The government has rolled out a sweeping reform agenda targeting the legal, judicial, and institutional frameworks that handle GBV.
Speaking before the Senate plenary, Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo revealed that the state is undertaking “significant systemic reforms” to address the deep-rooted issues fueling GBV. The reforms aim to ensure survivors receive timely justice and comprehensive support services.
One of the key pillars of this strategy is the establishment of dedicated GBV courts in 11 regions, including Siaya, Mombasa, Kiambu, Meru, Nakuru, Machakos, Kisii, Kibera, Kitale, and Makadara. These specialised courts are designed to fast-track GBV cases and reduce the backlog that has long denied survivors justice.
In a landmark move, the ministry is also developing the Gender Information Management System (GIMS), in collaboration with the National Gender and Equality Commission. GIMS will centralise the collection, analysis, and dissemination of gender-related data from national and county levels, enabling better policy development and program implementation.
To bolster survivor support, the government has established 97 protection centers across 21 counties. These shelters provide safe havens and services such as psychological care, vocational training, business support, and reintegration assistance. Additionally, all Level 5 hospitals now host one-stop GBV recovery centres equipped to handle medical, legal, and counselling needs.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been introduced to guide GBV case handling, from reporting to evidence collection and prosecution. Cheptumo also revealed the formation of a Presidential Working Group on Femicide to focus on the spiking cases of women being murdered—97 in just three months in 2023, according to government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.
The ministry is lobbying for amendments to the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act to formalise and regulate GBV shelters and operational protocols. Cheptumo stressed the importance of increased funding to establish model GBV protection centres and operationalise those already set up.
“GBV is a multifaceted issue rooted in social, economic, cultural, and legal disparities. We must respond with a coordinated, multi-agency approach,” she said.
