West Pokot: The Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including femicide, has engaged residents of West Pokot County to strengthen efforts in combating these issues within the region. Led by Philomena Loitareng’an, the group held a forum at Mtelo Hall in Kapenguria town, where community leaders, survivors, and gender rights organizations shared recommendations on how to address GBV and femicide.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a press briefing, West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullai Khalif revealed that President William Samoei Ruto had appointed the technical working group through a Kenya gazette notice on January 10, 2025, to assess and recommend measures to enhance policies, legal frameworks, and institutional responses to GBV and femicide nationwide. Khalif said the team’s mandate was extended on April 25, 2025, allowing them to continue their work, including visiting counties like West Pokot for public participation.
Philomena Loitareng’an, a member of the Technical Working Group, highlighted that under-reporting of cases was a significant challenge in West Pokot, with GBV normalized to the extent that wife-battering was often seen as acceptable. She stressed the need to improve access to justice, noting that the costs associated with court processes and forensic services such as DNA testing are prohibitive for victims. She pointed out that forensic tests require traveling to Kisumu County, which is a barrier to timely justice.
Harleen Jabbal, another member of the Technical Working Group, noted that West Pokot was the second county they visited as part of their broader engagement across eight counties. She emphasized that the primary purpose of their visit was to collect direct insights and views from residents on the ground, guided by Dr. Nancy Barasa, the chairperson of the technical working group. Jabbal stated that the group values community participation and expects to gather recommendations from the public.
The Deputy Governor of West Pokot, Robert Komolle, expressed appreciation for the Technical Working Group on GBV and Femicide for visiting the county and gathering community views on factors contributing to GBV, including femicide. He highlighted that key contributors to GBV in West Pokot include high levels of poverty, illiteracy, and traditional cultural norms. Komolle noted that the visit by the technical working group was a positive step, emphasizing that it was the first time such a group had visited West Pokot to collect community views.
Rosana Kashor, who advocates against corruption and issues of GBV, shared her personal and professional experiences, highlighting the difficulties victims face when reporting cases at police stations. She praised the visit by the technical working group, believing that the community’s grievances and experiences will inform effective strategies to combat GBV.
Patricia Rotich, a paralegal at Pokot Women Empowerment Organization, highlighted the numerous cases she handles, including violations of women’s rights and issues related to land ownership. She expressed confidence that the community’s issues raised during the visit would be addressed, facilitating support for victims.
Selina Chepkiror, Chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake in West Pokot, thanked the technical working group for coming to the region. She emphasized the vulnerability of women from pastoral communities to GBV and discrimination, particularly regarding inheritance and asset rights. Chepkiror praised the forum for providing women a platform to voice their grievances without fear.
Komolle and community leaders recognized the multifaceted nature of GBV in West Pokot, blaming cultural norms, poverty, and systemic shortcomings. They see the technical group’s visit as crucial towards addressing the challenges of GBV and femicide through community engagement, policy reforms, and increased support for victims.
