The fight against femicide and gender-based violence has received a major boost after the Kenya Women’s Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) launched a nationwide campaign to address the menace.
The initiative dubbed Komesha Dhuluma comes amid concerns raised over the alarming rise in femicide and GBV cases in Kenya.
In a statement on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Kajiado Women Representative Leah Sankaire who is the chairperson of KEWOPA during the official launch at the Parliament Buildings announced that all 102 female legislators from both the National Assembly and Senate would lead the campaign in their respective constituencies.
Sankaire added that they would localize the initiative through community sensitization and engagement forums tailored to address the specific needs of their constituencies.
“All KEWOPA members will spearhead the campaign by engaging directly with their communities at the constituency level,” Sankaire said.
According to Sankaire, the initiative targets direct engagement with 100,000 women, men, youth, and persons living with disabilities at the grassroots level and also seeks to reach over 10 million Kenyans through targeted media campaigns.
“This initiative goes beyond raising awareness on femicide we are working with stakeholders, including women’s rights organizations, the judiciary, and law enforcement, to ensure survivors receive justice and support,” she added.
Committee on GBV
On January 10, 2025, President William Ruto gazetted a 35-member Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The team comprises Nancy Barasa as chairperson, Mohammed Washala Abdi, Dr. Ruth Aura Odhiambo, Linah Kilimo, Dr. Edna Ngare Ngeno, Dr. Linda Musumba, Nobert Talam, Michael Kariuki, and Charles Ismael Otieno Otiende.
Other members are Diana Christine Nanjala, Peter Mwangi Kamau, Anthony Nzioki, Surum Ipato Korema, Anne Ngetich, Dr. Wangu Kanja, Franklin Wallah, James Nombi, Kizito Wangalwa, and Harleen Kaur Jabbal.
The group also includes Dr. Bashir Isaak, Valentine Chepkoech Simei, Shem Nyakutu, Janey Leakey, Beatrice Karwitha, Lucy Njeri Mwaniki, and Dr. Purity Ngina.
Additional members are Dr. Sam Thenya, Susan Ndanyi, Antonia N’gabala Sodonon, Dr. Mercy Karanja, Gloria Wawira, Faith Odhiambo, Ann Ireri, Seth Masese, and Mashetti Masinjila.
The team aims to address increasing cases of GBV and femicide, which cause physical, emotional, and economic harm, exacerbate gender inequalities, and impede sustainable development.
The group’s mandate includes identifying trends, hotspots, and causes of GBV and femicide.
It will review current institutional, legal, and policy frameworks to recommend measures for strengthening them. The team will also propose amendments to laws to close legislative gaps, evaluate resource allocation and operational effectiveness, and engage communities for input on solutions.
Ultimately, the group will develop actionable recommendations on prevention, investigation, prosecution, and survivor support mechanisms.
The Technical Working Group will report to the Deputy President through the Principal Secretary for Gender.
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