Activists call for stronger, unified response to stem femicide and protect survivors
NAIROBI — A Kenyan advocacy group has issued a fresh call for urgent, coordinated action to tackle rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, saying survivors are being failed by fragmented support systems.
Speaking during a public forum in Nairobi, Mohamed Sheikh, Executive Director of Action for Sustainable Change (AFOSC Kenya), told a government-appointed task force that the current response to GBV is “disjointed and inadequate.”
“We cannot fight a crisis with scattered tools,” Mr. Sheikh said. “We need a system that works from the police station to the hospital, the courts, and beyond. Survivors deserve that.”
The meeting was part of a nationwide public participation exercise led by the Technical Working Group on GBV and femicide. The 35-member panel was formed by President William Ruto in January and is tasked with reviewing the country’s laws and policies, and proposing reforms to better protect women and girls.
Kenya has seen a troubling rise in reports of violence against women. Recent high-profile cases many involving young women murdered by partners or strangers have sparked outrage and protests across the country.
“We are not just collecting views,” said former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, who chairs the task force. “We are listening, and we are going to act. This is a national emergency.”
Other members of the panel include Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, former Marakwet MP Linah Jebii Kilimo, and Dr Sam Thenya, founder of Nairobi Women’s Hospital all of whom bring years of experience in law, health, and women’s rights advocacy.
Mr Sheikh said survivors often fall through the cracks of the justice and healthcare systems. “They are shamed at police stations, turned away from hospitals, and rarely see justice,” he said. “A woman should not have to fight three battles after surviving abuse.”
AFOSC is pushing for a multi-agency approach, where police, medical personnel, legal aid providers, social workers, and shelters work together under one umbrella.
Public participation forums continue across the country this month, with findings expected to inform a set of policy and legal recommendations to be presented to President Ruto later this year.
“This cannot be another report gathering dust,” said Mr. Sheikh. “This must be the moment we draw the line.”
