Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development under the guide of the Constitution (2010), which guarantees equal rights for men and women during the Kenya Population and Development Conference (KPDC) 2025, held in Nairobi.
However, challenges remain, requiring continuous efforts from the government, civil society, and international partners, with women’s empowerment being key to economic growth and social development.
The Principal Secretary (PS) for Gender and Affirmative Action, Anne Wang’ombe, emphasised the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in tackling population and development issues.
The PS highlighted Kenya’s progress in aligning national policies with international commitments such as the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) 25 and the Maputo Declaration, which focus on reproductive health rights and ensuring inclusivity in development efforts through 2030.
Further, Wang’ombe outlined the government’s ongoing initiatives to promote gender equality, particularly through the Women’s Charter, which features a nine-point agenda aimed at empowering women economically and ensuring their representation in decision-making spaces.
She highlighted key aspects of this agenda, including the economic empowerment of women, implementation of the two-thirds gender principle, strengthening gender desks at police stations, increased funding for the Anti-FGM Board, and support for Kenyan women in the diaspora.
Others include facilitating community health work, access to clean and safe domestic energy, provision of free sanitary towels, and protection of women and children’s land rights.
“The State Department is actively reviewing policies and legislation to advance gender equality and ensure that no one is left behind,” stated Wang’ombe in a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Director, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Catherine Kayoro.
A key concern raised at the conference was the escalating cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide in the country, with the PS acknowledging that GBV remains a critical human rights issue, deeply rooted in gender inequalities and power imbalances.
“To combat this, the government has established GBV rescue centers in all 47 counties, with ongoing development of operational guidelines,” echoed the PS, adding that the GBV hotline number, 1195, is in place to document and refer cases.
“The GBV and Femicide Task Force is also working on strategies to curb the crisis,” she added.
Further, Wang’ombe assured that the government is determined to ensure that survivors of GBV receive the necessary support, including access to dignity kits and safe spaces.
While acknowledging the existing policies and frameworks, Wang’ombe posed a crucial question to stakeholders: How do we translate these aspirations into real change?
“This conference provides a critical opportunity to chart the way forward in ensuring that gender equality is not just a policy goal but a lived reality for all Kenyans,” she remarked.
The PS urged policymakers, development partners, and civil society to work together in implementing inclusive programmes and ensuring accountability in gender-related commitments.
Wang’ombe expressed her gratitude to partners and stakeholders supporting the cause, reaffirming the State Department’s dedication to empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
With a strong government commitment and active participation from various sectors, Kenya is taking bold steps toward gender equality and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, the KPDC 2025 also serves as a platform for national and international stakeholders to discuss solutions for achieving sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By Emmanuel Mbuthia
