The chairperson of Kenya Roads Board Aisha Jumwa, now plans to claw back the dominance of male road contractors in the sector by ensuring that their female counterparts get at least 30 percent of government road tenders.
Jumwa said for the short time she has been at the helm of the board, she had noticed that most road construction tenders were awarded to men, “not because they are not qualified, but because of discrimination.”
Speaking at Sandoki sports grounds when she led Sabaki residents in Kilifi County to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, the former Gender Cabinet Secretary, said men had dominated the road construction sector for too long and there was need to bring a balance.
She noted that the law requires that 30 percent of all government contracts are awarded to women, and that the same should be extended to road construction tenders.
Jumwa said that there was need for the law to be followed to the letter for women to benefit from those opportunities.
“So far, we are not doing well. In the short time that I have been the Chair of the Kenya Roads Board, I have noted that most of those who get contracts are men. We are demanding that the law be followed to the letter,” she said.
The chairperson said that although the country has many qualified and hardworking female engineers, getting road contracts had become a nightmare to them as they are usually tossed about and at times sexually harassed, when they bid for such contracts.
Moreover, she added, we have female engineers who are hardworking, we have women who have the capacity to build roads in this country, but at times they are tossed about and sexually harassed for them to get contracts.
She highlighted the progress made in empowering women and addressing issues such as female genital mutilation, especially during her tenure as Gender and Affirmative Action Cabinet Secretary.
The vocal politician lauded President William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Amolo Odinga for setting aside their differences and pledging to work together.She asked them to prioritize issues affecting women.
Jumwa further commended the President for his relentless efforts in fighting femicide in the country by availing Sh100 million for the cause.
“We thank President Ruto for his commitment to ending femicide and ensuring women’s safety,” she said.
At the same time, Jumwa condemned sexual harassment in the workplace and called for an end to the exploitation of women seeking employment.
“Women must be given more opportunities and a seat at the decision-making table,” she emphasized.
The event brought together women leaders, activists, and community members, reaffirming the commitment to advancing gender equality in Kenya.
By Baraka Mweni and Mwadzidze Mtawali
