NAIROBI, Kenya- In a bid to create a safer and more inclusive sports environment, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has inaugurated the Gender Protection and Implementation Committee.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in sports while promoting fairness and equity within the sector.
“When I appeared before Parliament for my vetting, I made a solemn vow to fight and end Gender-Based Violence in sports,” Murkomen remarked, reaffirming his dedication to the cause during the committee’s unveiling.
The newly formed 14-member committee is tasked with implementing the 2022 Report on Gender Welfare and Equity in Sports, initially crafted by former Sports CS Amina Mohamed.
The committee’s mandate includes reviewing and developing policies to combat GBV, conducting gender audits, and advancing gender mainstreaming across sports organizations.
Members of the advisory board, chaired by Murkomen, include sports luminaries like four-time Boston Marathon champion Catherine Ndereba and former Harambee Starlets forward Essie Akida.
Legal and administrative expertise will also be represented, with members like Barbra Malowa from the Law Society of Kenya and Diana Watila, who will serve as the Secretariat’s Chief Executive Officer.
“This committee will ensure sports organizations provide a safe environment for athletes, enabling them to focus on their performance without fear or discrimination,” Murkomen noted.
The need for such a committee is urgent. Tragic cases like the murders of Agnes Tirop, a world record holder in the 10-kilometer women-only race, and Damaris Mutua, who was killed in 2022, highlight the severity of GBV within Kenya’s sports community.
The initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s earlier allocation of KSh 100 million to support the campaign, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to the issue. Murkomen called on stakeholders across the sector to collaborate in fostering a GBV-free environment.
“This is not just a government fight; it’s a collective effort. Together, we can ensure that athletes and sports professionals thrive in safe spaces,” Murkomen emphasized.
The committee’s inauguration, published in the Kenya Gazette, marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to address GBV in sports.
By focusing on systemic reforms and robust policy implementation, the initiative aims to set a precedent for how sports organizations can safeguard their members and promote gender equality.
