Meru Woman Rep distributes Sh1.5m equipment, flags rising GBV cases

Meru County Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia has donated household and events equipment valued at Sh1.5 million, alongside cash grants amounting to Sh550,000, to five self-help groups in Munithu area, Nyaki West Ward, Imenti North Constituency.

The support package, comprising items such as sufurias, plastic chairs and tents, is aimed at boosting income-generating activities for the beneficiary groups.

Ms Kailemia was accompanied by Nominated Member of Parliament Dorothy Muthoni and other local leaders during the distribution.

Addressing residents, the Woman Representative said she opted to spread the available resources across several groups due to financial constraints, noting that her mandate covers the entire county.

“Given the limited funds and the many groups seeking support, I found it necessary to share what is available so that no one feels excluded,” she said.

She further highlighted what she termed as an imbalance in resource allocation between the Office of the Woman Representative and Members of Parliament.

Ms Kailemia explained that despite woman representative serving all constituencies within a county, their annual budget allocation is significantly lower than that of MPs.

“My office receives about Sh63 million annually to serve nine constituencies, while an MP gets between Sh180 million and Sh200 million for a single constituency. That is why I say this support may seem small, but it is meaningful,” she noted.

The Woman Representative attributed her ability to support grassroots initiatives to collaboration with the national government and urged residents to continue supporting the current administration to facilitate development.

She also called for patience with President William Ruto’s administration, saying the government was in the process of delivering on its campaign pledges.

Reaffirming her political affiliation, Ms Kailemia stated that she is a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), adding that the party was strengthening its grassroots structures to enhance service delivery.

She also addressed the youth, particularly Generation Z, urging them to assess leaders based on tangible development projects rather than short-term financial handouts.

“Long-term projects have a lasting impact on livelihoods compared to temporary inducements,” she said.

Ms Kailemia expressed concern over the increasing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Meru County, describing the trend as alarming.

She said Meru ranks among the leading counties nationally in reported GBV cases and called on families to resolve conflicts amicably.

"It is worrying that Meru is ranked third nationally in gender-based violence cases. Families should seek peaceful ways of resolving disagreements instead of resorting to violence,” she said.

During the event, Ms Kailemia also endorsed Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni, who has declared interest in vying for the Meru County Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, describing her as a focused leader capable of delivering development.

In her remarks, Ms Muthoni pledged to push for a permanent solution to water shortages in Munithu, citing her position in Parliament.

“I will lobby for the drilling of a borehole at Munithu Factory since the land is public. Although it is outside my direct jurisdiction, I will consult the area MP, Rahim Dawood, because we work closely and I believe he will support the initiative,” Ms Muthoni said.