By Enock Okong’o
Kisii County Woman Representative Doris Aburi has revealed plans to unveil a county Sacco exclusive to women in the region that is aimed at empowering them.
Kisii County Mums Sacco will be the name, with operational logistics being at an advanced stage to pave way for its launch once they are finalized.
She announced this while addressing the public at Tendere Sports Ground during this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations.
“True freedom is that which comes with financial freedom. You cannot celebrate on an empty stomach,” she said.
The MP appealed to the national government to release the affirmative action funds to the counties to enable the smooth operations that will also shore up resources towards the Sacco.
She said the Sacco envisioned empowering more than 70,000 women from the county.
Kisii County governor Simba Arati, present at the occasion, lauded the county MP for bringing the idea into fruition, saying it followed in the footsteps of one he launched recently for boda boda operators.
He said that during the launch, he and President William Ruto had contributed a total of Ksh8 million to boost the kitty.
Arati encouraged other leaders from the region to assist in reviving the many dormant Saccos in the county to enable a vibrant economy.
“All these Saccos will have a common goal of empowering our youth and women who are among the vulnerable groups so that our economy can grow,” he said.
Arati promised that his government will pump more money to the Saccos to enable community-based organizations to start their own small businesses.
The governor noted that most Saccos in the county failed, not because of poor planning, but due to mismanagement, dishonesty and incompetent leadership.
He asked members of individual Saccos to choose credible leaders who will not betray their economic course.
Deputy Governor Dr. Robert Monda said the establishment of Saccos in the county was the best way forward to revive and synergize the county’s economy.
He asked those who will be placed in leadership positions to be prudent by keeping good audit records.
“I ask the members to embrace the spirit of team work as enshrined in the Cooperatives rules and regulations,” he added.
He asked women and youth to join groups to enable them get loans with low interest rates from their Saccos.
