- The decision followed a plea from Kirinyaga woman rep MP, Njeri Maina.
- NG-AAF plays a vital role in enabling beneficiaries to initiate or expand their businesses.
Image: COURTESY
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has appointed the Departmental Committee on Social Protection to address delays in the disbursement of monies to the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NG-AAF).
Speaker Wetangula emphasised that all matters related to NG-AAF, including questions, grievances, and complaints, will now be under the purview of the Social Protection Committee.
“I hereby direct the Departmental Committee on Social Protection to handle all NG-AAF-related matters moving forward. This fund serves a crucial social purpose, and any issues pertaining to NG-AAF should be directed to this Committee,” he said.
Moreover, the Speaker instructed Leader of the Majority Kimani Ichung’wah to liaise with the Committee and inform the 47 NGAAF beneficiaries that henceforth, the committee will be their primary point of contact.
The decision followed a plea from Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina, who emphasised the necessity of establishing a dedicated committee to handle NG-AAF matters in a structured manner.
Welcoming the Speaker’s decision, Njeri said the directive to have NGAAF overseen by the Social Protection Committee will enable optimisation and better articulation of issues plaguing the fund, including constant delays in disbursement.
However, Njeri expressed concern over the absence of a proper follow-up mechanism for NG-AAF, unlike the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), which has a Select Committee dedicated to its oversight.
"While acknowledging the Speaker's efforts in tracking NG-AAF matters, it is imperative to formally establish a committee dedicated to oversighting NG-AAF matters," she urged.
The National Government Affirmative Action Fund was established with the primary goal of empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities through financial support for various county-level projects and initiatives.
NG-AAF plays a vital role in enabling beneficiaries to initiate or expand their businesses, ultimately improving their socio-economic well-being.
However, NG-AAF has faced financial constraints that have hindered its ability to effectively implement its programs and reach its intended beneficiaries. This has led to concerns and frustrations among those eagerly awaiting these funds.
NG-AAF falls under the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs and was enacted through Legal Notice No.24 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012 and published on 13th February 2015.
The Fund is governed by the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and Public Finance Management (National Government Affirmative Action Development Fund), Regulations 2016.