National govt intensifies efforts in war against GBV and Femicide
The national government’s campaign to combat gender-based violence (GBV), including the rising cases of femicide, has entered its second week with intensified public engagement across the country.
Spearheaded by the State Department for Gender, the initiative seeks to strengthen Kenya’s policy, legal, and institutional framework to address GBV through comprehensive public participation forums.
The Technical Working Group on GBV Including Femicide, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Dr Nancy Baraza, is currently holding consultations in Bungoma, Kiambu, Machakos, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, and Uasin Gishu counties.
The forums are part of a nationwide effort to gather public views and expert recommendations to address the root causes and systemic failures enabling GBV and femicide.
In Kiambu County, the forum was coordinated by the National Gender and Equality Commission, bringing together a multi-stakeholder platform of government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and survivors of gender violence.
Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula called on residents to actively contribute ideas that would inform the implementation of effective GBV laws and support systems.
“Public participation is key to ensuring we build policies that reflect the real challenges and solutions proposed by those most affected,” Wafula said.
Participants in Kiambu identified unemployment, rampant drug and alcohol abuse, and deteriorating mental health as major contributors to GBV in the county.
They also called for the establishment of rescue centres in every sub-county, government-provided transportation for emergency responses, and increased investment in mental health support systems.
Public participation
“The most effective way to curb GBV cases in Kiambu is alcohol and drug abuse regulation in the county and the creation of employment for our youth,” said Alice Karanja from Kikuyu sub-county.
Dr Baraza reiterated the urgency of the mission, noting that President William Ruto had declared GBV and femicide a national emergency. “The president has directed us to deliver actionable recommendations. We are committed to ensuring that Kenya responds to GBV in a comprehensive, timely, and survivor-centred manner,” she said.
Last week, the Technical Working Group visited 27 counties, with plans to engage with residents in 19 additional counties before concluding the process in Nairobi City County next week.
On May 10, 2025, the team is scheduled to visit Homa Bay County, followed by public forums in Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kajiado, Kilifi, Migori, and Turkana on Wednesday.
Mandera and Wajir will host forums on Thursday, while Baringo, Kisii, Lamu, and Siaya will wrap up the week’s consultations on Friday.
The final leg of the nationwide exercise will be held in Nairobi next, where residents will have a final opportunity to share their views. Nairobi stakeholders had earlier submitted preliminary proposals addressing urban-specific GBV challenges.
The recommendations collected throughout the nationwide tour will inform a comprehensive policy and legislative review to be presented to the President and Parliament. The outcome is expected to lay the groundwork for a stronger national response to gender-based violence, ensuring survivors are protected, perpetrators are held accountable, and systemic prevention is prioritised.
