Tharaka Nithi based Journalists have received a financial boost of Sh125,000 from area Women Representative, Susan Ngugi Mwindu, as part of an economic empowerment initiative.
Working under the umbrella of Tharaka Nithi Press Group the funds disbursed from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), are set to be utilised in table banking, a community-based savings and lending model designed to enhance economic self-reliance.
The move aims at uplifting the media practitioners economically and enable them to expand their income-generating ventures beyond the newswriting.
Speaking during the issuance of the Cheque, Ms Mwindu commended the press group for its crucial role in informing and shaping public opinion across the county and country at large.
She urged the media group to use the funds prudently to not only initiate viable income generating activities but also to mentor others in the media fraternity on financial prudence and entrepreneurship.
“I am impressed to see how you have organised yourselves well for a worthy cause. This is very impressive and I am very sure it will take you far. I urge you to use the modest funds to expand your enterprises in future and encourage those who will come after you to follow suit,” said Ms Mwindu.
She promised to continue supporting the group in other innovative ways possible to ensure their formative dreams were realised to the fullest.
The MP expressed optimism that the group would serve as a model for other professional bodies seeking to achieve financial independence and long-term sustainability.
The Group’s Chairperson, Alex Njeru, thanked the MP for the support adding that this was a worthy boost to the group that has been doing their best in ensuring members welfare was secured.
“We are very grateful to our MP for this move. Indeed we lack words for appreciation but what we are sure of is that we will use the fund prudently to build our members socially and economically,” said Mr Njeru.
He said the move is a timely intervention, especially at a time when many journalists across the country face economic challenges due to the shifting media landscape.
The Group Treasurer, Kimathi M’Miru, said the support is expected to improve members’ livelihood, facilitate access to credit, and strengthen their role as watchdogs and community educators.
He called on other leaders and well-wishers to also extend their support to journalists adding that there are various issues that were internally affecting them.
The group promised to uphold journalistic integrity in the course of their duties in order to develop their career, County and the country at large.
By Dickson Mwiti
