The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has expressed concern over low participation of women and the youth in politics in Meru County.
As a result, the Commission is holding a three day dialogue forum in Meru County targeting special interest groups’ involvement in politics.
Speaking after a courtesy call to Meru County Commissioner Jacob Omolo, NGEC chairperson Rehema Jaldesa said the forum is meant to identify and address barriers to participation in the electoral process.
She said the county dialogues forums are meant to position special interest groups for meaningful participation in the electoral process.
“As a Commission, we have noted with concern that the country is retrogressing in terms of gender equality, particularly in women leadership.
We are in Meru because we have seen the removal of a governor. Meru has not had a woman elected as constituency MP,” Ms Jaldesa said.
She said the forum will also develop practical actions for strengthening the participation of women ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The NGEC chairperson said the Commission is also engaging relevant government agencies to address cases of goonism that partly affect the participation of women, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
Ms Jaldesa also expressed concern over rising cases of teenage pregnancy in Meru.
The data shows that Meru is currently leading nationally in cases of teenage pregnancy. This is a worrying trend that must be acted upon,” she said.
The three day forum will take place from Wednesday to Friday at the Meru National Polytechnic.
