Emerging gender-based violence is driving a new wave of concern among law enforcement and justice stakeholders in East Africa, with Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) calling for a harmonised regional approach to tackle the growing threat.
Speaking on behalf of DCI Director Mohammed Amin at a regional roundtable in Nairobi, Mr. Abdalla Komesha said that while traditional forms of SGBV remain a challenge, emerging gender-based violence such as cyber harassment, digital extortion, and online trafficking is increasingly taking center stage.
“These are cross-border crimes that we can not be solve in isolation,” Komesha told participants at the forum held at Novotel Hotel.
The meeting was attended by prosecutors, judges, police, and regional experts to review strategies and improve cooperation.
Amin, in remarks delivered by Komesha, stated that the DCI is enhancing its capacity through units such as the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit and Gender Desks, which is supported by improved forensic capabilities.
He also urged regional actors to develop a shared framework that closes legal loopholes and ensures survivors receive both justice and support.
“Emerging gender-based violence must be met with holistic responses legal, psychological, and protective,” he said.
The event was organised by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Lawyers Without Borders. Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u, DPP Renson Ingonga, and INTERPOL officials were among those present.
