Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has disbursed cheques worth over Sh2 million from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) to over 40 women groups in the county to boost their projects.
The State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, presided over the handing over cheques worth over Sh1.3 million to 30 groups, marking a milestone in empowering women, youths, and People with Disability in the region.
Wang’ombe said the grant funds are part of financial support released by the national government through the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action for the socio-economic empowerment of affirmative action groups.
Speaking at Kosawo Hall in Kondele Ward, the PS praised the groups from the area for exemplary management of grants. She noted that several affirmative action groups are thriving and are actively engaging in various economic activities with support from the government.
“It is encouraging that the Kondele region has formed well-established groups that are actively contributing to the region’s economic progress. The prudent utilization of funds from previous allocations has yielded tangible benefits, transforming the lives of group members for the better,” Wang’ombe acknowledged.
She emphasized the crucial role of empowered women as key contributors to entrepreneurship and investment, ultimately attaining financial independence to ensure they take better care of themselves and their families.
Enterprise Development Coordinator, Kisumu County Office of the Woman Representative, Joshua Odhiambo, who represented Odinga at the event, reiterated that they allocated funds for economic empowerment activities like table banking. Also, the grants target groups engaging in value-addition practices.
“The funds support a range of groups dealing in value addition of agricultural products, manufacturing, and assembly. We have seen youth groups delve into poultry farming, beekeeping, yogurt production, tailoring and peanut butter production that started their ventures through the assistance of these grants,” Odhiambo remarked.
The beneficiaries drawn from Kondele, Migosi, and Kaloleni/Shauri Moyo and Railways wards were awarded cheques valued at Sh50, 000 to 100,000 per group.
Furthermore, NGAAF has distributed checks totaling Sh700, 000 to some 10 groups in the Market Milimani ward, with plans to extend funding to an additional 50 Self-Help groups by the end of the financial year.
The Chairlady, Tawakal Group, Fatuma Yussuf, extended her gratitude after the Muslim women group based in Kaloleni estate received their first cheques of Sh50, 000 to expand their business activities.
“We are immensely grateful for the capital injection, which we plan to allocate towards expanding our catering business by purchasing additional seats. Also, we aim to invest part of the funds into our table banking program for further growth and sustainability,” Yussuf stated.
Yussuf noted that, as a minority interest group, their objective is to qualify for grant funds of up to Sh500, 000. She holds the belief that NGAAF will expedite the group’s progression towards achieving this goal.
“As women, we juggle numerous projects and responsibilities that demand resources. We aim to empower our group members to attain financial stability, enabling them to comfortably fulfill their family’s obligations,” she emphasised.
By Robert Ojwang’
