The Government through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) has supported residents of Busia with equipment, grants, water tanks and other materials valued at Sh 6 million.
According to Busia woman representative, Catherine Omanyo the programme dubbed Wezesha Mama, an initiative of NGAAF supported 16 groups of women and youth receiving NGAAF grants worth 100,000 each while 50 people received sewing machines that will help them to earn a living.
Omanyo noted that said many schools lack water and this has made students take much time to look for water, an issue that she is determined to bring to an end
“We want our teachers and students to focus so that we can have good results. We lack piped water but when we have water tanks, we can store water. That’s why I have now given out more than 310 water tanks since I was elected to the institutions so that they can have a place to store water. I have been giving out umbrellas to our mothers doing business and more than 4000 have benefitted, “she said.
She further pointed out that the county received food for the school feeding program for Teso North,Samia and Bunyala only, arguing that there was need for equity by ensuring that all the eight Sub Counties in Busia benefit from the programme.
“We have managed to buy blankets for our elderly parents. Most of them don’t get their Sh2000 disbursement on time and this makes them live under bad conditions. We have also started to register those who are not receiving the cash. We have also focused on youth who have received saloon and barber shop equipment” she said.
The women leaders led by their chairperson, and Nyandarua woman representative Faith Gitau urged the residents to ensure they are not divided by the tribal politics.
“As women leaders we are working as one and that’s why we are moving to empower our women, and youth across the country regardless of our political parties, “she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by her Kilifi counterpart Getrude Mbeyu who said when there is no peace; women are the one who will suffer most.
“When we come out as women to vote for a peaceful vote, we will achieve. If we let our country fall into chaos, those people who are in politics will have a place to go but for us here, we will suffer much. Let’s love each other and support the government so that it can deliver to us fully” she said.
Turbo Member of Parliament Janet Sitienei called for the respect of women in the families stating that their rights should be respected.
“Women are the pillars in the families and they should be respected. I want to urge everyone to avoid gender-based violence towards women. Let’s have alternative ways of solving issues in our family” she said.
Trans Nzoia woman representative Lilian Siyoi cautioned men against defilement of children and raping women adding that the rule of law will catch up with them.
“The cases of defilement and rape are alarming in this region and yet the population of women is higher than men. Why should you defile a minor when we have many women out here that you can marry? Let us protect our children from such like people” she said.
The event that was held at Emukhuyu Primary school in Nambale sub- County brought together more than 25 women representatives and three members of parliament.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
