Marsabit County hosted a Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum that convened national and county leaders, development partners, and over 3,000 women from the region. The forum was designed to empower vulnerable women, particularly widows, through access to enterprise support tools, policy sensitization, and awareness of available government programs.
The activities commenced with a leadership briefing led by Marsabit County Commissioner, Mr. James Kamau, Ms. Harriet Chiggai, Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights, and Dr. Caroline Kaua, Director of Business Development Marketing and Trade at the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), representing the Chief Executive Officer. The briefing brought together key leaders including County Women Representative Hon. Naomi Jillo Waqo, and Member of Parliament Hon. Dido Ali Raso.
During the courtesy call to the County Commissioner’s Office, the leaders aligned on the day’s priorities, including the strategic issuance of machines to support income generation and grassroots sensitization on empowerment programs. The delegation also took part in a symbolic tree planting exercise, reinforcing the link between community development and environmental sustainability.
Leadership briefing and tree planting at the Marsabit County Commissioner’s Office.
Speaking during the forum, Hon. Naomi Jillo Waqo stated that, “Empowerment of women is empowering their homes, communities, and the nation.” She highlighted the distribution of livelihood-enhancing tools such as posho mills, salon kits, sewing machines, tents and chairs, umbrellas, and coolers, interventions aimed at promoting sustainable income for women entrepreneurs.
Special Guest Ms. Harriet Chiggai applauded the coordination among government agencies, MSEA, NGAAF, Uwezo Fund, and private sector actors. She reiterated the President’s commitment to women’s empowerment, citing recent initiatives such as the doubling of women’s funding, tax exemptions for persons with disabilities and sanitary towels, and the establishment of gender desks and polycare centers across the country. She called on women to remain actively engaged in matters of education, leadership, and land and inheritance rights to drive inclusive development.
Ms. Harriet Chiggai (right) Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights, and Hon. Naomi Jillo Waqo, Marsabit County Women Representative making their remarks.
Dr. Kaua emphasized the Authority’s national mandate to promote formalization and growth of micro and small enterprises, particularly those led by youth and women. She introduced the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Project (KJET), which targets unemployed youth aims to increase their earning potential, and the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project, which enhances business sustainability through technical and entrepreneurship training. Ms. Safia Barako (MSEA) further sensitized the women on how to access these programs and expand their businesses along critical value chains.
MSEA team, including Director, Dr. Caroline Kaua and Deputy Project Cordinator- NYOTA, Mr. Patrick Kamenyi sensitizing on MSEA’s Mandate.
The forum served not only as a platform for distributing enterprise tools but also as a strategic touchpoint for policy awareness, rights education, and stakeholder alignment. By ensuring that women are equipped with tools, knowledge, and access to opportunities, the Marsabit Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum reaffirmed the government’s resolve to leave no woman behind in Kenya’s journey toward inclusive economic growth.
Pictorials from the forum.
