Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita has ordered government officials to take strict action against individuals convicted of defilement, emphasizing community responsibility in safeguarding children from abuse. Speaking after hosting a National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) team led by Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa, Kavita highlighted the need for Chiefs to prioritize education over labor for young girls, citing the case of a 71-year-old man imprisoned for defiling a 14-year-old girl. He also warned against relying on alternative justice systems for gender-based violence cases, stressing the importance of formal legal processes. The directive comes as Turkana County prepares to receive the National Usawa Awards for advancing gender inclusion, including women in high-level roles like Finance and integrating marginalized groups into budgeting through affirmative action.
NGEC Chairperson Jaldesa announced Turkana’s endorsement during a courtesy call with Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus, citing the county’s progress in gender parity. The Commission’s five-day visit includes assessing inclusivity compliance for gender, youth, and special interest groups, as well as launching a regional legal aid station in the North Rift. Jaldesa noted that while the current staff gender balance is 56% male and 44% female, women hold influential positions such as Finance, aligning with the constitutional two-thirds rule. Erus praised the recognition, stating it complements efforts to strengthen social protection programs and address historical marginalization in the region, which has long faced systemic exclusion.
Discussions during the NGEC visit addressed challenges like technology-facilitated gender-based violence, the high cost of legal aid for survivors, and weak legislative frameworks. The Commission also explored collaboration with Turkana to identify and document marginalized groups, such as the Ilimanyang, for targeted programming. Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a and senior officials—including Finance Director Roseline Aite and Gender and Youth Affairs Officer Evans Lomodei—participated in the dialogue. The meeting underscored the county’s commitment to merit-based inclusion, with Erus affirming that women’s competence drives their appointment to critical roles despite lingering structural barriers.
The NGEC team, including Commissioner Thomas Koyier and Commission Secretary Dr. Purity Ngina, emphasized the need for public sensitization on inclusion and legal reforms. Turkana’s efforts to mainstream gender equality in all programs reflect a deliberate strategy to redress decades of marginalization, according to Erus. Meanwhile, the county’s focus on legal aid expansion aims to reduce barriers for GBV survivors, though challenges like funding and legislative gaps remain. The visit concluded with plans for continued partnership between the Commission and Turkana to advance equity and accountability in governance.