NAIROBI, Kenya – In the wake of alarming statistics showing nearly 100 women killed in the last three months, top advisors to President William Ruto are calling for femicide to be addressed as a pressing national security threat.
Presidential advisor on women’s rights, Harriette Chiggai, warns that these figures suggest a deadly trend, with an average of one woman killed each day, requiring immediate government intervention and heightened public vigilance.
At a recent breakfast meeting with female leaders from government and corporate sectors, Chiggai expressed urgency in addressing the crisis, which she described as a reflection of systemic violence against women.
The meeting was part of a preparatory effort for December’s national launch of “Safe Homes, Safe Spaces,” a campaign aimed at creating protective environments for women across Kenya.
Chiggai underscored the need for decisive action to prevent further violence and urged Kenyans to report any suspicions of abuse or violent intent among neighbors and community members.
Ambassador Monica Juma, President Ruto’s advisor on security, echoed these concerns, advocating for the formulation of robust policies to protect women from both physical and online violence.
Juma acknowledged the pervasive threat women face in Kenyan society, highlighting the urgency of legislative reforms that directly address their safety and security.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei also voiced support, calling for the creation of environments where women can thrive in business and community leadership without fear of violence.
Shollei emphasized the need for government institutions to step up protections for women and establish safe spaces within both professional and public arenas.
Ahead of Kenya’s annual 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence, Chiggai’s office has pledged to work closely with key institutions to establish clear guidelines and improve the responsiveness of police and healthcare systems.
Plans include enhancing support at gender desks in police stations and health facilities to streamline the reporting and follow-up processes for cases of gender-based violence.
The “Safe Homes, Safe Spaces” initiative is set to launch in Kakamega in early December, with a nationwide rollout planned that specifically targets boda boda operators to raise awareness on women’s safety.
The campaign aims to create environments where women can live, work, and travel without fear of violence or discrimination.
As part of a broader push for women’s empowerment, Shollei urged public shaming of institutions that fail to support women in leadership roles, stressing that representation is essential to creating safer, more inclusive communities.
Presidential advisor on women’s rights, Harriette Chiggai, warns that these figures suggest a deadly trend, with an average of one woman killed each day, requiring immediate government intervention and heightened public vigilance.
At a recent breakfast meeting with female leaders from government and corporate sectors, Chiggai expressed urgency in addressing the crisis, which she described as a reflection of systemic violence against women.
The meeting was part of a preparatory effort for December’s national launch of “Safe Homes, Safe Spaces,” a campaign aimed at creating protective environments for women across Kenya.
Chiggai underscored the need for decisive action to prevent further violence and urged Kenyans to report any suspicions of abuse or violent intent among neighbors and community members.
Ambassador Monica Juma, President Ruto’s advisor on security, echoed these concerns, advocating for the formulation of robust policies to protect women from both physical and online violence.
Juma acknowledged the pervasive threat women face in Kenyan society, highlighting the urgency of legislative reforms that directly address their safety and security.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei also voiced support, calling for the creation of environments where women can thrive in business and community leadership without fear of violence.
Shollei emphasized the need for government institutions to step up protections for women and establish safe spaces within both professional and public arenas.
Ahead of Kenya’s annual 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence, Chiggai’s office has pledged to work closely with key institutions to establish clear guidelines and improve the responsiveness of police and healthcare systems.
Plans include enhancing support at gender desks in police stations and health facilities to streamline the reporting and follow-up processes for cases of gender-based violence.
The “Safe Homes, Safe Spaces” initiative is set to launch in Kakamega in early December, with a nationwide rollout planned that specifically targets boda boda operators to raise awareness on women’s safety.
The campaign aims to create environments where women can live, work, and travel without fear of violence or discrimination.
As part of a broader push for women’s empowerment, Shollei urged public shaming of institutions that fail to support women in leadership roles, stressing that representation is essential to creating safer, more inclusive communities.
