By Joshua Otieno | April 2, 2026
President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women as key drivers of economic growth and social transformation.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with over 5,000 members of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation, the President announced a KSh250 million allocation to the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Sacco to boost access to affordable credit for women entrepreneurs.
“We value the contribution of women to the development of our nation. As Government, we are committed to empowering women as critical drivers of economic growth and social transformation,” he said.
He noted that the funding will help expand financial inclusion and strengthen women’s participation in business.
“This support will uplift women entrepreneurs and enhance their role in building our economy,” Ruto added.
The President also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in leadership. “We are working with Parliament to achieve the two-thirds gender rule and ensure fair representation of women in elective positions,” he stated.
The event was attended by First Lady Rachel Ruto, who praised the longstanding impact of the organisation.
“For decades, Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization has stood as a pillar of grassroots transformation in Kenya, empowering women, strengthening families, and building resilient communities,” she said.
She further emphasized the group’s role in shaping society through advocacy and empowerment initiatives.
“Their unwavering commitment continues to build a more inclusive and prosperous society,” she noted.
The First Lady described the engagement as an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s achievements and reaffirm the importance of women in national development.
“It was a moment to celebrate their impact across generations and recognize the critical role women play in driving sustainable development,” she added.
The meeting underscored the government’s broader agenda to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and equal opportunities for women across the country.
