Isiolo, Kenya| The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has launched a robust campaign in Isiolo County aimed at eliminating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and improving access to justice for vulnerable populations.
The initiative, spearheaded by NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa, seeks to spark transformative dialogue, dismantle harmful cultural norms, and bolster support systems for victims of GBV across the country—beginning in the northern frontier county of Isiolo.
The campaign, themed “Eliminating Gender-Based Violence and Enhancing Access to Justice,” was officially inaugurated with a series of high-level stakeholder engagements.
It has since culminated into a countywide stakeholders’ forum convened to forge a united front against GBV and champion the rights of special interest groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.
A Strategic Entry Point in Northern Kenya
The campaign commenced with a courtesy call to Isiolo County Commissioner Mr. Geoffrey Omoding.
Jaldesa led a strong delegation from NGEC, including Vice Chairperson Thomas Okoth, Commissioners Dr. Margaret Karungaru, Caroline Lentupuru, and Mbithuka Nzomo.
Mr. Omoding lauded the initiative, pledging the national government’s support in raising awareness and promoting coordinated action against the vice.
He expressed deep concern over the persistent culture of silence surrounding GBV in Isiolo and similar regions, noting that societal normalization of domestic violence continues to undermine national and local efforts to address the crisis.
“Silence and stigma are the biggest barriers to justice for survivors,” he observed. “We must break this silence.”
County Government Commits to Gender Justice
The NGEC delegation was later received at the Isiolo County Headquarters by Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa, who echoed the Commission’s concerns and emphasized the county administration’s commitment to gender and social inclusion under the leadership of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.
Dr. Lowasa outlined the County’s policy achievements in recent years, including the development of the Child Protection Policy, Social Protection Policy, and a localized Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Policy, which he described as cornerstones of the county’s approach to safeguarding vulnerable populations.
He further highlighted the County Government’s partnerships with development organizations to empower women and youth through vocational training programs and economic empowerment initiatives.
“We are working to address not just the symptoms of inequality but also its root causes,” said Dr. Lowasa.
In a significant policy appeal, Dr. Lowasa urged NGEC to support the establishment of a Safe House in Isiolo to provide sanctuary, protection, and rehabilitation services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
He also drew attention to the often-overlooked relationship between climate change and rising GBV cases, particularly among pastoralist communities who face resource scarcity and displacement.
A Call for Collaboration and Systemic Change
In the afternoon, Rehema Jaldesa officially opened a Stakeholders Forum attended by key actors from both the County Government and civil society.
Among the participants were members of the Equality and Inclusion Technical Working Group, representatives from local community-based organizations, and NGEC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Purity Ngina.
In her keynote address, Jaldesa emphasized the urgency of adopting a multi-sectoral approach in combating GBV and advancing the rights of marginalized groups.
“This is not a fight for one institution alone. It demands a coordinated, community-driven response involving government, civil society, faith leaders, and development partners,” she stated.
She reiterated NGEC’s unwavering commitment to partnering with county governments and grassroots organizations to strengthen GBV prevention and response mechanisms.
At the same time, the commission is advancing access to justice and legal protection for victims. “Every survivor deserves to be heard, to be safe, and to find justice,” she affirmed.
Beginning of a National Movement
The Isiolo campaign marks the first phase of a broader nationwide initiative by NGEC to anchor human rights, dignity, and equality at the center of Kenya’s socio-political landscape.
By amplifying local voices and surfacing community-specific challenges, NGEC aims to inform national policy frameworks with grounded, context-aware strategies.
As Chairperson, Rehema Jaldesa—a former Isiolo County Woman Representative and long-standing gender rights advocate—brings both political insight and deep community understanding to the Commission’s work.
Her leadership reflects a renewed focus on inclusive, evidence-based policymaking that centers the most vulnerable.
The campaign’s launch in Isiolo is not only timely but symbolic, highlighting the urgent need to address regional disparities in GBV reporting, response, and survivor support.
It is a powerful step toward building a Kenya where justice is not a privilege, but a right accessible to all—regardless of gender, status, or geography.
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