Kenya Women Senators Association

𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘: 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒, 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐒

As Kenya joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, the message is simple: women and girls deserve safety, equality, and the freedom to pursue their dreams. This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” calls on leaders and communities alike to reflect and take action.

For Senator Veronica Maina, Chairperson of the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA), the day is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still ahead. Throughout her time in Parliament, she has been a tireless advocate for women and girls, championing policies that promote justice, protection, and empowerment.

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑-𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄

Gender-based violence remains one of the most urgent threats to women and girls in Kenya. Senator Veronica Maina has repeatedly spoken out against practices that allow violence to continue or deny survivors justice. She has led awareness campaigns across Murang’a, Bungoma , Busia Counties and beyond, bringing together women leaders, women groups, and government stakeholders to raise awareness, and strengthen community protection.

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃

Senator Veronica Maina also prioritizes the future of young girls, addressing challenges like teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, and poverty. During a KEWOSA engagement in Busia County last year, she highlighted the tens of thousands of teenage pregnancies over several years. “These numbers are not just statistics—they represent the lives and dreams of our daughters,” she said.

𝐊𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐒𝐀 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐖𝐎-𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

KEWOSA has played an important role in presenting the Constitutional Amendment Bill aimed at implementing the two-thirds gender principle as provided under Article 27 and Article 81(b) of the Constitution. The initiative aims to address gender imbalance in appointive and elective positions especially in Parliament by proposing to implement and promote measures to enforce the constitutional two-thirds gender principle and promote equitable leadership opportunities for women.

𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐀 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

Access to economic opportunities and financial inclusion is emerging as a powerful tool for women’s empowerment. With opportunities to earn an income, save, borrow, and invest, women can support their families, grow businesses, and take charge of their futures. Financial inclusion is more than just access to money - it is a path to independence, equality, and stronger communities.

As we mark International Women’s Day, Senator Veronica Maina calls for real action to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls. As Chairperson of Kenya Women Senators Association, she remains committed to policies that confront gender-based violence, support survivors, and amplify women’s voices in leadership.

“Women and girls must be able to live, learn and lead without fear. When women thrive, nations prosper,” she emphasizes.

𝐊𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐒𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Today, the Kenya Women Senators Association, led by Chairperson Veronica Maina, delivered a strong and emotional appeal for urgent, coordinated national action to address the rising cases of violence, abuse and neglect against children in Kenya.

The statement follows a series of deeply disturbing incidents across the country, including the tragic murder of nine-year-old Shantel Waruguru in Nyeri County, alongside other heartbreaking cases involving young children whose lives were cut short under violent and suspicious circumstances. These painful losses have shaken families, communities and the conscience of the nation.

Addressing the media, Sen. Maina stated, “These painful and unacceptable tragedies must mark a turning point for our nation. Protecting children is not optional it is a constitutional imperative, a moral obligation, and a shared national responsibility. We cannot normalize the loss of innocent lives.”

She emphasized that while Kenya has a progressive constitutional and legal framework including the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the Children Act, 2022 the continued violation of children’s rights exposes serious gaps in implementation, enforcement, coordination and resourcing. Laws alone, she noted, are not enough without decisive institutional action, accountability and sustained political will.

KEWOSA highlighted the urgent need to strengthen and adequately resource community-based child protection systems, including Nyumba Kumi structures, local administration and community networks, to ensure early detection and prevention of harm. The Association also called for the establishment and enforcement of mandatory national rapid response protocols for missing children, with clearly defined timelines and coordinated inter-agency mechanisms.

Further, KEWOSA urged the operationalization of an integrated national child protection data and case management system to improve information sharing among Ministries, County Governments, the National Police Service and the Judiciary. The Association stressed the importance of fast-tracked, child-sensitive and trauma-informed investigations and prosecutions, increased and ring-fenced budget allocations for child protection services, and strict accountability for negligence or misconduct by duty bearers.

The Chairperson underscored that violence against children undermines not only individual families but also weakens public trust in institutions and erodes the moral and constitutional fabric of the Republic. She called for Cabinet-level oversight on child protection matters, sustained public awareness initiatives and structured parenting education programmes to empower caregivers with practical child safety skills.

KEWOSA extended its deepest condolences to all affected families and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to championing legislative, policy and community-based reforms that safeguard the lives, dignity and future of every child.
No child in Kenya should live in fear. No family should endure a preventable tragedy. The time for decisive national action is now.

𝐊𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐒𝐀 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐌 𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐌𝐀'𝐒 𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐒

𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) has concluded a countywide engagement in Bungoma, addressing the rising crisis of HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) under its Triple Threat Agenda.

Held at the ICM Grounds in Mt. Elgon, the event brought together Senators, county officials, students, teachers, and community leaders to share data, insights, and strategies aimed at protecting the county’s youth.

Bungoma’s demographics highlight the urgency: 66% of residents are under 24, and nearly 30% are aged 10–19. While this young population holds immense potential, gaps in education, health care, and child protection leave adolescents highly vulnerable. KEWOSA stressed that the Triple Threat constitutes a national emergency and called for immediate, coordinated action across all sectors.

The statistics are stark. In 2024, Bungoma reported 192 new HIV infections among adolescents, with an estimated 2,800 youths living with HIV. Adolescent pregnancies remain high, with 122,003 cases recorded between 2016–2024, and one in five girls attending their first ANC visit in 2024 being an adolescent. Cases of SGBV among adolescents surged from 32 in 2016 to 805 in 2024, with 41% of cases affecting young people. Socio-economic vulnerabilities—including high poverty, early sexual activity, and alcohol use—further intensify the crisis.

During the engagement, KEWOSA members met with students and parents, highlighting gaps in prevention, reporting, and youth-friendly health services. While interventions such as school-based programs, community sensitization, and survivor support exist, stakeholders noted they remain insufficient due to limited funding, poor data planning, and inadequate community involvement.

As part of practical support, KEWOSA distributed sanitary towels to girls, translating discussions into tangible action while reinforcing advocacy and policy efforts. Stakeholders pledged to intensify countywide initiatives to protect the health, education, and safety of Bungoma’s adolescents.

KEWOSA called on all sectors to act decisively: enforcing the Children Act (2022) and Sexual Offences Act (2006), ensuring every child stays in school—including adolescent mothers—expanding adolescent-friendly health services, mobilizing community leaders, and adopting a multi-sectoral approach.

"Bungoma’s escalating Triple Threat is a national wake-up call. KEWOSA reaffirms its commitment to championing legislative, policy, and community-level interventions that safeguard adolescents and protect their future," Senator Veronica Maina stated.

𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐁𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐑𝐃

𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Senator Tabitha Mutinda has achieved a remarkable milestone following her election to the Board of Governance of the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In an official communication to the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi congratulated Senator Mutinda on her appointment and called upon her colleagues to offer her their full support as she embarks on this new international leadership role.

The Board of Governance is entrusted with setting the strategic direction and providing oversight for the activities of the Parliamentary Network. Sen. Mutinda will represent the East Africa Region on the Board for the 2025–2027 term. The Parliamentary Network is an independent, non-governmental organisation that offers legislators from around the world a platform to engage with the World Bank Group and the IMF on matters of transparency, accountability and development effectiveness.

Among its key responsibilities, the Network facilitates dialogue between parliamentarians, civil society and international financial institutions. It focuses on promoting sound governance in the management of public resources, advancing poverty reduction strategies and supporting policies that stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Sen. Mutinda will formally assume her role on 13th October 2025, during the Parliamentary engagements at the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and IMF. Her colleagues in the Senate, including Majority Leader Sen. Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Sen. Enoch Wambua (Kitui), Sen. Agnes Kavindu (Machakos) and Sen. Joe Nyutu (Murang’a) extended their congratulations, expressing great confidence in her abilities.

They commended her impressive record of service to the people of Kenya and encouraged her to continue exemplifying excellence on the global stage. The Lawmakers pledged their unwavering support to ensure that Sen. Mutinda successfully fulfils her new responsibilities with distinction.

Viongozi wa k**e watetea haki za kibinadamu wakisisitiza umuhimu wa kukabili dhuluma za kijinsia Wakiongozwa na Mwenyekiti wa Muungano wa Maseneta Wa K**e (KEWOSA) Veronicah Maina kwa ushirikiano na tume ya kupambana na magonjwa ambukizi, kina mama hao p...

𝐊𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐒𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐀 (𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓) 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA), chaired by Senator Veronica Maina, convened today to deliberate on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The primary objective of the Bill is to amend the Constitution through a parliamentary initiative by proposing changes that do not fall under Article 255(1), which would otherwise require a referendum.

The proposed amendments include:

a) Amending Article 90 to align with the proposed changes to Articles 97 and 98;

b) Amending Article 97 to introduce a formula for nominating additional special seat members to the National Assembly, should the elected membership fail to meet the constitutional threshold requiring that no more than two-thirds of members be of the same gender;

c) Amending Article 98 to introduce a similar formula for the Senate;

d) Inserting a transitional Article 98A to enable the current Parliament to comply with the requirements of Article 81(b).

During the session, KEWOSA members examined key proposals in the Bill, including the nomination of additional members through proportional representation via party lists, and determining the number of special seats after the declaration of election results.

Senator Veronica Maina underscored the significance of the proposed amendments in promoting gender equity and ensuring constitutional compliance. KEWOSA resolved to engage other parliamentary stakeholders to rally support for the Bill and advocate for its passage ahead of the next general election.

𝐊𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐒𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐗𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟓𝐓𝐇 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒

𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA), led by Chairperson Sen. Veronica Maina, has issued a firm and emotional statement condemning the violence witnessed during the 25th June 2025 protests across the country, with a specific focus on the sexual assault of women and girls.

In the statement, KEWOSA described the events as “senseless violence” that resulted in “fatalities, grievous bodily harm, other injuries, r**e and molestation of innocent women and girls.” The Association expressed deep outrage, particularly over reports that some of these incidents were being celebrated on social media.

“We particularly decry the violence that was meted out on women and girls including acts of sexual violence which unfortunately are being celebrated by the perpetrators and other members of the public on social media,” it stated.

KEWOSA reiterated that sexual violence is a “grave violation of human rights,” and stressed that its use during protests is meant to “silence, intimidate, and prevent women and girls from exercising their fundamental right to freedom of assembly and expression.” While affirming their support for peaceful protests as provided for under Articles 33 and 37 of the Constitution, KEWOSA asked pointedly, “Why should demonstrations target the bodies of women and girls? How does the r**e of women and girls assist anyone to achieve their objectives?”

The Association called on all Kenyans of goodwill to speak out and report any known perpetrators of these “heinous acts.” It urged the State Department for Gender and the National Gender and Equality Commission to provide medical and psychological support to survivors.

Further calls were made to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for immediate investigations and to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure swift and fair prosecutions.

KEWOSA also demanded that the organizers of the demonstrations take responsibility and publicly state their position on the violence that took place.

In closing, the Association reaffirmed its solidarity with survivors and urged the public to choose peace over violence. “Violence has no place in a democratic society, as it hinders progress. Our nation’s strength lies in fostering a peaceful environment where we can all thrive.”

KEWOSA, in collaboration with FIDA-Kenya, urged victims of sexual and gender-based violence to seek help by calling the toll-free number 0800720501.

STATEMENT CONDEMNING SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS DURING PROTESTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS HELD ON 25TH JUNE, 2025 ACROSS THE COUNTRY.