Use affirmative action funds wisely, Anne Waiguru tells leaders

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru (right), Nyeri Women Rep Priscilla Nyokabi (centre) and Mombasa Women Rep Mishi Mboko during the opening of the Affirmative Action Social Development Fund Training workshop at Pangoni Beach Resort, Mombasa on September 3, 2015. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • CS warns that corruption and illegal use of money will not be tolerated.
  • The Treasury set aside Sh2billion in the 2014/2015 financial year for projects targeting women, youth, and people living with disabilities,

Stern action will be taken against officers found to be engaging in corruption and misappropriation of the Sh4billion county funds set aside to help marginalised groups, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru has warned.

Speaking on Thursday during the opening of a national delegates' affirmative action fund training programme at Pangoni Beach Resort, Mombasa, the CS said the money must do what it has been designated for.

“Those in charge of the money must adhere to the Ministry’s accountability standards. We will not compromise with anyone who will not stick to accountability. We do not associate with anyone who breaks the law,” she said.

The Treasury set aside Sh2billion in the 2014/2015 financial year for projects targeting women, youth, and people living with disabilities through the Affirmative Action Social Development Fund.

A similar amount has been allocated to the same kitty in the 2015/2015 financial year, Ms Waiguru said.

The fund is under the 47 county women representatives, who are the overall patrons.

WITHIN THE LAW

Being the first time that the revolving fund will be distributed, the Cabinet Secretary urged the management officials to consult with the patrons and their counterparts from the Uwezo and Constituency Development funds for proper use.

The minister insisted that every action carried out in the utilisation of the fund must be within the law.

“You as the chairpersons on the ground must understand the rules, laws and regulations on payment and accounting. Not knowing these rules and regulations will not be an excuse. You must learn this from the ongoing training. If you do not know, ask. No matter what you do, do not break the law,” she said.

Ms Waiguru added that the ministry will give all the necessary support in the realisation of the goals of the projects under the affirmative action fund.

Some of the projects supported by the fund include helping the recovery of sexual and gender-based violence survivors as well as the victims of female genital mutilation and early childhood marriages.

Youths who have dropped out of school for various reasons but want to better their lives are also catered for.

Orphans, child-headed families and special needs cases can access the funds for educational bursaries and scholarships.

Nurturing of youth talent, promotion of art as well as creation of recreational and rehabilitation centres would be funded by the affirmative fund.

PROCUREMENT RULES

Ms Waiguru asked Coast women representatives from Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Taita-Taveta, Tana River and Lamu to learn from other counties to complement the recently launched National Youth Service (NYS) drive to fight drug use in the region.

“I urge you to take some time and see what we are doing with rehabilitation at NYS. You may want to apply some of these lessons in your areas. You must see what you can pick to leverage on drug use in your respective counties,” she said.

The CS said boards and committees must ensure projects funded comply with the objectives and purposes set out in the disbursement outlines.

“This affirmative action programme is meant to break down barriers, both visible and invisible, and set level playing fields to ensure that everyone is given an equal opportunity to develop economically,” Ms Waiguru said.

Parliamentary Chair of Caucus 47 Priscilla Nyokabi asked the delegates to observe procurement rules in awarding of tenders.

“Procurement procedures must be followed. We do not want to have a date with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. Your patrons do not want to be called to ‘help police with investigations’. It is not a happy situation for anyone. We do not want queries with the Auditor-General over misuse of the funds or flouting of rules,” Ms Nyokabi, who is also the Women Representative for Nyeri said.

She said the money is for equalisation and women must prove they are capable of transforming society with limited resources.

For this reason, she said, President Uhuru Kenyatta will not hesitate to increase the kitty through Parliament.