Uniting for Change: Kakamega Women Empowered to Drive Development

By Strilus Bellbut - Women in Kakamega County are taking center stage in economic development, as local leaders rally behind initiatives aimed at boosting gender equality and uplifting communities through women’s empowerment.

Across Kenya, women continue to play a critical role in building businesses, strengthening families, and holding communities together. 

Yet despite constitutional commitments and progressive policy goals outlined in Vision 2030, many still face barriers that hinder their full participation in economic and social life—especially single mothers and women from marginalized areas.

Recognizing these challenges, the government has taken strides to ensure that women have access to the resources, opportunities, and freedom needed to thrive. 

These efforts are geared towards increasing their influence in economic, social, political, and personal spheres while addressing systemic inequalities.

On Friday, May 17, President William Ruto’s aide, Hon. Farouk Kibet, led a women’s empowerment event at Makhokho Boys Secondary School in Ikolomani Sub-County. 

The event focused on financial contributions to women’s groups and encouraging collective action among female entrepreneurs.

“Women’s empowerment is essential for achieving social justice and equality. Supporting women entrepreneurs by providing access to financial services and markets leads to improved social and economic outcomes,” said Hon. Farouk during his speech.

He also urged businesswomen not yet in formal groups to unite and form registered cooperatives. 

“I appeal to the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, under CS Wycliffe Oparanya, to simplify the registration process for small groups. It will help us reach and support more women,” he added.

The event was attended by several local leaders, including area Member of Parliament Hon. Benard Shinali, who praised the collective efforts of stakeholders supporting women in Ikolomani. Kakamega County Assembly was also represented by Hon. Stephen Muhala, MCA for Idakho South.

“We are seeing real development under President Ruto’s government. Eregi Teachers College will soon become a university, and long-standing demands to upgrade Kilingili Market are being addressed. These are the changes our people have been waiting for,” said Hon. Muhala.

In a show of solidarity with President Ruto’s administration, Hon. Farouk dismissed speculation by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding a one-term presidency.

“Do you think unveiling a new party will make us a one-term government?” he asked the crowd, referring to the newly launched Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

A total of 80 women’s groups received financial support during the event. One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Teresa Luseka, a resident of Idakho Central and coordinator of the Shibwe Women Group, expressed her gratitude.

“We’re excited about the support. Our group will table bank part of the money and invest in poultry and pig farming projects,” said Luseka.

As more women across Kakamega County organize themselves into productive groups, local leaders are optimistic that their empowerment will continue to shape the county’s development agenda, nothing more, nothing less.