GBV Taskforce Urges National Crisis Declaration and Legal Reforms
News Updated: 27 January 2026 19:52 EAT
A Presidentially appointed Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has recommended that the government declare femicide and gender-based violence a national crisis, citing rising cases across the country.
The taskforce, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, presented its report to President William Ruto, highlighting that more than 1,600 women were killed between 2022 and 2024, with many deaths involving intimate partners or acquaintances.
Among the key recommendations is the establishment of a National GBV and Femicide Emergency Fund. The taskforce has urged the Treasury to allocate at least Sh50 billion in the 2026/27 budget to support survivor services, emergency response, and prevention programs.
To enhance security, the group has called for mandatory CCTV installation in all short-stay rentals, lodgings, and commercial accommodation facilities by September 30, 2026, aiming to deter potential perpetrators and provide evidence for investigations.
The taskforce further recommended that the Sexual Offences Act be amended by September 2027 to require that all sexual violence and GBV cases be concluded within six months, ensuring timely justice for survivors.
It also proposed that the law impose harsher penalties on offenders, criminalize out-of-court settlements, and prevent interference from family or community members that may obstruct justice.
The group highlighted systemic challenges, including gaps in survivor support, law enforcement training, data management, and justice delivery, all of which undermine Kenya’s response to GBV and femicide.
The report calls for the creation of a national GBV and femicide database, along with a real-time dashboard to track cases and inform policy decisions, complemented by expansion of one-stop recovery centres in all counties.
The taskforce conducted nationwide consultations and engaged stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure a comprehensive review of legal, policy, and implementation gaps.
Government officials are now expected to review the recommendations for potential legislative action, policy reforms, and budget allocations, with parliamentary scrutiny required before amendments to statutes like the Sexual Offences Act can be implemented.
Tags: Signsmedia Gbv GBV Gender Based Violence Sexual Gender Based Violence Signs Tv Signs Media Kenya Limited
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD