Members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) have renewed calls for the institutionalization of evidence-based decision-making within Kenya’s legislative process, emphasizing that sound data is key to crafting effective and inclusive policies.
The lawmakers—drawn from both the National Assembly and the Senate—convened in Nairobi for a high-level panel discussion on evidence-informed policymaking. The event was jointly organized by KEWOPA and IDinsight, a global research and data analytics organization.
Discussions centered around how data and research can be better utilized in critical policy areas such as health, technology, and gender-inclusive development.
Speaking on behalf of KEWOPA Chairperson Hon. Leah Sankaire (Kajiado County MP), Teso South MP Hon. Mary Emaase called on public institutions to enhance the effectiveness of governance by anchoring their decisions in reliable data.
“Parliament carries the critical responsibility of shaping laws and policies that affect millions of Kenyans. Our work must be guided not only by values and vision but also by sound evidence,” Hon. Emaase said.
Suba North MP Hon. Millie Odhiambo, who was also a panelist, highlighted the need for more gender-sensitive research that underscores the value of women's voices in legislative spaces.
“We need data to show that when women are in Parliament, they speak on issues that often go unaddressed—such as health, caregiving, and social welfare,” Hon. Odhiambo noted.
She also addressed public discourse surrounding recent development projects in Homa Bay County during President William Ruto’s visit—including the Boma Yangu Affordable Housing Phase I, a modern fish market, and the Madaraka Day celebrations—emphasizing that such initiatives are justified by historical data showing marginalization in the region.“It is not a matter of political favour. Research and data show that Homa Bay has historically been marginalized,” she added.
Representing the Clerk of the National Assembly, Ms. Vane Akama, Director of Legal Services, reaffirmed Parliament’s ongoing commitment to data-backed legislation.
“Our Research Services team collects, analyzes, and synthesizes data to provide actionable insights that support Parliamentary processes,” she said.
Other key contributors included Dr. Martin Mbewa, Head of Research at the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), and Dr. Nyawira Gitahi, Director at IDinsight. Officials from UN Women and the Parliamentary Research Services were also present and echoed the call for stronger integration of research in national policy-making.
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