Kenya Kwanza Leaders Defend Empowerment Forums Amid Criticism

Leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration have defended the ongoing empowerment forums across the country, saying the initiative is a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) aimed at uplifting women and youth at the grassroots.

Speaking during an empowerment event at Kimorori grounds in Kenol Town, Murang’a County, the leaders dismissed criticism from the opposition, insisting the programme is already transforming lives in rural areas.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki challenged critics to engage constructively rather than dismissing the initiative online.

“If someone is against the empowerment programme, let them come to Maragua and say it. Let them not just post it on social media,” Kindiki said.

He maintained that the forums enjoy widespread support among beneficiaries and assured that the government will not abandon the initiative despite political opposition.

Kindiki’s remarks come a week after former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua criticised the empowerment forums as “public relations stunts disguised as development” during an interview in Boston, USA. Gachagua argued that the government is wasting huge sums of taxpayer money on such events.

In response, Kindiki reiterated that the forums aim to provide resources for groups to start or expand businesses and boost livelihoods. He also urged Mt. Kenya politicians to embrace issue-based politics and shun violence.

“For the first time, we have seen violence in this region. Even when Matiba competed with Kibaki in 1992, we didn’t destroy each other’s property. They competed on ideas,” he added.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah echoed Kindiki’s sentiments, challenging critics to offer alternative solutions for grassroots empowerment.

“This is what we promised in the Bottom-Up agenda. These groups can now access revolving funds. Women are expanding their businesses, and boda boda riders are buying motorcycles,” Ichung’wah said, noting that funds raised during such forums go to table banking initiatives offering affordable credit to members.

Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina highlighted the high demand for financial support, saying her office only receives KSh 13 million annually under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)—an amount she said is insufficient.

“We know how hard it is to even borrow Sh500. The money we’re raising today is not for people to divide among themselves—it’s to help grow their economic activities,” she said.