09/05/2026
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐮'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞.
The Commission takes note of the public concern following the remarks made by Senator Karen Nyamu during Senate proceedings involving a young female student participating in the School Voluntary Service Scheme.
The matter, which has since been widely discussed in the public space and followed by an apology on the floor of the Senate, has raised important national reflection on the protection of children in public institutions and the responsibility of leaders in their speech and conduct.
Children are entitled to dignity, care, and protection at all times, as clearly provided for in Article 53 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the Children Act, 2022. Any engagement involving children in public spaces must always uphold their safety, confidence, and wellbeing.
The Commission is concerned that the remarks made attracted public attention and discomfort, especially given that they involved a learner participating in a programme meant to expose young people to governance and inspire interest in public service. Such spaces are expected to be safe, respectful, and encouraging for children.
Public officers and leaders carry influence, and the language they use matters. Words spoken in public institutions should never expose a child to embarrassment, ridicule, or emotional distress.
This is not only a matter of decorum, but also of protecting the dignity of children and upholding national values of respect, equality, and non-discrimination under Article 10 of the Constitution.
While noting the apology issued in the Senate, the Commission reiterates that protecting children goes beyond apologies.
It requires consistent care in speech, stronger accountability in public institutions, and a firm commitment to respectful and child-sensitive leadership at all times…