The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has called for an all-inclusive, meaningful, and active participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the forthcoming 2027 General Elections.
Speaking during a courtesy call to the Kisii County Commissioner’s office in Kisii town, NGEC Vice Chairperson Thomas Koyier said the Commission had commenced dialogue in the county to encourage the women, youth, and PWDs to participate in the electoral processes and curb gender-based violence during the electioneering period.
“As a commission, we are engaging county dialogues so that women, youth, and persons with disabilities can be encouraged to participate in elections and also to make sure that there is no gender-based violence during election time,” noted Koyier.
He added that the dialogue sessions will involve collecting views of all special interest groups on barriers affecting their participation in political and electoral processes.
The vice chairperson pointed out that political violence remains a major concern for the groups, noting that women were mostly targeted during the elections.
He added the Commission will work closely with intergovernmental institutions to offer the necessary support required to address gender-based violence among the special interest groups participating in the elections.
NGEC Commissioner Dr. Margaret Karungaru decried the extremely low number of elected female leaders in Kisii County over time.
“This is a very worrying trend given that we are fighting for the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, which is a provision recognised by the Constitution, and yet women in Kisii are still being left behind at the table of decision-making,” said Dr. Karungaru.
Kisii County Commissioner, James Kamau, welcomed the dialogue, adding that the government remains committed to empowering women and youth and achieving gender parity.
By Mercy Osongo
