Nairobi, Kenya — The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has thrown its weight behind evidence-driven reforms to accelerate Kenya’s progress on health and health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the CHOICE Project Dissemination Workshop held at the Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, Commissioner Nzomo Mbithuka delivered the keynote address and officially launched a set of policy briefs designed to translate research into action.
The workshop, convened under the theme “Accelerating Progress ~ Towards Health and Health-Related SDGs in Kenya through Evidence-Informed Policy Engagement” brought together senior officials from government, academia, civil society, and international partners.
Discussions explored how evidence can inform stronger policy frameworks to close gaps in climate resilience, mental health, and health data systems areas seen as critical bottlenecks in meeting national and global targets.
Commissioner Mbithuka stressed that Kenya cannot achieve the SDGs without mainstreaming gender equality and inclusivity across all health interventions. He pointed out that women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups remain disproportionately excluded from access to quality healthcare, and that deliberate policy action is needed to change this.
The newly launched policy briefs outline actionable options for policymakers, including integrating gendersensitive data systems, strengthening mental health services, and tailoring health investments to marginalised communities.
