JKUAT Bags Gender Inclusion Awards - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, arts and Heritage, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo (right) handing over the award to Director Gender and Mentoring Center, JKUAT, Dr. Moses Gichua(center) and the Adninistrator Mr. Isaac Muinde(left)

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) was honored at the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) USAWA Awards ceremony on July 9, 2025, for its unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality and inclusion in the workplace.

The university stood out as the only institution in its category to receive two prestigious awards: Attainment of Gender Parity in the University Council 2024 and Excellent Performance for Consistency in Gender and Social Inclusion. These accolades highlight JKUAT’s sustained efforts in meeting the two-thirds gender rule, achieving a 50/50 gender balance among staff, and promoting an inclusive and responsive work environment.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, welcome the recognition, noting that it was a vote of confidence on JKUAT inclusion programmes and parity aspirations.

“The awards underscores JKUAT’s unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We take great pride in leading by example, ensuring that every member of our community feels valued and empowered,” Prof. Ngumi said.

“Gender equality and social inclusion are not just policies for us, they are fundamental principles that drive our institution. We remain dedicated to sustaining this momentum and setting even higher benchmarks in the years to come,” Prof. Ngumi added.

Director of the Gender and Mentoring Centre at JKUAT, Dr. Moses Gichua, reiterated the university’s dedication to maintaining high standards of gender inclusion and leading by example.

He further emphasised the university’s advocacy for increasing the representation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) among staff, aiming to meet the commission’s 5% requirement. Dr. Gichua noted steady progress in this area year after year.

USAWA Awards recognize and celebrate public and private institutions in Kenya that have demonstrated a strong commitment to gender mainstreaming and inclusion. The awards highlight those going beyond mere compliance to actively promote equality and non-discrimination, particularly for marginalized groups.