling was applied to select a sample of 375 from a
population of 4256 females who had been stratified by age and gender. Eight Focus Group
Discussions and 10 Key Informant Interviews with camp authorities and other personnel were held.
Findings: Eighty- five percent of the respondents experienced some form of SGBV, Sexual
exploitation accounted for 46% (n= 147) while forced sex (rape) 39 %( n=124). The strangers led the
perpetration at 35% (n=94), law enforcers/ security personnel at 33% (n=90), 22% (n=60) was by a
person known to the victim while humanitarian official accounted for 10% (n=27) of all perpetrators.
The magnitude of non-consensual sex was highest among young girls and women with 16.8 %( n=59)
of those who were experienced exploitations were 20-29-year-old while 10.2% (n=36) of those
forceful assaulted were between 12-19 years old.
Conclusion & Recommendations: There is a need to address policy and operational issues on
Sexual Gender Based Violence among IDPs. Early preparedness and response based on an excellent
scenario building strategy are fundamental in eradicating Sexual Gender Based Violence during
displacement.