Patmoz
By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya – July 9, 2025 —
Kenya has taken a major step forward in advancing its gender equality agenda with the official launch of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Strategic Plan 2025–2029. The event, held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, brought together national and county leaders, civil society actors, diplomats, and champions of equality for a double celebration that also included the prestigious Usawa Awards ceremony.
The launch was graced by Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Hon. Wendot Cheptumo, who praised the NGEC for its leadership in pushing the country toward a more inclusive and equitable society. In his remarks, CS Cheptumo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the plan and ensuring that gender and equality priorities remain central to Kenya’s development agenda.
“This plan is a bold step toward building a nation that truly leaves no one behind. The Ministry stands ready to work with NGEC and all stakeholders to ensure that gender and equality commitments translate into real change in the lives of Kenyans,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
The new five-year strategy outlines NGEC’s renewed focus on promoting inclusion, equity, and the rights of marginalized groups—including women, persons with disabilities, the youth, older persons, and minority communities—across all sectors of society.
NGEC Chairperson Hon. Rehema Jeldesa, speaking at the launch, described the plan as both a policy blueprint and a moral commitment. “This strategic plan is not just a document—it is a promise to the Kenyan people that the Commission will remain vigilant, vocal, and action-oriented in the fight against discrimination,” she said.
Key pillars of the 2025–2029 plan include public education on rights and responsibilities, strengthened institutional partnerships, enhanced monitoring and enforcement of equality-related laws, and support for county governments to mainstream inclusive development.
To reinforce the theme of action and accountability, the event also featured the Usawa Awards Ceremony, an initiative that recognizes individuals, organizations, and counties making impactful contributions to gender equality and social inclusion. The 2025 edition celebrated champions working in areas such as gender-based violence prevention, inclusive service delivery, and economic empowerment.
The Usawa Awards, first launched in 2021, have become a platform for showcasing best practices and inspiring replication of successful models across the country. “The Usawa Awards remind us that gender equality is not merely a constitutional right—it is a daily responsibility and a collective goal,” said one of the award presenters.
The dual event also included exhibitions from various institutions and county governments, highlighting innovative programs aligned with the strategic plan’s vision. Development partners, government ministries, and civil society groups present at the launch pledged continued collaboration with NGEC in advancing inclusive governance.
As Kenya continues to tackle deep-rooted inequalities, the unveiling of the NGEC Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and the celebration of Usawa champions serve as a timely call to action—affirming that the path to justice, equity, and inclusion is not only necessary but urgent.
