NGEC History

Historical Framework of NGEC

Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) established the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission (KNHREC), with an expanded human rights mandate and enhanced powers. It provided that Parliament would enact legislation to give full effect to Article 59 of the Constitution, and any such legislation could restructure the Commission into two or more separate commissions.

Subsequently, Parliament was presented with three bills to establish three commissions to give effect to Article 59 of the Constitution: The Kenya National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2011; The Commission on Administrative Justice Bill, 2011; and The National Gender and Equality Commission Bill, 2011.

Although the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) made a spirited case for a single Commission with departments capable of discharging the constitutionally expanded mandate, Parliament eventually passed the three Bills, establishing three commissions – the successor KNCHR, the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ); and the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC).

Established by Act No. 15 of 2011 — Pursuant to Art. 59(4) & (5)

The National Gender and Equality Commission Act, No. 15 of 2011 constitutes NGEC as one of the three successor commissions to the KNHREC. The Commission's mandate is to promote gender equality and freedom from discrimination for all people in Kenya with focus on special interest groups, which include: women, children, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), older members of society, minorities and marginalized groups.

The Journey

April 2010

The proposed Constitution was presented to the Attorney General of Kenya on 7 April 2010 and officially published on 6 May 2010.

August 2010

A referendum held on 4 August 2010 approved the new Constitution by 67% of Kenyan voters, ushering in a new era of rights and governance.

2010 – Constitution

The new Constitution proposes the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission (KNHREC) be established under Article 59 of the Constitution, with an expanded mandate covering equality and non-discrimination.

2011 – NGEC Act

The National Gender and Equality Commission Act, 2011 (No. 15 of 2011) provides for the establishment of NGEC as the successor in title to the National Commission on Gender and Development, with a broadened and independent mandate.

October 2012

NGEC officially launches its corporate identity — the logo and brand colours — symbolising its commitment to gender equality, dignity, and the representation of all special interest groups in Kenya.

The NGEC Logo

The development of the NGEC logo was the subject of a creative concepts competition. The Commission requested interested bidders to submit proposals illustrating its mandate and special interest groups. Several bids were submitted and one was selected to present a variety of logos and colours for approval.

Rationale of the Logo Design & Colour

                            
                            Purple — Internationally recognised as a colour symbolising women; also signifies justice and dignity.
                        

                            
                            Lime / Gold / Yellow — Represents the equality of all special interest groups, irrespective of background.
                        

                            
                            Raised Hands — Symbolise the representation and inclusion of all persons in Kenyan society.
                        

                            
                            Launched October 2012 — The corporate identity officially unveiled to the public.
                        