Murang’a: The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has intensified its equality and inclusion programme, aimed at combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the country. At the same time, the commission warned that the vice has reached worrying levels and continues to undermine the country’s social fabric.
According to Kenya News Agency, NGEC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Purity Ngina, speaking during a courtesy call at the office of Murang’a governor, disclosed that 70 percent of female athletes have experienced GBV, indicating the widespread nature of the vice and the urgent need for action from all stakeholders. Dr. Ngina stressed that GBV is not a distant issue, but pervasive, happening anywhere and to anyone, with no sector immune. She emphasized the far-reaching effects of GBV on individuals, families, and the economy.
Dr. Ngina highlighted that 15 percent of girls in Kenya have fallen victim to teenage pregnancies recently, many through defilement, describing this crisis as heartbreaking. She underscored that these statistics represent lives shattered by violence and abuse, and society cannot afford to normalize such violations. The Commission is pushing for timely justice for survivors and monitoring compliance with equality standards at national and county levels.
Dr. Ngina noted the backlog of GBV cases in the courts, particularly in Meru County, which delays justice and prolongs the suffering of survivors. She revealed that NGEC is rolling out awareness programmes in all 47 counties to educate the public on their rights and responsibilities, aiming for children to grow up understanding the importance of their rights.
The CEO commended the Murang’a county government for introducing a daycare programme for school-going mothers, ensuring young mothers are not excluded from education due to early childbirth. She praised this as a model that should be replicated nationwide.
Murang’a Deputy County Secretary Bernard Kariuki outlined county initiatives aimed at uplifting women, including the Maize Programme and the Kang’ata Care Programme, which have benefited over 40,000 women-led households. He stated that empowering women results in community empowerment, with positive ripple effects already observed in Murang’a.
The Commission urged county leadership to integrate equality and inclusion into policies and budgets, allocate resources for GBV prevention and survivor support, and strengthen accountability mechanisms through improved data, coordination, and transparency. NGEC reaffirmed its commitment to guiding and monitoring this process, showcasing Murang’a’s progress as a model for the nation.
