The Kenyan government is doubling down on its commitment to eradicate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within the country’s sporting landscape, a crucial step towards ensuring safety, equity, and dignity for all athletes.

The Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah G. Mwangi, today Thursday 3rd July held a key engagement with the Sports Gender Protection and Implementation Committee, chaired by athletics icon Catherine Ndereba, to review progress and chart the way forward.

PS Mwangi underscored the paramount importance of eliminating GBV from the sports ecosystem, emphasizing that it is essential for actualizing the nation’s objective of safeguarding its sportsmen and women.

The meeting focused on evaluating the committee’s strides in streamlining gender issues and the ongoing implementation of the comprehensive report on Gender Welfare and Equity in Sports.

The Catherine Ndereba-led committee, established to accelerate these critical mandates, is tasked with creating a safe sanctuary for athletes.

Its work includes forging beneficial collaborations with relevant stakeholders to ensure a protective environment free from abuse.

PS Mwangi expressed satisfaction with the committee’s progress, particularly highlighting the development of an elaborate three-year work plan – a pivotal step towards a secure sporting sector.

To build on these gains, PS Mwangi urged committee members to foster strong team synergies and complement each other’s efforts, keeping the overarching goal of athlete well-being at the forefront.

The committee’s mandate extends to developing policies, reviewing existing frameworks, and organizing awareness campaigns to sensitize athletes and sports organizations.

This renewed focus comes amidst heightened awareness of GBV cases in Kenyan sports, including past tragedies that have highlighted the urgent need for action.

The committee’s efforts aim to empower both male and female athletes, provide support mechanisms, and ensure accountability within sports federations.

Senior Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary, Rodgers Chimega, also attended the vital meeting, signaling the high-level commitment to this crucial initiative.

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