27/01/2026
The Gender and Social Services Committee led by Hon. Pauline Muchiri( Nominated MCA and Chair to the Committee) undertook a benchmarking visit to the Nyeri County Government, Department of Gender, Youth and Social Services, with the aim of learning best practices, sharing experiences, and strengthening strategies for effective gender mainstreaming and social development.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Governor H.E. Dr. Mutahi Kahiga, EGH, who emphasized that benchmarking is about shared learning and collective growth rather than competition. He underscored the importance of people-centred development, noting that policies and programmes must respond to the real needs of wananchi, and encouraged open engagement to foster sustainable inter-county partnerships.
The County Secretary Dr. Edward Irungu Mwangi commended the Department of Gender, Youth and Social Services for exemplary performance, noting that it had ranked first in the county performance contracting for two consecutive years, reflecting strong leadership, accountability, and effective programme implementation.
The forum provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement between the two teams, fostering knowledge exchange on policy implementation, program design, and service delivery targeting women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Insights on the departments institutional framework, governance structures, and innovative approaches towards promotion of gender equality and social inclusion were also shared.
Further, the delegation was briefed on flagship programmes and social protection initiatives, including the WEZESHA Programme, the Widows SACCO implemented in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) support for Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities, management of Karatina Children’s Home, and the coordination of community library services. Plans to launch a toll-free emergency hotline to enhance timely reporting and response to social welfare and gender-based emergencies were also shared.