President William Ruto chairs a Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, on December 17, 2024. Photo credit: PCS
The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the establishment of a presidential taskforce to address the escalating cases of femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on December 17, 2024, as a response to the growing public outcry over the rising violence against women.
Recent statistics reveal that at least 97 women have been killed by intimate partners this year alone, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action. The formation of the taskforce is aimed at developing a comprehensive strategy to tackle the root causes of femicide and strengthen gender equality nationwide.
The taskforce will comprise representatives from key sectors, including government agencies, civil society organizations, gender experts, and community leaders. Its primary mandate will involve formulating actionable measures to protect women, reduce violence, and promote a safer environment for all.
During the meeting, Cabinet members emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach in addressing femicide. They highlighted that effective solutions require collaboration among law enforcement, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and grassroots organizations. By fostering cooperation across these sectors, the taskforce aims to deliver a coordinated and impactful response to GBV.
A key focus of the taskforce will be creating nationwide awareness about femicide and its devastating effects on families and communities. Public education campaigns will play a critical role in challenging harmful societal norms, promoting respect, and empowering women. By addressing stigma and encouraging dialogue, the initiative seeks to drive societal change and reduce violence against women.
In addition to awareness programs, the Cabinet stressed the importance of legal reforms to enhance protections for women. This includes reviewing current laws related to GBV, identifying gaps, and recommending necessary amendments to ensure perpetrators face strict penalties. Legal reforms will also aim to improve access to justice for survivors and guarantee that they receive adequate support and protection.
The formation of the taskforce aligns with Kenya’s obligations to international human rights standards, including treaties aimed at safeguarding women’s rights. The government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing violence against women as a violation of fundamental human rights, pledging to take decisive action to combat femicide.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who expressed strong support for the initiative, noted that tackling femicide is not only a legal responsibility but also a moral duty for society. “The rising cases of femicide are unacceptable. As a country, we must unite to protect our women and ensure that justice prevails. This taskforce is a vital step in that direction,” Mudavadi stated.
To enhance its impact, the taskforce will collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), women’s rights groups, and other stakeholders already engaged in addressing gender-based violence. By leveraging their expertise and resources, the taskforce can implement targeted interventions that address specific challenges faced by women at the community level.
Additionally, the taskforce will prioritize research and data collection to better understand the dynamics of femicide in Kenya. Accurate and up-to-date data will inform policy decisions and help design evidence-based interventions to prevent future cases. Regular monitoring and evaluation of implemented measures will ensure accountability and allow for adjustments where necessary.
The government hopes that this initiative will create a long-term framework for combating femicide, providing sustainable solutions to the crisis. By integrating legal, educational, and community-driven strategies, the taskforce aims to transform societal attitudes and promote gender equality across the country.
The formation of the presidential taskforce is a significant milestone in Kenya’s fight against femicide and gender-based violence. Through collaboration, public awareness, legal reforms, and research-driven policies, the government seeks to create a safer and more equitable society for women. This initiative demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to upholding human rights and addressing the urgent issue of femicide.
