GBV taskforce proposes chemical castration for child sex offenders
Technical Working Group on GBV wants femicide declared a national crisis by Jan 31, and emergency fund established; calls for CCTV installation on short-stay rentals, lodgings by Sept 30...
✨ Key Highlights
A Technical Working Group (TWG) on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kenya has proposed mandatory chemical castration for child sex offenders, recommending amendments to the Sexual Offences Act, 2006. This suggestion, aimed at curbing rampant child sexual abuse, was announced by taskforce chairperson Nancy Baraza.
- The proposal targets offenders who repeatedly defile children, with chemical castration reducing libido and being reversible upon cessation of treatment.
- Nancy Baraza, chairperson of the TWG, noted a similar provision was withdrawn from a bill in 2006 due to controversy but is now reintroduced with a specific focus on crimes against children.
- The taskforce also recommends other reforms, including defining femicide as a distinct offence in the Penal Code and preventing survivors from withdrawing GBV cases once prosecution has begun.
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GBV Taskforce Presents Femicide Report, Proposes Legal Reforms and Sh50 Billion Fund - January 2026
President William Ruto received a report on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide from a taskforce led by former Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Nancy Baraza, pledging a coordinated national response to what is described as a national crisis. The report revealed that Kenya lacks a standalone femicide law despite a 10 percent rise in reported killings between 2022 and 2024. The Technical Working Group on GBV has proposed several reforms, including mandatory chemical castration for child sex offenders and criminalizing out-of-court settlements in abuse cases. Furthermore, the taskforce urged the National Treasury to allocate a ring-fenced Sh50 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year to establish a dedicated response fund. President Ruto also called on all Kenyans to take collective responsibility in ending gender-based violence.
