Speaking during an engagement on the matter, Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo said the situation had become deeply concerning, particularly among men, women, and children affected by violence, emotional distress, and mental health challenges.
According to the ministry, a total of 680 people died by suicide in the Mt Kenya region between June last year and April this year. During the same period, authorities also recorded 531 cases of gender-based violence and abuse.
The statistics revealed that Kiambu County, Nyeri County, and Murang'a County registered the highest number of reported cases, while Kirinyaga County and Nyandarua County also recorded worrying trends, although at lower levels.
The ministry noted that violence against children remains one of the biggest concerns in the region.
Nyeri County recorded the highest number of child abuse and violence cases with 93 incidents reported during the review period.
Kiambu followed closely with 87 cases, while Murang’a recorded 81. Kirinyaga registered 75 cases, with Nyandarua reporting 36 incidents involving children.
Authorities also expressed concern over cases involving violence against adults, especially rape and sexual abuse.
Kiambu once again led with 23 reported rape cases, followed by Nyeri with 17, Murang’a with 16, and Kirinyaga with 15. Nyandarua recorded 10 such cases during the same period.
Cheptumo said the government is now working closely with county administrations, religious leaders, mental health professionals, and community organisations to strengthen awareness campaigns and provide support services to affected families.
She noted that many victims continue to suffer in silence due to stigma, fear, and lack of access to counselling and reporting mechanisms, adding that urgent intervention is needed to prevent the situation from worsening.
The Cabinet Secretary also called on families and community leaders to play a more active role in identifying people struggling with emotional distress, depression, or violence before situations escalate into tragedy.