President William Ruto has issued a stern directive to security agencies and the Ministry of Gender following the formal presentation of the National Report on GBV and Femicide. The report, compiled by a 42-member task force chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, reveals a grim reality: despite policy promises, violence against women has intensified in both physical and digital spaces.
“The findings in this report are a stain on our national conscience,” President Ruto stated during the briefing. “We cannot claim to be a modern, democratic state while our mothers, sisters, and daughters live in fear within their own homes and digital platforms.”
The “Disturbing” Findings: A 2026 Snapshot
The report highlights several alarming trends that have catalyzed the government’s sense of urgency:
Femicide Rates: Police data confirms that Kenya is currently grappling with approximately one femicide case every 24 hours.
Normalization of Violence: A staggering 30% of women and 19% of men surveyed still believe a husband is justified in beating his wife under certain circumstances.
The Rise of Digital GBV: The report spotlights “Technology-Facilitated GBV,” including AI-driven harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images—a trend that disproportionately targets young women in higher learning institutions.
The President’s Action Plan
In response to the report, President Ruto has outlined a three-pronged strategy to be implemented before the end of the 2025/2026 financial year:
Direct Funding for Shelters: Following reports of shelters collapsing due to budget cuts, the President pledged to bridge the USD 50 million funding gap through a co-financing model with the private sector.
Specialized Legal Units: The establishment of dedicated “GBV Courts” to expedite cases and ensure that femicide is categorized and prosecuted with specific severity, rather than as general murder.
Digital Safety Tools: The Ministry of ICT has been directed to finalize the “Digital Safe Space” reporting tool to curb the rising tide of online exploitation.
