NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has announced tougher enforcement measures against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide following a surge in brutal killings that have sparked national outrage.
Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo said the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services will prioritise faster prosecutions, stricter punishment for offenders, and stronger survivor protection systems.
Government promises stricter enforcement
In a statement issued on Monday, Cheptumo said the government is adopting a zero-tolerance approach to GBV-related crimes and police inaction.
“The Government is prioritising the fast-tracking of prosecutions, strengthening enforcement mechanisms and pursuing stringent penalties against perpetrators of femicide, acid attacks, child abuse, trafficking and all forms of violence,” she said.
The CS added that authorities will intensify oversight on how law enforcement agencies handle GBV complaints.
Rising killings spark concern
Cheptumo’s remarks come amid growing concern over a series of violent incidents involving women and girls.
Among the recent cases is the killing of Rachael Wandeto, who reportedly died after being doused with petrol and set on fire in Nairobi.
Other incidents include the fatal stabbing of a 25-year-old woman in Kilimani and the death of a Form Three student in Nyamira, allegedly attacked by her boyfriend before he later died by suicide.
The Gender CS said the incidents point to a wider national crisis rather than isolated crimes.
“These incidents are not isolated tragedies. They are indicators of a growing national crisis that requires urgent, coordinated, and sustained action,” she said.
Multi-agency response planned
The ministry said it is working with the National Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, county governments, and development partners to strengthen prevention and response systems.
The collaboration will focus on prevention, reporting mechanisms, rescue operations, rehabilitation services, and survivor support.
Cheptumo also called for expedited investigations into all reported GBV and femicide cases.
Expansion of survivor support systems
The ministry further announced plans to expand safe houses, crisis centres, and rehabilitation services for survivors.
It also plans to strengthen mandatory reporting obligations for health workers, teachers, and community leaders handling abuse cases.
The CS urged Kenyans to report all incidents of violence, exploitation, and trafficking through official channels.
She additionally cautioned against spreading unverified information online, warning that misinformation could interfere with investigations and compromise the dignity of victims and survivors.