Kenyan gov’t plans new regulations to curb rising femicide, GBV cases

In a push to combat escalating cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, the government of Kenya is set to introduce new regulations aimed at enhancing surveillance on digital platforms and short-term accommodations. 

This was announced during a high-level breakfast meeting on Tuesday, attended by the Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang'ombe and Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Mr Moses Kuria, among other key stakeholders.

The meeting, organised ahead of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against GBV set to start on November 15, 2024, saw officials and stakeholders discuss strategic interventions to address the disturbing rise in GBV and femicide cases across Kenya.

“From November 15, 2024, we will be starting the 16 Days of Activism against GBV,” posted Ms Chidzuga, calling on all Kenyans to unite in addressing these crimes.

“Let us work together to curb the rising cases. Kenyans cannot continue to live in fear.”

A focal point of the meeting was the role of digital spaces and short-term rental services, such as Airbnbs, in facilitating the spread of GBV-related offences. 

Mr Kuria indicated that new regulations are underway, targeting these platforms to improve oversight.

“The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) will soon introduce measures to monitor Airbnbs, phone transactions, and conversations,” Mr Kuria stated.

“This initiative will track and apprehend criminals, particularly those involved in femicides.”

Mr Kuria further clarified that the regulations are not intended to penalise Airbnbs, which operate as legitimate businesses, but rather to target offenders using those platforms to carry out illegal activities.

“We should not be blaming Airbnbs, they are there for business. It is the culprits who are tarnishing their image. But with the new regulations, they will be nabbed,” he added.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the influence of social media on youth and the role parents play in monitoring their children’s digital engagement.

DGS Chidzuga urged parents to be vigilant in overseeing their children’s online activity and warned against the dangers of interacting with strangers on social media.

“All these problems start with social media and strangers,” Ms Chidzuga emphasized.

“We, as parents, have a role to play in monitoring our children’s use of social media.”

As the 16 Days of Activism draw near, stakeholders in Kenya's fight against GBV are hopeful that the proposed measures, along with public awareness campaigns, will create safer communities and ultimately reduce GBV and femicide cases across the country.