Lodwar:County Commissioner Julius Kavita has directed national government administration officers to take firm action against individuals found guilty of defilement. He emphasized the community’s responsibility to protect children from abuse during a press briefing following a meeting with the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) team, led by Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kavita highlighted a case involving a 71-year-old man from Kakuma imprisoned for defiling a 14-year-old girl, underscoring the necessity of strict measures against such offenders. He also instructed Chiefs to ensure young girls are not kept from education to graze livestock. Kavita warned against using alternative justice systems for gender-based violence cases.
Turkana County has been recognized for the National Usawa Awards for promoting women’s inclusion in powerful roles and integrating marginalized communities into budgeting. NGEC Chairperson Jaldesa announced the endorsement during a visit to Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus at the County Headquarters in Lodwar. She noted Turkana’s achievements, including appointing women to significant positions and incorporating marginalized groups into the county budget through affirmative action.
The Commission is visiting Turkana to evaluate compliance with inclusivity requirements for gender, youth, and special interest groups. It also aims to inaugurate a new regional station for the North Rift, offering free legal aid and supporting a gender-based violence-free county. Deputy Governor Erus welcomed the recognition, highlighting the county’s efforts to strengthen social protection programs and promote community inclusion. He stated that the current staff gender balance is 56 percent male and 44 percent female, nearing the constitutional two-thirds gender rule.
Discussions included identifying and documenting marginalized groups like the special interest group _Ilimanyang_, addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and exploring future collaboration areas. These discussions were attended by NGEC representatives and various county officials.
