The National Police Service has reiterated its commitment to advancing gender equality within law enforcement as regional efforts to institutionalize inclusivity gain momentum.
Speaking on behalf of Inspector General of Police Mr. Douglas Kanja at the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) gender manual validation meeting, Ms. Rosemary Kuraru, Director Forensics at DCI Headquarters, called for urgent action to dismantle systemic barriers facing women in policing across Eastern Africa.
The high-level meeting, held at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, convened stakeholders from across the region involved in the Empowering Every Badge Initiative, a program designed to drive gender-sensitive reforms and build capacity within law enforcement agencies.
“Achieving gender equality requires more than policy reform it calls for a complete reimagining of how we approach policing,” said IG Kanja in a statement delivered at the forum. “Integrating gender-sensitive strategies into law enforcement enhances our operational effectiveness and ensures that the needs and voices of all community members are acknowledged.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, UNODC, UN Women, and EAPCCO for their continued support of the initiative.
The event was attended by key partners, including Carmen Corbin (UNODC), Antonia N’Gabala Sodonon (UN Women Kenya), Eswari Rose (Interpol), and Tina Mykkanen (EAPCCO), among other distinguished guests.