The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has called for the full operationalisation of the Nanyuki POLICARE Centre before any other such centre is established elsewhere in the country.

 The Commission’s Chairperson, Hon. Rehema Jaldesa, set that position at a stakeholders’ forum in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, saying the Centre must be adequately resourced and enabled to deliver comprehensive, survivor-centred services. 

The demand attaches a condition to the growth of the POLICARE model. On the Commission’s reading, a centre that is established but not fully operational does not deliver the service survivors are entitled to, and existing capacity must be completed before new capacity is announced.

 The forum was attended by the Laikipia Deputy Governor, Reuben Kamuri, representatives of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), the National Police Service and other stakeholders.

COUNTY PLEDGE

 Kamuri pledged the County Government’s support to ensure the Centre is optimally resourced, and said the county would engage BATUK and other partners to strengthen its operations. The Commission will continue working with stakeholders to address the gaps identified and to strengthen POLICARE as an effective, accessible and coordinated response to sexual and gender-based violence.

WIDER ENGAGEMENT

 The POLICARE forum formed part of a broader Commission engagement in Laikipia County, which opened with a courtesy call on the County Commissioner, Duncan Darusi, in Nanyuki. 

The delegation was led by Jaldesa, accompanied by the Vice Chairperson, Thomas Koyier, the Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Purity Ngina, and Commission officers.

 That meeting focused on strengthening collaboration on equality, inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups, with both parties agreeing on the need for better coordination of disability programmes and services.

 Discussions also covered peace, responsible leadership and inclusive political participation ahead of the electioneering season. Jaldesa urged measures to ensure that persons with disabilities, women, youth, older persons and other marginalised groups are included in decision-making. 

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Commission and the county administration to building an inclusive Laikipia County.