Win for women as state increases Affirmative Action Fund to 3bn

Ruto pledged to support and champion women's agenda.

In Summary

•Still, on the budget statement, Sh245 million has been allocated to strengthen prevention and response to gender-based violence in Kenya for the FY 2023-2024.

• Ruto has on several occasion reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment towards eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM) by the end of his tenure.

Treasury CS Njuguna Ndungu shows the briefcase containing the 2023-24 Budget proposals ahead of presentation before National Assembly on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Treasury CS Njuguna Ndungu shows the briefcase containing the 2023-24 Budget proposals ahead of presentation before National Assembly on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A

Women are one of the biggest winners in the 2023-24 Budget after the government allocated Sh3 billion for the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

This is a fulfilled promise after President William Ruto earlier promised that the fund will be increased by Sh1 billion to Sh3 billion in the financial year 2023-2024.

"To further empower our women, I propose to the National Assembly to effect the budget allocation of Sh3 billion for the Kenya Government Affirmative Action Fund," Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u said. 

He explained that the increment will also provide an avenue for the promotion of enterprises and value-addition initiatives.

Still, on the budget statement, Sh245 million has been allocated to strengthen prevention and response to gender-based violence in Kenya for the FY 2023-24.

President Ruto had challenged the women leaders to step up and help in the fight against teenage pregnancies and female genital mutilation.

He pledged to support the Woman Reps and the government will champion women's agenda.

Ruto has on several occasions reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment towards eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM) by the end of his tenure.

He said that FGM cases in his tenure will be eliminated.

Out of eight adolescent girls, one is either pregnant or has delivered, a report has indicated.

The report released by National Council for Population and Development shows that Nairobi county leads in teen pregnancy among adolescents aged 10-14 years.

This is based on statistics between January and October 2021.

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