Uasin Gishu county is in the final stages of formulating its Gender and Community Development Policy, which seeks to empower women.
Governor Jonathan Bii directed his team to complete the policy so it can be endorsed by the executive and county assembly before implementation.
Work on the framework began last year, spearheaded by the Gender department of in collaboration with the Uasin Gishu County Civil Network and other partners.
Gender executive Lucy Ng’endo described the completion of the draft as a milestone.
“We have always relied on the National Gender Policy, but this one is now domiciled in Uasin Gishu,” she said during a review meeting.
She said the policy covers women’s empowerment, peace building, economic growth and mitigation strategies.
It also stresses the need to involve men in gender issues to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Gender chief officer Marion Birgen said the policy provides a strategic framework to tackle inequalities, promote inclusion and drive community development.
“It integrates gender considerations into all aspects of planning and implementation, while guiding stakeholders through legislative and administrative measures for equitable growth,” she said.
The county assembly’s Gender chairperson Patrick Kimeli pledged support for the policy’s passage.
Kimeli, who is also the MCA for Moi’s Bridge, urged budget allocations for its rollout and promised to push for public awareness once it is adopted.
Reprodrive programme manager Ian Kigen, a partner in the initiative, affirmed their commitment to implementation.
“This policy covers emerging issues we face today, and we hope it marks the beginning of effective mitigation,” he said.
Other stakeholders involved in the process include the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Kerio Rights Organisation, Nora, NCCK and Rural Women Peace Link, all under the Uasin Gishu County Civil Network.
