Siaya Woman Member of the National Assembly, Christine Ombaka, is advocating for a significant increase in the allocation of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) to empower women representatives in effectively serving their constituents.

Dr. Ombaka expressed concern that the current funding received by women representatives is insufficient to adequately address the needs of the electorate, including bursaries and various community empowerment initiatives across the country.

Siaya lawmaker Christine Ombaka and County NGAAF cordinator distribute cheques to groups in Sega Ugenya. They aalso distributed bursaries, umbrellas and blankets. Pic/Kondelenews

Speaking to the media after overseeing the distribution of bursaries and economic empowerment funds to different groups in Sega township, Ugenya constituency, she emphasized the need for a threefold increase in NGAAF allocation.

“Women representatives are making commendable strides in their work. However, the allocated funds are inadequate, limiting our ability to fully execute our duties,” she remarked.

Additionally, Dr. Ombaka highlighted the efforts of the education committee of the National Assembly in safeguarding the school feeding program in the upcoming budget, following public outcry against its removal.

“As a member of the education committee, we vehemently opposed the removal of the school feeding program from the budget and ensured its retention,” she asserted.

Dr. Ombaka noted that the committee successfully secured an allocation of Sh. 4.8 billion for the program.

Nancy Okademi, the NGAAF coordinator for Siaya county, disclosed that the fund disbursed a total of Sh. 15.8 million for bursaries and support to various groups.

This support encompassed the distribution of 2,000 blankets to vulnerable elderly individuals and an equal number of umbrellas to small-scale traders operating in open spaces.