Evidence at the Centre of Equality as Government Launches National Gender Research Agenda
The government has launched the National Gender Research Agenda (NGRA), a new framework aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking to address persistent gender inequalities and promote inclusive development across the country.
Speaking during the launch, State Department for Cabinet Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Idris Salim Dokota said Kenya must move beyond well-intentioned commitments and embrace credible research as the foundation for policies and programmes that advance gender equality.
Dr. Dokota noted that while the country has made significant progress in developing legal and policy frameworks that promote equality, challenges such as unequal employment opportunities, gender pay disparities, limited access to productive resources, underrepresentation in leadership, and gender-based violence continue to affect women and other vulnerable groups.
"Research must move beyond documenting inequalities and become a powerful tool for driving practical solutions that improve people's lives," he said.
The Principal Secretary said Special Interest Groups, including persons with disabilities, youth, older persons and marginalized communities, continue to face discrimination and exclusion, underscoring the need for research that captures the realities of all Kenyans.
He observed that one of the major obstacles to effective gender programming has been fragmented research efforts, with studies conducted by government agencies, universities, development partners and civil society organizations often remaining scattered, duplicated or underutilized.
According to Dr. Dokota, the lack of a coordinated research system has made it difficult for policymakers to access timely and reliable evidence when designing programmes aimed at reducing inequality.
To address the challenge, the National Gender Research Agenda proposes the establishment of a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Data Hub. The platform will serve as a central repository for gender-related data and research, improve information sharing, reduce duplication and strengthen evidence-based planning.
The agenda also seeks to align gender research with the Gender Sector Statistics Plan by promoting standardized indicators and enhancing the collection and use of gender-disaggregated data across sectors.
Dr. Dokota called for greater investment in building the capacity of researchers, policymakers and institutions involved in gender research to ensure findings are translated into practical interventions.
He also emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration among government agencies, universities, research institutions, development partners, civil society organizations and the private sector in expanding the country's knowledge base on gender equality.
Highlighting the role of technology, the Principal Secretary said digital innovations and Artificial Intelligence will enhance data collection, analysis and dissemination, enabling faster access to evidence and more responsive policymaking.
Under the National Gender Research Agenda, priority areas include the root causes of inequality, intersectionality, power dynamics, cultural practices, leadership, climate change, gender-based violence, humanitarian crises and the digital divide.
Dr. Dokota said research in these thematic areas will provide the evidence needed to develop targeted interventions that respond to the evolving needs of women, girls and vulnerable populations.
He urged researchers, policymakers, communicators and development partners to work together in implementing the agenda, saying collaboration is essential to ensure research informs investments and delivers meaningful change.
"The National Gender Research Agenda is not simply about producing more studies. It is about ensuring that evidence shapes decisions, informs investments and accelerates progress towards a more inclusive and equitable Kenya," he said.
The launch of the NGRA marks a significant milestone in Kenya's efforts to strengthen evidence-based governance by improving coordination of gender research and promoting the use of reliable data to develop policies and programmes that ensure no one is left behind.