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State Department for Gender Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Dr. Jebii Kilimo presided over the International Widows Day 2022 event themed; “Dignity -Economic Empowerment and Social Justice for Widows.”

International Widows Day sheds light on the epidemic of widowhood, a humanitarian crisis that has gone unnoticed for long.

In her keynote address during the event held in Siaya County yesterday, Hon Linah Jebii Kilimo highlighted that the Ministry is happy to work with Widows of Kenya and to see their lives changing because they have a difficult task of taking care of the family in the absence of their spouses.

“As a Ministry, we are committed to supporting women through empowerment programmes and that’s why we came up with Thamini loan to help uplift the livelihood for widows, we commit to work with you in addressing injustices and any other issues that affect widows” said Hon. Kilimo.

Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization founder Ms Dianah Kamande said that the organisation will at all time continue to protect and safeguard the rights of widows and orphans.
“I would like to call on State and non state actors to work together in ensuring Widows are protected” said Ms Kamande.

Widows and their children make upto 15% of the world’s population which translated to 258 million widows, 115 million of whom live in extreme poverty, according to a 2010 study.

Women Enterprise Fund disbursed Ksh 30 Million to various women groups in Siaya County .
The Ministry of Public Service, Gender, SeniorCitizensAffairs and Special Programmes has been in the front line in Making Widows Matter by Empowering them Economically through Thamini Mjane Special Loan Product which was specifically tailor made for Widows by Women Enterprise Fund.
Also present was ; Hon. James Orengo, Senator Siaya County, Ms Bernadette Loloju CEO Anti FGM Board, Mr. Peter Lengapiani, CEO Uwezo Fund, Commissioner Njoki Kahiga Chairperson WEF.

The Head of Public Service, Dr. Joseph Kinyua on Thursday 23rd June presided over the celebration of Africa Public Service Day (APSD) at KICC, Nairobi.

APSD is an African Union calendar event celebrated annually to reflect on the efficiency of public service delivery and also to take cognizance of the achievements made in public service transformation.
In his keynote address, Dr. Kinyua acknowledged the government’s effort in creating an inclusive environment for the youth who are important in the use of technology to enable innovative public service delivery.

“As we balance between a sophisticated young citizenry and limited resources, it is of fundamental importance that the public servant is innovative, prudent and resourceful to ensure we meet the expectations,” he said.

The Africa Public Service Day celebration was a 3-day affair that brought together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the County Government who showcased outstanding innovations that have transformed public service delivery at an exhibition which commenced on the 21st June to 23rd of June.

While recognising the role of the youth in driving change, Public Service Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia highlighted the need to focus on the youth in harnessing their skills for digital transformation in the delivery of services.

“The government is implementing a robust Public Service Internship Programme that will equip interns with practical work experience to strengthen their capabilities for accessing employment. While they undertake this programme we should tap into their digital skills,” said Prof. Kobia.
The ceremony included an award ceremony for government institutions that have excelled in public service delivery innovations.

Chief Administrative Secretary, Hon. Rachel Shebesh has urged state and non-state actors to work expeditiously to eliminate harmful practices affecting children in Kenya.

Hon. Rachel Shebesh was speaking on 16th June when she presided over the celebration of the Day of the African Child at Elangata Wuas Primary School in Kajiado County.

The Day of the African Child brings together Governments, UN Agencies, International Organizations, NGOs, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders once a year to renew the ongoing engagements towards the protection and assistance of children affected by harmful practices.

The Chief Administrative Secretary highlighted the need to accelerate the elimination of harmful practices and called on the local Administrators to enhance their operations and arrest the perpetrators.
“We must assess where we are as far as protecting children from harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation and Child Marriage and it must start from the grassroots,” she said.

Every year on June 16th, governments and other stakeholders gather in memory of the 1976 massacre of children in Soweto to reflect on the status of the rights and welfare of children in Africa.

First celebrated in Kenya in 1991, this day provides an opportunity to take stock of the gains that have been made to safeguard the rights and welfare of children and identify gaps.

Also present at the event were representatives from Africa Union, UNICEF Kenya and National and County Government officials.

Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia hosted a dinner event on Tuesday night in honour of H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta who received the Africa Gender Award 2022.

His Excellency received the award from the Gender is my Agenda Campaign Network (GIMAC) at an event ceremony held at State House, Nairobi.

GIMAC also awarded the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in the private sector category and the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) in the civil society category respectively for their role in the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment in Kenya.

In her keynote remarks, Prof. Kobia lauded President Uhuru’s continental recognition as well as KEPSA and CREAW for putting Kenya on the map yet again.

“We are proud as a nation, we are proud as women of Kenya, these awards are as a result of the tremendous effort, collaboration and partnership we have in addressing gender equality and women empowerment,” said Prof. Kobia.

Ms Betina Diop, the African Union special envoy on Women Peace and Security congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta, KEPSA and CREAW for receiving the prestigious award.

“You have done a wonderful job, you have touched and impacted the lives of women, girls and boys, you deserve this honour and we are proud of you,” said Ms. Diop.

Oh her part, State department for Gender, Principal Secretary Prof Collete Suda underscored the fact that team work between various players in the gender sector is the reason Kenya managed to scoop the awards.

“This is the best time for a woman in Kenya because everything is happening now, this occasion marks the beginning of greater things for the women, Prof. Suda said.

Under His Excellency’s leadership, Kenya achieved eleven out of twelve operative articles of the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA). The award is based on three thematic indices namely HIV Index, Education Index and Gender Parity Index.

The African Gender Forum is a gender platform for the women of Africa to forge their own strategic path regarding relevant actors and partners whilst the African Gender award serves as a mechanism to monitor and reward an African Head of State or Government who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in promoting gender equality and development within the thematic areas of the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa.

The Award is based on country performance measured by the scientifically developed Solemn Declaration Index, SDI and the SDI score card. The SDI) was initiated by GIMAC (Gender is My Agenda Campaign) with the leadership of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and African Union Commission (AUC).

In the past the Award, recognized every 2 years, an African Head of State or Government for showing an outstanding contribution to Gender Parity. The African Gender Forum & Award is accompanied by two other in-country recognitions: to a member of the Private sector that promotes gender equality in the economic spheres; and to a women’s organization among the civil society for its commitment to mainstreaming the gender agenda.

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, we are co-hosting a Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Scientific Conference at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. The objective of the conference which will run from 8th to 10th June is to strengthen multi-sectoral prevention and response against Gender-Based Violence in Kenya.

Principal Secretary for State Department for Gender, Prof. Collette Suda who attended the opening ceremony yesterday, noted that the conference was timely as Kenya marks the first anniversary since H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta made twelve commitments and launched a road map on advancing gender equality and the elimination of all forms of Gender-Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation by 2026 in Kenya.

“In June 2021, Kenya participated in the Generation Equality Forum in Paris where H.E. President made 12 commitments that focus on strengthening accountability on enforcement and implementation of GBV laws and policies, increased financing and budgetary allocation for GBV programming, enhancing service delivery for survivors and strengthening utilisation of data among others,” she said.

Prof. Suda described the conference yesterday as an opportunity to commemorate the first anniversary and demonstrate the milestones achieved in translating the 12 commitments into action. Among the key achievements that she highlighted include the submission of GBV sub-indicators on implementation of laws for inclusion in the Performance Contracts of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the financial year 2022/2023, the investment in GBV and FGM programming through financial and technical support from development partners and the establishment of a three-tier leadership structure which comprises the National Advisory Committee, the National Steering Committee and a Secretariat.

The scientific conference will explore the progress made and lessons learned over the COVID -19 pandemic period in closing GBV prevention and response gaps. It will provide an opportunity to showcase successes, to learn and create momentum for GBV prevention and response beyond mitigation.

The forum will document shared challenges and strengthen partnerships for a robust response, especially during humanitarian and conflict situations. It is expected that through the forum there will be enhanced preparedness for GBV prevention and response in Kenya during adversity including the upcoming electioneering period.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is a first responder in mitigating the health-related effects of GBV while working within a multi-sectoral response. MOH is core in facilitating efficient referral pathways by maintaining linkages with other sectors. It also plays a critical role in changing community norms and attitudes through information, education and communication. MOH is also a credible source of data and information for policymaking and accountability.

The Ministry of Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes launched the National Care Reform Strategy for Children in Kenya and the Assessment of the National Response to Child Online Sexual Exploitation in Kenya on 8th June 2022.

Most. Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya who presided over the event at KICC Nairobi recognised the role of faith-based organisations which he said are central to the reform of childcare services, policy and framework. He highlighted in particular the need for collaborative action on child online sexual exploitation and abuse.

The Archbishop announced that a children and teen centre had been established recently at All Saints Cathedral to teach children skills needed in navigating the online space and urged the stakeholders to support the Church’s efforts.

“The cyberspace is becoming increasingly complex hence why we saw the need to ensure that we protect children by empowering them with skills to ensure their safety as they are most vulnerable,” said Dr. Sapit.

Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia who also attended the event noted that there are an estimated 45,000 children living in over 845 institutions run by charity and a further 1200 children living in 28 government-run institutions including rehabilitation, remand and rescue centres in Kenya who are not receiving acceptable standards of care.

“There is overwhelming evidence that children under institutional care suffer severe developmental setbacks as opposed to the ones in the family and community-based care,” she said.

To fully align with globally accepted standards of care, the Cabinet Secretary said that the Government in collaboration with Development Partners adopted a unified and holistic approach towards reforming the childcare system by developing the National Care Reform Strategy for Children in Kenya.

The two publications launched today have been developed in partnership with UNICEF Kenya, USAID Kenya, the Embassy of Sweden, and World Vision among other development partners. The research findings will provide an action plan to protect children from harmful online content and sexual exploitation while the National Care Reform Strategy for Children in Kenya is expected to reform the childcare system.

On 20th May, Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia presided over the official commissioning of various projects in Dadaab, Garissa County under the Kenya Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (KDRDIP) – a regional initiative in the Horn of Africa being implemented in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Somalia.

KDRDIP is a five-year project that aims at providing priority support to host communities around Dadaab and Kakuma Refugee Camps within the Counties of Garissa, Wajir and Turkana the communities that have hosted refugees for over 30 years.

The projects commissioned today included:

i. The renovated and well equipped theatre at Dadaab Subcounty hospital.
ii. Newly constructed Dormitory and community library at Dadaab Secondary School.
In her keynote remarks, Prof. Kobia noted the Community Driven Development (CDD) approach as the driving success factor which had presented to us opportunities and best practices in community development and governance.

“This project has shown that communities have the abilities to identify own development needs, monitor and supervise implementation of own sub-projects, supervise and participate fully in the decision making on their development initiatives,” she said.

Prof. Kobia recognised the role of KDRDIP and noted that the project had demonstrated that it is easy to take into account the interests of women, youth and marginalized groups in decision making and project implementation.

The Cabinet Secretary also issued cheques worth Ksh. 425 Million from KDRDIP to benefit 850 community groups and Ksh. 1.3 Million from Women Enterprise Fund to various women groups respectively.

Dr. Anne Kinyua, the project’s National Coordinator said that the Project is positively impacting the lives of the communities in Arid and Semi-Arid regions and called on stakeholder to continue working together for the betterment of the lives of the vulnerable.

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by State Department for ASALs Principal Secretary, Mr. Micah Powon, Boaz Cherotich, Garissa County Commissioner, Hon. Dr. Mohammed Dahir MP Dadaab, Mr. Abdikarim Mohammed, Mr. Hared Hassan Lt. Col (Rtd).

Safaricom and Mpesa Foundation have today launched Pamoja Tuungane Campaign an initiative aimed at rallying Kenyans to contribute in support of people in Arid and Semi Arid Land counties affected by the ongoing drought.

The drought is a result of three failed rainy seasons which has created food insecurity in 23 counties in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands with 3.1 million people in dire need of food with Marsabit County being one of the worst-hit counties accounting for more than 250,000 people.
 
Speaking during the launch held at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi today, Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia said that the campaign will complement the Government’s ongoing interventions which include the initial allocation of KES. 2 billion to assist the affected households through relief food distribution, water trucking, and a livestock offtake programme. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the government’s short and long term plans.
 
“As part of the Government’s commitment to both short term and long-term solution, KES. 46.8 billion has been allocated to address food security in the country for the Financial Year 2022/23,” said Prof. Kobia.

She said the focus for the government is to invest in community-based interventions that will build resilience in all the vulnerable households.

Mr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer, said that there was need to strategise on long-term measures especially given that the main cause of such prolonged droughts is the effect of climate change.

“As we flag off this relief food today, we are well aware that we also need to have a conversation about long-term measures to tackle climate change and overeliance on rain fed agriculture,” said Mr. Ndegwa.

The CEO also called upon other corporate organizations and Kenyans across the country to support the cause through cash or food donations.

During the launch, Emergency Relief supplies worth KES. 100 Million were flagged off for 20,000 households in Marsabit County.

Kenyans of goodwill are urged to support this iniative by donating cash or food. The details on how to go about it can be accessed through www.pamojatuungane.co.ke
 
Also present during the launch were, Principal Secretaries Nelson Marwa, Senior Citizens and Specials Programmes, Mr. Micah Powon, Development of ASALs, Michael Josephs, Chairman Safaricom board among others.

The government of Kenya has committed to advancing gender equality to be at the center of solutions on climate change, environment and initiatives for reducing disaster risks.

These remarks were made by Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia during the presentation of the Country Statement at the 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) in New York on Wednesday 16th March 2022.

Prof. Kobia noted that climate change was posing a threat to our planet and existence with Kenya already experiencing climate change effects including rising lakes and drought causing devastation to lives and livelihoods.

This year’s session’s priority theme – achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes – focuses on accelerating action on climate change using a gender lens.

The Cabinet Secretary underscored the impact of climate change on women and girls in Kenya and the need for scaling up interventions to mitigate the adverse effects.

“While everyone is threatened by the impact of climate change, it is the world’s poorest and those in vulnerable situations, especially women and girls, who bear the brunt of climate-related socio-economic issues,” she said.

In his opening remarks during the opening ceremony on Monday 14th March 2022, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guteres described the climate and environmental crises, coupled with the ongoing economic and social fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the defining issues of our time that need our collective response to chart our course for decades to come.

The Secretary-General told the Commission that when climate disasters strike, as they do with increasing frequency, research shows that women and children are up to 14 times more likely than men to die.

“Everywhere, women and girls face the greatest threats and the deepest harm and while they are taking action to confront the climate and environmental crises, they continue to be largely excluded from the rooms where decisions are taken,” he said.

The UN Chief called for action to put women at the center of decision making for climate change.

Kenya boasts of being among the first African countries to mainstream gender in legislation and policies on climate change interventions. The constitutional provisions on gender equality cover all sectors impacted by climate change.

Some of the interventions on climate change that were highlighted in the country statement include a commitment to spending USD 62 billion in 2020 to aid the implementation of the climate change response strategy; developing a robust architecture of climate change legislation, policies as well as sectoral plans and strategies to address the challenges of climate change; establishment of a Climate Change Directorate to coordinate and provide technical assistance on climate change actions and responses; the establishment of a Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy to drive sustainable agricultural development for food and nutrition security.

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. Each year, since 1946, the UN through UN Women hosts a session of CSW at the UN Headquarters in New York. This year’s 66th session will take place from 14th March to 25th March.

NAIROBI, 9th February 2022 (PSCU) – First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today at State House Nairobi witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Beyond Zero and the Kenya School of Government (KSG) establishing the Margaret Kenyatta Institute for Gender and Social Development.

The MoU signed by the KSG Director General Professor Ludeki Chweya and Beyond Zero Coordinator Angela Langat paves the way for the creation the new institution located at KSG’s main campus at Lower Kabete.Speaking at the ceremony, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said the collaboration between KSG and Beyond Zero had opened a new opportunity for the two organization to jointly promote Kenya’s gender and social development agenda.

“The Memorandum of Understanding we have signed today strengthens the collaboration between our two organizations. This document creates an opportunity for us to jointly play a significant role in promoting our work on issues related to Kenya’s gender and social development agenda,” said the First Lady.

She said the MoU would enable the two institutions to undertake activities that will provide support for women to contribute effectively in the attainment of national and global development goals.“This MOU allows us to jointly utilize our collective knowledge and experience; to apply research, promote innovation, develop training and deliver outreach programs that will address issues that enable progress for our women,” said the First Lady.

The First Lady commended the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes for supporting her office in its efforts to advance Kenya’s Vision 2030 by ensuring women access opportunities to thrive.The MOU was counter-signed by KSG’s Director of Administration Dr. Josephine Mwanzia and the Chief of Staff in the First Lady’s Office, Ms. Constance Gakonyo at the function attended by Attorney General Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki whose office provided legal oversight and guidance in the formulation of the MoU between the two entities.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia said the establishment of the institute at the KSG will strengthen capacity building in the public service, provide solutions to challenges of gender nature and also serve as a rich resource for the School and other learning institutions. Prof. Kobia pointed out that the collaboration between the two institutions will mutually support the national development agenda under Vision 2030, the Big 4 Agenda, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.

“All these broad aspirations touch on healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, climate change, inclusive development, gender parity and protection of the rights of persons with disability, women and children with special mention to the welfare of girls. What this means, Your Excellency, is that the work you have been involved in touches people’s hearts,” Prof Kobia said.

KSG Director General Prof. Ludeki Chweya thanked First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for accepting KSG’s request to name the institute after her and to become its patron. Prof. Chweya noted that the signing of the MOU marks a turning point in the already flourishing partnership between Beyond Zero and KSG.“The framework will henceforth guide our two institutions to achieve closer collaboration and beyond this, fulfil jointly agreed upon activities and programmes all of which seek to improve the social life of our citizens,” Prof Chweya said.

He said the MOU for collaboration between Beyond Zero and KSG will enable the two institutions to work together in identifying specific areas for actions touching on training, research, consultancy, policy advisory services and community outreaches.The ceremony was also attended by and Chief Administrative Secretaries Rachael Shebesh and Jebii Kilimo among other senior government officials.