The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has unveiled a bold new initiative aimed at transforming institutional approaches to girls’ education in Kenya. Dubbed ‘Building a Gender-Transformative Institution to Advocate for Girls’ Education’, the project was officially launched this week with the support of ECHIDNA GIVING.

Speaking during the launch, the CEO of NGEC emphasized the pivotal role of data in shaping impactful policy. “Data is a driver to decision-making,” she stated, underlining the initiative’s foundation in open-sourced tools, people-centered engagement, and evidence-based research.

The project is steered by the leadership of Dr. Regina Mwatha and Hon. Priscilla Nyokabi, whose coordination is central to ensuring progress and measurable outcomes. The findings from the initiative are expected to inform key policy actions, including the development of an advisory to the president, aligning with Article 53 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory basic education.

As part of NGEC’s broader mandate, the initiative seeks to enhance institutional accountability and promote gender equality in education. It also aims to position Kenya as a leader in gender-responsive governance by embedding equity into the core of educational planning and service delivery.

“This is not just about schools, it’s about systems,” said Hon. Nyokabi, calling on stakeholders across government, civil society, and education sectors to align with the initiative’s goals.
The launch marks a significant milestone in the national effort to remove barriers to girls’ education, particularly in marginalized communities, and ensure no child is left behind.

