Saturday, 18 April, 2026
Kiambu, Kiambu CountyFriday, April 17th, 2026
Members of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection have raised concerns with the lack of clarity on how the government intends to implement the Women Economic Empowerment Policy, should it become law.
The MPs spoke in Kiambu today during a sensitization workshop organized by the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services- the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, the Institute of Public Finance; and UN-WOMEN.
Citing ambiguity in the framework for implementation of the intended programs, the MPs allayed fears that if not well structured, it may have a negative impact on the programs run by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.
“Even as we engage on how to support this process as Legislators, the Ministry must also come clear on how the programs will be effected without taking away from the milestones already made by NGAAF.” Said the Committee Chairperson Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a.
“If the policy passes at the National Assembly, who will be mandated and empowered to implement it, and how will the Ministry ensure that the role played by the County Woman Representatives is not overtaken by implementers of this policy, making them irrelevant?”Asked Hon. Ng’ang’a.
Hon. Phyllis Bartoo sought to know the potential direct benefits that the policy stands to offer women in the lower income communities, emphasizing that as elected leaders; it’s their cardinal role to ensure that every citizen gets resources.
“The question we have as Legislators, is the role we shall play in implementing this policy,” she stated.
“We want to see this policy transforming women’s lives, and not just being used a document to muzzle conversations about women’s needs and rights.” She added Hon. Bartoo. “There has to be some direct social transformation in the lives of women if this policy is to achieve its intended purpose.”
The Social Protection Committee Vice-Chairperson Hon. Hillary Kosgei advocated for expansive resource allocation if the ambitious plans of the Policy are to be realized.
“There must be some radical thinking outside the box to ensure that the intention of this policy is achieved. If we don’t insist on sufficient budgetary allocation and attention to women’s needs, the entire process may be jeopardized.” Warned Hon. Kosgei.
Committee member Hon. Paul Abuor cited glaring institutional and policy gaps caused by weak enforcement of already existing laws and policies, calling for sealing of those loopholes that might derail the process.
“As a Committee, we undertake to give all our support in ensuring that the framework of this policy is translated to reality. As long as the issues raised in this forum are sufficiently addressed.” He assured.
Hon. Jane Kagiri referenced the forum as a space for honest engagement; to sharpen ideas and build consensus.
“Let’s ensure that this policy is a tool for driving the women’s agenda effectively in this nation. Policies don’t change life, people do.” Remarked Hon. Kagiri.
The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang’ombe assured the MPs that the intention of the policy is to supplement what NGAAF is already doing, and not to derail its milestones.
“This policy is meant to tap into all the other Departments, consolidate resources, and formalize mechanisms for delivering services to women with minimal constraints.” She said.
According to the PS, the government saw the need to create an enabling environment and dismantle the systemic barriers, hence the formulation of the Women Economic Empowerment Policy.
“This policy is about repairing loopholes that exist, with no intention of taking away from the NGAAF, it’s not a competitor but a multiplier for Parliamentarians’ roles.” Assured PS Wang’ombe.
Currently, the proposed policy is still under review by the National Assembly.