Friday, 28 February, 2025
Social Protection Committee meets NYS and Gender State Department on budget priorities๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ
The Social Protection Committee, chaired by Hon. Alice Ngโangโa (Thika Town), has concluded a series of meetings on the 2025/2026 Budget Policy Statement with various Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies under its purview.
Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Justin Muturi, appeared before the Committee alongside NYS officials, who raised concerns over budget cuts. NYS reported that its development budget has drastically reduced over the years, with a zero budget this financial year. This funding gap affects the expansion of technical and vocational training for service members. Facilities such as barracks, classrooms, and workshops remain in poor condition and inadequate to meet demands of the service members.
Hon. Suleka Hulbale urged the Ministry to increase awareness among Kenyan youth on the benefits of joining NYS. Hon. Barre Hussein emphasized the Committeeโs recognition of NYSโs positive impact on youth and families across Kenya. The Committee assured full support to secure funding for NYS programs.
Lawmakers directed Principal Secretary Joseph Motari (State Department for Social Protection & Senior Citizens Affairs) to ensure that all eligible candidates from the 2023 Inua Jamii registration (620,000 beneficiaries) receive their funds. They also urged the PS to ensure a new enrollment for eligible beneficiaries is conducted. The PS reported that the shift to E-Citizen and M-Pesa platforms is fully implemented, saving over Ksh 1.2 billion annually in transaction costs. They also highlighted that beneficiaries needing assistance should use the free toll line 1533 or Safaricomโs 100 helpline.
Additionally, PS Motari was instructed to improve service delivery and accessibility of the National Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities at the constituency level. Members also raised concerns over reduced funding for the Child Welfare Society, stressing the need to safeguard support for vulnerable children.
"Budget cuts should not affect basic human needs such as food, shelter, and education for vulnerable children," stated Hon. Alice Ngโangโa.
The Committee also engaged Principal Secretary Anne Wangโombe (State Department for Gender & Affirmative Action) on key gender issues. Hon. Suleka Hulbale urged the Ministry to strengthen support for Anti-FGM programs. Hon. Dr. Lilian Gogo reaffirmed the Committeeโs commitment to gender mainstreaming in policy and community projects.
Additionally, Hon. Edith Nyenze emphasized the need for tangible progress ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration on Gender Equality. The Committee praised PS Wangโombeโs efforts in advocating against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide, encouraging her to continue championing the cause.
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), led by Chairperson Hon. Rehema Jaldesa flanked by Commission Secretary, Dr. Purity Ngina, outlined plans to combat GBV and Femicide, while expanding its regional presence. The Committee commended the Commissionโs presentation and recent impact in society.
Members urged Principal Secretary Ismail Madey (State Department for Youth Affairs & Creative Economy) to enhance visibility and impact of youth empowerment programs. They urged the PS to strengthen initiatives that support young creatives and entrepreneurs across the country.