NAIROBI, Kenya – Amid growing concerns over a surge in femicide cases, the government has unveiled a series of targeted measures to address the crisis, including the creation of a Presidential Working Group on femicide and specialized law enforcement units.
In a statement issued ahead of the festive season, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi acknowledged the “worrying trend” of femicide, noting that between August and November 2024 alone, 100 women were murdered across the country.
The broader crisis of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) has also escalated, with 7,107 cases reported since September 2023.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number of incidents, while Samburu and Mandera registered the lowest.
To address the alarming rise, President William Ruto has directed the formation of a Presidential Working Group, which will deliver actionable proposals within 90 days.
The group is expected to analyze the root causes of femicide, propose preventive measures, and recommend stronger legislative and policy interventions.
In addition, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has formed a specialized Missing Persons Unit under its Homicide Division.
This unit will focus specifically on investigating femicide cases and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Femicide has brought to the fore underlying and ongoing violations of women’s rights,” Mudavadi stated. “The government is determined to end this menace by employing a multi-faceted approach, combining law enforcement, policy reforms, and community engagement.”
While the DCI has completed investigations into many of the reported femicide cases, the majority are still pending in court.
The government emphasized that addressing gender-based violence requires both timely justice and preventive measures.
The announcement comes amid heightened public concern and calls from civil society groups for urgent action.
Activists have criticized delays in prosecution and what they describe as systemic failures to protect vulnerable women.
Mudavadi’s statement acknowledged these challenges, urging citizens to work with law enforcement by reporting suspicious behavior and providing information to authorities.
In a statement issued ahead of the festive season, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi acknowledged the “worrying trend” of femicide, noting that between August and November 2024 alone, 100 women were murdered across the country.
The broader crisis of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) has also escalated, with 7,107 cases reported since September 2023.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number of incidents, while Samburu and Mandera registered the lowest.
To address the alarming rise, President William Ruto has directed the formation of a Presidential Working Group, which will deliver actionable proposals within 90 days.
The group is expected to analyze the root causes of femicide, propose preventive measures, and recommend stronger legislative and policy interventions.
In addition, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has formed a specialized Missing Persons Unit under its Homicide Division.
This unit will focus specifically on investigating femicide cases and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Femicide has brought to the fore underlying and ongoing violations of women’s rights,” Mudavadi stated. “The government is determined to end this menace by employing a multi-faceted approach, combining law enforcement, policy reforms, and community engagement.”
While the DCI has completed investigations into many of the reported femicide cases, the majority are still pending in court.
The government emphasized that addressing gender-based violence requires both timely justice and preventive measures.
The announcement comes amid heightened public concern and calls from civil society groups for urgent action.
Activists have criticized delays in prosecution and what they describe as systemic failures to protect vulnerable women.
Mudavadi’s statement acknowledged these challenges, urging citizens to work with law enforcement by reporting suspicious behavior and providing information to authorities.
