Residents of Ikumbo in Ganga Ward, Tharaka Nithi County, have benefited from a fresh push in grassroots development after Woman Representative Susan Ngugi donated tents and chairs to the Ikumbo Mwangaza Self-Welfare Group for social and economic empowerment.
The support, funded through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based groups as engines of socio-economic transformation at the grassroots.
Speaking during the presentation event, Ngugi said her office is prioritizing inclusive development by channeling resources to women, youth, and persons living with disabilities across the county.
She noted that NGAAF interventions in Tharaka Nithi are focused on long-term empowerment, citing initiatives such as education bursaries for needy students, support for small-scale enterprises, and capacity-building programmes for women’s groups.
“We want every part of this county to feel the impact of development. Empowering communities at the grassroots is key to improving livelihoods and reducing poverty,” she said.
The legislator also underscored the role of women in driving development, urging communities to invest in the girl child through education and equal opportunities.
She further called for greater inclusion of women in leadership, noting that increased political participation would enhance development outcomes at the community level.
Ngugi encouraged residents to support and elect women leaders, saying their involvement in decision-making is critical in advancing inclusive and people-centered development.
She further urged voters to assess leaders based on their development record, emphasizing accountability in leadership.
Local leaders welcomed the initiative, with Kagwiria John commending the Woman Representative for sustained investment in community projects that continue to uplift households.
They cited benefits from previous empowerment programs, with Fridah Kangai noting that a past livestock support initiative, where their group received 120 goats, has improved household incomes through milk production and strengthened economic resilience.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
