The Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Hon. Rehema Jaldesa, has met community members in Garba Tula, Isiolo County, to discuss voting rights and participation in democratic processes.
Every eligible Kenyan has the right to take part in elections and to be heard without discrimination, intimidation or exclusion. Jaldesa addressed those entitlements as a matter of equality and non-discrimination
BEYOND THE BALLOT
Civic participation extends beyond casting a ballot, she said. Communities also need to understand their rights, take part in the decisions that affect them and hold institutions to account.
The discussion turned to unity among the Borana community and across Kenya’s diverse communities. Unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence hold together a society in which every person enjoys rights and opportunities equally.
DIVERSITY AND UNITY
Jaldesa spoke of Kenya’s diversity as a source of unity among communities. Communities themselves have work to do in promoting peaceful engagement, inclusion and respect for the rights of every citizen, she said, as Kenya strengthens democratic participation and equality.
The engagement in Garba Tula ended on inclusion, participation, equality and unity, with no one left behind.
