Gender CS Nominee Cheptumo Links Femicide to Economic Dependency Among Women. During her vetting session at Parliament buildings on April 14, 2025, Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Hanna Cheptumo highlighted the alarming rate of femicide in Kenya, attributing it to financial dependency and transactional relationships.
Cheptumo, nominated by President William Ruto, emphasized that her strategy to tackle the femicide crisis includes promoting women’s economic empowerment and enhancing access to education. “I believe much of the problem stems from economic dependency. If young women gain financial independence, they won’t find themselves in vulnerable situations driven by the need for financial support,” she said.
Education as a Solution
Cheptumo advocated for increased access to education for women, including alternative pathways like technical and vocational training for those unable to attend universities. She explained, “Education opens up opportunities, reducing the likelihood of women facing societal challenges linked to financial dependency.”
Her remarks came under scrutiny when National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula questioned her premise, pointing out that some recent femicide victims were well-educated. Cheptumo responded, “While education is crucial, dependency on financial support in relationships remains a key factor in these tragic cases.”
Cheptumo’s Background
A lawyer and vocal advocate for women’s rights, legal empowerment, and social justice, Hanna Cheptumo is the widow of former Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, who passed away in February 2025.
President Ruto nominated Cheptumo in March 2025 to lead the Ministry of Gender, which has been without a Cabinet Secretary since August 2024. Her predecessor’s nomination was rejected, leaving the ministry vacant after a reshuffle during a turbulent period marked by anti-government protests.
A New Focus for the Ministry
If confirmed, Cheptumo aims to address the root causes of femicide through policy changes focused on empowering women and fostering independence. She envisions a Kenya where women can thrive without being vulnerable to societal pressures linked to economic hardship.
This appointment signals President Ruto’s continued efforts to fill critical government roles with leaders poised to drive impactful change.
