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Government inaugurates groundbreaking task force to combat GBV and femicide

In a move to address the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya, a 42-member Technical Working Group was sworn in on todsy at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The group, chaired by Lady Justice Nancy Baraza, was commissioned by President William Ruto to spearhead efforts to evaluate, strengthen, and reform the country’s legal and institutional frameworks to combat these pervasive issues.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights Harriet Chiggai and Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo among others, who emphasized the urgency of addressing GBV as a national crisis affecting the social fabric, economic growth, and human rights.

During the event, Harriet Chiggai highlighted the critical role of the Technical Working Group in tackling GBV, describing it as an issue “happening within our comfort zones, the spaces we consider safe, such as our homes.” She called for a collective approach, emphasizing that GBV is a societal problem requiring involvement from the government, civil society, religious institutions, and the community at large.

The inclusion of children and the boy child in the group’s mandate was a significant milestone. “We cannot ignore the high cases of sodomy and violence against boys. Our approach must be inclusive to address violence affecting all genders,” Chiggai stated.

Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that cultural norms and systemic gaps contribute to the escalating violence. He committed the government’s full support to the task force, underscoring the importance of their recommendations in shaping Kenya’s future.

The group’s launch comes against the backdrop of sobering statistics. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 42 percent of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. Additionally, 154,117 teenage pregnancies were reported in 2023, highlighting a child protection crisis. The year has also witnessed over 100 femicide cases, with 15 women killed in January alone.

Chiggai pointed to the economic and social costs of GBV, noting that sectors such as construction and sports report disproportionately high cases of abuse against women, at 60 percent and 75 percent, respectively. The rise of digital violence further compounds these challenges.

The Technical Working Group has been tasked with reviewing legal frameworks, enhancing prevention and prosecution mechanisms, advocating for survivor-centered interventions, and promoting stakeholder collaboration, the group aims to address alarming GBV trends and create a safer, equitable society for all citizens.

Lady Justice Nancy Baraza, renowned for her work on the Bill of Rights, expressed her commitment to the task. “This is a pivotal moment for Kenya. Together, we can create a country where justice, dignity, and equality are not just aspirations but lived realities,” she

The government has pledged unwavering support to the initiative. President William Ruto, who chairs the GBV Action Coalition under the Generation Equality Forum, views this task force as integral to Kenya’s commitment to eliminating all forms of violence against women and children.

The Women’s Charter, signed by the President, will serve as a guiding framework, with GBV as one of its core pillars. Principal Secretary Omollo reiterated that the outcomes of this initiative would not only fulfill Kenya’s obligations to the Sustainable Development Goals but also reflect the President’s personal commitment as a father, husband, and son.

The Technical Working Group’s work is expected to have far-reaching implications. The government has assured that resources and support will be provided to ensure the group delivers actionable, transformative recommendations.

“This is not just about reports or statistics,” Chiggai emphasized. “It’s about saving lives, restoring dignity, and creating a society where everyone feels safe and valued.”

The group’s findings and recommendations will be eagerly awaited, with the hope that their work will pave the way for a safer, more equitable Kenya for generations to come.

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