Bungoma and Murang’a counties have recorded the highest prevalence of physical and sexual violence against women, according to the 2026 County Development Index (CDI) report, which highlights wide disparities in gender protection, teenage pregnancies and women’s representation in county leadership.
The report paints a grim picture of the challenges facing women and girls in several counties, while raising questions about the effectiveness of policies and programmes aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable groups.
Teenage pregnancy remains a major development concern with significant regional disparities that threaten girls’ education and well-being.
Presenting the findings, economist Samuel Kimote said teenage pregnancies continued to disrupt girls’ education, with an estimated 12 out of every 100 girls becoming pregnant while still young.
“Out of 100, we are sure that 15 would not finish their studies. Twelve girls out of 100 are getting pregnant while still very young,” Mr Kimote said.
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According to the report, Samburu recorded the highest teenage pregnancy prevalence at 41.5 per cent, followed by West Pokot at 32.2 per cent, Narok at 25.9 per cent, Marsabit at 20.6 per cent, Migori at 20.4 per cent, Kajiado at 20.3 per cent, Homa Bay at 18.7 per cent, Siaya and Taita-Taveta at 18.4 per cent each, and Meru at 16.9 per cent.
Samburu remains at the top despite the 2021 Kisima Declaration, in which clan elders publicly committed to ending female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and child, early and forced marriages.
“These counties face challenges associated with child marriage, school dropout, inadequate access to adolescent reproductive health services and socio-cultural practices,” the report states.
Murang’a recorded the lowest teenage pregnancy prevalence at 3.8 per cent, followed by Vihiga at 3.9 per cent, Nyandarua at 4.3 per cent, Nyeri at 4.5 per cent and Mombasa at 5.4 per cent.
The report attributes the relatively low rates in these counties to factors including reproductive health services, higher school retention rates and stronger adolescent health programmes.
Bungoma recorded the highest prevalence of physical violence against women at 62.2 per cent, followed by Murang’a at 53.7 per cent, Homa Bay at 53.5 per cent, Migori at 51.1 per cent and Samburu at 48.6 per cent.
Assessment of sexual violence
Other counties with high prevalence rates were Isiolo at 45.6 per cent, Turkana at 42.4 per cent, Uasin Gishu at 41.9 per cent, Kiambu at 41.7 per cent and Embu at 40.3 per cent.
Mandera recorded the lowest prevalence at 8.6 per cent, followed by Kitui at 11.5 per cent, Kwale at 13.1 per cent, Wajir at 13.2 per cent, Kericho at 16.3 per cent and Marsabit at 16.4 per cent.
However, the report cautions against interpreting low reported prevalence as evidence that violence is less common, noting that stigma, weak reporting systems and inadequate survivor support services could prevent victims from coming forward.
“While these figures appear favourable, they should be interpreted cautiously because low reported prevalence may partly reflect under-reporting arising from social stigma, limited reporting systems, or inadequate survivor support services,” the report states.
It adds that the high prevalence of physical violence in several counties underscores the need for stronger prevention strategies, survivor support services, legal enforcement and community awareness programmes.
A similar pattern emerged in the report’s assessment of sexual violence, with Bungoma again recording the highest prevalence at 30.3 per cent, followed by Murang’a at 24.3 per cent, Homa Bay at 23.1 per cent and Embu at 21.5 per cent.
Narok and Nyandarua each recorded 17.5 per cent, followed by Kajiado at 16.9 per cent, Migori at 16.7 per cent, Kiambu at 16.6 per cent, and Meru and Kisii at 16 per cent each.
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Mandera recorded the lowest reported prevalence of sexual violence at 0.8 per cent, followed by Kitui at 0.9 per cent, Marsabit at 1 per cent, Wajir at 1.5 per cent, Tana River at 2.3 per cent, Kericho at 3.2 per cent, Kwale at 4.3 per cent, Makueni at 4.7 per cent and Siaya at 5.7 per cent.
The report warns that low reported rates may reflect barriers to reporting rather than lower levels of abuse. It recommends strengthening county gender-based violence prevention frameworks, expanding access to safe shelters, improving access to justice and investing in community awareness programmes.
The report also highlights persistent gender disparities in county executive leadership, with no county achieving equal representation of women and men across all leadership positions assessed.
Kirinyaga and Murang’a recorded the highest female representation in county executive leadership at 50 per cent each, indicating a more balanced distribution of appointments.
Embu, Kakamega, Kisumu, Kajiado, Kilifi, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Uasin Gishu were among the counties recording female representation of approximately 40 per cent.
Turkana, Mandera, Marsabit and West Pokot recorded the lowest representation, at 20 per cent each, while many other counties stood at approximately 30 per cent.
The study was conducted by the SDG Kenya forum and supported by Gates Foundation.
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