Nairobi: Uasin Gishu Civil Society Organizations, in partnership with local groups, has handed over the Gender and Community Development Policy 2025 to county leaders, describing it as a 'historic milestone.' The officially unveiled policy aims to address long-standing gender inequalities and is designed to close gender gaps in leadership, health, and economic empowerment. The policy was presented to County Executive Committee Member for Youth, Sports, and Gender, Lucy Nge'ondo, and Patrick Kimeli, Chairperson of the County Assembly Gender Committee.
According to Kenya News Agency, the policy highlights that women hold less than 10 percent of senior leadership roles, compared to a national average of 22 percent. Only 18 percent of land titles belong to women, which is below the national figure of 26 percent. Additionally, just 59 percent of births are attended by skilled personnel, which is lower than the national average. In 2023 alone, the county recorded over 1,200 cases of gender-based violence, although many more cases go unreported.
REPRODRIVE Programme Manager, Ian Kigen Kisorio, revealed that the policy is anchored on five strategic pillars: ending violence against women, boosting women's leadership, socio-economic empowerment, male engagement, and promoting peace and security. Kisorio noted that the policy addresses key areas, including engaging men and boys in discussions about women's peace, security, and economic empowerment. He expressed hope that the policy would be the start of a mitigation process for the challenges faced in Uasin Gishu County.
Civil society leaders emphasize that the approach is community-driven, reflecting the voices of women, men, and youth across Uasin Gishu. Ken Ruto, CEO of North Rift Theater Ambassadors (NORTA), stated that the policy would help resolve gender-related issues. Fred Siele, Programmes Coordinator at Kerio Rights Organization, emphasized the policy's focus on climate action, highlighting its significant impact on women.
Eng. Lucy Ng'endo, Uasin Gishu County CECM for Education, Culture, Gender, and Social Protection, assured stakeholders of the policy's progression through cabinet approval and the county assembly. She called for continued partnership in resource mobilization. Patrick Kimeli, Chairman of the Labour, Gender, and Social Protection Committee, underscored the importance of budget allocation to ensure effective policy implementation and community involvement.
Uasin Gishu now joins Makueni and Kisumu, which have successfully enacted similar policies, enhancing women's access to county funds, procurement opportunities, and stronger GBV response systems. The county's challenge lies in securing financing, political commitment, and community participation, with stakeholders optimistic that Uasin Gishu could emerge as a model for inclusive governance.