The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) welcomes the Cabinet decisions adopted on 30 June 2026 approving the Kenya Children Policy, 2025, the Protection Against Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and endorsing the Report of the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide. These decisions mark an important step in strengthening Kenya’s legal, policy and institutional framework for the protection
of women, children and vulnerable families.

The Commission particularly welcomes Cabinet’s endorsement of measures aimed at strengthening survivor support services, improving institutional coordination and enhancing protection for 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.

NGEC has maintained a sustained national focus on the growing cases of gender-based violence, femicide and violence against children. The Commission actively participated in the Presidential Technical Working Group on GBV and Femicide and contributed to the national consultative process that examined legal, policy and institutional gaps before making recommendations for reform.

The Commission also made formal submissions to the Technical Working Group, 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 the protection of children, NGEC has consistently raised concern over the alarming rise in sexual violence, abuse and killings of children, urging urgent reforms to strengthen child protection systems, institutional accountability and community vigilance.

The Commission remains committed to providing constitutional oversight over the implementation of these 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.

NGEC reaffirms its readiness to continue working with Parliament, the Ministry responsible for Gender, the Council of Governors, the Judiciary, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices, development partners, civil society and communities to ensure these reforms deliver measurable improvements in the lives of women, children and vulnerable families.


HON. REHEMA JALDESA
CHAIRPERSON