Civil society groups have raised concerns over Kenya’s slow progress in implementing the country’s 12 national commitments on gender-based violence, as the June 2026 deadline draws closer.
The commitments were made in 2021 under the Generation Equality Forum, aligning Kenya to the global GBV Action Coalition, with pledges to strengthen prevention, survivor-centred services, access to justice, financing, and accountability.
In response, Akili Dada, through the support of UN Women, has convened a multi-stakeholder workshop in Nairobi to take stock of the implementation record and propose urgent corrective measures.
Participants at the Nairobi workshop from East and Southern Africa implementation has been uneven, citing weak coordination across institutions, limited domestic financing, and gaps in transparency. Akili Dada head of programmes Marjory Githure, says a key concern is the absence of a public national progress report detailing achievements and challenges across all 12 commitments, which has limited public oversight and weakened accountability.
Financing for GBV prevention and response remains a major challenge. Githure said despite global pledges, many programmes continue to rely on donor funding, while county governments struggle to sustain shelters, counselling services, and legal aid for survivor. The Nairobi workshop has called for urgent action ahead of the 2026 deadline.
The Nairobi workshop has called for urgent action ahead of the 2026 deadline. Key recommendations include the publication of a national progress audit, ring-fenced funding at both national and county levels, strengthened data systems, expanded survivor-centred services, and the meaningful inclusion of feminist organisations and survivor voices in decision-making.
Civil society groups warn that without swift action, the country risks falling short of its commitments to protect women and girls from violence.
