Launch of a study on “Engendering Fiscal Stimulus Packages and Recovery Efforts Adopted in Response to the COVID-19 Health and Economic Crisis.”

Launch of a study on “Engendering Fiscal Stimulus Packages and Recovery Efforts Adopted in Response to the COVID-19 Health and Economic Crisis.”

Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia has today presided over the launch of a study on “Engendering Fiscal Stimulus Packages and Recovery Efforts Adopted in Response to the COVID-19 Health and Economic Crisis.”


The study which assesses gender responsiveness of the fiscal and economic stimulus package and provides recommendations for making these packages more gender-responsive for better economic recovery outcomes is a joint initiative between the government and UN Women.


In her keynote address during the launch event held at a Nairobi Hotel, Prof. Kobia said that the effect of the pandemic had a gender dimension driven by the feminization of sectoral participation, high informality of women’s economic activities, gender-based violence and the burden of unpaid care work all of which adversely and disproportionately lean towards women.


“ The recommendations of the study we launched today seek to ensure the needs of women, men, girls and boys are taken into account during the implementation of economic stimulus packages and that they will promote the development and implementation of Special Programmes for Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) in the country,” said Prof. Kobia.


UN Women Country Representative Ms Anna Mutavati stated that as an entity for gender equality and women’s empowerment UN Women endeavors to ensure that no one is left behind in the development agenda.


“We know that gender equality and women’s empowerment are prerequisites for strong institutions, stable communities, and economies. Evidence from all around the world shows that investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, inclusive economic growth, and wealth creation,” said Ms. Mutavati.


On his part, MacDonald Obudho, Director General Kenya Bureau of Statistics said that Based on the results of these surveys and other considerations, the Government sustained COVID-19 containment measures and phased them out in stages while implementing other measures geared towards alleviating the negative impacts of the pandemic. These included fiscal measures such as increased budgetary support to health services, economic stimulus and tax reliefs as well
as monitory measures.


“I am impressed that the report of the study we are launching today is based on credible evidence of the impact COVID 19 has had onour economy and well-being of Kenyans. Further I note that, it is the opportune time to launch the study report on Engendering Fiscal Stimulus Packages and Recovery Efforts Adopted in Response to the COVID-19 Health and Economic crises this time economy is emerging from the slump,”said Mr. Obudho.


In Kenya, 332,000 people have contracted the COVID-19 virus while 5652 succumbed to date. The Kenya economy was also affected, with the GDP reducing from 5 per cent in 2019 to 0-0.3% in 2020.

Winnie Mburu

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