Women, youth, and boda boda groups in Gatundu South, Kiambu County have defended the ongoing economic empowerment programmes spearheaded by a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders saying it has positive impact on the grassroots.
The groups said the financial support will go ahead to address the economic challenges that they face, especially due to the rising cost of living.
Speaking during an empowerment event held at Gatundu Stadium in Kiambu County, beneficiaries said the funds being given will boost their establishments to more profitable ventures.
“The funds will help us expand our businesses, increase stocks, and improve on day-to-day operations. In fact we need many of these programmes to boost small and medium enterprises to accelerate development,” said Joyce Wamaitha, Ndarugu Women Group leader.
Political leaders present at the event led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to uplifting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), noting that empowering grassroots entrepreneurs is key to reducing unemployment and stimulating the local economy.
Kindiki called on Kenyans to ignore naysayers pessimistic about the government’s agenda of uplifting the lives of those in SME, saying thousands of groups are benefitting from the programme.
He said the programme will foster inclusive economic growth by supporting marginalized groups and promoting self-reliance through entrepreneurship.
The event was hosted by Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe and attended by other leaders including MPs Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), Simon King’ara (Ruiru), Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha and and Baringo counterpart Florence Jematia among others.
The legislators reiterated that the funds being distributed are aimed at scaling up social-economic activities among the youth, women, men through various groups.
They emphasized the impact of the programs, noting that the financial support has helped many local enterprises grow and stabilize.
Meanwhile, DP Kindiki said the government has committed Sh 28 billion to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through grants of Sh 50,000 to help traders expand and sustain their businesses.
By Muoki Charles
