Impact Assessment of Affirmative Action Funds in Kenya

The Government of Kenya (GOK) has made significant and tremendous progress in addressing inequality and gender equality through the empowerment programmes of vulnerable groups such women, youth, and people living with disabilities (PWD). The country has a very progressive constitution which promotes women economic empowerment. Article 27/8 stipulates that State shall take legislative and other measures, including affirmative action programmes and policies designed to redress any disadvantage suffered by individuals or groups because of past discrimination. The State Department of Gender Affairs is mandated to coordinate project and programmes geared towards gender mainstreaming and women economic empowerment. This includes the establishment of various affirmative action funds through legislation, amendment of the Public Finance Management Act and other policy directives. The purpose of these funds is to provide affordable and accessible credit to women, youth, and persons living with disabilities.