Hon. Beatrice Adagala’s Mid-Term Performance Report Card.

By EoK Editorial|

Hon. Beatrice Kahai Adagala

Hon. Beatrice Adagala, the Women Representative for Vihiga County, has been at the forefront of advocating for the empowerment of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in the region. Since assuming office and re-election in August 2022, she has worked tirelessly to improve the livelihoods of her constituents through various initiatives aimed at fostering economic independence, providing educational support, and addressing critical social issues such as gender-based violence. As she looks ahead to her bid for Vihiga County Governor in 2027, it is essential to evaluate her performance in her current role. This Mid-Term report assesses her achievements across key areas, highlighting her successes and the impact of her work on the people of Vihiga County.

1. Empowerment of Women & Youth

Score: 9/10

Key Achievements:

Formation of Self-Help Groups: Hon. Adagala actively promoted the formation of self-help groups to help women and youth access Affirmative Action Funds (National Government Affirmative Action Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund, UWEZO Fund). This is a critical aspect of her role as a Woman Rep, where she is expected to empower women and youth through access to financial resources and training for economic independence.

Capacity-Building Initiatives: She facilitated empowerment programs aimed at equipping women with the skills necessary for financial independence, such as business training and financial literacy.

Why it Matters: This is a primary responsibility of a Woman Rep, as they are tasked with advocating for women and youth's social, economic, and political empowerment. Hon. Adagala’s initiatives have made a significant impact on livelihoods in the county, which is why she earns a high score in this area.

2. Support for Education

Score: 8/10

Key Achievements:

Bursaries and Scholarships: Hon. Adagala has awarded bursaries to needy students across Vihiga County, a crucial part of her role in ensuring that education remains accessible to all, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Support for Special Needs Schools: She has also made notable contributions by providing water tanks to special schools, which directly improves the quality of life and learning for students with disabilities.

Relief Efforts: In times of hardship, she has supplied food relief to students and vulnerable families, ensuring that education and basic needs are met, even in economically difficult times.

Why it Matters: Supporting education is one of the central duties of a Woman Rep, as they are meant to ensure that no one is left behind in educational opportunities. Hon. Adagala’s efforts, especially in awarding bursaries and supporting special needs schools, align with this mandate, though there is still more room for expansion, particularly in ensuring that all vulnerable students have access to higher education.

3. Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Score: 8/10

Key Achievements:

Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre: Hon. Adagala spearheaded the construction of a GBV Recovery Centre in Vihiga, a much-needed facility to support victims of gender-based violence. The first phase of the project, which includes shelter and rehabilitation areas, was initiated, and the facility aims to offer comprehensive recovery services to survivors of GBV.

Awareness Campaigns: Beyond infrastructure, Hon. Adagala has engaged in public awareness campaigns regarding the importance of ending GBV, a critical social issue.

Why it Matters: As a Woman Rep, addressing GBV is central to her mandate. She is expected to advocate for women’s safety, security, and overall well-being. Her ongoing work in building a recovery centre highlights her commitment, though the facility’s final completion will be pivotal in offering direct services to victims.

4. Promoting Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship

Score: 9/10

Key Achievements:

Boda Boda Safety Training: One of her outstanding initiatives includes training boda boda operators in road safety and first aid, addressing the high demand for safe transport services while providing youth with the skills to earn livelihoods in this sector.

Support for Entrepreneurs: She has also provided startup capital, tents, and chairs to youth-led groups involved in table banking, fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence.

Why it Matters: Youth unemployment is one of the major challenges facing Kenya, and it is one of the Woman Rep's roles to advocate for initiatives that create jobs and empower the youth. Hon. Adagala has excelled in this area, offering both direct and indirect solutions to youth unemployment.

5. Representation and Advocacy for Vulnerable Groups

Score: 7/10

Key Achievements:

Vulnerable Families Support: Hon. Adagala has supported vulnerable families, especially through constructing shelters and providing food relief, ensuring that the most marginalized in society receive the attention they need.

Dowry Assistance for Vulnerable Men: In an unconventional but commendable move, she has offered dowry assistance to men facing financial difficulties, highlighting her inclusive approach to tackling community issues.

Why it Matters: As a Woman Rep, Hon. Adagala is expected to serve as a voice for the most marginalized in society, including vulnerable women, children, and men. While she has shown creativity in providing assistance to young men and families, this area could be expanded with more targeted programs for women and other vulnerable groups.

6. Infrastructure Development and Public Service Improvement

Score: 8/10

Key Achievements:

Gender-Based Violence Centre Construction: As mentioned earlier, the development of the Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre is a key infrastructure project aimed at improving public services for vulnerable women and children.

Improved Working Conditions for Boda Boda Operators: Through providing shelters for boda boda operators, Hon. Adagala has improved the working conditions of a key sector that employs a large number of young men and women in Vihiga.

Why it Matters: Infrastructure development, especially in areas such as public health and safety, is crucial to improving the well-being of the community. Hon. Adagala’s work in this area is notable, though continued focus on long-term public infrastructure improvements will solidify her legacy as a leader.

Overall Performance Score: 49/60 (81.1%)

Hon. Beatrice Adagala has made remarkable strides in her role as the Women Representative of Vihiga County. Her efforts in empowering women, youth, and vulnerable communities are commendable, and her leadership in the fight against gender-based violence stands out as a key achievement. While there are areas for further improvement, especially in expanding education support and addressing the needs of more marginalized groups, her tenure thus far showcases a strong, service-oriented leader with a clear vision for the future.

As she prepares for the 2027 gubernatorial elections, Hon. Adagala’s track record of concrete achievements and her focus on community empowerment positions her as a formidable candidate for the office of Governor of Vihiga County.

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