Over 100 women in Kilifi County have received grants worth Sh1.8 million from Islamic Relief Kenya to support their income-generating projects.
The funds, targeting vulnerable women organized into economic groups, are aimed at boosting small businesses and improving livelihoods in the region.
The groups are involved in various ventures, including poultry farming, property hire services, and small-scale retail businesses.
Speaking during the grant disbursement event held in Kilifi, Islamic Relief Kenya Field Coordinator, Ahmed Osman, said the initiative is part of the organization’s broader effort to empower women and strengthen household incomes.
Accompanied by Kilifi County Deputy Governor, Flora Chibule, Osman noted that the grants would enable the women to expand their businesses, create job opportunities, and help address poverty in the county, which continues to face significant economic challenges.
“The mothers you see here; their families survive on just one meal a day. I believe with these projects, they will now be able to afford school fees, medical expenses, and meet other household needs,” said Osman.
He lauded County government leaders for their involvement, noting that empowering women economically plays a crucial role in fostering community development.
County government leaders praised the initiative, emphasizing that empowering women economically is vital in fostering community development.
Members of Upendo Farmers Group, who received a cheque worth Sh368,600, expressed their gratitude, noting that the funds would help revive and expand their poultry project, which had been struggling due to limited capital.
“Today I am very happy and thankful to Islamic Relief for this grant of Sh368,600. It will enable us, as women, to expand our project and increase our income,” said Bibiana Salim.
“This money will help us to expand our project because the current income is too low. We want to add more stock so that we can grow much more”, Kadzo Kenga from Faidika Women Group added.
Many women’s groups in the region have previously faced challenges, with some becoming dormant or collapsing due to a lack of financial support for their economic activities.
Islamic Relief Kenya continues to implement various humanitarian and development programs in Kilifi County, including food aid distribution, water projects, and livelihood support initiatives for vulnerable communities.
By Jackson Msanzu
