A Call for Institutional Reform and Strengthened Partnerships

One of the key highlights of the discussion was the need for greater gender representation and inclusivity in public service leadership and employment. Hon. Jaldesa stressed that while Kenya has made significant progress in policy formulation, implementation gaps remain, particularly in achieving the two-thirds gender rule, fair representation of persons with disabilities, and increased youth participation in governance.

Citing NGEC’s latest compliance audit, she revealed that several government agencies still fall short of constitutional thresholds for gender and social inclusion. The Commission urged the Office of the Chief of Staff to prioritise gender-responsive policies, ensure fair recruitment processes, and enforce accountability measures within ministries, parastatals, and county governments.

Beyond gender equality, the discussion expanded to the socio-economic empowerment of marginalised and minority groups, including Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and older persons. The Commission highlighted concerns regarding economic disparities, access to government procurement opportunities, and equitable resource allocation for these groups.

Hon. Jaldesa reaffirmed NGEC’s commitment to advocating for the inclusion of marginalised voices in national discourse.

She called for a policy review to ensure that special interest groups benefit from affirmative action initiatives, including access to education, employment, and leadership positions.

Mr. Koskei assured the Commission of the government’s commitment to upholding gender and social inclusion principles, pledging to support initiatives that drive meaningful policy changes.

As a next step, NGEC will submit recommendations for integrating gender equality within government operations, alongside proposing monitoring mechanisms to track compliance across state agencies.

Additionally, the Commission plans to scale up public awareness campaigns to reinforce citizens’ understanding of their rights to equal opportunities.

This engagement signals a renewed effort to bridge the gender gap in Kenya’s public institutions. As the country navigates its sociopolitical landscape, the role of NGEC remains instrumental in ensuring that inclusivity is not just a constitutional requirement but a lived reality for all citizens.

With the backing of the Executive, the journey towards a more just, equal, and inclusive Kenya is taking a crucial step forward—one that demands sustained action, policy accountability, and a commitment to leaving no one behind.

NGEC Chairperson, Hon. Jaldesa, during a courtesy call