Community groups in Sabatia Sub County got a major boost after the local leadership offered financial support self-help initiatives to promote unity and strategic investment at the grass roots level.
The empowerment drive was held at Munonywa Secondary School in Izava Ward on Friday and brought together beneficiaries, local leaders and visiting lawmakers. The event was hosted by Sabatia Constituency Member of Parliament Clement Sloya.
Group representatives expressed appreciation for the support and outlined how they would utilize the funds.
Evans Nyange a member of the Itengi Welfare Group from Itengi village, said the group had previously lacked basic operational assets such as event seating.
He stated that the money would be used to purchase chairs for hire and for group meetings. Nyange also pledged political support for the lawmaker ahead of 2027.
Jane Opati, representing the Administration Retirees welfare group in West Maragoli, thanked the MP for supporting retired public officers including former Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs.
She said the funds will help secure their ongoing projects and prayed for continued leadership focused on community welfare.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Sloya advised group officials against dividing the boosted chama capital for immediate individual consumption. He urged them to channel the resources into collective, income generating ventures that will benefit all members.
The MP said groups that demonstrated prudent financial management and progress will qualify for additional top-up funding in future allocations. He added that youth and elders will be integrated into the next phases of the empowerment program.
“Let us Build Together to strengthen our groups. Resources given to chamas should grow and benefit everyone,” Sloya said.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, who was the guest speaker, urged Sabatia residents to maintain close ties with the national government. He recalled past cabinet leaders from the region including J.D. Otiende, Moses Mudavadi, Musalia Mudavadi and Cyrus Jirongo, noting that proximity to government had historically delivered key infrastructure.
Otuoma warned against political isolation, saying remaining in opposition would sideline local development needs. He rallied support for President William Samoei Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. He also made a personal contribution to the fund to support the groups.
Farouk Kibet, a senior aide in the Office of the President, championed the support for the current government’s development agenda. He urged citizens to be patient, saying more projects and empowerment programs were lined up for the region.
The event received backing from several visiting leaders who also made contributions towards the empowerment drive.
Damaris Kayugira, popularly known as ‘Teacher Dama’ and an aspiring Vihiga County Women Representative on a UDA ticket, commended the resilience of local women. She pledged support and promised grassroots advocacy for women’s groups.
Innocent Mugabe, MP for Likuyani, praised Sloya’s hands on approach to governance. He advocated for more empowerment programs to enable women to have money to start and run businesses and help themselves in their lives.
Emmanuel Wangwe, MP for Navakholo, also made a contribution from his sugarcane farming proceeds. He highlighted recent government policy reforms that he said had revitalized the western sugar belt.
Dick Maungu of Luanda and Raphael Wanjala of Budalangi attended the event. They called for peaceful coexistence and cross-border economic cooperation among communities.
In his closing remarks, Sloya urged Izava Ward residents to maintain political stability and to use group savings to achieve long-term economic independence. “Progress comes when we Build Together. Let us strengthen our chamas, support each other and move forward,” he said.
By Victor Zedy and Maureen Imbayi
