NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has pledged decisive government action on the recommendations of a national report on gender-based violence (GBV), including femicide, describing the findings as alarming and a call for urgent, coordinated response.
Speaking on Monday at State House, Nairobi, during the official launch of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence report, President Ruto said the government would carefully review the proposals and move to implement measures aimed at curbing the escalating crisis.
The President acknowledged the widespread and complex nature of GBV in Kenya, noting that while the vice affects people across all genders and age groups, women and girls continue to suffer the greatest impact.
“This report is more than a technical document. It reflects the voices, fears and hopes of the Kenyan people, especially survivors of gender-based violence,” Ruto said.
The task force, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, conducted extensive public consultations in all 47 counties, drawing input from survivors, experts, communities and state institutions — an approach Ruto praised as critical in shaping a credible and inclusive report.
Among the key proposals is a recommendation to formally declare gender-based violence, including femicide, a national crisis requiring urgent and coordinated action across government agencies.
The report also calls for stronger prevention strategies, enhanced investigative and prosecutorial capacity through specialised law enforcement units, and legislative and policy reforms to improve survivor protection and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
We must adopt a whole-of-society approach to end gender-based violence. Every Kenyan has a role to play. Together as a nation, we must ensure that none of our citizens live in fear because of their gender.Change must begin at home, with parents bringing up their children in a
President Ruto said the recommendations would undergo established government review mechanisms, including scrutiny by the Cabinet and relevant ministries, departments and agencies, before being translated into policy, legislative or administrative action.
“Where legislative reforms are proposed, they will be processed through the established constitutional and parliamentary procedures,” he said.
Despite the ongoing review process, the President reaffirmed that violence against any Kenyan violates the Constitution and undermines national values.
“Protecting life, dignity and safety is not optional. It is a core duty of the State,” Ruto said.
He stressed that ending gender-based violence requires a whole-of-society approach, urging families, religious institutions, community leaders, security agencies and citizens to take collective responsibility in preventing abuse, reporting cases and supporting survivors.
