Nairobi: Women leaders from across Nairobi County have endorsed the government’s development agenda, with Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda (UDA) calling for stronger women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and expanded opportunities for youth and small businesses. The announcement was made during the Nairobi Broad-Based Meeting, held at the Kenya School of Science, University of Nairobi, which was attended by more than 2,000 women leaders from across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at the forum, Mutinda said the broad-based government remains committed to strengthening women’s economic participation, supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), improving healthcare access under the Social Health Authority (SHA), and expanding youth empowerment initiatives such as the NYOTA programme. She emphasized that the government prioritizes women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and participation in leadership and governance. Mutinda highlighted the importance of ensuring women benefit from government programmes in healthcare, housing, business financing, and youth enterprise.
The nominated senator stressed that women are central to economic growth, household stability, and community development, advocating for stronger representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions. She underscored the necessity of supporting the President’s development agenda, ensuring women are not left behind.
The meeting also featured leaders affiliated with both the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), showcasing Nairobi’s growing adoption of a broad-based political framework. Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o, urged leaders and citizens to focus on civic participation, democratic engagement, and long-term national planning, particularly concerning the future of children, youth, educators, and business communities. He praised Nairobi women for their contribution to entrepreneurship, employment creation, and economic resilience, urging policymakers to prioritize their concerns.
Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris called for political unity, national stability, and a sustained focus on development. She encouraged leaders to prioritize service delivery over political rivalry, supporting projects that benefit Kenyans in housing, infrastructure, and economic growth. Passaris emphasized the need for bold leadership that moves Kenya forward, advocating for development to take precedence over political divisions.
Mutinda reiterated the significance of strengthening women-owned SMEs, expanding access to affordable credit, and promoting entrepreneurship training as key pillars of the government’s empowerment agenda. She highlighted programmes like NYOTA, which aim to provide youth with start-up funding, mentorship, and business development support, while SHA reforms seek to improve access to affordable and reliable healthcare services.
The senator also mentioned the affordable housing programme as a major intervention aimed at addressing Nairobi’s housing deficit while creating employment opportunities in construction and allied sectors. Mutinda concluded by emphasizing the responsibility of women leaders to help shape a peaceful, progressive, and economically strong Nairobi, focusing on the future of children and building a stronger nation together.
