The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has requested Parliament to allocate KSh20 million towards the implementation of the Late Johana Ng’eno Artists’ Development Programme.
Cabinet Secretary Ms. Hanna Cheptumo told the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture that the Ministry was operating under significant funding constraints, with major gaps in both recurrent and development budgets.
Appearing before the committee at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, the CS said the State Department had requested KSh5.7 billion for programme operations and KSh5.1 billion for development projects, but only a fraction had been allocated.
“It is against this backdrop that the Ministry is appealing to this Committee to consider supporting us on some key programmes including inter-cultural festivals such as Maa and Tobongu Lore festivals,” she said, adding that several cultural initiatives had received no funding at all despite their importance in promoting national cohesion.
“Despite the festivals being critical in cohesion and communities’ integrations, we have zero allocations. We are also requesting for Kshs. 20 million in support of the Late Johana Ng’eno Artists’ Development Programme as promised by H.E the President during burial of the late M.P.”
Need for operational framework
Caroli Omondi (Suba South) supported the request urging the Ministry to institutionalize the program and create an operational framework for it.
According to the lawmaker, since there is a five-year funding directive for the programme, it should not be about just handing over the cheque without follow-ups on how it would be organized and how the artists will get awarded.
“Our late friend was doing it on his own with his staff and I would insist that as a Committee we highlight this and find a formula of funding for the Ngeno Music Program. I was there when the directive was given and I know how Ngeno used to love music and dancing to Benga music,” Hon. Caroli recalled.
The Committee Chairperson, committed to compel the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) to release the funds meant for the Late Ngeno’s music programme as well as for Marachi and Suba Cultural Centers.
“Once you’ve confirmed that the requisition of funding is with SASDF, then this Committee will push it to release the funds. We know that SASDF is highly involved with many sports projects, but the law is clear that some quarters should come to Culture, and I promise that what is due for you we will make sure that it comes,” MP Wanyama said.
The committee is expected to make further recommendations on the funding proposals as the budget review process continues.
MP Johana Kipyegon Ng’eno died in a helicopter crash on February 28, 2026, in Chepkiep area of Mosop Constituency, Nandi County. He died alongside five others.
