Nairobi: Along the Kisumu-Bondo Road, the tarmac snakes between the gentle hills, offering glimpses of the rich natural beauty that characterize the area. A few metres away, tents, swelling crowds and a heavy security presence signaled the day’s agenda led by a special guest.
According to Kenya News Agency, the usually busy Kisian landscape in Kisumu West took on a celebratory mood as hundreds of women gathered for the Joyful Women’s event, their colourful outfits brightening the venue against the backdrop of the green countryside. Groups of women arrived in clusters, greeting one another warmly, exchanging smiles and laughter, and settling into tables as music and speeches filled the air. Some, adorned in red lesos, took to the stage, dancing energetically to celebratory Luo songs, including the famous gospel song Otiyo Talingalinga. Their colourful attire and spirited moves added a festive touch to the gathering, as cheers and ululations from the crowd filled the venue.
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and optimism, with women from different parts of Kisumu coming together to celebrate their shared experiences, savings, businesses, and aspirations. Beyond the lively proceedings, the gathering offered a glimpse into the growing role of women’s groups and table banking in helping families build more secure livelihoods.
Vuvuzelas blared, whistles rang out, and ululations filled the air as First Lady Rachel Ruto took to the stage, sending the jubilant crowd at Kisian into a frenzy of cheers and celebration. That was the mood on Tuesday when the First Lady visited the Kisian area in Kisumu West for a women’s empowerment event.
Speaking during a Joyful Women Organization event, Rachel said bringing women together through savings groups helps overcome isolation while providing members with opportunities to learn from one another, access capital, and build sustainable enterprises. She emphasized that when women unite, they find support, knowledge, and companionship to help them succeed.
Rachel Ruto announced that over 70 small businesses, organized into 13 groups in each ward, had received micro-loans totaling Sh24 million through a revolving fund established under the Public Finance Management Act. This financial support is complemented by training provided by the Department of Women, Youth and Social Services in partnership with Plan International and the Kenya Female Advisory Organization. The training aims to equip beneficiaries with the skills needed to effectively utilize the capital.
The initiative is part of broader Government efforts to prioritize women’s economic empowerment in the economic transformation agenda. Rachel highlighted that the national Government is implementing over Sh44 billion worth of infrastructure and socio-economic projects in Kisumu County, including affordable housing units, modernization of landing beaches, and upgrading of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Rachel Ruto also announced support for vulnerable families, including the distribution of essential relief items and seedlings to support food production and livelihoods. She commended the 59 Joyful Women groups in Kisumu, which bring together 365 members, encouraging them to actively use table banking to grow their enterprises and bring more women into the fold.
The First Lady invited Joyful Women members to attend the Spiritual Joyful Women celebrations scheduled for November in Nairobi, urging them to save, learn, grow, and succeed together. Beneficiaries of the initiative expressed their gratitude, noting the personal growth and financial independence they have gained through the program.
Mama Nyabungu, a beneficiary who joined the organization in 2026, shared her experience of significant personal growth and the transformation in managing household finances. She thanked the First Lady for her support and invited her to visit Orongo to witness the program’s grassroots impact.
Since its inception in 2009 by First Lady Rachel Ruto, the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) has promoted women’s economic empowerment through table banking. The organization has expanded its network to 44 counties, bringing together more than 250,000 women in over 17,000 groups, with approximately Sh3.9 billion in revolving funds. Through table banking, members pool resources, access credit, and invest in income-generating activities, building financial resilience and supporting one another.
