The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has raised concern over the increasing cases of gender-based violence, child abuse and killings in Kenya, while welcoming a series of Cabinet-approved reforms aimed at strengthening protection for women, children and vulnerable families.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission described the Cabinet’s approval of the Kenya Children Policy, 2025, the Protection Against Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the adoption of recommendations by the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide as a critical step towards addressing persistent gaps in protection systems.
NGEC said the country continues to witness alarming cases of sexual violence, abuse and killings involving women and children, underscoring the urgent need for stronger legal, policy and institutional interventions.
“The reforms approved by Cabinet mark an important step in strengthening Kenya’s legal, policy and institutional framework for the protection of women, children and vulnerable families,” the Commission said.
The Commission noted that it actively participated in the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, contributing to national consultations that examined shortcomings in existing laws, policies and institutional responses.
According to NGEC, its recommendations focused on strengthening prevention measures, enhancing survivor-centred responses, improving accountability mechanisms, fostering greater coordination among institutions and promoting meaningful engagement of communities, including men and boys, in efforts to combat gender-based violence.
The Commission further emphasized the need for urgent reforms to strengthen child protection systems, improve institutional accountability and enhance community vigilance amid rising cases of abuse and violence against children.
NGEC pledged to provide constitutional oversight over the implementation of the Cabinet decisions, stressing that effective implementation will require adequate funding, coordinated action between national and county governments, stronger protection systems, timely access to justice and continuous monitoring.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Parliament, the Ministry responsible for Gender, the Council of Governors, the Judiciary, constitutional commissions, development partners, civil society organizations and communities to ensure the reforms deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of women, children and vulnerable families.
The reforms were among several resolutions adopted during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on June 30, which also approved investments in maternal healthcare, directed investigations into alleged payroll fraud and adopted key economic and infrastructure measures.
