PREFACE
Social equity and equitable access to public services have been part of the nation’s development agenda
since Independence. However, concerns have been raised on the extent of disparities between the
rich and poor and inequitable distribution of public resources between individuals along gender lines.
Inequality and poverty therefore, remain key development challenges that the government continues
to confront and address. Whereas substantial attention has been placed on poverty alleviation, poverty
among the vulnerable members of the society has been persistent. Moreover, despite the existence of
policies, legislative reforms, plans and programmes, gender disparities still exist in social, economic
and political levels. Currently, greater percentage of the population consist of young people. Notably, it
is at this age spectrum that beneficial human capital formation is achieved. This has necessitated the
development of the Plan which outlines policies, legislative reforms and programmes to address and
ensure improved livelihood for Women, Youth and Vulnerable groups.
The unveiling of this Plan marks an important milestone in the sector. The Plan will be implemented
in five years, starting from 2013 and ending in 2017. The performance of the sector will in future be
gauged on the basis of the implementation of the targets set in the Plan.
The Plan aims at achieving Equity in Access, Control and Participation in Resource Distribution for
Improved Livelihoods of Vulnerable Groups, Women and Youth. The Programmes set in this plan also
aim at promotion and optimal utilization of Kenya’s diverse culture for peaceful co-existence, enhancing
Kenya’s reading culture through the expansion of the library network for increased access to information;
development and promotion of sports for a vibrant sporting industry; and, promotion and preservation
of Kenya’s heritage for national pride and harmony.
For the success in the implementation of this Plan, the sector will work in partnership with all Government
institutions and non-state actors including, the civil society, Faith Based Organizations and Community
Based Organizations. Our Development Partners will be very crucial in provision of financial and technical
support.
Last but not the least, this Plan will be the guiding reference document, for the preparation of the
Strategic Plans, as well as the annual plans, at all levels for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies
within the sector.
Eng. Peter O. Mangiti
Principal Secretary/Planning
Ministry of Devolution and Planning.