Statement: Kenya election 2022
8 August 2022<strong>Plan International Kenya is committed to a just and equal world, especially for girls and children. We remain dedicated to these special interest groups and issues affecting the realisation of their rights. We are ready to support responsive interventions beyond the political dispensation period.</strong>
As an organisation committed to a just and equal world — especially for girls and children — Plan International believes democratic elections are key to ensuring leaders are held accountable.
Leaders should have the best interests of their people in mind: our collective safety, security, and prosperity, no matter what our tribe, religion, gender, age, political background, or any of the things that make us unique and valued human beings. This belief is as true in Kenya as it is around the world, including the more than 70 countries where Plan International works.
Election impacts girls and children
We support full participation in the electoral process as this has a direct impact on the lives of girls and children in Kenya. By encouraging our supporters to exercise their right to vote, we are advocating for meaningful change in the country.
Those who are elected to office are responsible for policies, legislation and budgets that have a direct effect on critical issues, such as adequate funding for girls’ equality, access to and quality of education, availability of adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, provision of clean water and sanitary facilities, among others.
Girls’ rights must be supported
Multiple factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing drought have led to the skyrocketing of teenage pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence. This, coupled with the political elections, adds to the already well-known social and economic complexities whose brunt is mostly borne by girls, young women, and the youth.
Plan International Kenya remains committed to these special interest groups and the issues affecting the realisation of their rights and stands ready to support responsive interventions beyond the political dispensation period.
Protection from violence, Youth empowerment, Civic engagement, Gender-based violence, Sexual and reproductive health services, Teenage pregnancy