Boosting Gender Equality: Makueni County and NGEC Forge Path for Inclusive Development

Makueni County has taken a significant step towards advancing gender equality and social inclusion, following a high-level engagement with the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC). The meeting, which brought together the Sectoral Committee on Gender, Youth, Sports & Social Services of the Makueni County Assembly, served as a platform for exchanging progressive ideas aimed at fostering inclusivity and fairness within the county.

Presiding over the session, NGEC Chairperson Hon. Rehema Jaldesa commended Makueni County’s unwavering commitment to equitable governance. She underscored the transformative potential of well-structured policies that prioritise gender equity, lauding the county’s proactive stance in ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of gender, age, or ability, has an equal opportunity to thrive.

“Makueni County stands as a model of progressive policymaking. The deliberate efforts to integrate gender-responsive strategies into governance are commendable. When inclusion becomes a cornerstone of leadership, communities prosper,” Hon. Jaldesa remarked. The discussions focused on strengthening legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms that promote gender parity. Among the key issues addressed were increasing women’s representation in leadership, enhancing social welfare initiatives, and reinforcing measures to curb gender-based violence (GBV). The meeting also explored avenues to bolster economic empowerment for youth and marginalised groups, ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities that drive self-reliance and sustainable development.

According to recent statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), gender disparities in leadership and economic participation persist across counties, with women and other vulnerable groups often facing systemic barriers. Recognising this, the NGEC has continued to advocate for policies that eliminate such obstacles, with Makueni emerging as a frontrunner in adopting best practices for inclusive governance.

Makueni County Assembly members reiterated their dedication to fostering gender equality by implementing policies that align with national and international frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Kenya’s Vision 2030. The meeting also emphasised the need for collaborative approaches in executing gender-sensitive budgets and mainstreaming gender considerations across all sectors.

The meeting reinforced the critical role of collaboration in advancing gender equality. It also provided a platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and the identification of priority areas that require intervention. With a renewed commitment to driving inclusivity, Makueni County is poised to implement strategies that will ensure no one is left behind in its development agenda.

As the partnership between Makueni County and NGEC continues to evolve, the emphasis remains on fostering a fair and just society where gender equality is not just a policy goal but a lived reality for all residents.

Members of the Sectoral Committee on Gender, Youth, Sports & Social Services, Makueni County Assembly, during their visit to the Commission.