EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Over the last few months, public attention has been drawn to a notable escalation of cases of gender-based violence (GBV), including femicide. The incidents occur despite a progressive constitutional and legal framework that provides for gender equality and parity of treatment. The country continues to grapple with weak implementation, low accountability, and entrenched patriarchal norms. Survivors encounter systemic and social barriers in accessing justice, protection, and recovery services. Femicide remains unrecognised as a stand-alone offence under the law, and most cases are either underreported, mishandled, or settled informally at the family or community level, undermining justice and reinforcing impunity.
The increasing number of incidents led to a public outcry, prompting His Excellency the President, in due execution of the role of the State to protect the sanctity of life of every person within the Republic, to implement measures, including establishing the Technical Working
Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including Femicide.
The Technical Working Group was mandated to provide a national platform for collective analysis, policy review, and strategic recommendations. In executing this mandate, the Group adopted a participatory approach, engaging stakeholders across all 47 counties through town halls, X (formerly Twitter) Spaces, university dialogues, and written submissions. It reviewed both local and applicable international frameworks, including the Constitution, the Penal Code, the Sexual Offences Act, and international human rights instruments.