Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, 4 February 2026 – Efforts to strengthen the protection of women and girls, both within communities and sporting environments, took centre stage during the European Union Gender Mission to Elgeyo Marakwet County, bringing together national leaders, development partners, county officials, athletes, community champions, and civil society organizations.
The high-level mission was led by H.E. Henriette Geiger, Ambassador of the European Union to Kenya, H.E. Caitríona Ingoldsby, Ambassador of Ireland to Kenya, H.E. Siv Cathrine Moe, Ambassador of Norway to Kenya, UNFPA Kenya Representative a.i. Dr. Pilar de la Corte Molina, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage Hon. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, and Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights Harriet Chigai.
The delegation began its engagements with a courtesy call on Elgeyo Marakwet Governor H.E. Wisley Rotich, where discussions focused on the county’s progress in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), as well as opportunities for strengthening collaboration between government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and local communities.
A tree planting session followed, symbolizing the collective commitment of partners and stakeholders to building safer and more resilient communities where women and girls can thrive free from violence and harmful practices.
A key highlight of the mission was the visit to Kiprun Athletics Training Camp, where the delegation engaged directly with athletes in an open dialogue on safeguarding within sports environments. The discussion provided athletes with a platform to share their experiences, concerns, and perspectives on the challenges they face, including risks associated with Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and the need for stronger protection mechanisms within training camps.
The engagement showcased ongoing safeguarding initiatives being implemented through partnerships between CEDGG and UNFPA, including the development and customization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for athletics training camps. The SOPs provide structured guidance on the prevention, detection, reporting, and response to cases of GBV and related safeguarding concerns, helping create safer, more accountable, and athlete-centred sporting environments.
The delegation commended the progress made in integrating safeguarding systems within athletics camps and emphasized the importance of sustaining efforts that protect athletes, particularly young women, from abuse and exploitation while promoting their wellbeing and development.

In a symbolic show of solidarity, the leaders, partners, and athletes concluded the visit with a short run through Iten, reinforcing a shared commitment to safeguarding, dignity, and equal opportunities for all athletes.
The mission also featured community engagements through the Born Perfect Caravan, a public awareness initiative that mobilized residents across Iten Town to champion the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation. Through advocacy messages, community outreach activities, and public participation, the caravan amplified calls for the protection of girls and the promotion of positive social norms.
The event culminated in the signing of an Anti-FGM Treaty by community and traditional leaders, witnessed by the visiting delegation and county leadership. The declaration marked a significant public commitment to ending FGM and advancing collective action to protect the rights, health, and future of girls in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The EU Gender Mission demonstrated the value of coordinated action between government, development partners, civil society, communities, and athletes in addressing harmful practices and strengthening safeguarding systems. It also highlighted the growing role of locally driven solutions in advancing gender equality, protecting vulnerable populations, and creating environments where women, girls, and young people can realize their full potential.