The Constitution of Kenya 2010 in Article 6 (2) states that the Governments at the national and county levels are distinct and inter-dependent and shall conduct their mutual relations based on consultation and cooperation. To give effect to these provisions of the Constitution, Parliament enacted the Intergovernmental Relations Act 2012 whose purpose is to establish a framework for consultation and cooperation between the national and county governments and amongst county governments; and to establish mechanisms for the resolution of intergovernmental disputes pursuant to Articles 6 and 189 of the Constitution, and for connected purposes. The Act established structures that include the national and county governments coordinating summit, the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee, Council of Governors and Sectoral Working groups or committees and joint committees or authorities.
In line with these legal and constitutional provisions, the SDGAA and the Council of Governors (COG) developed and agreed on an Intergovernmental consultative framework for gender sector (IGF) that guides the consultation and cooperation between the national government and county governments on gender matters. The purpose for the framework being to provide a mechanism for consultation and cooperation between the national and county governments on issues of gender equality and women empowerment.
The GSWG is one of the joint sector consultation and coordination mechanisms within government. The objective of this mechanism is to conduct policy dialogue on strategic sectoral issues, as well as coordinate prioritization, implementation, and evaluation of programs among the National Government, the Council of Governors, Development partners, the private sector, Civil society, foundations and other key stakeholders. This dialogue will promote coordinated technical support in pursuit of Kenya’s development priorities in line with the Kenya Vision 2030, the Global Sustainable Development Goals, the Effective Development Cooperation Strategic Plan, and other relevant strategic plans.
The Gender Sector Working Group’s broad objective is to source and manage resources for advocacy towards Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in all sectors at all levels as provided for in Sustainable Development Goal No.5 on achieving gender equality and empower women and girls, the Constitution, Vision 2030 and its Medium-Term Implementation Plans.
Membership and Structure
Chairperson of the Gender Donors Group together with the Cabinet Secretary for Gender Co-Chair the National Gender Sector Coordination Group, which brings together all State and Non-State actors in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) for effective and coordinated delivery of development results. It also creates an opportunity for a more holistic engagement in matters related to Gender Equality in the Country. Below is how the GSWG is organized:
National Gender Sector Working Group
Chair- Cabinet Secretary Gender
Co- Chair- Chair of the Gender Donors Group
All members of the 5 GSWG Committees
Frequency of meeting: Bi-annual
National GSWG Management Team
Principal Secretary Gender
Head of Cooperation (Chair of the Gender Donors Group)
Chair and Co-Chair of the 5 GSWG Committees
2 representatives from the UN Gender Donors Group (UNFPA/WFP)
UN Women
SDGAA- Secretariats to the 5 GSWG Committees
NGEC and COG proposed for co-option
Frequency of meeting: Bi-annual
National GSWG Committees
- State and non-state to alternate as Chair and Co-Chairs
- Gender Based Violence
- Socio Economic Empowerment & Financial Inclusion
- Women in Leadership and Decision Making
- Women in Peace Building & Conflict Resolution
- Male Engagement and Inclusion
Frequency of meeting: Quarterly