The Presidential Taskforce on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide kicked off its national public engagement in Trans Nzoia County, a region flagged as one of the hotspots for violence against women.

The high-level consultative meeting, held at Kitale National Polytechnic, brought together government officials, community leaders, and residents to discuss the surge in GBV and femicide cases and propose actionable policy responses.

Governor Natembeya: “We Have No Room for Defeat”

Governor George Natembeya expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in gender-based crimes, urging both national and county governments to jointly close the gaps in victim support services.

“When a child is defiled and taken to a police station, where do they go next? We lack designated safe spaces. Volunteers fill in, but that’s not sustainable,” he said.

Calling for urgent action, Natembeya reiterated that the fight against GBV requires collective responsibility from leaders, parents, and communities.

“This issue touches all of us. It happens within our communities. We must act, not just talk,” he stated.

Nancy Baraza: “Femicide is Kenya’s Silent Emergency”

Nancy Baraza, Chairperson of the Presidential Technical Working Committee, painted a grim picture of the crisis:

“Since 2016, Kenya has lost over 700 women to femicide. On average, we lose about 40 women every month—and those are just the reported cases.”

She noted that the Taskforce’s mandate includes:

• Identifying root causes of GBV and femicide
  
• Assessing existing institutional frameworks
  
• Recommending policy reforms
  
• Enhancing legal protections and survivor support
  

“We are asking tough questions: Is our society functional? Are cultural practices protecting or harming us? Are resources enough?” she posed.

Citizens Take Center Stage in National Policy

Baraza emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping the national response.

“We are here to listen to Kenyans. Real change starts with you. The ideas generated from here will go into the final report we present to the President.”

The committee, split into eight regional teams, will tour different parts of the country over two weeks before compiling a comprehensive report with concrete, actionable recommendations.

Baraza praised Kenya’s bold step in openly addressing femicide as a national crisis, calling it a regional first.

“This is not just symbolic—it’s a commitment backed by political goodwill. We must seize this moment,” she concluded.

Public Participation Continues

Residents of Trans Nzoia County are encouraged to attend the ongoing forums at Kitale National Polytechnic, share their experiences, and shape the roadmap to a safer Kenya.

With the Presidential Taskforce leading a historic effort to curb GBV and femicide, Trans Nzoia stands at the forefront of a national movement toward justice, protection, and accountability.