When President William Ruto received the Nancy Baraza Report on January 26, 2026, he didn’t just receive a document; he received a countdown. Kenya is currently in the “Final Hour” of its five-year roadmap to eliminate Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
While the President called the findings “disturbing,” the real story lies in the Sh6.5 Billion ($50 Million) shortfall that threatens to turn these 2026 promises into a “paper tiger.”
1. The Shelter Crisis: A System on Life Support
The 2026 report reveals a heartbreaking reality: of the 95 mapped shelters in Kenya, only 20% are fully operational. * The Failure: Many have collapsed under budget cuts, leaving survivors with nowhere to go after reporting abuse.
The 2026 Goal: Under the Generation Equality Forum (GEF) commitments, Kenya promised a specialized “Policare” shelter in all 47 counties. Currently, we are at less than 15% coverage.
2. The “Digital Shadow” Pandemic
For the first time, the national report has officially categorized AI-driven harassment as a national security threat for women.
The Data: 40% of women in higher learning institutions report being victims of “Technology-Facilitated GBV” (online stalking or AI-generated non-consensual images).
Ruto’s Response: The President has directed the Ministry of ICT to launch the “Digital Safe Space” tool—a one-tap reporting app—by March 2026.
3. Cultural Resistance: The 30% Problem
Perhaps the most “disturbing” find for the President was the social analysis: 30% of women and 19% of men surveyed still believe domestic violence is justifiable in certain cultural contexts.
“We are fighting a war against an invisible enemy—social normalization,” Dr. Nancy Baraza noted.
4. The Sh50 Billion “Moonshot”
The Task Force’s most aggressive recommendation is the creation of a National GBV & Femicide Response Fund worth Sh50 Billion.
The Source: A co-financing model between the National Treasury and the Private Sector.
The Catch: With the 2027 election cycle approaching, activists fear this fund will be diverted to political campaigns unless an independent oversight board is established by July.
