Promises galore at Nairobi woman rep debate

Four women seeking to be Nairobi's woman representative have explained to residents their plans should they win the seat in the August 8 General Election.

Incumbent Rachel Shebesh (Jubilee Party), Esther Passaris (ODM), Rahab Ndambuki (Wiper) and Winnie Wainaina (PNU) faced off during a debate on NTV on Monday night.

The candidates spelt out what they intend to do for the county during a heated debate that focused on various issues.

Among the issues that all the candidates pledged to address were women's rights, initiating youth projects, fighting corruption and children's rights.

Ms Shebesh remained optimistic that she would retain the seat, citing her development record and in particular the prudent use of the Sh7 million affirmative action funds for each sub-county to initiate projects for women and youth.

VIOLENCE

“Nairobi has over 85 wards and I work with MCAs to ensure that services are delivered to all residents. I will work with those elected and Maendeleo ya Wanawake to reach different women's groups as I have done,” she said.

Ms Shebesh also said she has been in the forefront in the fighting violence against women.

“When Esther Passaris was violated on a national television, I was the first one to write a letter complaining against that,” she said.

“When I was elected, I was advised to reduce too much talk and work for the people and that is what I did,” she said.

SLUM

As part of her development record, she also cited the introduction of table banking for women, initiating projects for the youth and fighting for the rights of children with disabilities in slum areas.

“If given a second chance, I will work with the government and push for transport for all these children in the slum areas to enable them to get to school on time,” she said.

Ms Shebesh said she has built classes for disabled children in slum areas in various sub-counties.

She also promised to further empower the youth through value-addition projects.

Ms Passaris, for her part, singled out her signature project, Adopt A Light, describing it as a successful business venture.

VOTERS

“I will fight for more money for women's affirmative action to ensure that more projects are initiated,” she said.

The ODM candidate, Ms Shebesh's main challenger in the August 8 elections, said she is determined to work for the people of Nairobi.

Ms Wainaina promised to fight for better housing for women and be accessible to the voters.

“I will avail myself to the people of Nairobi and ensure that funds get to the people," she said.

Ms Ndambuki discussed making Maendeleo ya Wanawake more robust and working to ensure that she opens a cooperative savings for the youth.