By Nyang’au Araka
Kenya has pledged to strengthen access to justice for women and girls, including tightening laws on gender-based violence (GBV).
This follows the country’s participation in the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
In a statement dispatched from the venue, Senator Essy Okenyuri said Kenya joined global leaders in adopting forward-looking commitments aimed at improving justice systems and promoting inclusive governance.
“I am deeply honoured to have participated in… a high-level convention that brought together policymakers, leaders and advocates from across the globe,” she said.
Further, Okenyuri noted that the forum focused on “strengthening access to justice and fostering inclusive governance frameworks that cater for the evolving needs of women and girls.”
Among the key commitments is the enhancement of GBV response mechanisms. Okenyuri said the government will invest more in recovery centres and child protection units, while leveraging the national GBV call centre to ensure “swift survivor-centred justice.”
Kenya also plans to review critical laws, including the Sexual Offences Act and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, to introduce stricter measures against forced marriages and economic abuse.
“These reforms are aimed at sealing legal gaps that perpetrators continue to exploit,” she added.
Further, the country committed to increasing the representation of women within security agencies and the judiciary to enhance responsiveness and inclusivity in the justice system.
At the regional level, Kenya will deepen collaboration through the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, including plans to establish a secretariat chapter in the country focusing on peace, security and women’s rights.
Locally, stakeholders have welcomed the commitments but urged swift implementation.
Recent updates shared by the Kisii Press Club highlight ongoing concerns over rising GBV cases in parts of Kisii County, with journalists and civil society groups calling for better funding of rescue centres and faster prosecution of offenders.
Okenyuri emphasized that the resolutions signal Kenya’s determination to align its legal and institutional frameworks with international standards.
“Collectively, these commitments reflect our sustained resolve to advance a more inclusive, equitable and just system for all women and girls,” she said.