Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia has urged all residents in the county to support women and girl child empowerment programmes.
The Commissioner said this during the launch of scholarships to needy students by Narok Women Representative Rebecca Tonkei, where a total of Sh8 million was awarded to 200 needy students.
“I would like to urge stakeholders and residents at large to support initiatives that seek to improve the lives of women in our communities and even girls. We should not be marginalizing women on matters of employment and education at this age and time,” said Lotiatia.
He stressed that women deserved equal opportunities just like their male counterparts in all sectors of the economy.
“I ask all stakeholders to partner with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to spearhead the sensitization of our communities against the act of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Some of the cases reported have led to death and that is very devastating,” he reiterated.
On matters of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) where according to statistics Narok County stands at 20% prevalence, the Administrator asked women to lead the war against the retrogressive culture.
“Women are at the forefront of this matter, and I would like to ask you to champion to bring to an end this vice because you play a huge role in making sure the practice is no longer done in our Maa Communities. We as NGAO, are aiming at 0% prevalence of FGM and we hugely ask for the support of women and other stakeholders to spearhead the fight,” he said.
Commissioner Lotiatia, however, slammed the notion that uncircumcised girls would end up not getting married, saying the idea is untrue.
Commenting on security matters, the County Commissioner urged stakeholders like churches, local peace ambassadors, and community groups to lead in peace sensitization amid the skirmishes recently seen in the Trans Mara West sub-county, where two communities are conflicting over land and border issues.
He however sent a stern warning to women, whom he said have been seen propagating the conflicts by screaming saying the act causes incitement.
“We are currently handling matters between the Siria and Uasin Gishu communities in the Trans Mara West sub-county. But I would also like to send a warning to those inciting the youths of both communities to fight, especially women, that we will arrest you and you will tell us why you were screaming,” Lotiatia warned.
The County Commissioner nonetheless urged local leaders to have a roundtable and discuss peace matters between the two communities and promised to take the full force of the law to the culprits propagating the skirmishes.
The event which was held at Ole Ntimama Stadium was also graced by East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP David Ole Sankok, Kiambu County Women Representative Anne Muratha among other leaders.
By Ann Salaton and Timothy Tobiko
