Women Representatives from all 47 counties have strongly opposed the government’s decision to slash Sh500 million from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), calling it a setback for grassroots development initiatives aimed at empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
Speaking in Parliament, Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo led the outcry, describing the budget cut as “demoralizing and disruptive,” particularly for leaders who rely on the fund to implement community-driven programs.
“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,” said Omanyo, lamenting the planning challenges caused by the abrupt cut.
The Treasury, through Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, announced the NGAAF budget had been revised down from Sh3.2 billion to Sh2.7 billion as part of broader fiscal rationalization.
While Sh1.1 billion owed to the fund has been released, legislators insist the deduction undermines their ability to serve.
Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohammed questioned the Treasury’s transparency, alleging inconsistencies in their explanation. “I asked the Treasury CS, and he claimed the monies were deducted in Parliament, yet it is clear they were deducted at the Treasury,” she said, urging Kenyans not to blame their Woman Reps.
Laikipia Woman Rep Jane Kagiri, chair of the 47 Women Representatives Caucus, announced plans for a coordinated protest, including a symbolic dress code of black and pink and a march to both the NGAAF and National Treasury offices.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan joined in the condemnation, terming the cut a betrayal of constitutional gains. “Women are the majority of voters in this country. Denying them Sh500 million is politically and morally wrong,” he said.
Budget Committee Chair Samuel Atandi pledged to intervene, saying he would push Treasury to release the funds under Article 223 of the Constitution, which permits emergency spending without prior parliamentary approval.
