Mombasa, Kenya - Fatma Barayan, a candidate for the Mombasa Women Representative seat, has vowed to prioritize economic empowerment for women and youth traders in the county. Speaking during a voter sensitization forum at Mkomani Show Ground in Nyali Sub-county, Barayan promised to ensure fair distribution of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and end harassment of informal traders operating along the county's streets. Her leadership aims to uplift women and youth in the informal business sector, which significantly contributes to livelihoods in Mombasa.
According to Barayan, 32 per cent of women and youth in Mombasa are engaged in informal businesses, emphasizing the need for continued empowerment. She also highlighted that 85 per cent of mothers and youth in the county are involved in various sectors such as trade, farming, education, plumbing, and electrical work. Barayan pledged to support skills development for residents working in these trades, ensuring they acquire necessary skills to excel.
Barayan's campaign also focuses on addressing gender-based violence in Mombasa. She promised to establish GBV centers across Mombasa West, North, and South constituencies to support survivors. These centers will provide psychosocial support and income-generating skills training in areas such as tailoring and farming. This initiative aims to equip survivors with necessary skills to rebuild their lives.
Education is another area Barayan seeks to prioritize. She pledged to ensure equitable distribution of bursary funds through the Women Representative's office, emphasizing that access to education should not be determined by a family's economic status. Barayan believes that every child deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their family's financial background.
To promote entrepreneurship among youth, Barayan plans to champion legislation at both national and county levels to ease licensing requirements for youth-led start-up businesses. She proposed waivers of between six months and one year to allow young entrepreneurs to establish themselves before facing full regulatory obligations. This move aims to encourage innovation and job creation among Mombasa's youth.
Barayan also rallied support for Hassan Omar Hassan's candidacy for Mombasa Governor, citing his link to ongoing national government development programs such as the Hustler Fund, Affordable Housing, Universal Health coverage, and labor mobility. These initiatives have benefited youth in the county, and Barayan believes Hassan's leadership will continue to drive growth and development in Mombasa.
Barayan differentiated her campaign promises from those of her rivals, who have promised direct cash handouts to women. She argued that sustainable empowerment requires structural investment rather than one-off payments. Citing gaps in maternal healthcare services at Makadara Hospital, Barayan emphasized the need for infrastructure development and investment in grassroots economic development to support women and youth in Mombasa.
Key points
- Fatma Barayan pledges to prioritize economic empowerment for women and youth traders in Mombasa.
- Barayan plans to establish GBV centers to support survivors of gender-based violence.
- She aims to champion legislation to ease licensing requirements for youth-led start-up businesses.
