- Over 100 Malava groups received government business support.
- MSEA groups got equipment while Uwezo Fund groups received cheques.
- The programme targets jobs, business growth and better livelihoods.
More than 100 groups in Malava have received government support to expand their businesses, in a move aimed at boosting production, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
The beneficiaries included 13 groups registered with the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), which received machinery and equipment, alongside 101 Uwezo Fund groups that received cheques. The empowerment drive took place at Malava Primary School in Kakamega County.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSME Development Susan Mang’eni presided over the event. She was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Higher Education Dr Beatrice Inyangala and Malava MP David Ndakwa.
Among the equipment distributed were barber kits, sewing machines, car-wash machines, welding machines, wood combination machines and solar-powered posho mills.
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Speaking at the event, Mang’eni urged the groups to formalise their businesses and take advantage of government programmes and available markets. She also encouraged beneficiaries to explore opportunities under the Affordable Housing Programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Additionally, Mang’eni said 609 youth across Malava’s seven wards had benefited from the NYOTA Project. Collectively, they received Ksh12.8 million to start or expand businesses, an investment expected to spur development within their communities. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth across the country.
MSEA calls for cluster participation
Representing MSEA Chief Executive Officer Henry Rithaa, the Authority’s Director of Innovation and Infrastructure Development, Eng. Karani, encouraged groups to take advantage of the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project. He noted that clustering would help groups access machinery, markets and other enterprise development opportunities.
Karani emphasised that such interventions are critical in addressing challenges facing MSMEs, helping them grow into sustainable and competitive enterprises. He further noted that several groups in Kakamega County had already benefited from opportunities under the Affordable Housing Programme.
The empowerment drive also included a tree-planting exercise at Malava Primary School. Those involved included Mang’eni, Inyangala, Ndakwa, Uwezo Fund CEO Peter Lengapiani, Karani and other leaders and stakeholders.
The initiative forms part of wider government efforts to equip MSMEs with the tools, skills and opportunities needed to grow their businesses, create employment and drive economic transformation.
By Lizzy Aluga
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