President William Ruto has described the state of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya as deeply troubling, saying the scale and persistence of the problem require urgent and coordinated national action.
Speaking at State House on Monday while receiving a report on gender-based violence, the President said recent data and case trends show that abuse against women and girls remains widespread, with incidents of femicide continuing to raise public concern.
He noted that GBV cuts across regions, communities and social classes, making it a national challenge rather than an isolated social issue.
“The findings of this report are disturbing,” President Ruto said, adding that violence in homes and communities undermines social stability and development.
He called for collective responsibility involving government institutions, families, religious organizations and community leaders to address the problem.
The report was prepared by a multi-sectoral technical team mandated to assess the prevalence of gender-based violence in the country and recommend measures to strengthen prevention, response and accountability.
It examined trends in reported cases, gaps in enforcement, and challenges faced by survivors seeking justice and support.
President Ruto said the government would review the recommendations with the aim of strengthening legal frameworks, improving coordination among state agencies and enhancing protection for victims.
He stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to handle GBV cases with seriousness and speed, warning that failure to act decisively erodes public trust in the justice system.
He also pointed to the role of the courts and prosecution services in ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable, saying leniency and delays contribute to repeat offences.
According to the President, ending gender-based violence requires consistent enforcement of existing laws alongside targeted reforms where gaps exist.
The issue of gender-based violence has gained renewed attention in recent months following a series of high-profile cases that sparked public protests and online campaigns calling for stronger state intervention.
Civil society groups and human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the government to improve survivor support services, including access to safe shelters, counselling and legal aid.
President Ruto said addressing GBV aligns with broader national goals on human rights and social protection, noting that a safe society is essential for economic and social progress.
He urged institutions tasked with implementing the report’s recommendations to work collaboratively and report measurable progress.
The government did not provide a specific timeline for the implementation of the recommendations but indicated that further consultations would follow.
