By S, KNA
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, is rooting for the empowerment of local community groups as one way of creating wealth among rural dwellers.
Kahiga said with adequate support, self-help groups can be transformed into income generating entities that can change the lives of hundreds of unemployed persons in the villages.
He made the remarks at Gatitu-Muruguru Ward in Nyeri Central over the weekend, while distributing tents and plastic chairs to 23 self-help groups, under the Wezesha Empowerment Programme.
Kahiga was accompanied by area Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Wangechi Njithi, nominated MCA, Anita Thumbi, and Gender CECM, Esther Ndung’u
“The Wezesha Empowerment Programme initiative, under the Department of Gender, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, aims to incubate income-generating activities and support grassroots development. This initiative seeks to empower organized groups to grow into profit-driven ventures, aligning with Nyeri County’s mission to achieve socio-economic growth through inclusive governance.” he said.
The Wezesha(Empower) program was launched back in 2018 with an initial budget of Sh 1.5 million with the objective of enhancing income generation among registered self-help groups at the ward level.
“We distributed 15 100-seater-tents, along with 1,750 chairs to the 23 Self-Help Groups,” he revealed.
The Governor assured the group members of the County Government’s unwavering support, emphasizing that empowerment is key to building stronger, more resilient communities.
He encouraged the people of Nyeri to utilize the programs, expand them, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities to generate profits.
Ms. Ndung’u disclosed that in the last Financial Year alone the County distributed equipment and assorted machines to at least 400 self-help groups in all the 40 wards and look forward to reaching out to an even higher number this Financial Year.
She also informed that while the Department does not dictate what a group may apply for, the County Administration offer advice on what may be viable to individual units in accordance to their location.
“Before we hit the ground to hand over the equipment, we first carry out an advertisement to give those who are interested an opportunity to apply. Right now we have begun our ward tour and we are planning to visit Mugunda and Endarasha wards tomorrow. And while what we give is as per individual request, we are also advising applicants to request for what can translate to quicker financial returns. It is not advisable to go for something that will not help a group improve their financial status,” she said.
The program has grown into a countywide initiative with funding totaling Sh 72 million in the last Financial Year.
To qualify for the grant, applicants must be registered under a self-help group.
Applications for the grants must be done through filling in physical forms that are submitted through the Social Welfare Officers in the Sub-counties or through the MCA offices.
Alternatively, applications can be done online through the County Government of Nyeri website.
Among items successful applicants can benefit from include car washing machines, saloon and hair clippers, tents, plastic chairs, video cameras, egg incubators and welding equipment.
