MSEA, in collaboration with the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), has been conducting nationwide sensitization forums under the slogan Wezesha Mama, Inua Jamii (Empower Women, Uplift Communities). This initiative aims to empower women to participate equitably in skilled work and benefit from social protection measures, aligning with the broader objective of closing gender gaps in the workforce and contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In Kisii County, MSEA, in partnership with the Office of the Kisii County Woman Representative, Hon. Dorice Donya Aburi, distributed tailoring and embroidery machines to the Obomo Women Group Association. This group consists of women entrepreneurs and survivors of gender-based violence. The event, held in Marani, was part of a broader sensitization program focused on women’s economic empowerment.
Representing MSEA CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa during the occasion, Eng. Edward Karani, MSEA’s Director of Infrastructure Development, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted the Authority’s dedication to collaborating with partners to deliver sector-specific training and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance women’s active participation in the micro and small enterprise (MSE) sector. Hon. Dorice Donya Aburi welcomed the initiative, encouraging women to leverage their associations to access procurement opportunities that foster economic growth.
The event was officiated by high-ranking officials, including the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Dr. Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS, Kisii County Senator Hon. Richard Onyonka, Member of Parliament for Kitutu Chache North Hon. Japheth Nyakundi, over 23 Members of Parliament, and NGAAF CEO Roy Sasaka Telewa, alongside other national and county leaders.
Kisii County Woman Representative, Hon. Dorice Donya Aburi, MSEA’s Director of Infrastructure Development, Technology, and Innovation Eng. Edward Karani and MSEA Kisii region Head Dr. Mogeni with representatives of the Obomo Women Group Association during the machine handover ceremony
In Moiben Constituency, Rift Valley, MSEA’s Kariobangi Center of Excellence Manager, Tabitha Gicheru, represented CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa as the Chief Guest at the Women and Youth Sensitization Program. During the event, MSEA distributed tools of trade, including wood combination machines, car wash machines, vehicle diagnostic kits, toolboxes, and sewing machines, to over 15 registered associations.
This initiative stems from a partnership between MSEA and Moiben MP Hon. Professor Phyllis Bartoo, which has successfully trained and formalized various associations in the area. In a statement read on behalf of the CEO, gratitude was expressed to Hon. Bartoo for this collaboration, which was hailed as a national model. The provision of machinery is expected to empower associations by fostering job creation and improving incomes in the region.
Tabitha Gicheru also emphasized the significance of MSEA’s flagship projects, NYOTA and KJET, which are set to expand benefits for MSMEs in the area upon implementation. MSEA officers Doreen Nandwa and Charles Sokoti also attended the event, alongside 17 women leaders, including Members of Parliament, Women Representatives, and County Assembly Members.
Member of Parliament for Moiben Constituency Hon. Professor Phyllis Bartoo, MSEA’s Kariobangi Center of Excellence Manager, Tabitha Gicheru, officers Doreen Nandwa and Charles Sokoti during the handing over of trade tools to 15 association representatives in Moiben Constituency
In Trans Nzoia County, MSEA collaborated with Woman Representative Hon. Lillian Siyoi Chebet to launch the Wezesha Mama, Inua Jamii program at Saboti Centre. The initiative aims to empower women, youth, and people living with disabilities through the provision of essential resources and support.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Siyoi emphasized the government’s commitment to uplifting communities by allocating funds, tools, and machinery to enhance efficiency and productivity. She also announced plans to equip the community with shoemaking and school uniform production machines, which will support needy school-going children.
MSEA’s Director of Infrastructure and Development, Eng. Edward Karani, reiterated the organization’s vision to create sustainable jobs and grow the MSE sector. He encouraged participants to register as associations to enable the government to provide tailored support and highlighted the upcoming NYOTA and KJET initiatives.
During the event, MSEs received sewing machines, vehicle diagnostic kits, electrical tool kits, reflector jackets, aprons, umbrellas for market shading, and other essential items. The event was attended by 21 national government women representatives, NGAAF CEO Roy Sasaka Telewa, and other dignitaries.
Transnzoia County Women Representative Hon. Lillian Siyoi Chebet alongside MSEA Director of Infrastructure and Development Eng. Edward Karani, MSEA head of Kitale Phimenon Kirwa during the machine handover ceremony
Looking ahead, MSEA, in collaboration with the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), will provide targeted training to women entrepreneurs and Jua Kali associations. These sessions will focus on streamlining business processes, improving productivity, and reducing barriers to entry for women across various economic sectors.
Through these partnerships and initiatives, MSEA remains committed to empowering women, youth, and other marginalized groups, driving Kenya’s economic transformation and fostering inclusive development.
