Kwale: Governor Fatuma Achani has reiterated her administration’s commitment to empowering women through deliberate policies and actions that ensure inclusivity. Achani says the devolved government is taking steps to address political and economic barriers hindering women’s progress. She says the county is investing in initiatives that promote self-sufficiency and economic participation among women by bridging financial gaps that hinder their progress.
According to Kenya News Agency, Achani, Kwale’s first woman governor, has assured that her administration will continue to prioritize women’s advancement in governance, economic participation, and social development. She was recently hailed by the Council of Governors for the significant advancements in healthcare, education, women and youth empowerment, and economic growth, among others, in Kwale. The Governor, who was accompanied by her Deputy Chirema Kombo and Kinondo ward MCA Juma Maone, has assured women of continued county support, stressing that inclusivity remains critical to sustainable development.
Achani enumerated the milestones achieved across various sectors during her tenure, noting that the county helped more than 300 companies for women groups as part of the women empowerment efforts. ‘Additionally, in the last financial year, more than 30 women groups received tenders to do business with the County Government of Kwale,’ she added. Achani was speaking when she presided over a women and youth empowerment event for 25 women and youth-based companies at Nyumba Mbovu, in Kinondo ward, Msambweni sub-county.
The event aimed to boost the economic capacity of the companies, improve livelihoods, and bolster the capacity of women, youth, and people living with disabilities to ensure their socio-economic inclusion. She said the companies have been instrumental in implementing various development projects, including the construction of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers, dispensaries, expansion of water pipelines, and urban sanitation initiatives in Diani, Kwale, Kinango, and Lunga Lunga municipalities.
Achani highlighted the critical role women and youth play in small and medium-scale enterprises, pointing out that the devolved government is focused on championing women and youth causes and unlocking their full potential. ‘To date, the county has registered over 300 companies owned by women, youth, and persons living with disabilities, with at least 150 companies having successfully secured tenders from the county government,’ she said, stressing that when women prosper, the community prospers. She added, ‘We cannot employ everyone, but we can come up with ideas to create opportunities for people to earn a living.’
Governor Achani emphasized that the formation of companies is a strategic approach to tackling unemployment in the county. ‘This is not just about awarding tenders. It is about restoring dignity and creating sustainable livelihoods. Our government remains committed to supporting marginalized groups by providing them with economic opportunities,’ she said. MCA Maone urged women, youth, and persons living with disabilities to continue registering their groups as companies in order to sustain their livelihoods. ‘Let’s use this opportunity to transform our communities. Registering as companies gives us the legal ground to engage in business, apply for tenders, and become self-reliant,’ said Maone.
The 25 companies from Kinondo ward include Wayzata Gazi, Mvumirizi Limited Company, Bahari Beach Youth Group, Tolwa Company Limited, Algawayo Company, among others.