ActionAid Kenya – A leading NGO working to advance social justice, gender equity, and human rights across Kenya.
Messages Terminated
Communities Reached
Success rate
Counties
The Challenge
In many marginalized and remote communities in Kenya, reporting gender-based violence (GBV) remains a major challenge. Survivors often face barriers such as:
Lack of access to police or health services
Fear of stigma or retaliation
Poor digital connectivity
Limited knowledge of reporting channels
There was an urgent need for a simple, accessible, and discreet reporting mechanism—one that could work even in the most underserved areas without relying on smartphones, apps, or internet access.
What did
Databit do
Databit Limited developed and deployed a USSD/SMS-based platform that empowers survivors and community members to report GBV incidents anonymously and quickly using a mobile phone.
How It Works:
Trigger: A user sends the keyword “HELP” via SMS to a designated short code.
Routing: The message is automatically received and logged into the central system.
Case Handling: A trained operator is immediately alerted and calls back the sender to offer support, verify details, and escalate the case if necessary.
Response Coordination: Depending on the case, ActionAid can mobilize local partners (e.g., counselors, legal aid, health workers, or police) to provide timely assistance.
Case Tracking: Every interaction is logged, allowing ActionAid to track response times, case resolution, and location-based trends.
The Results
- Increased Reporting of GBV Cases
- Faster Response & Case Handling
- Empowered Local Communities
- Real-Time Data for ActionAid
- Improved community outreach on GBV
