President William Ruto
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President William Ruto has announced the formation of a 43-member Technical Working Group in a strategic effort to address the growing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya.
The initiative, reported through a Gazette Notice on January 10, aims to mitigate the pervasive physical, emotional, and economic impacts of GBV on individuals and communities nationwide. The committee is composed of distinguished members, including Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, and investigative journalist Franklin Wallah.
Other prominent figures such as Linah Jebii Kilimo, former MP for Marakwet East, and Dr. Sam Thenya, founder of the Nairobi Women's Hospital, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the group. President Ruto emphasizes the urgency of this initiative, highlighting critical gaps in the areas of prevention, response mechanisms, investigations, prosecutions, data management, and support systems for survivors.
The committee is charged with assessing these gaps and recommending measures to improve institutional, legal, and policy responses to GBV and femicide. A primary objective of the Technical Working Group is to identify trends, hotspots, and root causes of GBV and femicide. Engaging directly with communities will be essential to gather insights for developing legislative amendments aimed at enhancing legal protections and enforcement.
The group's review process will also encompass a thorough evaluation of resource allocation, operational effectiveness, and training provisions within institutions handling GBV cases. Integral to the committee's work is the legislative review, which seeks to assess the adequacy of current laws and policies. The goal is to identify legislative loopholes and propose amendments to ensure robust enforcement and protection against GBV.
Additionally, the role of social media in influencing GBV awareness and policy-making will be scrutinized. The committee's mandate encompasses addressing the psychological and socioeconomic factors associated with GBV. Recommendations will focus on strategies to strengthen family dynamics and promote peaceful coexistence to reduce domestic conflicts.
The committee has the authority to co-opt experts, conduct public hearings, and review official reports or findings, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to its mandate. Collaboration with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) is essential for facilitating effective implementation of the group's recommendations. State entities are expected to provide necessary support and cooperation throughout this process.
Reports will be directed to the Deputy President via the Principal Secretary for Gender, who will chair an oversight committee composed of Principal Secretaries from various state departments. The committee is expected to submit its final report within 90 days, marking a significant step towards developing comprehensive solutions to the issues of GBV and femicide.
The Secretariat, located within the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, will play a critical role in coordinating the committee's activities and ensuring a focused and organized effort in addressing this vital issue.