The Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) has strongly dismissed recent allegations of financial impropriety circulating on social media, affirming its unwavering commitment to uplifting women entrepreneurs across Kenya. The fund’s leadership described the claims as baseless, misleading, and intended to tarnish the reputation of a critical government institution.
In a joint statement, WEF CEO Racheal Musyoki and the Chairperson of the Fund’s Advisory Board, Jane Lang’at, said the attacks allegedly rooted in a misinterpretation of the Auditor General’s report were part of a malicious cyber campaign aimed at discrediting the Fund and its partners. They defended the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Anne Wang’ombe, who was also targeted by the online criticism.
“The Fund has been transparent and focused on empowering women across Kenya, operating with the highest standards of accountability,” read the statement. The officials emphasized that WEF, as a semi-autonomous government agency, maintains operational independence from the State Department while collaborating effectively with key stakeholders.
To demonstrate transparency, the Fund confirmed it will appear before the Parliamentary Special Funds Accounts Committee to address any queries from the Auditor General’s report. They reiterated their commitment to safeguarding public funds and ensuring their proper use to empower women economically.
Musyoki and Lang’at highlighted the Fund’s notable achievements during the last financial year, including disbursing Kshs. 27.9 billion to support 2.2 million women entrepreneurs. These funds benefited over 150,000 women groups and individuals in agriculture, trade, and manufacturing, contributing to job creation and improved livelihoods.
Despite recent leadership transitions, including the appointment of a new CEO, WEF maintained steady operations and exceeded its budgetary targets—an indication of its strong institutional framework.
The Fund urged the public to rely on credible sources for information and to reject misinformation. “WEF remains a vital vehicle for inclusive growth, providing accessible credit, capacity-building programs, and market linkages that continue to transform the lives of Kenyan women,” concluded the statement.
