President William Ruto has appointed a 42-member Technical Working Group to tackle the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya. This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s response to GBV, mitigate its impact on individuals and communities, and close existing gaps in prevention, investigation, prosecution, and survivor support systems.The taskforce, which is set to be led by Dr. Nancy Baraza, includes notable figures such as Faith Odhiambo, the President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), crime and investigative journalist Franklin Wallah, and Linah Jebii Kilimo, former MP for Marakwet East. Other key members include Dr. Sam Thenya, founder of Nairobi Women’s Hospital, and several distinguished experts in law, social services, and policy.The President emphasized that the rising cases of GBV and femicide have inflicted severe physical, emotional, and economic harm on Kenyan families and communities. The taskforce will assess current legal and institutional frameworks, identify trends and hotspots, and propose actionable strategies to address these challenges.Key responsibilities of the working group include:- **Reviewing and recommending measures to strengthen institutional, legal, and policy responses to GBV.**- **Identifying and analyzing trends, hotspots, and causes contributing to GBV and femicide.**- **Conducting community engagements and proposing legal amendments to improve enforcement mechanisms.**- **Addressing gaps in resource allocation and operational effectiveness within institutions handling GBV cases.**- **Examining the influence of social media on GBV and assessing its impact on awareness and policy.**The taskforce will also focus on the role of psychological factors and socioeconomic challenges in GBV cases and propose solutions to foster healthier family relationships and prevent domestic disputes.The taskforce will be reporting to the Deputy President through the Principal Secretary for Gender, with oversight from a committee consisting of Principal Secretaries from various state departments. The group is expected to submit its final report within 90 days, with the possibility of an extension if necessary.The Secretariat, which will coordinate the group’s activities, is housed within the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. The group is also authorized to collaborate with experts, conduct public hearings, and co-opt relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive solutions.This step marks a significant commitment by the government to combat GBV and femicide and foster a safer and more equitable society for all Kenyans.**End of Release**
About the Author
