A Critical Analysis of Kisumu County Budget: From Gender Responsive to Gender Transformative

Devolved governance in Kenya has opened up opportunities for transformation of people’s lives at their grassroots level. Such potential rests in the backdrop of realities of marginalization – even discrimination - of women within patriarchal communities in many parts of Kenya. Majority of the rural population in Kisumu County still live in the grip of a patriarchal structure where gender roles are ascribed. The County’s policy and development blueprints as well as County budget make useful references to gauge the prioritization and analysis of gendered needs of the residents of the County. These documents have the potential to address inequalities caused by structural set ups that perpetuate discrimination.

The Gender Forum travels to the lakeside City of Kisumu to host a dialogue on gender equality priorities and the outlook for women in the County’s budget 2014/15. The discussion will be led by a panel of discussants drawn from County leadership, civil society advocates and budget analysts. Invited members of the public will take part in the discussion.

Key discussion points:

• How is gender equality understood at the County level?
• How are the varied needs of different demographics articulated within the Kisumu County budget for 2014/15?
• In which ways are the people of Kisumu County consulted and engaged on the county’s budget?
• How best can women poise themselves to drive accountable governance? 

Key Note Presentation:
Ms. Mary Muyonga – Gender responsive budgeting analyst.

Discussion Panel:
(TBA)