The County Government of Machakos has empowered 680 community groups with income-generating equipment to boost grassroots entrepreneurship, create jobs and improve household incomes.
The programme, spearheaded by Governor Wavinya Ndeti under her ‘Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni’ economic agenda, targets youth, women, persons living with disabilities and vulnerable groups across all 40 wards.
Wavinya, who spoke during the empowerment programme at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Friday, said the initiative focuses on sustainable empowerment over handouts and marks an expansion from the previous phase that benefited 440 groups.
She highlighted that the equipment, funded by public resources, is aimed at long-term economic autonomy, not short-term political favours.
“Today we stand tall because we have chosen real empowerment. We have not given you a fish for a day; we have equipped you with tools to earn a living every day. These are not political gifts; they are public investments to give you economic freedom,” she emphasised.
Among the economic empowerment equipment given were several car wash machines fitted with 1000 litre water tanks, event tents, plastic chairs, gas cylinders, catering equipment, Makiga brick-making machines, hairdressing kits, and charcoal jikos.
To revitalise agribusiness and the blue economy, the administration also issued improved chicks, electric incubators, coffee seedlings, fertiliser, tilapia fingerlings, and a marine surveillance motorboat.
For persons living with disabilities, the county distributed over 160 blow dryers and shaving machines for 160 beneficiaries to start salons and barbershops.
The governor further urged beneficiaries to protect the equipment, work collectively and reinvest earnings to expand their enterprises.
“When Machakos people are given tools to work, they produce real wealth. I will continue funding asset-based empowerment until every household attains economic dignity,” she said.
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who was the guest, said equipping communities with productive resources helps families improve livelihoods and create jobs, while urging beneficiaries to use the equipment productively to grow their business.
The event, attended by senior county officials, members of the county assembly and development partners, underscored the county’s commitment to asset-based community development as a driver of grassroots economic growth, job creation and household resilience across Machakos.
By Alex Mulili and Blessing Muoki
