Uhuru: Kenya ahead in gender equality

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses delegates during the United Nations 3rd International Conference on Financing for Development at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PHOTO | PSCU

What you need to know:

  • Addressing the conference, President Kenyatta said Kenya has made tremendous progress through strong affirmative action promoting gender equality, empowerment of women, youth and vulnerable groups.
  • The head of state pointed out that as a result of this action the country has achieved gender parity in primary school enrollment and an increase of admission of girls in secondary school and in tertiary institutions.
  • African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma urged African leaders to remain focused on the universal; human goal to create better wealth for all.

President Uhuru Kenyatta jetted back into the country on Monday evening after attending a high-level conference in Addis Ababa Ethiopia aimed at establishing a global fund to support health programmes for women and children.

The plane carrying the President and his entourage touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly before 9:00 pm.

Addressing the conference, President Kenyatta said Kenya has made tremendous progress through strong affirmative action promoting gender equality, empowerment of women, youth and vulnerable groups.

The head of state pointed out that as a result of this action the country has achieved gender parity in primary school enrollment and an increase of admission of girls in secondary school and in tertiary institutions.

“At the moment the representation of women in key government institutions has also been increased and access of finance to women, youth and people with disabilities expanded,” added the President.

African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma urged African leaders to remain focused on the universal; human goal to create better wealth for all.

She said at the turn of millennium the African continent was regarded as the development challenge of the 21st century.

Dlamini-Zuma noted that changes currently being experienced in the continent provide a window of opportunity for the African leaders to set the continent on a path towards transformation, away from underdevelopment, fragility, marginalization and conflict.

At the conference leaders present launched the Global Financing Facility in Support of Every Woman and Every Child.

The Global Financing Facility is a new era in development—a breakthrough financing model that weaves together resources from countries themselves, international donors, and the private sector to accelerate advancements in the health of women and children.

On arrival President Kenyatta was received by Deputy President William Ruto and Chief of Defense Forces General Samson Mwathethe and other senior government officials.