UASIN GISHU, 15th April 2026 –Women’s organisations and other entities involved with gender issues want proper implementation aimed at stopping cases related to gender exploitation and recognition of sex trafficking as a major crime.
This comes at a time when the debate concerning the increase in cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Gender-Based Corruption continues to hit headlines following a recent report in Kenya.
Speaking during a women in business summit held at a hotel in Eldoret, participants from both government and private entities cited the challenges most women face in society to access key services such as being asked for sexual favours by officials.
The County Government of Uasin Gishu Chief Officer for Gender and Social Protection Marion Birgen said the county had made significant strides in establishing laws and regulations to mitigate such challenges.
“This comes against the backdrop when as Uasin Gishu through Governor Jonathan Bii we have a progressive policy on gender and community development. This policy goes a long way in addressing gender based issues in every aspect and intervention within the county. This will ensure inclusivity,” said Birgen.
She also added that there is a need for equity and equality for everyone in development
They called for the proper implementation of existing laws to ensure offenders are punished.
The organisers of the summit said the objective of the summit whose theme was: leading with purpose, empowering women, enhancing entrepreneurship and economic empowerment was to empower women to understand their rights and also expose them to business opportunities.
On her part, the Executive Director of Life Lifters Kenya organisation Cynthia Muhonja said women in Uasin Gishu and many other parts of the country need economic empowerment because a lot of women are still untapped when it comes to economic empowerment.
“We wanted to create a space where women can come and network and learn together sharing ideas and that is the basis of launching the Eldoret Women in Business Summit,” said Muhonja.
According to one of the participants, Idah Otieno, stated that young women currently face the challenge of sexual harassment whenever they go to seek opportunities.
“As young women, we have the power to make a difference and make a change. We appeal to those who are ahead of us both female and male kindly embrace us, guide us and lead us. We do not have to go through the pain of having to offer sexual benefits for you to be able to assist us,” said Idah.
Chief Officer Marion was accompanied by the Director of Licensing Mr Shadrack Ronoh.
