GROOTS Kenya, a national movement of grassroots, women-led community-based and self-help groups, is empowering over 60 women, girls, and male allies to take an active role in Kenya’s public finance processes. Through targeted training and advocacy, participants are gaining the tools to engage meaningfully in every stage of the Public Finance Management (PFM) cycle—from planning and budgeting to implementation and oversight.
“We’re not just building awareness; we’re building a generation of women who can influence policy and demand accountability,” said a GROOTS Kenya program coordinator.
The initiative aims to strengthen women’s leadership in local governance and ensure that development priorities reflect the real needs of the communities they serve. It aims to transform communities that face persistent challenges such as chronic water shortages, systemic gaps in health care, and widespread food insecurity. These women and men are transitioning from mere observers of the budgeting process to becoming active decision-makers.
According to a statement from the organisation, when budgets are devised without the input from the communities they aim to serve, essential needs often go unmet. Local women—those who trek long distances for water, mothers navigating inadequate healthcare systems, and farmers struggling with food insecurity—are best positioned to influence county priorities, as they live the day-to-day realities of service delivery gaps.
GROOTS Kenya is changing this narrative by demystifying the budget process, providing grassroots leaders with training on policy engagement, and enhancing community participation in governance. The organization’s approach ensures that public participation is not merely a procedural formality—it serves as a transformative tool for justice, equality, and inclusive development.
Through structured training sessions, mentorship programs, and opportunities for peer support, grassroots women are now equipped to:
- Understand county planning and budgeting processes: Participants learn the intricacies of financial planning at the county level, enabling them to comprehend how budgets are formulated and allocated.
- Participate effectively in public forums (barazas): They are trained to engage constructively in local assemblies, ensuring their voices and concerns are heard during discussions that affect their lives.
- Analyze and influence budget proposals: Equipped with analytical skills, these women can evaluate proposed budgets critically and advocate for adjustments that align with community needs.
- Monitor the implementation of public projects: They are taught how to track public projects to ensure they are executed as planned and resources are utilized effectively.
- Hold duty-bearers accountable for service delivery: This training empowers them to demand accountability from local officials regarding the commitments made in budget proposals.
These grassroots women are not only participating; they are revolutionizing discussions, influencing policy-making, and fostering greater accountability within their counties.
Building a Movement of Budget Champions
The overarching goal of GROOTS Kenya is to cultivate a robust, vocal, and informed network of budget champions across the country. These champions play an invaluable role in:
- Tracking public resource allocation and utilization: They systematically monitor the distribution and use of public funds to ensure they are directed to critical areas of need.
- Advocating for transparency and equity in service delivery: These women push for openness in how resources are managed and advocate for fair access to services for all members of the community.
- Ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly women and marginalized groups: They focus on inclusivity, ensuring that the needs and voices of the most vulnerable populations are prioritized in the budgeting process.
In counties where grassroots women actively participate in the PFM cycle, there is already compelling evidence of improved service delivery, community-driven priorities, and increased citizen trust in local governance.
GROOTS Kenya’s mission is to facilitate and enhance the effective engagement of grassroots women in development through strategic movement building, leadership development, and robust advocacy efforts. Their vision is a society where women are recognized not just as beneficiaries of development, but as central players in shaping its direction and impact.
At the heart of the GROOTS Kenya movement lies the belief that lasting change begins at the community level. By empowering women to comprehend and engage in the budgeting process, Kenya is witnessing a significant transformation—from passive citizenship to dynamic leadership. When grassroots women are informed, organized, and empowered, they don’t just attend barazas; they actively contribute to defining Kenya’s future.
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