Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uplifting women and grassroots communities through targeted investments in infrastructure, financial inclusion and social empowerment programmes.
Speaking during a Women Economic Empowerment Forum in Mashuuru, Kajiado East, the Deputy President said the Kenya Kwanza administration is prioritizing road development, modern market facilities, electricity connectivity and affordable housing to boost small-scale businesses and improve livelihoods.
Kindiki announced that 12 fresh produce markets are under construction across Kajiado County at a cost of Sh1.4 billion, alongside affordable housing projects worth Sh10 billion, which are expected to improve living standards and create jobs.
He added that the housing programme has already created employment for over 4,000 youth in the country, engaging them as masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and painters.
The DP further disclosed that Sh705 million is being used to fund last-mile electricity connections targeting 3,500 households and rural institutions across all constituencies in the county. Plans are in place to scale up this investment to support more businesses such as tailoring, agribusiness and food processing.
“We are deliberately investing in infrastructure and financial empowerment to create a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs to grow and prosper,” Kindiki said.
Kajiado Woman Representative Leah Sankaire urged the government to prioritize the re-carpeting of the 63-kilometre Isara (Emali Junction)–Mashuuru–Imaroro road, saying its poor state continues to cause losses for women transporting milk and fresh produce.
“Women transporting milk and fresh produce are incurring huge losses because of the poor state of this road. Fixing it will safeguard their livelihoods,” Sankaire said.
In response, Kindiki assured residents that the road has been factored into government infrastructure plans, adding that repairs will begin soon. He noted that the road will ease traffic congestion along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway and connect with the recently completed Isinya–Ngong–Suswa road, enhancing trade between Kajiado, Narok and other neighboring counties.
The Deputy President also participated in a resource mobilization drive for 70 women enterprises and groups from Kajiado East, urging beneficiaries to invest the funds collectively for growth instead of dividing them among individuals.
“Use these resources strategically to grow your businesses and transform your communities for sustainable development,” he advised.
The event was attended by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, Former Governor David Nkedianye, Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai, Garissa Township MP Major Dekow, Taveta MP John Bwire, Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, MCAs, grassroots leaders and residents.
Women groups welcomed the government’s initiatives, saying improved infrastructure, electricity access and modern market facilities will go a long way in strengthening their enterprises. They pledged to work closely with the government to advance economic empowerment across the county.
by Rop Janet
