Kakamega: Over 1000 Muslim leaders gathered at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County to discuss socio-economic empowerment strategies through a national dialogue initiative named ‘Gumzo la Uchumi Mashinani’. This initiative focuses on citizen engagement in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
According to Kenya News Agency, the meeting, organized by the State Department for Economic Planning, concluded with the launch of the Western Muslim Council (WEMUCO) SACCO Society. This marks a significant step towards economic empowerment and financial inclusivity for Muslims in Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia counties.
State Department for Economic Planning Principal Secretary Boniface Makokha emphasized that grassroots voices should shape government economic programs. He highlighted the importance of religious leaders in civic education and service delivery.
During the forum, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Muslim community. He urged residents to register as voters to support President William Ruto’s re-election, citing his administration’s development projects in the region.
Malava Member of Parliament, David Ndakwa, encouraged Muslim leaders to promote unity and engage in discussions on community issues, underscoring the importance of dialogue despite political differences.
Sheikh Abdallah Ateka, National Chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, praised the forum’s alignment with the ‘brethren to brethren’ initiative. He advocated for a platform to pool resources from Muslim members and government bodies to support education, housing, small businesses, and agriculture in the community.
