What is the contribution of Nakuru leaders to women empowerment programs?
(From left) Liza Chelule (Woman representative), Susan Kihika (Nakuru Governor), Charity Kathambi (Njoro MP), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha MP) and Tabitha Karanja( Nakuru Senator) were elected in the 2022 elections.
When Nakuru voters elected a total of seven women to top leadership positions in the 2022 General Elections, expectations were high regarding their performance.
All eyes were particularly focused on how they will handle issues relating to the welfare of women.
From the seven positions five are for the elected MPs in Bahati, Njoro, Gilgil and Naivasha, while two are occupied by the Governor and Senator.
Mtaa Wangu has established that the leaders have worked hard to meet the expectations despite the challenges.
For the county woman representative Liza Chelule, her ability to mobilise women join groups to benefit from the government programs and success of these groups is something she celebrates.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu the county MP said she had been able to utilize money in her kitty to increase the number of these women groups especially from the slum and rural areas.
The women have been engaged in a number of activities including table banking, poultry farming, event organising and planning, bee keeping as well as small and medium enterprises.
"It is through the groups that I have been able to sensitize the women on the existing opportunities provided by the government such as the affirmative funds. I have seen these women start the enterprises and improve their lives," said Ms Chelule.
Some of her stand out projects include the construction of market stalls at Whitehouse area in Bahati by Mawanga Women groups.
The women she said borrowed Sh 300,000 from the affirmative fund and added it to their savings to construct the stalls which they currently use to carry out their businesses.
"The women are able to earn a living and continue saving to run other projects," she said.
In Olenguruone Kuresoi South constituency Kotablegetio women group borrowed a similar amount of money to construct rental houses which they earn from monthly.
On the other hand, Kobor Women Group in Nakuru West have also managed to erect stalls.
Bahati MP Irene Njoki runs a program to train and build capacity among women through WhatsApp groups.
The Akiba Na Mrembo programs has women in Bahati sub county join groups where they receive trainings on entrepreneurship among others.
It also links women to job and business opportunities in both government and private sector.
The groups have empowered women with skills to run enterprises and turn around their lives.