Kenya has renewed its national commitment to end gender-based violence (GBV), with a clarion call for a bold, whole-of-society approach that leaves no room for silence, complicity, or fear. From households and places of worship to community halls and government offices, leaders say every Kenyan has a role to play in dismantling a crisis that continues to rob citizens—especially women and girls—of safety, dignity, and life.
At the heart of this renewed push is the recognition that meaningful change must begin at home. Parents have been urged to raise children in environments rooted in peace, mutual respect, and equality, laying foundations that reject violence and toxic gender norms before they take hold.
Religious leaders, too, are being called upon to take an uncompromising stand in defence of life and human dignity. Faith institutions, often the moral compass of communities, are expected to speak clearly against abuse and provide safe spaces for survivors seeking justice and healing.
Community leaders have been challenged to confront harmful cultural practices head-on and to break the culture of silence that has long shielded perpetrators. Citizens are equally urged to speak out, report abuse, and stand in solidarity with survivors, reinforcing the message that gender-based violence is not a private matter but a national emergency.
These commitments were underscored at State House, Nairobi, following the receipt of a landmark report by the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, including femicide. The team was led by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, whose work brings renewed urgency and evidence-based recommendations to tackle the crisis.
The government has pledged to carefully consider the report and subject its recommendations to due process, signalling a readiness to translate policy into action.
As Kenya confronts rising cases of GBV and femicide, the message is clear and uncompromising: no citizen should live in fear because of their gender. Ending gender-based violence will demand courage, collective responsibility, and sustained action—but together, as a nation, Kenya can turn the tide.