Nairobi: Women across Nandi County are increasingly stepping into economic independence and leadership spaces, buoyed by a sustained empowerment drive spearheaded by the area Woman Representative, Cynthia Jepkosgei Muge. Through a mix of financial support, skills training, and strategic partnerships, the initiative is steadily dismantling long-standing socio-cultural barriers, particularly in Tinderet Sub-county where traditional norms have historically limited women’s participation in economic and public life.
According to Kenya News Agency, Muge’s office is focusing on practical, grassroots-centred interventions that directly impact women’s livelihoods. ‘Our goal is to ensure women are not just included, but are actively participating in economic development. When a woman earns, the entire household benefits,’ she said. Empowering women economically is central to achieving broader social transformation in the county.
At the core of the initiative are biashara grants, table banking groups, and vocational training programs targeting vulnerable groups such as widows, single mothers, and young women. More than 5,000 women across Nandi have so far benefited directly, with many establishing small businesses in sectors such as poultry farming, tailoring, and retail trade. Through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), financial backing is provided for many of these empowerment projects.
Partnerships with organizations like the Kenya Women Microfinance Bank have enabled women to access affordable credit, while capacity-building programmes are supported by groups like the Kenya Institute of Business Training. ‘We cannot do this alone. Partnerships allow us to reach more women and provide them with not just capital, but also the knowledge needed to sustain their businesses,’ Muge noted.
Local cooperatives and savings groups have played a crucial role in mobilizing women and ensuring accountability in the use of funds. County officials praise the initiative for its tangible impact. Tinderet Sub-county Gender Officer, Mary Chepkemoi, said the program is shifting entrenched gender dynamics. ‘For a long time, women here were largely confined to unpaid domestic work. Today, we are seeing them venture into agribusiness, small-scale enterprises, and even leadership roles within the community,’ she said.
On the ground, the transformation is evident. In Songhor-Soba Ward, Jane Jepchirchir recalls how a modest grant from the programme changed her fortunes. ‘I used the money to start a poultry business. At first, it was just a few chickens, but now I supply eggs to local shops. I can comfortably support my family,’ she said. Another beneficiary, Beatrice Chebet, highlighted the importance of training and mentorship in ensuring sustainability.
The mentorship component of the program has particularly resonated with younger women, many of whom are navigating economic challenges for the first time. Through organized forums, they receive guidance from successful entrepreneurs and professionals, helping them build confidence and long-term vision. Financial inclusion has also been a major focus area. Women are encouraged to form table banking groups where they pool resources and lend to one another, a model effective in areas where access to formal banking services remains limited.
However, challenges persist. Deep-rooted cultural norms continue to hinder full participation of women in some communities. In certain areas, resistance from conservative segments of society has slowed the uptake of empowerment programmes. Community elder, Samuel Sang, acknowledged the changing tide but cautioned that mindset shifts take time. ‘Traditionally, women were not expected to lead or own businesses. That thinking is gradually changing, but there is still resistance in some quarters,’ he said.
Muge acknowledged these challenges, noting that empowerment goes beyond financial support. ‘We are also engaging men and community leaders to ensure they understand the value of supporting women. This is not a competition, it is about building stronger families and communities,’ she said. To address these barriers, the programme incorporates civic education and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting gender equality.
The economic ripple effects of the initiative are already being felt beyond individual households. Increased household incomes are boosting local economies, with more women participating in markets and contributing to community development. Small businesses started through the programme are creating employment opportunities, further amplifying the impact.
Local leaders believe the initiative could serve as a model for other regions. Mary Chepkemoi noted that the integration of financial support, training, and community engagement makes the program particularly effective. ‘It is a holistic approach. You empower the woman financially, equip her with skills, and then address the social barriers, that is what makes it sustainable,’ she said.
Looking ahead, Muge plans to expand the program to reach even more women, with a focus on scaling-up successful enterprises into larger ventures. She is also seeking to strengthen partnerships with both public and private sector players to increase funding and technical support. ‘Empowerment is not a one-off event. It is a continuous journey,’ Muge said. ‘We want to see women move from small businesses to large enterprises, from dependency to full independence.’
As the initiative continues to gain momentum, it is not only transforming livelihoods, but also reshaping perceptions about the role of women in Nandi County. With sustained support, strategic partnerships, and growing community acceptance, the empowerment drive is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and economically vibrant society where women are at the forefront of development.
