Western, Nairobi, Nyanza and Rift Valley have the highest numbers of men abused sexually and physically by their spouses, a study has revealed.
The 2014 Kenya Demographic survey showed that 12.8 per cent ever-married men have experienced physical violence in Western, 12.2 in Nairobi, 10.3 in Nyanza and 7.1 in Rift Valley.
Eastern recorded 7.5 per cent, Central 6.8, Coast 5.5 and North Eastern 3.2 per cent.
The abuse includes pushing, slapping, punching, kicking, strangling, burning or threatening with a weapon.
The assault was highest in men aged between 20 and 24 years (11.7 per cent), while those between 30 and 39 reported the fewest cases at 7.1 per cent.
Those aged between  40 and 49 came second at 9.8 per cent followed by those in the 25-29 age bracket at 8.7 per cent.
Widowed, divorced or separated men, among the 2,624 interviewed, were said to be at higher risk of sexual or physical abuse, followed by those married more than once.
Economic status and education levels were reported as some of the factors steering the aggression.
Middle income households reported the highest number of cases at 11.6 per cent while men who had not completed their primary education were the most abused at 9.3 per cent.
Cases of violence against women were however higher than in men.
Western led with 51.6 per cent while North Eastern recorded the lowest rate at 12.1 per cent. The cases were highest among those aged 40-49 and married more than once.
Like in men, women who had not completed their primary education recorded the highest cases.Those in the second lowest income bracket were reported as being at the highest risk.
– the-star.co.ke
