Women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Malava are set to scale up their enterprises after 13 MSEA-registered groups received common-user machinery and equipment, while 101 Uwezo Fund groups received cheques to expand their businesses. The support was handed over during an empowerment drive at Malava Primary School in Kakamega County, presided over by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, accompanied by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, and hosted by Malava Member of Parliament Hon. David Ndakwa.
The machinery and equipment, aimed at strengthening enterprises, enhancing productivity, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, included barber kits, sewing machines, car-wash machines, welding machines, wood combination machines, and solar-powered posho mills. Additional groups also benefited from further support under the Uwezo Fund.
Speaking at the event, PS Mang’eni encouraged more groups to formalize their enterprises and take advantage of government programmes aimed at promoting grassroots economic empowerment. She urged beneficiaries to explore other government initiatives and opportunities as well, including the Affordable Housing Programme, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and available markets.
PS Hon. Susan Mang’eni giving her remarks during the empowerment drive in Malava
Malava MSMEs receiving the machines at the empowerment drive in Malava
The PS also highlighted the impact of the NYOTA Project in Malava, noting that 609 youth beneficiaries across the seven wards had received a total of Kshs. 12.8 million to start or expand businesses that will contribute to their livelihoods and the development of their communities. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth and MSMEs across the country.
Director, Innovation and Infrastructure Development, Eng. Edward Karani speaking during the empowerment drive in Malava
Representing the MSEA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Henry Rithaa, the Authority’s Director, Innovation and Infrastructure Development, Eng. Edward Karani, reaffirmed MSEA’s commitment to supporting groups and enterprises to grow and access opportunities that enhance their productivity and competitiveness. He noted that several groups in Kakamega County have already benefited from opportunities under the Affordable Housing Program.
Malava MP Hon. David Ndakwa, Director Eng. Karani and Head of Kakamega County Doreen Nandwa
Eng. Karani further encouraged groups to take advantage of the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project, particularly through clusters, to access machinery, markets and other enterprise development opportunities. He emphasized that such interventions are critical in addressing challenges faced by MSMEs and enabling them to grow into sustainable and competitive enterprises.
Uwezo Fund beneficiary groups receiving their cheques at the empowerment drive
As part of the day’s activities, PS Susan Mang’eni, PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Hon. David Ndakwa, the Uwezo Fund CEO Mr. Peter Lengapiani and Eng. Edward Karani, alongside other leaders and stakeholders, participated in a tree-planting exercise at Malava Primary School. The initiative underscored the importance of environmental conservation and complemented the Government’s efforts to promote sustainable development. The empowerment initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to equipping MSMEs with the tools, skills and opportunities needed to strengthen their enterprises, create employment and drive grassroots economic transformation.
PS Hon. Susan Mang’eni and Director Eng. Edward Karani during the tree planting exercise
