Lobby calls for multi-sectoral response mechanisms to curb GBV, femicide

A lobby group has urged stakeholders to establish coordinated multi-sectoral response mechanisms to tackle cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide in the country.

Action for Sustainable Change (AFOSC Kenya) made the call during the ongoing public participation exercise by the Technical Working Group (TWG) on gender-based violence and femicide.

During the meeting, AFOSC Executive Director Mohamed Sheikh outlined key concerns over rising cases of GBV, inadequate support systems for survivors, and called for the establishment of a coordinated, multi-sectoral response framework to combat the crisis.

The meeting is part of a countrywide public participation exercise by the Technical Working Group to collect views from Kenyans and develop actionable strategies to curb GBV and femicide.

The 35-member team was appointed by President William Ruto through a Gazette notice issued on January 10.

It is mandated to assess, review and recommend improvements to Kenya’s institutional, legal and policy responses to GBV and femicide.

Chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, the committee includes Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, former Marakwet MP Linah Jebii Kilimo, and Nairobi Women’s Hospital founder Dr. Sam Thenya.