THE LAUNCH OF MAKING WOMEN AND GIRLS COUNT PHASE III PROGRAMME IN KENYA

Earlier today, March 25th, 2026 in a Nairobi hotel, the United Nations Women in collaboration with the Government of Kenya through the National Treasury launched the "Making Women and Girls Count" Phase III initiative in Kenya, aiming to strengthen national systems for evidence-based policy making to address critical gender data gaps.

This program, led by UN Women, has contributed to a significant transformation in how gender data informs policy and action in Kenya over the past eight years.

The initiative focuses on Economic Empowerment, Supporting women entrepreneurs, promoting access to markets, Ensuring girls' access to menstrual products and education is enhanced, Promoting women's representation in decision-making roles, as well as elevating them for leadership in political positions.

The UN Women has also supported the development of gender data sheets, time user surveys and a women's empowerment index in Kenya. The program aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030 and the World Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 2 and 3; achieving basic human needs such as zero hunger and improving food security and nutrition are met respectively by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, FCPA Hon. John Mbadi, the Principal Secretary for State Department for Economic Planning, Dr. Bonface Makokha reaffirmed the governments' commitment in establishing evidence based policy formulation and results oriented Medium-Term Planning and Budgeting, "Making Women and Girls Count", gender priority by supporting, high quality gender segregated data, necessary for evaluation and interventions in Key sectors such as Finance, Education, Health, Agriculture, Social protection, labour and Public Administration among other key sectors.

Additionally, the PS said "Public resources should be allocated equitably and effectively in ways that promote gender equality."

In attendance were : the UN Women Country Representative, Ms Antonia N'Gabala-Sodonon, the Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden, Maria Ottosson and the Director -Policy Programme and Intergovernmental Division UN Women, Sarah Hendrick among other dignitaries.