Woman Reps decry Sh500 million NGAAF budget cut, call for action
While Mbadi confirmed that Sh1.1 billion owed to the fund had been released recently, the move still left many lawmakers dissatisfied with the decision’s impact on their work.
Women Representatives from across the 47 counties have raised their voices against the government's decision to cut Sh500 million from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
They argue that the decision will have a detrimental effect on grassroots programs aimed at empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups, calling the reduction unjust and a serious setback for development efforts.
The issue was highlighted during the afternoon plenary session at the National Assembly, where Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo condemned the reduction.
Omanyo expressed her deep disappointment, emphasising how the cut undermines the progress made in supporting constituency programs designed to improve lives at the local level.
“This is deeply disheartening. Mr. Speaker, the 47 Woman Reps in this country are bleeding right now. All of them have been castrated with a blunt Burdizzo. We usually think on our feet and ahead of the curve by planning. Everybody here plans. And when you plan and somebody comes and puts a hitch, then you are left with theory but no pragmatism,” she stated.
The announcement of the cut came from Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who explained that the NGAAF budget had been reduced from Sh3.2 billion to Sh2.7 billion as part of a broader government effort to rationalise spending.
While Mbadi confirmed that Sh1.1 billion owed to the fund had been released recently, the move still left many lawmakers dissatisfied with the decision’s impact on their work.
For the Woman Representatives, the reduction represents more than just a loss of funds. It is seen as a direct challenge to their ability to effectively serve their constituencies.
“The money itself is meagre, too little to begin with. We demand that the Sh500 million must find its way back to the NGAAF kitty. Mr. Speaker, how do I go to Busia and tell them I am representing them, if the money was taken while I sat here pretending to be sober?” Omanyo questioned.
Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed also voiced concern, specifically about conflicting reports on the source of the reduction.
She criticised Treasury officials for their contradictory statements, accusing them of misleading the public regarding who made the decision to cut the funds.
“Women from 47 counties have been looked down upon. I asked the Treasury CS, and he claimed the monies were deducted in Parliament, yet it is clear they were deducted at the Treasury. I urge our constituents not to turn their anger on us, this is not our doing,” Mohammed added.
Coordinated action
Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, who leads the Women Representatives Caucus, announced plans to take coordinated action in response to the funding cut.
Kagiri shared that a protest march to the National Treasury would be organised, with members wearing black to mourn the decision.
“We are wearing black to mourn this deduction, which is an injustice not only to us but to the people of Kenya. Pink represents the NGAAF colours. We will march to both the NGAAF offices and the National Treasury to demand accountability,” she said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan also weighed in, criticising the decision as a step backwards in efforts to promote women’s rights and leadership.
He expressed concern over how the reduction contradicts the spirit of the 2010 Constitution, which strengthened women’s participation in leadership roles.
“It’s not fair to deny them a right that has already been granted. I want to appeal to the mandarins at Treasury to show consideration when making such decisions. Women are the majority of voters in this country. Denying them Sh500 million is not just unfair—it is politically and morally wrong,” Keynan remarked.
Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi acknowledged the concerns raised by the Women Representatives and assured them that he would address the issue with Treasury officials.
Atandi pledged to push for the release of the withheld funds, citing Article 223 of the Constitution, which allows for government spending in exceptional circumstances.
“As a matter of responsibility, I will meet with Treasury officials and push for the invocation of Article 223 of the Constitution to facilitate the release of the withheld funds,” he stated.
NGAAF plays a vital role in funding initiatives that support women, youth, and vulnerable groups, particularly in rural areas.
The fund enables a range of socio-economic programs, including economic empowerment, health services, bursary schemes, and housing for those in need.
However, a recent report by the Office of the Auditor General revealed that despite these needs, Sh554.3 million allocated to NGAAF across various counties remained unspent. This has raised concerns over gaps in the planning, execution, and disbursement of funds.
The Women Representatives are now calling for urgent action to restore the funds to their rightful level, arguing that the current budget does not adequately support the projects crucial for the development of marginalised communities.
With ongoing debates about the allocation and disbursement of funds, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed the calls to restore the Sh500 million cut from the NGAAF budget.
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