Nakuru County Government Collaborates with MCAs on Draft Gender and Development Policy

Written by James Alumera

Nakuru County Government in partnership with Midrift Hurrinet and Women’s Empowerment Link engaged Members of County Assembly ( MCAs ) on the Draft County Gender and Development Policy and The Gender Bill in Rongai Sub-county.

It comprises of the Policy Direction, Strategic Pillars and Priority Actions, Gender Policy Implementation Framework, County Gender and Development Policy Monitoring and Review.

The Chief Officer for Gender and Inclusivity Gladys Kamuren urged the MCAs to adopt the proposed policy in order to align the same to existing policies, rules and regulations to the Constitution of Kenya, integrate and mainstream gender in planning and budgeting while establishing a gender-responsive institutional framework and performance indicators for Nakuru County

The Director for Gender Selina Nkatha during her presentations emphasized the need for the directorate to be allocated more funds for its operations to cater for Gender aspects across all sectors starting at the ward level.

The Majority Leader Hon Dr Alex Langat said the house recognises Gender and Inclusivity and strongly condemns Gender Based Violence cases within the county and thus believes this bill once tabled will be passed by honourable members in the house.

The Chairperson for Budget Committee Hon Alex Mbugua assured the committee of support for the directorate and technically advised the heads to put some considerations and amend other articles with the proposed bill and Policy and look forward for the adoption of it in the house.

Whereas the Midrift Hurrinet Executive Director Joseph Omondi highlighted areas they partner with Nakuru County during the workshop. They capacity to build local women’s groups, champion climate justice and advocate for financial independence as the institution.

On the way forward from the meeting, the Gender and Labour Committee Chair Hon Grace Mwathi urged the Directorate to have more regular meetings with the house for future betterment, on the budget allocation the budget committee to prioritize the Request and purchase of the VAN vehicle to aid the directorate operations across the county and urged MCAs to adopt and pass this bill once and for all.

Present in the meeting were MCAs, Representatives of Midrift Hurrinet, NGEC Regional Coordinator Lewis Mwaniki, Representatives from Women’s Empowerment Link among others