KWALE: The coastal county of Kwale is scaling up women empowerment initiatives for better economic outcomes and enhancing their entrepreneurial spirit. Area Governor Fatuma Achani says the County Government will continue to facilitate easy access to resources and opportunities for women including socio-economic participation and decision-making.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Fatuma Achani emphasized that these efforts are being implemented through various interventions, empowerment programmes, and appointments into key county positions. Her administration, through the Department of Social Services, has been collaborating with different groups in the county to provide necessary tools and resources aimed at empowering women.
Governor Achani highlighted the importance of creating sustainable economic opportunities for women, noting that it leads to improved livelihoods, social well-being, and overall progress. ‘We remain committed to advancing women and youth empowerment and gender equality in the c
ounty,’ she stated.
The Governor noted that economic empowerment programmes are significantly improving the economic and social standing of women across the coastal county. ‘The devolved government’s focus on women and young people empowerment is a key component of my broader developmental agenda for the county,’ she added.
Since 2022, Achani’s administration has awarded tenders to over 30 registered women and youth companies to uplift their living standards in the region. She was speaking in Mwavumbo administrative ward in Kinango Sub County during the award of a tender to Nzonago Mwenye Women Group for the construction of an ablution block at the Ngeyeni social hall.
The county boss reiterated her administration’s commitment to gender mainstreaming and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for women in Kwale. ‘More than 200 women and youth groups have also been registered as medium-sized companies, and I encourage them to seek tenders from both the county and national governments as well as from
private organisations,’ she said.
Governor Achani emphasized, ‘We are cognizant of the fact that empowered women and youth can become catalysts for broader societal transformation.’ Her administration is focused on ensuring that women and youth grow economically by starting businesses to create jobs for others.
Accompanied by County Executive for Social Services and Talent Management Francisca Kilonzo, Governor Achani believes securing tenders will help ensure better economic outcomes for women, which is essential for addressing gender inequality and building resilience to economic shocks.
She urged women and youth to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the county and the national government through initiatives such as the Women Enterprise Fund and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund. Additionally, she called upon residents to support her in delivering her development mandate to the people.
Achani concluded by stating that the devolved government seeks to address issues that inhibit wom
en’s empowerment and hinder inclusivity and economic growth.
