The North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) has introduced its 2024-2028 gender strategy, aimed at fostering inclusivity and catalyzing social and economic progress within the region and beyond.
The Gender Strategy (NEGS) targets various sectors including peace and security, climate change, economic empowerment, gender equality, cultural preservation, leadership and governance, institutional development, partnerships, and resource mobilization.
During the launch event held in Nandi Hills, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii emphasized the significance of inclusivity in achieving societal and economic transformation.
He highlighted the disproportionate impact on women in project implementation due to their exclusion from decision-making processes.
Governor Bii stressed the importance of empowering women to lead initiatives for sustainable development, stating, “We want women to take the lead.”
Governor Bii also underscored the necessity of gender compliance across all programs, advocating for social, economic, and financial inclusivity.
Echoing Governor Bii’s sentiments, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who chairs NOREB, reiterated the core objective of devolution to promote inclusivity for economic advancement.
He emphasized the role of gender mainstreaming in addressing key challenges within counties and mobilizing resources for effective implementation.
Governor Sang emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in realizing economic empowerment and financial inclusion, ensuring that no individual or group is left behind.
Dr. Yulitta Mitei, Deputy Governor of Nandi, highlighted the gender strategy’s potential to engage women in climate action, such as tree planting, fostering both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
She emphasized the need for tailored approaches to address the exclusion of women from financial systems, particularly in the digital era.
Meanwhile, Bungoma Deputy Governor Jeniffer Mbatiah urged women leaders to mentor emerging politicians and actively pursue leadership roles to enhance gender representation.
She envisioned the gender strategy as a tool for mentorship, aiming to increase the number of women leaders in society.
The NOREB, consisting of eight counties including Baringo, West Pokot, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Samburu, Turkana, and Elgeyo Marakwet, stands poised to implement the gender strategy to promote inclusive economic growth and societal transformation.
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