Gender and Equality Commission lauds Cabinet's approval of GBV, child protection reforms
NGEC said the decisions adopted by the Cabinet on June 30 "mark an important step in strengthening Kenya's legal, policy and institutional framework for.
National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Chairperson Rehema Dida Jaldesa speaks at the unveiling of a structured research agenda aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in data quality. (Photo: X/NGEC)
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has welcomed the Cabinet's approval of the Kenya Children Policy, 2025, and the Protection Against Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, as well as its endorsement of the report of the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening the protection of women, children and vulnerable families in Kenya.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said the decisions adopted by the Cabinet on June 30 "mark an important step in strengthening Kenya's legal, policy and institutional framework for the protection of women, children and vulnerable families.
"These are reforms that NGEC has consistently advocated through policy advice, oversight, public inquiries, inter-agency coordination and sustained engagement with both State and non-State actors," the Commission said.
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NGEC also highlighted its participation in the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, where it contributed to the national consultative process that examined legal, policy and institutional gaps before recommending reforms.
The Commission said it made submissions calling for stronger prevention measures, survivor-centred responses, enhanced accountability, greater coordination among institutions and meaningful engagement of communities, including men and boys, in preventing gender-based violence.
On child protection, NGEC expressed concern over the increasing cases of sexual violence, abuse and killings of children, saying it has consistently called for urgent reforms to strengthen child protection systems, institutional accountability and community vigilance.
The Commission pledged to provide constitutional oversight over the implementation of the Cabinet decisions.
"Effective implementation will require adequate financing, coordinated action across national and county governments, strengthened protection systems, timely access to justice and continuous monitoring to ensure that the intended reforms translate into real protection for survivors and those most at risk," the statement said.
The Commission reaffirmed its readiness to work with Parliament, the Ministry responsible for Gender, the Council of Governors (CoG), the Judiciary, constitutional commissions, development partners, civil society and communities to ensure the reforms "deliver measurable improvements in the lives of women, children and vulnerable families."
The Cabinet resolutions formed part of a broader package of decisions made during a meeting chaired by President William Ruto on June 30, which also approved major investments in maternal healthcare, directed investigations into alleged payroll fraud and adopted economic and infrastructure measures.