Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek Advocates for Women’s Empowerment Through Cooperatives

Iten – Elgeyo Marakwet County Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek is championing the economic empowerment of women in business by encouraging their investment in cooperative societies. During a training session on savings conducted by Absa Bank in Iten, the Deputy Governor addressed a gathering of businesswomen, highlighting the benefits of cooperatives.

According to Kenya News Agency, joining cooperative societies can significantly aid in women’s growth and financial stability. She emphasized that pooling resources within these unions facilitates collective growth and enables women to establish substantial business ventures. Additionally, cooperatives offer access to affordable loans, which can be instrumental in expanding businesses.

Prof Cheserek advised the attendees on the value of disciplined saving habits. She suggested saving as little as Sh50 daily from their businesses to grow their shares and enhance their borrowing capacity.

Anita Kurgat, a local businesswoman at the event, resonated with the Deputy Governor’s message. She discussed the challenges faced by businesses, particularly startups, in the tough economic climate. Kurgat expressed appreciation for Prof Cheserek’s guidance and emphasized the need for practical strategies to survive and thrive in challenging times.

The Deputy Governor also urged women to leverage opportunities provided by both County and National governments to expand their businesses. She informed them that the County Government has allocated 30 percent of all tenders specifically for women and individuals with special interests. Prof Cheserek encouraged the women to apply for these tenders and emphasized the importance of completing any undertaken projects efficiently and on time.

This initiative by the Deputy Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet County reflects a growing recognition of the role of women in business and the importance of providing them with the tools and opportunities necessary for their economic empowerment.