A total of 350 women’s groups in Suna East Constituency have received empowerment cheques worth Sh115,000 each under an initiative spearheaded by area Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed to boost women-led economic activities.
The cheques were presented by the Suna East National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Manager Mr Kenneth Mauko during a ceremony attended by group leaders and members of the beneficiary groups.
The funds were drawn from the fundraiser hel during the Suna East Women Empowerment Harambee held late last month, where President William Ruto contributed Sh10 million towards the initiative alongside other national and county leaders.
During the fundraiser, more than Sh35 million was raised to support women’s economic empowerment in the constituency.
Speaking after receiving the cheque, Cecilia Dorine Koga of Kimaiga Vumilia Women Group said the support would significantly improve the group’s income-generating activities.
“This money has come at the right time. Many of our members run small businesses but have been limited by inadequate capital. We will invest the funds wisely to expand our businesses and improve the livelihoods of our families,” she said.
The Chairlady of Kimaiga Vumilia Women Group, Margret Awino, described the programme as unprecedented, saying it was the first time women from all parts of the constituency had benefited from such a large-scale empowerment initiative.
“We sincerely thank Hon. Junet Mohamed for remembering women in Suna East. This has never happened before in our constituency. Every group has received support, and we believe this programme will transform the lives of many women and their families,” she said.
On her part, Julita Onyango of Mon Chalre Women Group said the funds would strengthen the group’s revolving savings scheme and enable members to invest in sustainable businesses.
“Our members have been saving through table banking, but the amount has not been enough to meet the growing demand for loans. This cheque will increase our lending capacity and enable many women to venture into farming, retail trade and other income-generating projects,” she said.
The beneficiaries applauded the transparency of the distribution exercise and pledged to utilize the funds prudently to ensure they generate lasting economic benefits for their members.
They further urged other leaders to emulate the initiative by investing in programmes that directly empower grassroots women, noting that financially empowered women play a key role in reducing poverty, supporting education and improving household welfare.
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