The Kenyan government has launched a three-month rapid response initiative (RRI) in the Western region to address the rising incidence of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, following a surge in cases reported between January and September 2023. The State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, led by Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, unveiled the initiative in Kakamega, emphasizing its role in accelerating arrests, investigations, and judicial processes to strengthen victim protection and access to justice. Wang’ombe highlighted that the RRI, previously piloted in the Central region, aims to address systemic gaps by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including religious leaders, law enforcement, and community institutions.
Wang’ombe stated that the initiative stems from recommendations by the presidential technical working group on GBV, which identified the need for intensified national campaigns. She emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating GBV, noting that the Western region has recorded 3,191 cases—including rape, defilement, and femicide—during the first nine months of 2023. The Principal Secretary called for coordinated action, urging stakeholders to align their efforts with set targets to eliminate GBV, which she described as encompassing physical, psychological, economic, and technologically facilitated forms of harm.
Western Regional Commissioner Allan Machari echoed the urgency, stating the RRI would expedite responses to GBV and femicide, which he described as a regional hotspot. He underscored the necessity of a unified approach, citing existing collaborations between national and county authorities, police, and civil society. Machari noted that all Western region police stations now have gender desks, with counties operating GBV centers and protection units. He also highlighted ongoing campaigns on child protection, awareness, and multi-sectoral coordination, which have improved case management and referrals.
Kakamega County Executive for Social Services, Sports, Youth, Gender, and Culture Jackline Masicha, representing Governor William Barasa, praised the initiative as a critical step to translate policies into measurable outcomes. She stressed the RRI’s role in shifting from recommendations to implementation, emphasizing sustainable prevention and protection measures. Masicha called for accountability, stating that the initiative would ensure that short-term interventions evolve into long-term solutions to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Western Region Police Commander George Seda outlined the police’s intensified efforts to combat GBV, linking the violence to illicit brews and hard drugs. He reported daily raids, arrests, and court prosecutions, alongside community and multi-agency partnerships. Seda emphasized the need for societal safety, stating, “We want to ensure our society is safe against any destructive vices.” His remarks underscored the police’s role in addressing root causes of GBV, including substance abuse.
The RRI mandates specific actions from various sectors: the judiciary to fast-track cases and minimize adjournments, the police to ensure prompt arrests and investigations, schools to integrate GBV education into curricula, and healthcare providers to prioritize GBV case management. Religious leaders are tasked with promoting peace and addressing GBV through community programs, while community health promoters will be trained to screen and report cases. These measures reflect a tailored approach to the region’s unique challenges.
The initiative’s success hinges on sustained collaboration and adherence to timelines. Wang’ombe reiterated the government’s resolve, stating, “We have looked at the common cases and agreed that we need to retreat back to our respective counties and engage the key stakeholders.” With 3,191 reported GBV cases in the Western region alone, the RRI represents a pivotal effort to transform systemic responses and protect marginalized groups from violence.
The Western region’s GBV crisis has prompted a multi-pronged strategy, blending policy enforcement, community engagement, and institutional reforms. As stakeholders implement the RRI, the focus remains on ensuring accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes to create a safer environment for all residents.