Mashuuru: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government's commitment to uplifting women and grassroots communities through targeted investments in infrastructure, financial inclusion, and social empowerment programs. Speaking during a Women Economic Empowerment Forum in Mashuuru, Kajiado East, the Deputy President emphasized the Kenya Kwanza administration's focus on road development, modern market facilities, electricity connectivity, and affordable housing as a means to boost small-scale businesses and improve livelihoods.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kindiki announced that 12 fresh produce markets are under construction across Kajiado County at a cost of Sh1.4 billion, alongside affordable housing projects worth Sh10 billion aimed at improving living standards and creating jobs. He highlighted that the housing program has already employed over 4,000 youth in the country, engaging them in various trades such as masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and painting.
The Deputy President further disclosed that Sh705 million is being utilized to fund last-mile electricity connections targeting 3,500 households and rural institutions across all constituencies in the county. Plans are in place to scale up this investment to support more businesses, including tailoring, agribusiness, and food processing. Kindiki stated, 'We are deliberately investing in infrastructure and financial empowerment to create a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs to grow and prosper.'
Kajiado Woman Representative Leah Sankaire urged the government to prioritize the re-carpeting of the 63-kilometer Isara (Emali Junction)-Mashuuru-Imaroro road, citing its poor condition as a cause of significant losses for women transporting milk and fresh produce. In response, Kindiki assured residents that the road has been included in government infrastructure plans with repairs set to commence soon. He noted that the road improvements will ease traffic congestion along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway and connect with the recently completed Isinya-Ngong-Suswa road, thus enhancing trade between Kajiado, Narok, and neighboring counties.
During the event, the Deputy President also took part in a resource mobilization drive for 70 women enterprises and groups from Kajiado East. He encouraged beneficiaries to invest the funds collectively for growth rather than dividing them among individuals, advising, 'Use these resources strategically to grow your businesses and transform your communities for sustainable development.'
The forum was attended by notable figures including Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, Former Governor David Nkedianye, Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai, Garissa Township MP Major Dekow, Taveta MP John Bwire, Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, MCAs, grassroots leaders, and residents. Women groups welcomed the government's initiatives, expressing that improved infrastructure, electricity access, and modern market facilities will significantly bolster their enterprises. They pledged to collaborate closely with the government to further economic empowerment across the county.