USAWA Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Gender Equality and Inclusion in Kenya

National Gender and Equality Commission · 2024 Edition · National Scope

The USAWA Awards are a flagship recognition initiative by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), designed to honour institutions that demonstrate outstanding commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination across Kenya.

Each year, the awards spotlight organisations that have made measurable progress in mainstreaming gender considerations and promoting the rights of Special Interest Groups (SIGs)—including women, youth, persons with disabilities, children, Older Members of Society, and marginalised communities. By shining a public light on these efforts, NGEC seeks to inspire a nationwide culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Purpose of the USAWA Awards

The awards are designed to do more than recognise—they are a driver of systemic change. The USAWA Awards aim to:

Recognise institutions championing gender parity and equity
Promote compliance with the Two-Thirds Gender Principle
Encourage inclusive governance across all sectors of society
Inspire continuous improvement in gender mainstreaming practices
Strengthen accountability in both public and private institutions

Award Categories

The USAWA Awards cover a wide range of sectors, reflecting NGEC's commitment to whole-of-society transformation. Institutions are assessed against clear criteria and recognised under tiered award levels.

1. NSE Listed Companies

This category recognises private sector organisations listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange that demonstrate leadership in gender inclusion at the board level.

Attainment of Gender Parity in Board of Directors

Bank of Kigali Group Plc B.O.C Kenya Ltd

Nearing Gender Parity in Board of Directors

Stanbic Holdings PLC Standard Chartered Bank Ltd WPP Scangroup Bamburi Cement Plc East African Breweries PLC Unga Group Ltd Safaricom PLC

Adherence to the Two-Thirds Gender Principle (2024)

Sasini PLC I&M Holdings Ltd HF Group Ltd Equity Group Holdings Sameer Africa PLC Sanlam Kenya PLC Liberty Kenya Holdings Britam Holdings Ltd Home Africa Ltd British American Tobacco Kenya Lap Trust Imara I-REIT New Gold Issuer (RP) Ltd

2. University Councils

Higher learning institutions are recognised for promoting gender equality within their governance structures, setting an example for the wider academic community.

Attainment of Gender Parity in University Councils (2024)

African Nazarene University Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Mama Ngina University College Presbyterian University of East Africa South Eastern Kenya University

Adherence to the Two-Thirds Gender Principle (2024)

Aga Khan University Alupe University AMREF International University Bomet University College Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology Kaimosi Friends University KCA University Kenya Methodist University Kibabii University Kirinyaga University Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology Maasai Mara University Machakos University Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Meru University of Science and Technology Multimedia University of Kenya Murang'a University of Technology Open University of Kenya Riara University Scott Christian University Strathmore University Taita Taveta University Technical University of Mombasa Tharaka University The Co-operative University of Kenya The East African University Tom Mboya University Turkana University College United States International University University of Eldoret

3. Ministries, Counties, Departments and Agencies (MCDAs)

Public sector institutions are held to a high standard of consistency and excellence in gender and social inclusion. The following institutions were recognised for Excellent Performance in Gender and Social Inclusion:

Ministries / State Departments

Ministry of Defence Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development

State Corporations

National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation

Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies

Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)

Tertiary Institutions

Kenya Coast National Polytechnic Musakasa Technical Training Institute Okame Technical and Vocational College

Counties

Nairobi City County

Impact of the USAWA Awards

Since their inception, the USAWA Awards have become a powerful accountability and motivation tool across Kenyan institutions. The recognition programme has contributed to a measurable shift in how organisations approach gender and inclusion:

By recognising and celebrating institutions that lead in gender mainstreaming, NGEC continues to inspire a culture of fairness, representation, and equal opportunity for all.

Hon. Rehema Jaldesa

Chairperson, National Gender and Equality Commission

Increased female representation in leadership and governance bodies
Greater compliance with constitutional gender provisions
Enhanced visibility of inclusion best practices across sectors
Institutional reforms in governance structures and HR policies
Stronger integration of gender perspectives in organisational decision-making

Why Gender Equality Matters

Gender equality is not just a constitutional requirement—it is a proven driver of sustainable development, economic growth, and social justice. Institutions that embrace diversity and inclusion consistently outperform their peers.

The evidence is clear: organisations with diverse leadership make better decisions, earn greater public trust, and foster stronger innovation. Embracing gender parity is not a compliance exercise—it is a strategic advantage.

Better decision-making outcomes

Improved organisational performance

Increased public trust

Stronger innovation and competitiveness

The USAWA Awards stand as a testament to Kenya's progress toward inclusive governance and equitable development. As the programme grows, so too does its influence—encouraging more institutions to embed gender equality not as an afterthought, but as a cornerstone of how they operate.

NGEC invites all institutions—public and private—to reflect on their own practices, strive for higher standards, and take their place among Kenya's leaders in gender equality and social inclusion.