Civil Societies

Ruto pledges to increase NGAAF allocation but what is NGAAF and their relationship with civil society

President William Ruto recently met Women Reps at State House and pledged to help give more funds to women causes in the country through an agency called NGAAF. Have you ever heard of NGAAF? Probably you’ve come across government cars branded NGAAF. This is a short feature that exposes NGAAF as a government agency and its relevance to civil society.

“We will enhance NGAAF women kitty from 2 billion to Ksh 3 billion and you help me and the government ensure that everybody pays tax,” said President Ruto. The government has a semi-autonomous arm called National Government Affirmative Action Fund whose role is to cater to vulnerable groups by fighting poverty and helping them access finances for economic development.

This is in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 to make Kenya a socially inclusive and relatively equitable society. “The Fund is one of government initiatives anchored on the Vision 2030 development blue print under the Social Pillar to address the plight of vulnerable groups by reducing poverty and inequality through enhanced access to financial facilities for socio-economic empowerment among women, youth, Persons with Disabilities, needy children and elderly persons in the country,” says NGAAF.

Some of the roles of NGAAF include

Enhancement of access to financial facilities for affirmative groups
Support of value addition initiatives by the affirmative action groups;
Socio cultural development and nurturing of talent for affirmative action groups including promotion of art, music and sports
Support of affirmative action groups through bursaries and scholarships to access education opportunities.
Establishment of drugs and substance abuse and rehabilitation and counselling centres in conjunction with relevant government agencies.
Any other function necessary to give effect the provision of this paragraph among others.

Who heads NGAAF?

Roy Sasaka Telewa was appointed as CEO of NGAAF in September 2022. He is the former CEO of National Youth Council.

What ministry does NGAAF fall under?

The agency falls directly under the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs.

Who can be classified as affirmative groups that fall under NGAAF?