Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, The Arts and Heritage, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, has launched a new initiative to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide through technology. Known as the Top Car Digital Campaign, the program aims to raise nationwide awareness using mobile digital platforms.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held in Nairobi, CS Cheptumo described the campaign as a fresh and urgent response to Kenya’s rising cases of violence against women and girls. She emphasized the importance of embracing innovation in the government’s efforts to fight GBV.
“Digital campaigns are one of our innovative strategies to accelerate sensitization against Gender-Based Violence, including femicide,” she said.
Over the past six months, Kenya has reported over 100 cases of femicide, a number CS Cheptumo says is likely higher due to underreporting. She condemned GBV and femicide as serious violations of human rights that demand immediate and sustained national action.
As part of the campaign rollout, four vehicles branded with digital messages will move through neighborhoods in Nairobi, spreading critical information about preventing and responding to GBV.
These mobile caravans are designed to spark public dialogue, challenge harmful norms, and encourage behavior change.
The campaign forms part of a wider national strategy and will soon expand to other major towns across the country to ensure greater reach and impact.
CS Cheptumo also highlighted the growing threat of technology-facilitated GBV. She stressed the need to use the same digital tools not just for advocacy, but also for prevention and rapid response.
“Recent studies have revealed that technology facilitated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is on the increase, and in response, we should leverage on technology also to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including femicide,” she said.
CS Cheptumo urged Kenyans to stand in solidarity and become vocal advocates in their communities.
“It is my humble duty to flag off the four cars on a mission to deliver Anti Gender-Based Violence (GBV) including femicide messages,” she concluded.
