GOVERNMENT PUSHES WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT POLICY IN KIAMBU

The government has stepped up efforts to accelerate women’s economic empowerment following a high-level sensitisation workshop held in Kiambu County to align implementation of the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment (NPWEE).

The forum, convened by the State Department for Gender in partnership with the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association, brought together legislators, policymakers, and development partners to streamline coordination and enhance the policy’s impact.

Speaking during the session, Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe said the NPWEE provides a comprehensive framework to boost women’s participation in the economy through improved access to productive assets, affordable credit, and strengthened legal protections.

“The policy is designed to address fragmentation, duplication, and overlapping mandates that have previously limited the effectiveness of women-focused programmes. Our goal is to ensure resources reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently and sustainably,” she said.

Ms Wang’ombe noted that the policy will complement ongoing initiatives such as the National Government Affirmative Action Fund by consolidating efforts across sectors to deliver a multiplier effect on government investments.

She called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, Parliament, and development partners to maximise outcomes and ensure women across the country benefit from inclusive economic opportunities.

The workshop was led by Alice Ng’ang’a, Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Social Protection, and brought together members of the committee, NGAAF leadership, and various stakeholders.

Participants underscored the need for harmonised implementation, increased funding, and continuous stakeholder engagement to translate policy commitments into tangible benefits for women at the grassroots.

The sensitisation forum forms part of a broader national rollout strategy aimed at embedding the policy within existing programmes and strengthening accountability in its execution.