Sabatia: Community groups in Sabatia Sub County received a significant boost after local leadership offered financial support to self-help initiatives aimed at promoting unity and strategic investment at the grassroots level. The empowerment drive was held at Munonywa Secondary School in Izava Ward and garnered participation from beneficiaries, local leaders, and visiting lawmakers. The event was spearheaded by Sabatia Constituency Member of Parliament Clement Sloya.
According to Kenya News Agency, group representatives expressed appreciation for the support and outlined plans for utilizing the funds. Evans Nyange, a member of the Itengi Welfare Group from Itengi village, highlighted the group’s previous struggles with basic operational resources and stated that the funds would be used to purchase chairs for hire and group meetings. Nyange also pledged political support for the lawmaker ahead of 2027.
Jane Opati, representing the Administration Retirees welfare group in West Maragoli, thanked the MP for supporting retired public officers, including former Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs. She emphasized that the funds would help secure ongoing projects and prayed for continued leadership focused on community welfare.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Sloya advised group officials against dividing the boosted chama capital for immediate individual consumption. He urged them to channel the resources into collective, income-generating ventures that would benefit all members. Sloya also mentioned that groups demonstrating prudent financial management and progress would qualify for additional top-up funding in future allocations, with plans to integrate youth and elders into upcoming phases of the empowerment program.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, who served as the guest speaker, urged Sabatia residents to maintain close ties with the national government. He recalled past cabinet leaders from the region and noted that governmental proximity historically facilitated key infrastructure. Otuoma warned against political isolation, advocating for support of President William Samoei Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and personally contributed to the fund supporting the groups.
Farouk Kibet, a senior aide in the Office of the President, championed the government’s development agenda and encouraged citizens to be patient for upcoming projects and empowerment programs in the region. The event also received backing from several visiting leaders who contributed to the empowerment drive.
Damaris Kayugira, known as ‘Teacher Dama’ and an aspiring Vihiga County Women Representative on a UDA ticket, commended the resilience of local women and promised grassroots advocacy for women’s groups. Innocent Mugabe, MP for Likuyani, praised Sloya’s hands-on governance approach and advocated for more empowerment programs for women to initiate and manage businesses.
Emmanuel Wangwe, MP for Navakholo, made a contribution from his sugarcane farming proceeds and highlighted recent government policy reforms that revitalized the western sugar belt. Dick Maungu of Luanda and Raphael Wanjala of Budalangi attended the event, calling for peaceful coexistence and cross-border economic cooperation among communities.
In his closing remarks, Sloya urged Izava Ward residents to maintain political stability and use group savings to achieve long-term economic independence. ‘Progress comes when we Build Together. Let us strengthen our chamas, support each other, and move forward,’ he said.
