By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 17 July 2026 - Ford Kenya women leaders have endorsed President William Ruto's bid for a second and final term in office while urging his administration to revive the Kazi kwa Vijana programme to tackle rising youth unemployment and growing insecurity across the country.
Addressing a press conference in Kisumu after hosting Ford Kenya Women League leaders from across the Nyanza region, the officials said the return of the youth employment programme would provide jobs for thousands of idle young people and help curb crime and violence.
The leaders, led by Ford Kenya Deputy Party Leader Millicent Abudho Women League President Pauline Nagila, National Elections Board Director Hadija Mustafa, and Kisumu County Women League Secretary Maureen Kemunto, pledged the party's support for President Ruto's re-election in the 2027 General Election, saying continuity would accelerate development and economic empowerment programmes.
They, however, strongly condemned the recent wave of political violence, saying it was undermining democracy and discouraging women from seeking elective office.
"The violence we continue to witness scares many women away from elective politics. Democracy can only thrive where there is peace. We are calling on all leaders and their supporters to reject violence and embrace issue-based politics," Abudho said.
Nagila challenged women across the country to seize the opportunity presented by the 2027 elections and actively contest leadership positions.
"We are calling on women to turn up and vie for elective seats. We are giving you the opportunity to declare your interests now. It is your opportunity to vie for the seats," Nagila said.
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The leaders said increasing the number of women in elective positions would strengthen inclusive governance and ensure issues affecting families, youth and vulnerable groups receive greater attention in decision-making.
They further appealed to President Ruto to restore the Kazi kwa Vijana programme, arguing that meaningful employment for young people would reduce insecurity, shield them from political exploitation and stimulate grassroots economic growth.
They said youth empowerment and peaceful politics must go hand in hand if the country is to achieve sustainable development ahead of the 2027 polls.
During the event several women declared interests for various elective positions including the ward reps. One of them was Mrs Alice Otieno, who declared interest for MCA seat in Seme West ward.
She said she wants to bring change in the ward leadership saying the current leadership had not done much to improve the lives of the people. Otieno vowed to work with the community for the betterment of their livelihoods. She vowed to focus on boy and girl child education and also to support the vulnerable families.