KEPSA participated in the International Women’s Day celebration themed; ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’ on 9^th March 2022 at the Kenya School of Government. The celebration was graced by the Head of State H.E Uhuru Kenyatta and the First Lady H.E Margaret Kenyatta.

The event was attended by the First Lady of the Republic of Rwanda H.E Jeannette Kagame, various Cabinet Secretaries led by Prof. Margaret Kobia, Principal Secretaries, Chief Administrative Secretaries, Dr Stephen Jackson – UN Resident Coordinator, KEPSA leaders including the CEO Ms Carole Kariuki, Chairperson Ms Flora Mutahi and Gender Sector Board Chair Ms Mucha Mlinga among other participants.

Speaking in the event, President Uhuru Kenyatta outlined the various interventions his administration had implemented to advance the country’s gender agenda while saying that Kenya had established a strong platform for women to participate in climate sustainability. “Actions we have taken to strengthen women empowerment improve their ownership of assets such as land and to increase their control of financial resources, have consolidated the role of women as change-makers,” He said.

During the celebrations, President Kenyatta conferred the 2022 Gender Trailblazer Awards to outstanding recipients; launched the new Margaret Kenyatta Institute’s Strategic Plan; and unveiled the Margaret Kenyatta Speech Book.

The First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said that this year’s International Women’s Day was held to underscore the importance of inclusivity in economic development and social change and appreciated the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens and Special Programs for expanding platforms for women empowerment. “This year’s theme amplifies the barriers that women face and the importance of inclusivity to achieve economic development and social change,” She noted.

First Lady of Rwanda H.E Jeannette Kagame rallied for concerted efforts in addressing climate change saying women and children were the most affected by the phenomenon. She added that “Newly emerging threats to the stability and welfare of populations such as climate change and resource depletion, is the world truly comfortable with women being a first in the casualty line.”

In her remarks, Prof. Kobia noted that the event provided an opportunity to celebrate all the gains made on gender equality and together to reflect on the journey ahead. Prof. Kobia also acknowledged KEPSA’s leadership on the development of the first-ever Gender Policy for the private sector in Kenya pointing out that the Policy will go a long way in advancing gender equality and women empowerment in the private sector.