Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris speaks during the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) event under the Wezesha Mama Inua Jamii initiative at KICC on August 11, 2025./SCREENGRAB More than 200 women groups in Nairobi are set to benefit from Sh39 million disbursed through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) under the Wezesha Mama Inua Jamii initiative.
The funds, issued on Monday by Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, are part of a nationwide programme by women leaders to uplift women, youth, and marginalised groups through targeted empowerment projects.
The initiative seeks to promote equal participation in all socio-economic sectors, bridge gender gaps, and contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Speaking at the launch held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Passaris said the support includes Sh11 million for bursaries, Sh15 million for assorted projects, and Sh250,000 grants for each of the more than 200 women groups.
“We are grateful to President William Ruto for backing this initiative by providing funds to empower women,” she said, noting that the items and funds were financed by NGAAF with additional government support.
Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau lauded the unity among women leaders, saying the program goes beyond tribal and political divides.
“I am glad you chose to reject the politics of tribalism and embraced development. Our tribe as women leaders is women,” Gitau said.
“We are united to ensure women are empowered, but we are also uplifting men and young people so that our communities can thrive.”
The event also shone a spotlight on the fight against Gender-Based Violence, femicide, Female Genital Mutilation, and early marriages.
Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ng’elechei urged an end to harmful practices, questioning their origin.
“Where did all this violence come from? We should be talking and listening to each other. Where did this forcing of people come from? Where did defiling children come from? Let us abandon such acts — they waste our time and destroy our society,” she said.
Leaders present called for tolerance, equality, and sustained investment in women’s empowerment as a pathway to stable and prosperous communities.
