The Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative, Caroline Ng’elechei, has intensified a countywide empowerment programme aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening economic resilience among residents through the distribution of income-generating resources and agricultural support.
Speaking during an empowerment forum in Soy North Ward, Ng’elechei said the initiative was the fourth empowerment exercise conducted in 2026 and forms part of a wider programme targeting all 20 wards in the county.
She said the initiative was made possible through resource mobilisation from partners and well-wishers, including leaders serving in different levels of government.
“For this programme to be successful, I mobilised resources from friends and leaders serving in various capacities, including Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Parliament, to ensure residents benefit from empowerment opportunities,” she said.
Ng’elechei noted that similar programmes had already been conducted in Kamwosor, Chepkorio, Soy South and Soy North wards, adding that the exercise would continue across the county to ensure equitable distribution of support.
“We are moving ward by ward to ensure all residents across Elgeyo Marakwet benefit from this empowerment programme,” she stated.
The Woman Representative said beneficiaries were identified at the sub-location level following consultations with residents to determine priority economic activities and development needs within their communities.
She explained that the programme was designed to respond directly to the needs raised by residents, with support varying from one area to another.
Items distributed under the initiative include tents, chairs, public address systems, water pipes, cooking pots, coffee processors, dairy meal grinders and mixers, goats, sheep, poultry, bee hives, honey processors and bean seeds.
Ng’elechei said the empowerment programme seeks to promote self-reliance, support community based enterprises and enhance household incomes through sustainable economic activities.
She disclosed that the programme was nearing completion in Keiyo South Sub-County, with only Kabiemit and Torokwo wards yet to benefit due to delays in the supply of certified potato seeds requested by residents.
“Most residents in the remaining wards requested certified potato seeds. The seeds are being sourced from Kabarak and Naromoru, but they are not yet ready for distribution,” she explained.
The legislator emphasised that the initiative was inclusive and targeted all residents at the grassroots level, including individuals with viable projects who may not belong to registered groups.
“This empowerment programme is intended to benefit entire sub-locations and communities, including residents who may not be members of organised groups but have projects that can improve their livelihoods,” she said.
Ng’elechei clarified that the programme was not being funded through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), noting that NGAAF support is guided by regulations that mainly target registered women groups, youth groups, persons with disabilities, community-based organisations and self-help groups.
“The resources being distributed are not NGAAF funds. Whenever NGAAF allocations are available, residents will be informed accordingly,” she said.
She further reiterated her commitment to supporting long-term agricultural transformation in the county through the promotion of coffee farming.
“I also have an ongoing programme for the distribution of coffee seedlings to farmers. Currently, we have established 62 coffee nurseries to support increased coffee production across the county,” she added.
Residents who attended the empowerment exercise welcomed the initiative, saying the support would help improve household incomes, strengthen community projects and promote economic growth at the grassroots level.
by Rennish Okong’o
