Women Leadership Monitoring Mission – Kenya’s Devolved Architecture Project

As part of a Monitoring Mission for Strengthening Women’s Participation in Political Leadership and Decision-Making Spaces at County and Sub-County levels through Kenya’s Devolved Architecture project which has been implemented since 2023, ENAF and DTF – with support from Irish Aid through UN Women Kenya Country Office – convened a multi-stakeholder forum at Siritamu Hotel, Bungoma County yesterday.

The forum brought together over 80 participants, including Members of the Bungoma County Assembly (MCAs), the County Executive Committee Member for Gender, representatives from the County and National Gender Departments, Civil Society Organizations, grassroots women leaders and male champions.

H.E. Caitríona Ingoldsby – Ambassador of Ireland to Kenya second Left on the picture lauded Bungoma County for its collaborative approach with partners such as Echo Network Africa Foundation in tackling critical challenges, including the triple threat of HIV infections, gender-based violence (GBV), and teenage pregnancies. She also commended the County’s deliberate efforts to create more spaces for women in leadership and H.E. Jennipher Mbatiany – Deputy Governor of Bungoma County second from right called on the stakeholders to dismantle the long-standing belief that leadership is a male domain, emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance and encouraging women to seize leadership opportunities. The event provided a platform for both young and experienced women to share their inspirational journeys and highlight the tangible impact of the project.