President William Ruto has extended the tenure of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide by an additional 60 days. According to a Gazette notice dated April 25, 2025, and issued by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the task force will now remain in office until June 8, 2025.
The 35-member team, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, was first appointed in January 2025 to address the alarming rise in GBV and femicide cases across the country. Other notable members include Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, investigative journalist Franklin Wallah, former Marakwet East MP Linah Jebii Kilimo, and Dr. Sam Thenya, founder of Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
President Ruto cited the urgent need to tackle the increasing cases of GBV and femicide, which continue to cause physical, emotional, and economic harm to individuals, families, and communities. He also noted existing gaps in prevention, response, investigations, prosecution, data management, and survivor support systems.
The Technical Working Group’s mandate involves a comprehensive review and recommendation of measures to strengthen Kenya’s institutional, legal, and policy frameworks regarding GBV and femicide. Their tasks include identifying trends and hotspots, engaging communities, proposing legal amendments, and examining operational gaps within institutions handling GBV cases.
A particular area of focus is the role of social media in GBV cases—assessing how digital platforms can both amplify voices and influence policy decisions. The group is also tasked with suggesting improvements to survivor support systems and training standards among law enforcement and health institutions.
Originally, the team was expected to submit its final report within 90 days. However, provisions for an extension were anticipated to ensure thorough work. The Secretariat supporting the committee is housed at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and is coordinated by Joint Secretaries Caroline Jerono Kibiwott, Jessica Achieng Omundo, Geoffrey Rotich, and Baldwin Anyiga.
This extension underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the serious issue of GBV and femicide and ensuring comprehensive reforms are implemented for lasting impact.
