Garissa women push for funding to boost their activities

Women in Garissa are pushing for funding from both donor agencies and the local county government to enable them independently deliver their mandates.

Speaking during a joint devolution program in Garissa town over the weekend, Ms Katra Iman Sigat, Chairperson of Garissa Women MCA’s caucus said the womenfolk are lacking funding for their activities.

“We are lacking capacity enhancement for the assembly women caucus on policy formulation and other regulatory frameworks. We need gender-responsive budgeting so as to make the county budget more gender-responsive for both executive and legislation,” Sigat said.

She urged the donor agency to promote youth engagement through sporting activities on the radicalization of violence and extremism in Garissa.

While pledging to ensure women's affairs are looked into, Garissa County Assembly speaker Abdi Gure said the devolution journey has faced alot of trials.

“In 2021, we faced a devastating inferno that engulfed our assembly chambers and office block, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The recent fire incident destroyed assets worth Sh119 million and crucial documents,” he said.

According to the speaker, the fire incident not only disrupted operations but also tested the assembly’s resilience as a legislative institution.

“In light of these challenges, I am pleased to report that the joint devolution program implemented by the delegation has been instrumental in supporting the Assembly,” he said.

Gure said in collaborating with the donor partners, the assembly has restored what was lost.

“Through their guidance and expertise, we have been able to enhance our legislative procedures, strengthen our governance structures, and develop the skills and knowledge of our members,” he said.

Anna Mutavati, from the UN Women, urged the local community to consider women for elective positions in Garissa.

“We are looking at getting a strong institution that can help our local property so that we can keep thriving as a people,” she said.

She said development can only be realized when women are empowered for development to be realised through devolution.

“We shall keep supporting you to ensure you walk this devolution route together. We shall keep auditing so that we can tell how our investment is helping the locals,” she said.

Finland ambassador Anu Ala-Rantala pledged her country’s support in women's affairs in Garissa County.