STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL GENDER AND EQUALITY
COMMISSION ON THE COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONALDAY OF FAMILIES 2026
May 15, 2026
The National Gender and Equality Commission is pleased to join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Families, observed annually on 15th May. The theme for the 2026 commemoration, “Families, Inequalities and Child Well-being,” highlights the growing inequalities affecting families across the world and the far-reaching impact on the well-being, protection, and development of children. The theme further calls for stronger investment in integrated, family-oriented policies and programmes that reduce disparities and support healthy child development.
The Constitution of Kenya recognises the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society and places an obligation on the State to protect it. The Constitution further guarantees equality, human dignity, social justice, and freedom from discrimination. These principles provide a strong foundation for advancing inclusive policies and programmes that strengthen families and safeguard vulnerable members of society. Families remain the primary spaces where values are nurtured, social responsibility is shaped, and children receive care, protection, guidance, and emotional support. Family play a critical role in supporting older persons, persons with disabilities, and individuals requiring care and protection.
As the world works toward achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, there is an urgent need to address poverty, inequality, and social exclusion affecting families and children. In Kenya, the overall poverty headcount rate is 39.8, meaning about 20 million Kenyans cannot meet their basic needs, while 31.7% face food poverty. Further, nearly one-third of households are female-headed, while the average household comprises four members, underscoring the central role families play in the country’s social and economic well-being.
The Commission acknowledges the expanded policy, legal and strategic programmatic interventions in Kenya directed purposely to the family unit. This ranges from family promotion and protection programs, social safety nets, the establishment of universal health coverage instruments, and expanded education and housing opportunities for vulnerable groups. While these efforts have cumulatively over time led to higher life expectancy, better scores on
person-years of happiness, and general quality of life, many families in Kenya continue to face systematic social and economic pressures.
The rising cost of living has increased the burden on households, while unemployment and poverty limit the ability of many families to maintain stable livelihoods. Corruption and limited access to social protection services have exposed households to hardship and uncertainty. Climate-related challenges, including drought, flood, and displacement, disrupt livelihoods and household stability, affecting access to education, healthcare, and income opportunities.
Mental health concerns are increasingly visible within households, particularly among young people, caregivers, and individuals experiencing economic distress. At the same time, inequalities continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. Women consistently face barriers to economic empowerment, while many children remain exposed to neglect, violence, exploitation, and harmful practices that threaten their safety. Young people struggle with social exclusion. Persons with disabilities, older persons minorities, and marginalised communities face barriers in accessing essential services.
The Commission is concerned that widening inequalities are undermining the ability of many families to provide safe, stable, and supportive environments for children. Caregiving responsibilities within families continue to fall disproportionately on women and girls, who undertake unpaid care and domestic work with limited recognition or support. The Commission therefore calls for stronger support systems that promote shared caregiving responsibilities and protect the welfare of all caregivers within households and communities.
The evolving digital environment has introduced both opportunities and risks for families. While technology has improved communication and expanded access to information, learning, and economic opportunities, children and young people face exposure to online exploitation, cyberbullying, harmful content, and unsafe digital spaces. Families, schools, communities, and institutions must therefore work together to strengthen child protection awareness and promote responsible use of technology.
The Commission joins the global and national actors in advocating for increased investment in family-centred policies and social protection programmes. Greater attention must be given to healthcare, education, mental health support, child protection, and economic empowerment initiatives targeting vulnerable
households. The State must continue to guarantee families with access to safe environments, responsive public services, and stronger community support systems that promote dignity, well-being, resilience, and inclusion.
As the country commemorates the International Day of Families 2026, let us all reaffirm our shared responsibility to strengthen families, protect children, and build a more inclusive and equitable society where every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity.
HON. REHEMA JALDESA
Chairperson
