Women leaders from across Nairobi County have endorsed the government’s development agenda, with Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda (UDA) calling for stronger women’s empowerment, economic inclusion and expanded opportunities for youth and small businesses.
The announcement was made during the Nairobi Broad-Based Meeting, held at the Kenya School of Science, University of Nairobi, which was attended by more than 2,000 women leaders from across the county.
Speaking at the forum, Mutinda said the broad-based government remains committed to strengthening women’s economic participation, supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), improving healthcare access under the Social Health Authority (SHA), and expanding youth empowerment initiatives such as the NYOTA programme.
“This broad-based government continues to prioritise women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and participation in leadership and governance,” she said.
“We are committed to ensuring women benefit from government programmes in healthcare, housing, business financing and youth enterprise,” she said.
The nominated senator emphasised that women remain central to economic growth, household stability and community development, calling for stronger representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions.
“As we support the President’s development agenda, we must ensure women are not left behind. Women are key partners in national transformation and economic growth,” added Mutinda.
The meeting brought together leaders affiliated to both the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), highlighting Nairobi’s increasing adoption of a broad-based political framework.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o, urged leaders and citizens to focus on civic participation, democratic engagement and long-term national planning, particularly regarding the future of children, youth, educators and business communities.
“We must think about where our children, youth, teachers and businesspeople will be tomorrow,” Jalang’o said.
“The power lies in encouraging people to participate in leadership and shape a future that serves the people,” he added.
The MP also praised Nairobi women for their contribution to entrepreneurship, employment creation and economic resilience, urging policymakers to prioritise their concerns.
“These women left their businesses to be here today. They are the backbone of Nairobi’s economy. We must listen to what they want and what they deserve,” he said.
Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris called for political unity, national stability and sustained focus on development, urging leaders to prioritise service delivery over political rivalry.
“Our responsibility is to support projects that benefit Kenyans housing, infrastructure and economic growth,” Passaris said.
“We must focus on building a Kenyan dream that delivers jobs, stability and opportunity,” she added.
She further urged political leaders to set aside their differences and work together in support of national development priorities.
“This country needs bold leadership that moves Kenya forward. Development should come before political divisions,” Passaris added.
Mutinda reiterated that strengthening women-owned SMEs, expanding access to affordable credit and promoting entrepreneurship training remain key pillars of the government’s empowerment agenda.
She said programmes such as NYOTA are designed to provide youth with start-up funding, mentorship and business development support, while reforms under SHA aim to improve access to affordable and reliable healthcare services.
“Our women entrepreneurs deserve financing, training and access to markets. We must strengthen SMEs and ensure young people have capital to start and grow sustainable businesses,” Mutinda said.
The nominated senator also cited the affordable housing programme, as a major intervention, aimed at addressing Nairobi’s housing deficit, while creating employment opportunities in construction and allied sectors.
Mutinda said women leaders have a responsibility to help shape a peaceful, progressive and economically strong Nairobi.
“This is not about political positions or power. It is about the people of Kenya, the future of our children, and building a stronger nation together,” she said.
By Naif Rashid
