Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen, has officially launched the Gender Protection and Implementation Committee as part of the government’s unwavering commitment to combatting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the sports sector.
Murkomen emphasized that the 14-member committee is a vital step towards creating a GBV-free nation and, specifically, a safer and more equitable sports environment for all participants.
“When I appeared before Parliament for my vetting as Cabinet Secretary, I made a solemn vow to fight and end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in sports,” said Murkomen.
The initiative, led by women leaders and advocates, calls for safer homes and spaces for women across society. In support of this, President Ruto allocated Sh100 million to kickstart the committee’s work.
The committee will include an advisory board chaired by the Sports CS, with the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Sports serving as vice-chair.
Other members of the Advisory Board include Paul Ochieng, a former member of the 2021 Taskforce on Gender Welfare and Equity in Sports, Catherine Ndereba, a four-time Boston Marathon champion, and Barbra Malowa, a representative of the Law Society of Kenya.

The committee’s mandate includes the full implementation of the 2022 Report on Gender Welfare and Equity in Sports, which was developed by then-Sports CS Amina Mohamed.
They will also be tasked with reviewing and creating policies to address GBV in sports organizations and promoting gender mainstreaming within the sector.
The sports industry has been marred by GBV incidents, including the tragic murders of world record holder Agnes Tirop in 2021 and Damaris Mutua, who was strangled by her boyfriend in Iten two years ago.

Agnes Tirop who was killed by her husband in 2021.