By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) convened a high-level parliamentary panel on Thursday, pushing for evidence-based policymaking to advance inclusive development in health, technology, and economic sectors.
Lawmakers, policy experts, and civil society leaders gathered to discuss how data-driven decisions can uphold constitutional principles like equity, democracy, and social justice.
MP Millie Odhiambo Calls for Depoliticized Development Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo urged the government to prioritize data over politics in development planning.
“When data justifies investment in a region, no one should question it,” she said, citing Homa Bay County’s historical marginalization and recent progress as an example.
“Development must follow the Constitution, not political alliances.” Odhiambo criticized past governments for neglecting Kenya’s youth, stressing that unemployment crises were predictable.
“Gen Z didn’t appear overnight. They’ve been here where was the plan?” she challenged, demanding long-term, evidence-backed strategies.
Bridging the Gap Between Lawmakers and Research
The panel addressed the disconnect between legislators and the executive, with Odhiambo dismissing claims of poor coordination.
“Data eliminates bias, it ensures investments go where they’re needed, not where they’re politically convenient,” she argued. She also pressed for better access to research, urging Parliament to collaborate with experts and adopt AI-driven tools.
“We need concise, reliable data not dense journals during debates,” she said, warning against unverified sources.
Defending NG-CDF Amid Controversy
Amid calls to scrap the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), Odhiambo defended its impact, particularly in rural areas. “NG-CDF builds classrooms and funds bursaries. V
Villagers rely on it,” she said, proposing a national dialogue, or even a referendum to settle its future. Despite her party leader’s absence, she remained optimistic: “MPs have demanded talks. Decentralized development matters, we must protect it.”
A Shift Toward Evidence-Based Governance
The KEWOPA forum highlighted a growing demand for policymaking rooted in data, not politics, a shift toward equitable, sustainable planning for Kenya’s future.
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