BY FAITH MWENDE
President William Ruto has extended the mandate of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including femicide, for another 60 days.
In a gazette notice dated April 25, 2025, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced that the extension would run from April 9 to June 8, 2025.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, has extended the term of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including Femicide, for a period of sixty (60) days,” the notice stated.
The 42-member taskforce, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, was initially constituted in January 2025 in response to the alarming rise in GBV and femicide cases across the country.
At the time, President Ruto noted that the escalating incidents of GBV and femicide were causing profound physical, emotional, and economic harm, deepening gender inequalities and obstructing sustainable development efforts.
The Working Group’s mandate includes a comprehensive review of Kenya’s institutional, legal, and policy frameworks dealing with GBV and femicide. They are also tasked with mapping trends, identifying hotspots, evaluating the effectiveness of existing laws, and proposing reforms to bolster enforcement mechanisms.
Members of the taskforce include Mohammed Washala Abdi, Ruth Aura Odhiambo, Linah Kilimo, Edna Ngare Ngeno, Linda Musumba, Nobert Talam, Michael Kariuki, Charles Ismael Otieno Otiende, Diana Christine Nanjala, Peter Mwangi Kamau, Anthony Nzioki, Surum Ipato Korema, Anne Ngetich, Wangu Kanja, Franklin Wallah, James Nombi, Kizito Wangalwa, Harleen Kaur Jabbal, Bashir Isaak, and others.
Initially, the group was given 90 days to complete its work and submit a report to President Ruto through Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The extension will allow them additional time to finalize their consultations, research, and recommendations.
President Ruto has emphasized that addressing GBV is a constitutional obligation, citing Article 26, which guarantees the Right to Life, and Article 29, which ensures Freedom and Security of the Person.
“Every Kenyan deserves to live in dignity, free from violence and fear. It is our shared responsibility to protect and uphold these rights,” the President reaffirmed.
