Discussion Paper No. 261 of 2021 on Gender and Health: An Assessment of the Burden of Gender-Based Violence on Health and Implications for Attainment of Universal Healthcare in Kenya

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is defined as a harmful act directed at an individual on the basis of gender. In Kenya, a report by the National Gender Equality Commission indicates that approximately 39 per cent of women and girls aged 15 years and above have experienced physical violence. Further, NGEC estimated productivity losses to be Ksh 25 billion for serious injuries, Ksh 8 billion for minor injuries, which is approximately 1.1 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Productivity losses are a burden on GDP, and are likely to slow down attainment of universal healthcare. This paper is a review of literature whose general objective is to investigate costs associated with GBV and its impact on GDP. The specific objectives are to: (a) assess the magnitude of GBV; (b) identify the drivers of GBV; (c) document the burden of GBV on healthcare and productivity; and (d) discuss implications for the attainment of universal healthcare in Kenya. The review is guided by a hypothesis that reduction of cost burden of GBV is a strategy for attainment of universal healthcare. The reviewed articles were identified from books, peer reviewed journals, reports, policy documents and websites of agencies and organizations. The data was analysed using the funnel approach - global, regional and national. Results showed an increase in GBV at the individual, household and community levels. Further, in 2016, NGEC calculated cost of GBV as Ksh 46.5 billion, which translated to 0.6 per cent of Ksh 7.470 trillion GDP for Kenya. The results also indicated other costs incurred by individuals and families that are difficult to quantify and factor into the GDP. The recommendations include intensifying research on: (a) magnitude; (b) types and forms; (c) drivers; and (d) impact of GBV on healthcare and productivity