Kenya male MPs want a men-only fund similar to Women and Youth Fund

NAIROBI, KENYA: Male MPs want a special enterprise fund, similar to that currently enjoyed by women and the youth, created for men.

The MPs want the National Assembly to set in motion the establishment of such a fund, claiming that the various funds created either through national government or through legislative initiative have discriminated against men, reducing them to helpless bystanders as women and the youth 'grab' all the money.

They want men over 35 years to access the money either through a separate fund or through a joint fund that can be accessed by people of all age groups and sexes.

The clamour for the fund came in the form of a motion sponsored by Humphrey Njuguna (Gatanga) who said that the constitution recognizes the equality of men and women.

"...Concerned that there is an apparent neglect of men aged 35 years and above...this House urges the government to create a fund encompassing people of all ages and genders for development of entrepreneurial skills and abilities to wholly address issues of creativity and innovations which are necessary pillars for stimulating economic growth and development," the motion reads.

The agitation for the fund attracted passionate support from male MPs present. Their women counterparts, in contrast accused them of needless grumbling.

"Men are also taxpayers and they should be allowed to enjoy the benefits of the taxes they pay. It would be my request to resolve through the budget committee to allocate a Ksh 5 billion to Ksh 10 billion fund to men who are marginalized. Why the demise of a certain of a certain strata of this community? We have deprived men of their dignity," said Francis Kigo (Gatundu North) who seconded the motion.

Among female MPs who opposed the motion was Mary Wambui (Othaya) who argued that such a fund is unnecessary as women are capable of taking care of their men. She told the House that those targeted to benefit from such a fund were married men 'whose wives and children are beneficiaries of the women and youth funds.'

"We want them to understand that the youth who have been given money are our children. Many of these men are married, why are they saying that it is not good to give women and youth money? We will buy suits for you and continue loving you as we loved you when you were young," the MP said.

Yusuf Chanzu however faulted the Othaya legislator and accused her of being ignorant of African culture.