The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, has commended women in the country for their cardinal role of taking care of the family institution.
Mama Recho said that the family unit is a significant component of the nation, acknowledging women’s determination in transforming household lives and thus uplifting the community.
The First Lady was speaking at the Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic in Vihiga County, where she joined a Women in an Empowerment forum organised by the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO).
Mama Recho encouraged members of the organisation in Western Kenya to strive and actively participate in the economic empowerment of women in the region through education, faith and service to the family and the nation.
“We are gathered here to celebrate women whose determination is transforming their lives, strengthening their families, uplifting their communities and contributing to the progress of our nation,” remarked the First Lady.
Mama Rachel assured that President William Ruto is concerned about the welfare of women, saying the Head of State has initiated modern market projects across the country that are set to provide women traders with secure stalls, water and sanitation facilities and a place for mothers to leave their children safely as they work women welfare.
“Our President, William Ruto, has demonstrated commitment to fostering women’s economic empowerment in
Mama Recho noted that agriculture is the backbone of life in Vihiga County, with its sustaining livelihood of more than 85 percent of the population, thus making it the heart of Vihiga’s economy, with maize, beans, bananas and indigenous vegetables being the most common types of crops being cultivated, with women being at the forefront.
“Despite having small parcels of land, the women in Vihiga have endeavoured to grow a variety of crops, keep poultry and livestock at home, sell their produce and thus be able to raise children in the community, support families and keep the local economy healthy and moving,” said the First Lady.
She added that the national and county governments have put investments in Vihiga that are focused on helping women create better value on limited land space.
The First Lady stated that all the modern markets that have been built in Vihiga, together with the industrial park built in Luanda, Vihiga County, are some of the investments that would be giving women more dignified spaces to sell their products and access wider markets.
“As the government continues to build markets, strengthen the agricultural value chain, and expand access to affordable credit, Joyful Women will continue to prepare women to seize these opportunities by bringing them together to save, borrow, and invest through table banking,” affirmed the First Lady.
She further urged the women in Vihiga who had not yet joined the Joyful Women Organization to do so and avoid remaining on the sidelines but to link up with other women who are saving, learning and growing together.
“As part of our continued commitment to women and families across Vihiga County, our support today addresses immediate household needs while creating opportunities for a sustainable life, and the support we have brought includes 20 boxes of soap, 300 bags of rice in 50 kilograms each and 250 bags of beans at 50 kilograms each for families in need,” said the First Lady.
Mama Rachel provided 2,500 one-day-old chicks, 10,000 Hass avocado seedlings and 50 outdoor market umbrellas with the aim of strengthening efforts of women engaged in poultry and avocado farming while supporting small-scale traders.
Also present at the event was the Vihiga County Governor, Dr Wilber Ottichilo, who on behalf of Vihiga County hailed the First Lady on the empowerment exercise that she undertakes across the country while pledging full support to the First Lady’s initiative.
“Under President Ruto’s term, Vihiga County has witnessed a lot of developments as have never been seen under any other regime, with women’s empowerment also being championed through the joined efforts of both the National and the County Government in building markets that women would conduct their businesses under in good condition,” highlighted Ottichilo.
Ottichilo also brought to light the various road tarmacking projects across the county, including the one that connects to the Kaimosi Education Institutions, citing that they would ensure business continuity.
Vihiga County Commissioner Jeremiah Gicheru said that NGAO would endeavour to facilitate women who want to join women’s groups for them to be registered and will further continue sensitisation of the women on devolved funds such as Uwezo funds and women’s funds on their importance in improving their lives.
Other notable dignitaries at the event were the Deputy County Commissioner for Tiriki East, Michael Too; Vihiga County Police Commander, Daniel Chirchir; Vihiga County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Services, Dr Ruth Agesa; the Area Member of Parliament for Hamisi Constituency, Charles Gimose; Chief Executive Officer for the Joyful Women Organization, Elizabeth Kosgey; and Chief Principal for Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic, Gilbert Mwavali.
By Yvonne Misango
