Consultant psychologist John Wills Njoroge says around 3.5 million Kenyan men aged 15–54 have faced sexual abuse, but only 7 per cent report it.
He stressed that men are not toxic; they are traumatised, pointing to stigma, under-reporting, and lasting impacts on relationships, work, and social life.
Men being traumatised challenges the misconceptions that harmful behaviours stem from character flaws rather than unresolved psychological wounds.
Njoroge described the circumstances of abuse, noting that most incidents involve individuals known to the victim, often in positions of authority.
“It could be a domestic worker, a workmate, a relative, or someone in authority,” he told Radio Generation on Wednesday. “The issue is authority with power, and it is the misuse of that power.”
He emphasised the importance of emotional and psychological safety for young men and boys.
Many survivors hesitate to speak out because societal definitions of masculinity frame vulnerability as weakness.
“Sometimes the definition of masculinity in our society labels this boy as weak. We withdraw opportunities for healing because we tell him he is not man enough to talk about it,” Njoroge said.
Recent official data show that sexual and gender‑based violence (SGBV) remains a serious challenge in Kenya.
According to the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) report for the 2024/25 financial year, a total of 31,460 SGBV cases were filed in Kenyan courts, with Nairobi, Kiambu and Meru among the counties recording the highest numbers of filings, including grievous harm, defilement, rape and indecent acts.
The report also notes that specialised courts and improved procedures have contributed to more survivors seeking legal redress, reflecting both the scale of the problem and evolving trust in the justice system.
Children and young people are also vulnerable to sexual violence in Kenya.
Data from the Gender Based Violence Recovery Centre and national statistics indicate that up to 30 per cent of girls and 18 per cent of boys experience sexual violence before the age of 18, reaffirming the widespread impact on minors and the likelihood that many cases go unreported or are only brought to light much later in life.
These figures highlight that sexual trauma affects both females and males from early ages, often with long‑term health, psychological and social consequences.
Reflecting on his work, Njoroge highlighted the enduring impact of trauma. “This baggage never quite leaves you. It is always with you, at college, at work, in relationships,” he said. When left unresolved, he added, trauma can lead to depression, substance abuse, or suicide.
Njoroge shared findings from recent Nairobi County data, revealing 500 reported cases of male sexual abuse this year, predominantly from low-income neighbourhoods.
He pointed out that these incidents, like violence against women, are often perpetrated by someone the victim trusts, compounding shame and difficulty in seeking justice.
He explained that abuse often involves physical force, coercion, or sexual assault under the influence of alcohol, and highlighted the added stigma of same-sex assault.
“For most men, even the affection of another man seems odd,” he said, emphasising the layers of shame and fear that contribute to under-reporting.
Njoroge argued that societal misunderstanding of sexual violence against men perpetuates silence.
“The stigma begins with us and how we relate to sex, especially when it comes with additional baggage, like something that was not solicited, something that was not negotiated or agreed upon,” he said.
He reaffirmed the importance of gender-neutral laws in Kenya, noting that sexual offenses against men carry the same penalties as those against women. Awareness of these provisions, he said, could empower more men to report abuse.
Njoroge highlighted the need for communities to recognise and respond to trauma early.
“Are we creating spaces where boys feel safe enough to say, ‘I am being abused’? If we can create psychological safety for men and boys, then it creates the conditions for a society that allows everybody to be safe and dignified,” he said.
Despite the high numbers of reported cases, the Consultant emphasised that under‑reporting remains a major barrier to fully understanding the prevalence of SGBV in Kenya.
Cultural norms, stigma, fear of reprisal and limited access to justice and support services continue to deter many survivors from seeking help, particularly in low‑income communities.
Efforts to improve data collection, expand specialised SGBV courts and broaden psychological support services aim to bridge these gaps, but significant challenges remain as stakeholders strive to strengthen prevention, reporting and response mechanisms nationwide
Through his work as a well-being strategist, Njoroge continues to advocate for support systems, healing interventions, and societal recognition of male sexual trauma, urging Kenyans to confront hidden violence and give survivors the opportunity to heal.
