Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani hosted leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration during a women and youth empowerment forum at Kalalani in Mwavumbo Ward, Kinango Sub-County, where more than 120 women, youth and persons with disabilities-led groups benefited from support programmes.
The event brought together several national and county leaders, among them Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, and presidential aide Farouk Kibet.
Speaking during the event, Achani urged Kwale residents to support President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, citing ongoing national government projects in the county.
“We have every reason to support President William Ruto because there are projects that have directly benefited residents of Kwale County,” said Achani.
She cited projects including the Diani Market, the Kwale-Kinango Road, Kwale Stadium, Shimoni Port and the proposed Kwale State Lodge as some of the developments initiated under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The governor also highlighted her administration’s empowerment programme, which seeks to transform village savings groups into registered companies capable of accessing government tenders.
According to the county government, more than 450 group-led companies have so far been registered, with some securing county tenders in sectors such as construction of ECDE centres, dispensaries, borehole drilling and supply of goods and services.
Waiguru commended the empowerment initiative and described it as a model that has economically benefited women and youth in the county.
She also praised Kwale County’s education and health programmes, including the Elimu ni Sasa scholarship initiative and investments in health infrastructure.
“As leaders, we should support programmes that improve the livelihoods of wananchi,” Waiguru said.
Other leaders who addressed the gathering included Taveta MP John Bwire, Kinango MP Gonzi Rai, Lunga Lunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo, Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari and Msambweni MP Feisal Badar.
The leaders called on residents to support the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next general election, saying ongoing development projects should be sustained.
Several Members of the Kwale County Assembly, county executive officials and senior county government officers also attended the event.
By Chari Suche
