- Muslim leaders are backing new ways to strengthen grassroots economies
- A new cooperative is set to expand opportunities for local communities
- Leaders are pushing for stronger support for key household needs
More than 1,000 Muslim leaders from Western Kenya gathered at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega yesterday to discuss ways of strengthening the socio-economic empowerment of their communities.
The leaders met under the ‘Gumzo la Uchumi Mashinani’ dialogue, organised by the State Department for Economic Planning to assess implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The forum culminated in the launch of the Western Muslim Council (WEMUCO) Sacco Society, targeting Muslims in Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
Speaking during the meeting, Principal Secretary for Economic Planning Boniface Makokha said the dialogues aim to ensure grassroots voices shape government programmes.
“Apart from peace building, you as religious leaders can also undertake civic education at the grassroots and report to the government whenever service delivery is wanting and advise on how best it can be improved,” he said.
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Makokha added that religious leaders rank among the most trusted members of society and urged them to partner with the government in improving service delivery.
Malava MP David Ndakwa urged Muslim leaders to promote unity and take advantage of government programmes to improve their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, National Chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Sheikh Abdallah Ateka welcomed the initiative, saying it would take development discussions directly to communities.
Ateka further called for a dedicated platform to mobilise resources for education, housing, small businesses and agriculture, noting that it would help address key socio-economic needs facing Muslims in the region.
By Lizzy Aluga
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