NYERI COUNTY - Nyeri County has introduced a comprehensive five-year Gender and Development Policy aimed at promoting gender equality and addressing disparities within its various programs and policies. This policy positions Nyeri as the seventh county in Kenya to formalize such an initiative, aligning with efforts similar to those in Makueni, Kajiado, Meru, Migori, Kisumu, and Isiolo.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Gender and Development Policy 2021-2025 is designed to serve as a foundation for promoting social inclusion across all sectors of the county's development agenda. The policy mandates the institutionalization of gender functions within the County Government, ensuring a systematic approach to addressing historical gender concerns and promoting equality.
During the unveiling ceremony, Governor Kahiga emphasized the policy’s objectives to facilitate equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation. He reaffirmed the county's commitment to eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination, fostering an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their potential.
Esther Ndung'u, the County Committee Executive Member in Charge of Gender and Social Services, highlighted ongoing challenges with Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nyeri. The policy advocates for the systemic eradication of GBV by addressing various enabling factors and includes establishing a robust SGBV prevention and response working group. It also emphasizes the need for men's involvement in combating GBV and proposes behavioral and attitude change programs to eliminate harmful cultural practices.
The policy also supports the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule in all sectors of the county's governance. While the county has made strides in appointive positions, elective roles remain underrepresented by women. To address this, the policy strengthens affirmative action programs aimed at increasing female representation in both elective and appointive positions.