A total of 25,000 students across the country are set to benefit from Sh273 million bursary and scholarship funds under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.
This is under the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2023-24 financial year.
Principal Secretary for State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action, Anne Wang’ombe, said the funds are part of the Sh1.5 billion released by the government to oversee implementation of development projects and financing of registered groups.
Wang’ombe noted that Sh430 million will be used to support over 20,000 registered groups.
She said they are dedicating another Sh677 for projects that are meant for NGAAF.
"These funds are meant to empower youths, persons with disabilities and women with economic empowerment initiatives and training programs.The government is equipping its citizens with the resources and knowledge to improve their livelihoods," the PS added.
She was speaking in Kisumu when she led the issuance of economic empowerment cheques to women groups in Kisumu Central constituency.
During the event, Wang’ombe sought to clarify reports in a section of the media that her ministry does not have an elaborate plan to distribute sanitary pads despite the fact that the government spends millions on the programme.
The PS noted that the state department of gender procured sanitary pads in the first quarter of 2023-24 financial year after receiving funds in December last year.
She said they immediately started the procurement process for the sanitary pads adding that already a number of counties have received their share.
"Currently we have about 10 counties that have not received, but they are on the way," the PS assured.
She also noted that the her department received a clean bill of health of expenditure from the National Treasury.
