The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The government has allocated Sh1.5 billion to aid affirmative action initiatives in the 47 counties across various programs.
Administered by the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, this funding constitutes the third and fourth installments.
It will primarily support school bursaries for students from disadvantaged backgrounds in accordance with the National Government Affirmative Action Fund’s objectives.
Oversight of these funds falls under the purview of County Woman Representatives.
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As per the ministry’s announcement, these grants will cover expenses for the third and fourth Quarters of the 2023-24 Financial Year. Among the allocations, Sh273 million will facilitate educational opportunities and skills development for 25,000 students. Additionally, Sh413 million has been allocated to empower 2,000 registered affirmative action groups economically.
The aim of these grants is to elevate the beneficiaries’ disposable incomes, fostering enterprise development and improving livelihoods.
Furthermore, Sh677 million has been earmarked for countywide projects, including initiatives to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through the establishment of SGBV centers, socio-cultural development, provision of water facilities, and other amenities to foster business growth via the BETA economic model.
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To ensure community engagement, Sh137 million has been designated for civic education, informing residents about government policies and avenues to access NGAAF funds and other decentralized resources.
The recipients of these grants are affirmative action groups meeting the eligibility criteria and successfully applying through NGAAF County offices by April 3, 2024. The respective NGAAF County offices are reaching out to individual beneficiaries for immediate assistance.
The State Department emphasizes the government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of affirmative action groups and improving their access to financial resources and services. They pledge to ensure inclusivity in accessing NGAAF programs and services, leaving no deserving individual or group behind.
