Machakos:The County Government of Machakos has launched a program to empower 680 community groups with income-generating equipment. This initiative aims to boost grassroots entrepreneurship, create jobs, and improve household incomes across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the program is part of Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s ‘Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni’ economic agenda. It targets youth, women, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups in all 40 wards of Machakos.
Governor Ndeti, speaking at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos during the event, emphasized that the initiative aims for sustainable empowerment rather than providing temporary handouts. This marks an expansion from a previous phase that supported 440 groups. She noted that the equipment, funded by public resources, is intended to foster long-term economic independence rather than serve as short-term political favors.
The equipment distributed includes car wash machines with 1000-litre water tanks, event tents, plastic chairs, gas cylinders, catering equipment, Makiga brick-making machines, hairdressing kits, and charcoal jikos. In addition, to support agribusiness and the blue economy, the administration provided improved chicks, electric incubators, coffee seedlings, fertilizer, tilapia fingerlings, and a marine surveillance motorboat.
For persons living with disabilities, the county allocated over 160 blow dryers and shaving machines to enable 160 beneficiaries to start salons and barbershops. Governor Ndeti urged the beneficiaries to protect the equipment, collaborate, and reinvest their earnings to expand their enterprises.
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who attended as a guest, highlighted that equipping communities with productive resources enhances livelihoods and creates jobs. He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the equipment productively to grow their businesses.
The event, attended by senior county officials, members of the county assembly, and development partners, reinforced the county’s dedication to asset-based community development as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and household resilience in Machakos.
