Shiverenje, Hudson

Research shows that the more resources reach the family through women, the greater the impact on poverty reduction. Therefore, if the main objective is to reduce poverty, CCGD (Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development) of Kenya, argues that there is a need to mainstream gender equity in the budget to ensure that more resources reach the households through women. This paper examines the task of CCGD to ensure that gender is taken on board in the National Economic Policies, e.g. PRSP (Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper) and the subsequent national budgets.

The article situates experiences of implementing poverty reduction strategies within the Kenyan socio-political context. It looks at different factors affecting these experiences and draws links with the challenges and opportunities involved. The author also looks at how the PRSP process and subsequent ERSP (Economic Recovery Strategic Paper) are inter-linked with political changes within the country. The article concludes with recommendations for institutionalising participation in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national poverty reduction strategies.