Kibabii University is hosting the Second National Conference on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) in Universities and TVET institutions in Kenya, a high-level three-day forum taking place from 8th to 10th December 2025. The conference was officially opened on 8th December by the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya Mgala, EGH.
Convened under the stewardship of the Women’s Rights Advisor to the Executive Office of the President in collaboration with the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, Kibabii University, the event brought together policymakers, researchers, gender advocates, university scholars, students, and representatives from civil society organizations, security agencies, and regional youth networks. Among the guests were Fikirini Jacobs, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy; Hon. Harriette Chiggai, the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights; H.E. Hon. Kenneth Lusaka, Governor of Bungoma County; hosted by Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo, the Vice Chancellor of Kibabii University.
The conference is anchored in the 2025 Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed worldwide from 25th November to 10th December, 2025. This year’s global theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights the escalating forms of online abuse, including cyberbullying, image-based violence, non-consensual sharing of intimate content, coordinated harassment, and the emergence of AI-driven harms.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo, emphasized the timeliness of the conference and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to nurturing safe learning environments where technology is used responsibly to advance education and social transformation.
On his part, the Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs called upon the youth to reclaim the digital space as a platform for creativity, innovation, and empowerment. He emphasized that technology should expand opportunities rather than instill fear, insisting that young people must lead the charge in fostering responsible digital behaviour.
Hon. Harriette Chiggai reminded the gathering that the fight against gender-based violence must be sustained throughout the year, noting that while the Government has enacted important laws, lasting change ultimately depends on individual action.
In his remarks, Governor Kenneth Lusaka acknowledged the challenges Bungoma County continues to face regarding gender-based violence and commended Kibabii University and the Executive Office of the President for choosing Bungoma as the host. He added that such national forums play a pivotal role in shaping community-wide interventions and strengthening county initiatives aimed at addressing GBV.
In his keynote address, Cabinet Secretary Hon. Salim Mvurya, EGH, delivered a clarion call for ethical digital engagement. He challenged participants to reflect on their use of technology by asking themselves whether their actions uplift or harm others. He affirmed that technology must serve as a tool for empowerment, not destruction, and commended Kibabii University for its proactive steps in strengthening reporting systems, safeguarding students, and advancing preventive education.
