The Constitution of Kenya contains important commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment and provides the National Values and Principles that bind all Kenyans in implementing public policies including those that relate to the marginalized groups. To effectively implement these
constitutional provisions, it is necessary to formulate a comprehensive National Gender and Development Policy.
The policy formulation process was undertaken through a consultative approach that involved participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA), Parliament (the National Assembly and Senate), Faith Based Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector, academia among other stakeholders. This policy is aligned to the Constitution in particular the Bill of Rights and subsidiary legislations; National and County Government systems and their respective mandates, Kenya Vision 2030, Medium Term Plan III (MTP III), the Governments ‘Big Four’ Agenda (Universal Health Care, Food Security, Affordable Housing and Manufacturing), international and regional gender treaties that Kenya has ratified as well as emerging issues.
The goal of the policy is to “achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment in national development so as to enhance participation of women and men, boys and girls, vulnerable and marginalized groups for the attainment of sustainable development”. The policy sets, legislative and administrative measures to address the existing gaps in the realization of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
To ensure that gender equality and women’s empowerment is integrated into sectoral policies, planning and programmes, the policy identifies key thematic areas, namely: labour and employment, education, health, land, housing, agriculture, environment and natural resources, peace and security, governance, power and decision making, information and communications technologies, respect for the human rights, Sexual and Gender Based Violence; the girl child and the boy child, intersectional discrimination, media and access to justice. The policy recognizes that achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment requires the concerted effort of all actors. In this respect, the policy calls upon the National and County Governments, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices, Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the private sector to work together in ensuring its implementation. Partnership with development partners will complement national efforts in this noble cause.
I urge all stakeholders to join me in ensuring the full implementation of this policy to achieve gender equality in Kenya.
Prof. Margaret Kobia, Ph.D, MGH
Cabinet Secretary,
Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender