Workplace Sexual Harassment and Corporate Accountability Frameworks in the Kenyan Banking Sector

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 193–200

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001272

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Workplace Sexual Harassment and Corporate Accountability Frameworks in the Kenyan Banking Sector

Names of Authors: Dr. Serah W. Nyaga¹, Dr. Patrick M. Kilonzo²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹School of Business and Management, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya; ²Department of Gender and Development Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract:
This study investigates the prevalence, institutional reporting mechanisms, and systemic barriers related to corporate sexual harassment within the formal banking sector in Nairobi, Kenya. Utilizing a mixed-methods organizational framework, data were gathered via an anonymous digital survey of 420 female bank employees across tier-one financial institutions, supplemented by 20 key informant interviews with human resource corporate compliance officers. The quantitative metrics reveal that 64% of respondents experienced form-based or verbal sexual harassment within the past 24 months. Statistical modeling demonstrates a significant negative correlation between experiencing workplace harassment and career progression timelines (p < 0.05). The thematic analysis highlights that formal institutional reporting mechanisms are structurally flawed, with 78% of victims avoiding internal grievance procedures due to fear of career retaliation, corporate cover-ups, and systemic victim-blaming culture. Descriptively, the data reveal that non-disclosure agreements are regularly weaponized by legal departments to protect high-revenue male executives, effectively silencing complainants. Furthermore, corporate wellness architectures treat harassment as an individual interpersonal issue rather than a structural risk factor. The study concludes that existing labor regulations are insufficient to protect female professionals. We recommend establishing independent, external ombudsman offices for corporate sectors, mandating transparent annual compliance audits, and enacting strict legislative bans on mandatory non-disclosure clauses for gender-based human rights violations.

Keywords: Sexual Harassment, Corporate Accountability, Banking Sector, Reporting Mechanisms, Gender Equality, Kenya

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 11, 2026; Revised: May 22, 2026; Accepted: June 29, 2026; Published: August 31, 2026.

Citation: Nyaga, S. W., & Kilonzo, P. M. (2026). Workplace Sexual Harassment and Corporate Accountability Frameworks in the Kenyan Banking Sector. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(9), 193–200. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001272

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