Pressure mounts on Ruto to appoint Gender CS after five-month delay

Five months after President William Ruto fired Aisha Jumwa as Gender Cabinet Secretary, the position remains unfilled, leaving a leadership gap in the Ministry of Gender, Culture, The Arts and Heritage.

Although Stella Soi Lang’at was nominated to replace Jumwa, her nomination was rejected by the National Assembly in August 2024, and no subsequent appointment has been made.

The prolonged vacancy has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, including the Coalition Against Sexual Violence, which warns that the lack of leadership is stalling progress on critical national issues.

“This delay sends a troubling message about the prioritisation of issues affecting Kenya’s social fabric and development. Leadership in the Gender Ministry is crucial for advancing equality and addressing systemic disparities,” the coalition said in a statement on Thursday.

It added that survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) have faced weakened access to justice and support services, while efforts to address gender inequalities and improve economic opportunities for women have been significantly delayed.

Leadership vacuum

It also argues that the leadership vacuum has disrupted Kenya’s compliance with international commitments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Coalition further claimed that the absence of leadership has affected the cultural and creative sectors, which play a vital role in Kenya’s national identity and economic development. Without coordinated oversight, the creative industry, a key driver of job creation and social cohesion, is struggling.

“The creative industry, a vital driver of job creation and social cohesion, lacks coordinated oversight, while Kenya's rich cultural heritage risks neglect without strategic guidance. This undermines not only the preservation of Kenya's history and traditions but also the opportunities to harness its culture for global recognition and economic growth,” the Coalition said.

The organisation emphasised that appointing a competent and visionary leader to the ministry is not just a bureaucratic task but a necessity for addressing the systemic issues facing vulnerable populations.

They stated that the Ministry of Gender, Culture, The Arts and Heritage has the potential to drive legislative changes and implement programs that protect women and children while fostering a safe and inclusive society.

The coalition called on President Ruto to prioritize the appointment of a leader who can address gender disparities and advance Kenya’s socio-economic and political agendas. They warned that further delays in the appointment would signal a disregard for the critical issues affecting the country’s social fabric and national development.

“The coalition remains committed to advocating for justice and equality and urged civil society, cultural leaders, and the public to join them in calling for the swift appointment of a Cabinet Secretary to lead the ministry,” they said.

They reiterated that Kenya deserves leadership that is responsive to the needs of its people and dedicated to transformative change.