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 policymaking 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.

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 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 are met by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury FCPA Hon John Mbandi,  Principal Secretary for the State Department for Economic Planning  Dr.  Bonface Makokha reaffirmed  government commitment   in establishing evidence based policy formulation  and results  oriented  Medium Term  Planning and Budgeting, “Making Women and Girls Count”, a 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,effectively in ways that promote gender equality.”

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