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Six months of silence: The missing voice in Kenya's fight against femicide
President William Ruto. Gender equality advocates have expressed the critical need for representation and leadership in the Gender ministry.
What you need to know:
- In August last year, the National Assembly Committee on Appointments rejected the nomination of Stella Soi Lang'at, a seasoned civil servant, for the position of Cabinet Secretary.
- Gender equality advocates are increasingly frustrated, as they express the critical need for representation and leadership in the Gender ministry.
In August last year, the National Assembly Committee on Appointments rejected the nomination of Stella Soi Lang'at, a seasoned civil servant, for the position of Cabinet Secretary (CS) to the Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage.
Nearly six months later, President William Ruto has yet to nominate anyone for the role, despite a recent Cabinet reshuffle that saw the appointment of three new CSs to oversee other key sectors, including Agriculture, Information and Communications, and Trade.
The delay has left gender equality advocates increasingly frustrated, as they express the critical need for representation and leadership in the Gender ministry.
Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau during the National Gender Sector Working Group meeting at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on January 27, 2025.
During the first bi-annual National Gender Sector Working Group meeting on January 27, advocates voiced their discontent and urged Mercy Wanjau, the Secretary to the Cabinet, to communicate their concerns directly to President Ruto.
The advocates emphasised that the absence of a Gender CS hinders their representation at a vital decision-making level, particularly as pressing issues loom. These issues include the alarming rise in femicide, the urgent need to review affirmative action funds, and the problematic handling of domestic violence cases by the police, which, they argue, often dismiss women in distress.
Wanja Maina, a vocal advocate for the rights of women and girls with disabilities, pointed out the glaring gap in the Cabinet regarding the Gender ministry.
“In the last month, new Cabinet Secretaries have been appointed, yet we still have no CS for Gender,” she said.
She questioned whether the President truly values the contributions of women and girls, given the lack of urgency in addressing such a significant role. Highlighting the potential candidates available, Wanja stated that women have compiled a list of qualified individuals, all with postgraduate degrees, ready to take on the responsibilities of the Gender ministry.
“There is no shortage of capable women who can hold that position,” she asserted.
She said the absence of a Gender CS has left many women feeling excluded from high-level policy decisions.
From left; GBVRC Executive Director Alberta Wambua, Chief of Party for the UKAid Peace and Security program Jaki Mbogo, CEO at Vilcom Networks Limited Agnes Limo, Executive Director at Kewopa Mercy Mwangi and Men and Boys Ambassador Faith Nashipae in a panel discussion during the National Gender Sector Working Group meeting at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on January 27, 2025.
Elizabeth Atieno, another advocate for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), raised concerns about the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (Ngaaf), explaining that the current criteria for accessing funds are overly restrictive, often discouraging deserving women from applying.
“A lot of women want to access Ngaaf, but the process is so rigorous that many give up,” she said, calling for a review to ensure more equitable access.
Elizabeth also highlighted the police's inadequate response to domestic violence cases, stressing that many victims are wrongly advised that such matters are private family issues.
“It has become a habit for the police to turn away women reporting domestic assaults, saying they don’t meddle in marital affairs,” she lamented, expressing hope that a dedicated Gender CS would advocate necessary reforms in law enforcement practices.
Meanwhile, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, acting as the Gender CS, encouraged the advocates to remain steadfast in their pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Let us sustain the momentum we have built over the years. Our collective efforts as policymakers, civil society, private sector, and development partners are the cornerstone of advancing gender equality,” Mudavadi said through Mercy, who represented him.
He acknowledged the severe toll of femicide, calling for a moment of silence for its victims during the meeting, and highlighted the alarming reality of 15 new cases reported in January alone. Mudavadi stressed the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to combat GBV through multi-sectoral strategies.
As pressure mounts for the appointment of a Gender CS, advocates remain hopeful that President Ruto will prioritise gender issues and ensure that their voices are heard at the highest levels of policymaking.
