In a remarkable display of support for gender equality, Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has awarded Ksh 50 million worth of tenders to 42 women’s groups in the county. The gesture was part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day, which this year focuses on accelerating action for gender equality.
Governor Achani, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, took the opportunity to encourage women’s groups in Kwale to transform themselves into limited companies. This move, she explained, would allow them to engage in business transactions both with the government and the private sector.
Since Governor Achani assumed office in August 2022, over 200 women’s groups in Kwale have made the transition to limited companies. As a result, 100 of these women-led enterprises have secured various tenders from the Kwale County Government.
Speaking to thousands of women at the International Women’s Day event held at Kinango Baraza Park, Governor Achani emphasized that empowering women’s groups was a key strategy in addressing critical issues like gender-based violence.
“By building women’s capacity, you build an entire society,” Governor Achani said, urging women and youth in the area to continue registering their groups as companies to improve their financial independence.
Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo and Kwale Women Representative Fatuma Masito also took to the stage, urging women to follow Governor Achani’s example of advocating for women’s rights and encouraging them to seek elective positions in future elections. They stressed the importance of increasing women’s representation in local government and leadership.
Meswalehe Abdallah, a member of the Kudzecha Women’s Group, one of the beneficiaries of the tenders, shared her gratitude for the positive impact the initiative has had on local women. “We are thankful for the opportunities provided by Governor Achani’s administration. Our lives have improved economically, and we are paid on time once we complete our tasks,” she said.
Among the women’s group companies that received tenders were Yawezekana Ventures, Chongomundu Suppliers, Sambamba Malungoni, Tuko Mbele Investment, Dzimanya Enterprise, and Chigato Visionary, among others. The tenders cover a variety of services, including cleaning services for Kwale municipalities such as Diani, Lunga Lunga, Kwale Town, and Kinango, as well as the construction of county projects.
Governor Achani’s continued efforts to empower women through these business opportunities highlight her commitment to fostering gender equality and economic empowerment in Kwale County.
About The Author
