By Chris David
In a significant step toward combating gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration has launched a validation conference for the National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence.
The conference, held in Nairobi and led by Principal Secretary Anne Wangombe, brought together a range of stakeholders to review and refine the proposed framework for preventing and addressing GBV across the country.
The forum included representatives from the State Department for Gender Affairs, civil society organizations, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community leaders.
The collaborative session focused on aligning the strategy’s objectives with ground realities, ensuring that implementation frameworks and budget allocations are both responsive and effective.
“This validation conference reflects our commitment to not only policy development but also to inclusive and accountable implementation,” PS Wangombe stated. “We are listening to the people, the survivors, and the experts to ensure this strategy brings lasting change.”
The National Strategy on GBV outlines a multi-pronged approach to tackling the issue, with a strong emphasis on prevention, survivor-centered support systems, legal reforms, and community-based interventions.
It also proposes enhanced training for police officers, counselors, and healthcare workers to handle GBV cases with greater sensitivity and professionalism.
A key focus of the validation conference was resource allocation. Participants emphasized the need for a well-funded and transparent budget that can support shelters for survivors, legal aid services, public awareness campaigns, and emergency response mechanisms.
With GBV cases on the rise in Kenya, the urgency of an actionable and well-supported strategy has never been greater.
According to recent statistics, thousands of women, children, and even men suffer in silence due to stigma, fear, or lack of access to justice. The strategy aims to change this narrative by empowering victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
The conference concluded with a commitment to finalize the strategy based on stakeholder input and roll it out nationally.
It marks a critical turning point in Kenya’s fight against GBV and signals the government’s readiness to move from policy promises to practical protection for its citizens.