President Ruto extends mandate of GBV taskforce by 60 days
President Ruto had initially set up the 42-member Technical Working Group in January 2025, highlighting the urgent need to respond to rising GBV and femicide cases.
President William Ruto has extended the term of the Technical Working Group tasked with addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide by 60 days.
In a Gazette Notice dated April 25, 2025, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirmed the extension, which will run from April 9 to June 8, 2025.
"It is notified for the general information of the public that His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces has extended the term of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) including Femicide, for a period of sixty (60) days, with effect from the 9th April, 2025 up to 8th June, 2025," the Gazette Notice read.
President Ruto had initially set up the 42-member Technical Working Group in January 2025, highlighting the urgent need to respond to rising GBV and femicide cases.
"The increased cases of GBV and femicide continue to cause immense physical, emotional, and economic harm, exacerbating gender inequalities and impeding sustainable development," President Ruto had said while announcing the group’s formation.
The Working Group, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, was mandated to assess current laws, identify gaps, and recommend improvements to Kenya’s legal and policy frameworks on GBV.
The team was also assigned to map trends, engage the public, and propose legal amendments to improve enforcement and protection mechanisms.
The team also comprises Mohammed Washala Abdi, Ruth Aura Odhiambo, Linah Kilimo, Edna Ngare Ngeno, Linda Musumba, Nobert Talam, Michael Kariuki, Charles Ismael Otieno Otiende, Diana Christine Nanjala, Peter Mwangi Kamau, Anthony Nzioki, Surum Ipato Korema, Anne Ngetich, Wangu Kanja, Franklin Wallah, James Nombi, Kizito Wangalwa, Harleen Kaur Jabbal, and Bashir Isaak.
Additional taskforce members include Valentine Chepkoech Simei, Shem Nyakutu, Janey Leakey, Beatrice Karwitha, Lucy Njeri Mwaniki, Purity Ngina, Sam Thenya, Susan Ndanyi, Antonia N'gabala Sodonon, Mercy Karanja, Gloria Wawira, Faith Odhiambo, Ann Ireri, Seth Masese, and Mashetti Masinjila.
President Ruto emphasized that tackling GBV is a constitutional responsibility, referencing rights outlined in Articles 26 and 29 of the Constitution.
"Every Kenyan has a right to live in dignity, free from fear and violence. It is our collective duty to ensure that these rights are protected and upheld," the President had stated.
The extension gives the group more time to complete its research, public hearings, and submit its findings to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki before handing over the final report to President Ruto.