By Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key Highlights
- Femicide on the rise despite numerous anti-femicide campaigns.
- Trans Nzoia joins the list of County governments with gender policies in place.
- Policy to address harmful gender practices and facilitate inclusive development
- Political goodwill needed to achieve gender equality.
27 January, 2024, thousands of Kenyan women took to the streets. Their primary objective was to demand an end to femicide, sexual and gender-based violence.
The nationwide protests came about following an increase in femicide cases in the country, where 14 women, Scarlet Wahu and Rita Waeni included, were killed by intimate partners. This was in January alone.
In 2023, 152 women were killed across the country, the highest in the past five years according to Femicide Count Kenya, a Non-Governmental Organisation that documents the number of women killed across the country each year.
Femicide on the Rise
Despite anti-femicide campaigns, incidents of femicide are still on the rise in the country.
On March 28, 2024, 21 year old Robin Rono, a resident of Mowlem in Endebess Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, murdered his 19-year-old lover, Mildred Nekesa.
Speaking to the press after the cold-blooded murder, Nekesa’s parents said they had warned her to avoid Rono but she disobeyed. The parents said they were shocked to receive news of the murder of their daughter.
“I told her never to entertain that young man until he came to me to ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage. Unfortunately, she never listened. I am yet to come to terms with the fact that she is no more. She was slaughtered like a chicken,” said Nekesa’s mother.
During the period, two similar incidents were reported in the same area recently, as confirmed by Endebess Sub County Police Commander, Salesio Muriithi.
“I can confirm a murder incident of a 19-year-old girl. She was stabbed multiple times by her lover. We traced and arrested the assailant. We plead that murder suspects should not be given bond because as soon as they are out on bond, they escape to Uganda,” Muriithi said.
Gender Policy
Deeply troubled by such incidents, Trans Nzoia County Gender Department together with Trans Nzoia women leaders developed a gender and development policy.
The policy was launched on March 8th, 2024, on the commemoration of International Women’s Day. This policy aims to operationalise Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, which provides for equality before the law as well as equal protection by the law without discrimination.
A Step Towards Gender Equality
Trans Nzoia women, led by Eva Nyamogo, see the policy is a step towards gender equality in the cosmopolitan county. Eunice Wambui recalled that for a very long time, women have been left out in decision-making, and hence, their hole now lies in the policy.
“Equality and economic development will be achieved, diversity of all citizens will be acknowledged and respected in the county. Women, men, boys, and girls will have equal rights and access to education,” Nyamogo stated.
George Natembeya, Governor, Trans Nzoia County, said that the implementation of the policy was essential for inclusive development:
“This policy framework stands as a testament to our firm commitment to promoting social justice, empowering women, men, boys and girls, and fostering inclusive growth in our County.”
Address Harmful Practices
Harmful practices such as child marriage expose minors to HIV/AIDS infections, adolescent pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence – a triple threat.
“The triple-threat remains a challenge to our gender equality agenda. This policy document is a steadfast commitment to cultivating an environment where every person can flourish, contribute meaningfully to society, and realise their full potential, free from discrimination or bias,” Natembeya added.
Worrying Statistics
Pr. Dorcas Rigathi, the spouse of the Deputy President, says that to achieve gender equality, there is a need to take action against perpetrators of teenage pregnancies and child neglect.
“The Economic Survey of 2022 reported that 9.7% of females in Trans Nzoia County were married by the age of 15 to 19 years. Adolescents aged 10 to 19 accounted for 30% of the new antenatal-care attendance in Endebess, and here, Saboti, contributed 25% of the total. This trend must stop,” she stated.
National Gender and Equality Commission
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), was established to promote gender equality and freedom from all forms of discrimination.
NGEC Commissioner, Dr. Margaret Karungaru, observed that achieving gender equality is a work-in-progress. She challenged the remaining 39 counties to develop gender and development policies.
“It is not something we should take for granted because out of the 47 counties, this is the eighth county with a gender policy. We still have a long way to go. We can never progress if we leave any Kenyan behind,” Karungaru said.
Sustainable Development Goal 5
Gender Equality is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Sadly, 39 countries lack laws are yet to develop laws for protecting women from domestic violence.
“We were analysing data, and realised that it will take 133 years for Africa to achieve gender equality, unless are deliberate about that. If we purpose to do that, 133 years will be cut by half,” she argued
Related Stories
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/gender/expert-s-view-why-femicide-is-endemic-in-kenya-4561960
https://www.pd.co.ke/news/ea-states-urged-to-fast-track-gender-equality-sdg-agenda-227027/
