Gov’t moves to stem rising tide of Gender-Based Violence across Kenya

The Government has issued a strong affirmation of its unwavering commitment to confront and eradicate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and all forms of abuse targeting children across the country.

Noting that GBV has become a national crisis, Principal Secretary for Gender Affairs and Affirmative Action, Anne Wang’ombe, pledged to tighten enforcement and mobilize communities to protect Kenya’s most vulnerable citizens.

The Principal Secretary promised that the Government will leave no stone unturned in responding to these atrocities, noting that the safety of children is non-negotiable.

“The barbaric acts occurring in our country cannot and must not be normalized. We must confront and dismantle the culture of silence that allows such atrocities to persist,” stated PS Wang’ombe.

This bold stance follows an emergency meeting she convened in Nyeri County in response to a spike in GBV cases in the region. The meeting—hosted at the Nyeri County Commissioner’s office—was attended by Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, Nyeri Town MP Duncan Maina, NGAO officers, and education stakeholders.

“These are not mere statistics; each case is a devastating reminder of the vulnerability of our children and the pressing need for collective action,” she remarked.

A deeply disturbing case involving Baby Rachael, a young girl who was defiled after being sent home from school, underscored the urgency of the crisis. She has since undergone life-saving surgery and is recovering, while the perpetrator remains in police custody.

“This must serve as a wake-up call,” said Wang’ombe. “Child protection is not optional—it is a shared moral duty. Our institutions, systems, and communities must stand united in shielding the most vulnerable among us.”

Key resolutions and actions made during the meeting include a firm directive to all schools, particularly private institutions, against unlawfully sending learners home. Schools must prioritize child protection at all times, with an immediate audit and restructuring of Nyumba Kumi committees to ensure they fulfil their mandate of community vigilance and safety. Additionally, robust public awareness campaigns will be launched to sensitize parents, caregivers, and communities on child rights and the early reporting of GBV, alongside increased government investment in child protection services.

PS Wang’ombe further confirmed that the Ministry, in collaboration with other state agencies, will scale up national interventions and strengthen grassroots-level accountability mechanisms.