State Department for Cabinet Affairs, NGEC deepen ties to strengthen gender and equity in policy-making
The State Department for Cabinet Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to embedding gender equality and equity at the heart of government decision-making following high-level talks with the National Gender and Equity Commission (NGEC). The discussions took place at Harambee House Annex, where the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, PhD, CBS, hosted a delegation from NGEC led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Purity Ngina, PhD, MBS, on a courtesy call aimed at strengthening inter-institutional collaboration.
The engagement underscored a shared resolve by the two institutions to advance inclusive development through evidence-based policies that respond to the needs of all Kenyans, particularly women, persons with disabilities, youth, older persons and other special interest groups. Officials noted that as government policy processes grow increasingly complex, the integration of gender and equity considerations within Cabinet deliberations and national programming has become both a constitutional obligation and a development imperative.
During the meeting, the two sides identified strategic areas of collaboration designed to enhance the mainstreaming of gender and equity across Cabinet processes. These included strengthening the quality of policy advice submitted to Cabinet, improving the integration of gender analysis in Cabinet memoranda, and ensuring that national programmes are designed and implemented with equity considerations at their core.
A key focus of the discussions was the persistent gap in the generation, coordination and utilisation of evidence to inform public policy. Participants observed that while data remains central to effective decision-making, research and statistics on gender equality especially among special interest groups remain fragmented and limited. This, they noted, continues to constrain the formulation of responsive, inclusive and impactful policies.
Dr. Dokota emphasised that robust, gender disaggregated data is essential for strengthening evidence-based Cabinet deliberations and enhancing the quality of policy decisions at the highest level of government. He noted that without reliable and harmonised data, policy interventions risk leaving behind vulnerable populations and undermining national development objectives.
“Strengthening research and data systems is not optional. It is critical to effective planning, implementation and monitoring of government interventions,” the Principal Secretary said, adding that the State Department for Cabinet Affairs remains keen to work with specialised institutions such as NGEC to close existing evidence gaps and improve policy outcomes.
The meeting further explored opportunities to strengthen the national gender research agenda through closer collaboration between the two institutions. Proposed areas of cooperation included joint research initiatives on emerging gender and equity issues, the harmonisation of data collection frameworks across government, and improved dissemination of research findings to inform Cabinet memoranda and policy advisory processes.
NGEC, which has a constitutional mandate to promote gender equality and freedom from discrimination, welcomed the commitment by the State Department for Cabinet Affairs to institutionalise the use of evidence in policy making. Dr. Ngina noted that closer collaboration would enhance the visibility and utilisation of gender and equity data, ensuring that research findings translate into tangible policy action.
Both institutions agreed that aligning research priorities and strengthening coordination would not only reduce duplication of efforts, but also enhance the credibility, relevance and uptake of evidence across government. This, they said, would contribute to more inclusive policies and programmes that reflect the lived realities of diverse population groups.
In concluding the engagement, the State Department for Cabinet Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NGEC to advance evidence-based policy interventions and mainstream gender and equity considerations across government. The partnership, officials noted, will play a critical role in supporting Kenya’s broader development agenda and ensuring that national policies leave no one behind.
The discussions mark a significant step in deepening collaboration between the two institutions, signalling a renewed focus on data driven, inclusive governance as Kenya continues to pursue equitable and sustainable development.