Leaders drawn from political, civic, and education sectors have called for urgent and coordinated measures to address the rising cases of femicide targeting young women in learning institutions, warning that the trend threatens the country’s social fabric and future leadership pipeline.
They made the appeal during a students’ mentorship programme held at Ogenya Girls Secondary School in Homa Bay County on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The leaders linked the surge in gender-based killings to a breakdown in social norms, weak enforcement of existing laws, and entrenched cultural attitudes that demean women and normalise violence against them.
They noted that many of the victims are students in colleges and universities whose lives are cut short at the peak of their education and career development.
Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat Susan Nakhumicha Wafula strongly condemned the killings, describing them as a devastating loss to the nation’s future human capital.
She said most victims are young women who are still pursuing education and building careers when their lives are abruptly ended through violence.
“Many of these young women are in the prime age when their lives are cut short. We cannot build a nation when the people we are preparing for leadership are being buried instead,” Nakhumicha told the students.
She urged men and boys to take responsibility as protectors of society and to reject behaviours that fuel gender-based violence. She also cited police investigations indicating that a significant number of femicide cases occur following failed romantic relationships, where some perpetrators are unable to accept rejection or separation.
“Love is not ownership,” she said. “When a relationship ends, it ends. Walk away and live.”
Nakhumicha further encouraged young women to speak out at the earliest signs of abuse, whether verbal, emotional, or physical and to seek help from teachers, parents, and authorities before situations escalate into fatal outcomes.
She also called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate femicide cases and urged the judiciary to impose stricter penalties to deter offenders.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga advised students to prioritize education and avoid relationships that could derail their academic progress.
She warned that early pregnancies and unsafe relationships remain major barriers to completing education and achieving career goals.
“There is time for everything. Your priority right now is to study, to grow, and to protect your future. The rest will come when you are ready,” Wanga said.
She urged learners to build strong support systems within schools and families, emphasizing the importance of open communication on issues of relationships and personal safety.
She further called on parents and teachers to maintain continuous dialogue with students to help them navigate social pressures.
Migori County Governor Ochillo Ayacko emphasized the importance of discipline, self-worth, and focus among students, cautioning them against individuals with harmful intentions.
He reminded the learners that their academic achievements are often the result of sacrifices made by parents, particularly mothers, who invest heavily in their education and wellbeing.
“Make yourselves people of value. When you are valuable, you attract the right opportunities and the right people. Focus on building your future through education and discipline,” Ayacko said.
He added that communities must take a firm stance against perpetrators of violence and reject cultural practices that normalise abuse against women. He further stressed the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding girls and young women from exploitation and harm.
The mentorship programme brought together county leaders, educators, students, and members of the community in a forum aimed at addressing education, personal safety, discipline, and empowerment of girls.
Organisers said the initiative was designed to equip students with practical skills to recognise warning signs of abuse, make informed decisions, and remain focused on their studies.
The leaders collectively called for strengthened counselling services in schools, improved police responsiveness to gender-based violence reports, and faster judicial processes for femicide cases to ensure timely justice. They warned that delays in prosecution undermine public confidence and deny victims’ families closure.
By Brenda Odindo and Davis Langat
