The Role of Faith Actors in the Care Continuum for Survivors of Sexual Gender Based Violence in Urban Slum and Pastoral Settings in Kenya

Abstract

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is widespread among women and girls in Kenya despite extensive legal, policy, and institutional measures. The role of faith-based actors (FBAs), though crucial in supporting prevention and survivor recovery, has remained underexplored. This study examined the essential role of FBAs in SGBV in Narok and Nairobi counties. Data were collected through case narratives, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with purposively selected participants, and analysed thematically. The findings show that SGBV manifestations and drivers differ by location. Urban slums reported higher rates of rape, sodomy, and sexual harassment, while pastoral areas reported more cases of FGM and forced marriages. Drivers in the slums included social media, substance abuse, and peer pressure, whereas in pastoralist communities, cultural norms and poverty were more prominent. Faith-based interventions included sensitisation sessions, educational sponsorship, life skills training, and counselling. These strategies addressed the main drivers identified in each setting such as social norms in Narok and social disorder in Nairobi. The study concludes that faith-based actors can utilise their strengths to be effective agents of survivor-centred change. Collaboration with these actors is vital to enhance and expand efforts to eliminate SGBV.