wezesha - psyg.go.ke · 3 kisumu youth recycle garbage to earn a living, thanks to yedf by felista...
TRANSCRIPT
DEPARTMENTS
State Department of Public
Service and Youth ***
State Department of Gender Affairs
***
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
First Lady at the Australian Awards
Ceremony………………………………. 2
Steering Committee to prepare for NYC
elections formed………………………… 2
Kisumu youth recycle garbage to earn a
living, thanks to YEDF ………………… 3
Kericho Huduma Centre opened……… 3
NGEC seeks to create grass root equality
movement ………………………………. 4
Ministry’s achievements three year’s
later …………………………………….. 4
Use Women to Preach Peace…………… 5
Pictorial ………………………………….6
A Publication of the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs
ISSUE NO. 003
WEZESHA
29th February — 12th March 2016
Women want change they can feel
holders and actors in the gender
space to secure commitments
for the advancement of initia-
tives on women empowerment.
The one day workshop resolved
to develop a joint Gender
Based Violence Prevention
Framework to address gaps in
the fight against women; coor-
dinate the development of a
regional framework on dealing
with GBV with the EAC region
and support the process of en-
suring the provision of the 2/3
gender principle is agreed and
passed by August, 2016.
Mrs. Kariuki stressed on the
need to build partnerships
across different sectors in the
private and public sectors, not-
ing that collaborations and
partnerships have made real
differences especially in the
Anti-FGM Campaigns, devel-
opment of the Kenya National
Action Plan on UNSCR 1325
and the ongoing process of de-
veloping a Commonwealth Busi-
ness Centre to promote women
enterprise.
“There is need to harmonize
collaborations and partnerships
that can deliver meaningful
change, by ensuring that delivery
on gender issues is effective,
seamless, and impactful,” She
said.
The stakeholder’s forum was
guided by four thematic areas;
Eliminating Sexual and Gender
Based Violence and FGM; Ac-
celerating Women’s Economic
Empowerment; Achieving full
participation of Women in Poli-
tics and Decision Making; and
Deeping partnerships across
ministries, Departments and
Agencies.
A standard five
pupil and Anti
FGM Crusader
Ms. Shiluni Shi-
rim speaks during
the National
Stakeholders Con-
sultative Forum
held on 9th March,
2016 at Laico
Regency Hotel
By Browne Kutswa
A stakeholders meeting on women
empowerment heard that women
want real impact that they can see
and feel and not tokenism.
Cabinet Secretary, Sicily Kariuki
told the National Stakeholders
Consultative Forum on Gender
Equality and Women Empower-
ment that the gender agenda must
be seen to add real value for wom-
en and girls.
“Real difference is the name of the
game. What the women at home,
in the streets, in schools, in public
offices, in the market place are
crying out for is real impact, real
change. Change they can see, feel
and attribute directly to the work
we are doing,” Mrs. Kariuki said.
The meeting was held at Laico
Regency hotel on 9th March 2016
and brought together key stake-
2
First Lady at the Australian Awards Ceremony
By Caroline Musasia
First Lady Mrs. Margaret Kenyatta presided
over the opening ceremony of the Australian
Awards - Women’s in Leadership Network
Forum that was held at Windsor Hotel on
10th March 2016.
She congratulated the awardees who had
joined the ranks of other high achieving wom-
en noting that investing in women is a sure
way of unlocking the potential of our conti-
nent.
Mrs. Kenyatta noted that women by nature are
catalysts, change makers, bridge builders,
problem solvers and peace seekers. “They are
also listeners, careers, thinkers and doers.”
She observed that it was very difficult to find
a successful woman who has had their success
handed to them on a silver platter.
“Women have to work extremely hard to get
what they want’, she stressed.
The program that was organized hot on the
heels of the celebration of the International
Women’s Day brought together women
achievers to share experiences, learn from
each other and explore career opportunities
that will position them as development
change agents.
First Lady Marga-
ret Kenyatta gives
her key note ad-
dress during the
ceremony of the
Australian
Awards—Women
in Leadership Net-
work Forum held
on 10th March
2016 on her left is
Director HRM
Simon Angote and
Gender Affairs PS
Zeinab Hussein.
The event was also addressed by the Principal
Secretary for Gender Affairs, Zeinab Hussein,
and the Australian High Commissioner to
Kenya, John Feakes, others present were
heads of missions, partners, Deputy Governor
Narok County and nominated Senator Be-
atrice Elachi.
Steering Committee to prepare for NYC elections formed
By Marianne Kisanji
A steering committee has been formed to plan
for elections of new officials of the National
Youth Council following the expiry of the
term of the current office holders on Decem-
ber, 10th 2015. Kobia Wakamau, Secretary
Administration will coordinate the exercise
that was last held in 2012.
The elections will be held from the ward level
for representation of youths from the grass-
roots level.
At the ward level, 6 delegates will be elected
to represent the ward at the constituency or
the sub-county level, where they would elect 6
delegates to represent the particular sub-
county at the county level.
Those elected would proceed to the county
level to elect the 3 county delegates who
would form the National Delegates Forum.
At the national level, a National Youth Con-
gress will be held through which 16 officials
of the National Youth Council will be elected
into office for a three year period.
The election exercise will be preceded by a
one month registration exercise of the youth
because only registered youth will be allowed
to take part in the election process.
The election guidelines are being reviewed to
ensure that they comply with the require-
ments of the constitution. There will be in-
tense awareness creation on the guidelines to
ensure that the youth understand the regula-
tions through which the electioneering pro-
cess will be conducted. This will be conduct-
ed through regional forums targeting youth
from these particular regions for sensitiza-
tion.
The committee also plans to lobby the Kenya
Young Parliamentarians in preparation for
parliament discussion once the miscellaneous
Amendment Bill is tabled in the national as-
sembly.
To this end a breakfast meeting was organized
by the Committee for young parliamentarians
for a briefing and brainstorming session in
regard to the Amendment of the National
Youth Council Act and the Elections guide-
lines and regulations at Hotel Intercontinental
on 24th March 2016.
Hon. Johnson Sakaja,
Chairman of the Kenya
Young Parliamentarians
Association and Nomi-
nated MP with Mrs.
Lilian Omollo, Principal
Secretary Public Service
and Youth Affairs during
the breakfast meeting
held to discuss proposed
amendments of the Na-
tional Youth Council Act
2009 and NYC election at
Intercontinental Hotel on
24th March 2016.
3
Kisumu youth recycle garbage to earn a living, thanks to YEDF
By Felista Moraa
Over the years, the idea of collecting
and making use of waste materials
has been viewed as dirty business
meant for street families who rum-
mage through garbage bags in urban
estates.
However this is different for the
Zingira Nyanza Community Craft, a
youth Community Based Organiza-
tion in Kisumu County that has uti-
lized garbage recycling as an income
generating activity.
For the past 11 years, Zingira Nyan-
za has successfully transformed
communities within Kisumu into
habitable areas through collecting
and using waste materials to produce
a range of handicraft products from
recycled and locally sourced materi-
als.
The 15 member group not only tar-
gets revenue generation through
recycling waste but also helps in
environmental conservation.
The group has employed a total of
twenty youth who work in various areas of specialization namely
weaving, paper craft, tin craft, painting and wire craft.
Initially the Crafts business was set up using Ksh. 16,000 that was
contributed by members but the need to expand the business forced
the group to look for alternative ways of getting the much needed
capital.
In 2009 the group applied for Ksh. 50,000 Youth Fund Rausha loan
and they successfully acquired.
The growth of their business coupled with good marketing wit-
nessed an increased demand for
their products prompting Zingira
Nyanza to seek the refinancing of
the business by applying for anoth-
er Ksh. 100, 000.
Today, Zingira Nyanza Community
Crafts generates a total profit of
Ksh200,000 per month which is
sufficient enough to sustain each
and every member of the group as
well as the business.
According to Richard Omollo,
Zingira Nyanza Group Chairman,
through the proceeds of their busi-
ness has been able to train artisans
who make, distribute and sell their
products in Kisumu and beyond.
He further says due to high quality
of their products, they have been
able to penetrate the international
market by exporting to the western
Countries specifically in Europe,
USA and Australia.
Kericho Huduma Centre opened
By Marianne Kisanji
The Kericho Huduma Centre opened its doors
to the public early this month. The latest kid
on the block is the 32nd Huduma centre to be
opened in the country. Huduma centers now
exist in 27 counties.
More than 25 government services will be
offered at the Center that is housed in Ardhi
House building in the centre of Kericho
town. The staff has been trained in readiness
to offer the different services to the public.
The Kericho Governor, Prof. Paul
Chepkwony, officially opened the new
Huduma Centre and said he pledged to offer
total support the center needed to operate in
the town. He congratulated the Huduma Sec-
retariat for a job well done. He also urged the
staff at the centre to exemplify excellence in
their duties because they were the face of the
government. He urged them to serve the pub-
lic without discrimination.
The Governor urged the residents of Kericho
to make use of the centre, which was a one
stop shop centre for all government services.
He was accompanied during the occasion by
the Principal Secretary for Public Service and
Youth, Lillian Omollo and the Kericho Depu-
ty Governor, Mrs. Susan Kikwai.
The Huduma Secretariat CEO Dennis Mutuku
said the Kericho center was the best since it
had been established while considering the
lessons learnt from the earlier centers.
Other Huduma Centres that were opened this
year include Kitale, Busia, Taita Taveta, Laik-
ipia,Nyandarua, Kericho and Garissa.
The Huduma Secretariat intends to open other
Huduma Centres in Nandi, Baringo, Tharaka
Nithi Homabay, Marsabit, Samburu, Narok,
Migori under the 100 days ministerial Rapid
Results Initiative.
Their RRI goal was to increase the number of
Huduma Centers in the Country from 26 to 41
in 100 days.
Huduma Secretariat Chief Executive Officer Dennis Mutuku with his team during the offi-
cial opening of Huduma Center Kericho Branch on March 5th, 2016
4
NGEC seeks to create grass root equality movement
Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki (3rd Left) during the official opening of the National Gender Equality
Commission's event to mark the International Women's Day at Panafric Hotel. on 7th March 2016
By Kawira Githinji
The National Gender and Equality Commis-
sion celebrated International Women’s day on
7th March 2016 at the Panafric Hotel, a day
before the International Women’s day.
The event themed “Pledge for parity”
brought together County Executives and grass
root champions from 47 counties, develop-
ment partners, non-state actors, government
agencies among others to discuss strategies
for creating a grass root movement of champi-
ons of equality and inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Cabinet Secretary Sici-
ly Kariuki, emphasized government’s com-
mitment to gender equality and the empower-
ment of women as entrenched in the Constitu-
tion.
“The constitution guarantees commitment to
gender equality, recognizes economic and
social rights including the right to property,
housing, clean environment, health and
strongly focuses on non-discrimination in
public appointive and elective positions,”
Mrs. Kariuki said.
Acknowledging efforts by government on
women and economic empowerment and
enhancing women’s leadership in decision
making, she noted that we are yet to meet the
provisions of the “no more than two thirds’
gender rule.
“I urge our Members of Parliament and all
parties involved to accord this matter priority
and agree on a practical and legally sound for-
mula in order to break the stalemate and avoid
a constitutional crisis,” she said.
The CS called on the County Executives
and grass root champions to take up their
roles of implementing the affirmative
action and take the message to where the
women are.
Ministry’s achievements three year’s later
By Kawira Githinji
Principal Secretary Mrs. Lilian Omollo de-
fended the ministry's development record
highlighting key achievements in the areas of
Public Service Transformation, Youth Em-
powerment and Gender Equality and Women
Empowerment.
Speaking during the 2016 Inter-Ministerial
Public Symposium at Kenyatta International
Convention Centre, the PS highlighted excel-
lent transformation in service delivery result-
ing from the establishment of 32 Huduma
Centres in different counties where citizens
receive about 45 government services under
one roof. She emphasized excellent customer
service experience which stands at 95% and
the international awards received for excel-
lence in service delivery. The Huduma Cen-
tres are spread evenly across the country.
On Youth Empowerment programs, she dis-
closed that a study released in April last year
revealed that the rate of crime had drastically
reduced in Kibera due to youth being gainful-
ly engaged. This is as a result of the Minis-
try's initiatives to address the challenge of
unemployment among the youth which forms
the biggest population. Improvement of NYS
program provides a real opportunity for youth
to get gainful employment through participa-
tion in socio-
economic devel-
opment activities
and vocational
training.
On affirmative
funds, the ministry
has established
platforms to create
sustainable entre-
preneurship busi-
nesses, strength-
ened models of
beneficiaries’
selection through
biometric registra-
tion to avoid cases
of a few people
benefiting from the
revolving funds
over and over. A
total of Kshs.
136B has been
disbursed to different groups across the
country in the last three years. She urged
the youth to improve their repayment cul-
ture to enable all to benefit.
Principal Secretary, Public Service Public Service and Youth Affairs , Mrs. Lilian
Omollo answers questions from the audience during the 2016 Inter-Ministerial
Public Symposium held on 18th March 2016 at KICC on her right is sports Cabi-
net Secretary and Hassan Wario and Joe Mucheru of ICT
5
Use Women to Preach Peace
By Marianne Kisanji
The International Women’s Day was celebrat-
ed on the 8th of March with a call to include
women in peace and conflict resolution.
It was pomp and colour at the Kenyatta Inter-
national Convention Centre (KICC) where the
celebrations that were held and were presided
over by the First Lady of the Republic of Ken-
ya Her Excellency, Mrs. Margaret Kenyatta.
Hundreds of women from all walks of life
congregated at the KICC to celebrate the
day whose The UN global theme was “pledge
for parity” which was domesticated to the
Kenyan context to “Husisha Wanawake,
Dumisha Amani” (Involve Women, Enhance
Peace.)
The International Women’s Day is an annual
event observed every 8th March world- wide
and was designated by the United Nations to
be commemorated by all UN Member States
in pursuit of equal rights for women and
men. This is the day when women all over
the world reflect on the opportunities and
highlight their achievements, potentials and
struggles especially for peace, equal rights,
social and economic progress.
The First Lady, Mrs. Kenyatta said women
often fostered peace and conciliation yet
there is a disproportionate number of the
female gender to be protected in conflict and
post-conflict settings
“Rape, FGM, all remain very real, daily
threats to too many women in Kenya and
Africa. Women, girls and children are espe-
cially targeted as vulnerable members of the
society” observed the first lady Kenyatta who
was the chief guest at the celebrations held at
the KICC in Nairobi.
She added that true peace and development can
only be achieved through the inclusion of
women in all community initiatives and pro-
grammes including peace building.
The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Pub-
lic Service, Youth and Gender Affairs, Sicily
Kariuki echoed these sentiments when she said
sustainable peace must take into account the
participation of women in the community. Par-
ticipation of women in peace building and con-
flict resolution will eventually elevate the
women and promote gender equality, she said
During the occasion, the Kenya national action
plan for the implementation of the United Na-
tions Security Council resolution 1325 was
launched by the First Lady. The plan recogniz-
es the importance of women participation and
the need to increasingly use their influence to
spearhead peace for the benefit of the society.
The plan which involved a participatory ap-
proach highlighted the need to have an in-
creased representation of women in the security
agencies.
Kenya Women Parliamentary Association
(KEWOPA) chairperson Cecily Mbarire rallied
support from the women in the country to seek
elective posts so that they could lobby for and
have the 2/3rds gender rule to be realized.
Mbarire /announced her intention to vie for a
gubernatorial seat in the next general elections.
First Lady
Margaret
Kenyatta in
the company
of other dele-
gates during
the Interna-
tional Wom-
en’s Day cele-
brations at
KICC.
Cabinet Secretary Mrs. Sicily Kariuki
giving Kenya's position and actions to-
wards financing Gender Equality and
Women's Empowerment (GEWE), when
she co-hosted a high level event with
Mexico, China and Denmark at the 60th
Session of the Commission on the Status
of Women (CSW) that took place at the
United Nations Headquarters in New
York from 14th to 24th March 2016.
The theme of the event was "Beyond com-
mitment to action: Fulfilling Global
Leaders Promises on GEWE towards
2030 Transformative Agenda for Sustain-
able Development."
The CS who was the Head of Kenya Dele-
gation reaffirmed Kenya's commitment
for Gender Equality and Women Empow-
erment.
Commission on the Status of Women 2016
RRI COUNT DOWN
Launch :
22nd January 2016
Midterm :
11th March 2016
End term :
2nd May 2016
36
days to go
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Ministry of Public Service, Youth
and Gender Affairs
Photography
Eric Bosire
Design and Layout Kawira Githinji
PICTORIAL
Assistant Editor
Caroline Musasia
Editor
Browne Kutswa
Principal Secretary, Public Service and Youth Mrs. Lilian Omollo with some of the President’s
Award– Kenya participants during the adventure mission to the top of Mt. Kenya on 13th March
2016
Cabinet Secretary, Mrs
Sicily Kariuki with Minis-
ter for Gender, Republic
of Malawi, Patricia Kal-
iati during the Commis-
sion on the Status of
Women (CSW) 2016 held
in New York from 14th to
24th March 2016.