President William Ruto on Wednesday, November 20 said that his government will launch ‘Safe Homes, Safe Spaces’ campaign during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, when he met with women leaders, President Ruto said that the campaign will be starting from November 25, 2024.

“As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the women leaders have agreed to embark on a nationwide awareness campaign to confront this vice [femicide] head-on,” President Ruto said.

The campaign will have the full support of the government, with President Ruto committing KSh100 million for the ‘Safe Homes, Safe Spaces’ campaign.

“Our communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims. Awareness is a crucial step in prevention. We must increase awareness of the availability of safe spaces where victims can seek refuge, tollfree hotlines such as GBV 1195, child helpline 116, and the DCI
anonymous reporting number 0800 722 203, and counselling services in order to provide victims with the support they need to find protection.”

According to the Head of State, the stories of lives tragically cut short and families shattered by this vice demand immediate and urgent attention.

“It is a stark reminder that we must act swiftly and decisively to protect the lives and the dignity of every woman and girl in Kenya.

Statistics show that every four (4) out of five (5) women killed in the country is out of intimate partner violence, which means that women are being killed in places they consider safe.

President Ruto commended women leaders for their commitment and the practical proposals and solutions that they have put forward to end this scourge.

He said that to finish the vice, Kenya needs the combined efforts of the government, religious leaders, parents, teachers, civil society, and all citizens of goodwill.

“Protecting our daughters, sisters, and mothers begins at home, in our communities, and through our institutions. Let me reiterate that the government, in its women’s agenda, is explicitly committed to ending all forms of violence,” Ruto told the women leaders, adding that “as leaders, we are united in the resolve to ensure that justice is swift and efficient.”

Consequently, President Ruto has instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandates without delay, holding perpetrators of femicide fully accountable.

Gender desks in police stations, Ruto said, must be enhanced, and we will introduce similar services in hospitals to ensure victims receive immediate attention and care.

At the same time, President Ruto reiterated that young people must be equipped with the skills and awareness to navigate the risks they face in society. Acknowledging that social media had become a dangerous avenue for exploitation, President Ruto urged the youth to treat strangers on these platforms with utmost caution.

“Parents, schools, churches, and community organisations must step up to provide life skills, counselling, and guidance on these matters. We urge religious leaders to use their platforms to speak positively about women and help the congregation understand that women’s rights are also human rights, creating a positive environment for women and children.”