Nominated MP Hon. Sabina Chege has called on development partners to scale up their support for female legislators in Kenya to strengthen their advocacy for women’s land rights and climate resilience.
Speaking during a high-level National Dialogue on Gender, Land, and Climate Resilience, convened by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Hon. Chege acknowledged the critical role development partners have played so far, but urged for more targeted investment in capacity-building for women lawmakers.
“We appreciate and value the support of development partners who work with lawmakers, but more can be done to better equip female legislators to fight for women’s land rights,” said Chege, who was representing National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss at the forum.
The two-day event, held in Nairobi, brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and regional bodies to explore solutions to persistent inequalities in land ownership and climate vulnerability, particularly among women.
It was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the State Department of Gender.
Hon. Chege emphasized that women legislators are uniquely positioned to lead the push for land justice and climate action, given their close connection to the communities most affected by these issues.
“As female lawmakers, we are better placed to spearhead the land equality campaign, since it affects us directly and those we represent,” she added.
IGAD’s Head of Mission to Kenya, Dr. Fatouma Aden, reiterated the organization’s commitment to empowering women in land governance and climate action.
“I wish to reaffirm IGAD’s unwavering commitment to building women’s leadership on land and climate justice, guided by the vision of our Executive Secretary and the work of the Land Governance Programme,” Dr. Aden said.
The forum also saw active participation from members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), including Hon. Phylis Bartoo (Moiben), Hon. Lilian Gogo (Rangwe), Hon. Janet Sitienei (Turbo), and Hon. Fatuma Jehow (Wajir).
The MPs echoed the need for stronger legislative leadership to tackle systemic barriers to land ownership and environmental resilience faced by women.
Organizers said the dialogue is part of an ongoing regional effort to promote equitable land access and climate adaptation strategies across the IGAD member states.
