Mombasa County has received the final draft of its Gender Mainstreaming Policy, a landmark framework aimed at embedding gender equality and inclusion across all county programs, plans and budgets.
The draft was formally received by County Executive Committee Member for Youth, Gender, Sports and Social Services, Jonathan Wepukhulu, who described the development as a significant milestone for the department and the county at large.
“I proudly received the Final Draft of the Mombasa County Gender Mainstreaming Policy in my office. This marks a significant milestone for the Department of Youth, Gender, Sports and Social Services and for Mombasa County,” Wepukhulu said.
He noted that the policy provides a clear and structured framework to ensure that county initiatives equitably address the needs of women, men, marginalized and vulnerable groups.
“This transformative policy is not just a document; it is a commitment to fairness, inclusion and equal opportunity for all. It will guide how we design programs, allocate resources and deliver services to ensure that no one is left behind,” he added.
According to the county executive, the policy seeks to institutionalize gender perspectives in governance by integrating them into planning, budgeting and implementation processes across all departments.
“The goal is to make gender equality practical and measurable. Every county program and budget must respond equitably to the needs of our diverse population,” Wepukhulu said.
The development of the comprehensive draft was made possible through collaboration with Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), the Kenyatta University Women Economic Empowerment Hub, and other stakeholders committed to advancing social justice and inclusive development.
Wepukhulu commended the partners for their technical support and shared vision. “This achievement reflects the power of partnership. We appreciate IPA, Kenyatta University Women Economic Empowerment Hub and all stakeholders who worked tirelessly to develop a policy that reflects the realities and aspirations of our people,” he said.
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to championing initiatives that empower women and girls, uplift marginalized communities and promote equal participation in governance and economic opportunities.
“As a department, we remain steadfast in advancing policies that empower women and girls and integrate gender perspectives at every level of governance. Together, we are building a county where equality is not a privilege, but a right,” Wepukhulu emphasized.
Once adopted, the Gender Mainstreaming Policy is expected to strengthen accountability, enhance inclusive service delivery and position Mombasa as a leader in gender-responsive governance at the county level.
