Uasin Gishu to launch new gender policy

Uasin Gishu county has completed formulation of a gender policy that will help mainstream equity and fight vices like gender based violence.

Developed by the technical committee, a draft of the Uasin Gishu’s Gender Policy has been presented to the assembly committee on gender issues.

Governor Jonathan Bii said he is keen to have the policy operational by the end of this year.

“As a county we have prioritised gender equality issues to ensure that all our people, especially women, enjoy equal rights,” Bii said.

The draft proposes the establishment of critical structures to address gender-based issues and promote awareness throughout the county.

It incorporates insights gathered from Key Informant Interviews and public participation conducted across 30 wards in August and September.

Speaking at a two-day workshop, Eunice Suter, who is the Chief Officer for Gender, underscored the importance of the policy in fostering gender equity and social harmony.

“Once adopted, this policy will enhance coordination among the government, civil society and development partners to ensure gender equity in Uasin Gishu,” Suter said. 

She thanked the partners for their commitment and support throughout the policy development process.

“We have worked with very many partners in coming up with the gender policy and now look forward to having it launched soon”, she said. 

County assembly committee chairman for Gender, Patrick Kimaiyo, expressed the need for robust public sensitisation and awareness initiatives on gender equality to ensure broad-based understanding and support. 

“As a county with all leaders on board we will move to educate our people on this policy so that they own it and adhere to details in it,” he said.

The policy would be mainstreamed in all county departments and operations moving forward.

The technical bench comprises the Department of Gender and Community Development, Rural Women Peace Link, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Actionz.

Others include NORTA, Kerio Rights Organisation, Reprodrive and National Council of Churches Kenya, which are also the official partners in the development of the Gender policy.

The team’s lead consultant is Chryspin Afifu. Present during the meeting were Directors for Gender and Community Development Joywin Sang, Peter Ruto (Social Protection) and Tecla Biwott from the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.

Others were Deputy Directors Gender and Community Development Esther Serem, Kimingi Wainaina, Betsy Chepkemboi and Emmanuel Kipchumba (Deputy Director Communication) and Penina Katam (Social Protection).

Representatives for other partners also included Sally Wuodi, Ibrahim Too (RWPL), Ken Ruto, Noeline Maru (NORTA), Quinter Chemutai (Reprodrive), Fred Siele, Caroline Rotich (Kerio Right Organisation) and Uasin Gishu CSO Network Gender Chairperson, Collins Kemboi and Moses Otieno (NCCK).

Suter said the partners’ had played a crucial role in formulating the gender policy and the county would recognise their participation.