Kwame Otiende foundation gives incentives to Kasipul youths, women groups

Kwame Otiende Foundation on Thursday officered incentives to various women and youth groups in Kasipul constituency to promote their businesses and economic strength.

The groups received funds and other forms of support to enable them to expand their ventures.

Among the beneficiaries are the Nyawana Rit Lewi women group and Wawak which were established in 2013.

Others are the Oyugis boda boda group and the Oyugis Women Tailors group.

The four groups which operate as chamaas (merry-go-round) have been facing struggling with their businesses for sustainability. They normally pay money from their pockets to run their kitty.

Nyawana Rit Lewi chairperson Jane Atieno said the group has faced many hurdles from when it was started, ten years ago.

At first, the women would meet periodically where they give out cash to their treasurer to keep the money on their behalf.

“Most members have difficulties to get enough funds to pay school fees. Some who would want cash to buy a household were unable to get it due to inadequate funds,” Atieno said.

The unstable operations of the groups occur due to a lack of funds and inconsistent sources of income. This makes them sometimes go dormant.

Through the foundation, Atieno said they received chairs to support their group. They were also given sh70,000 cash to facilitate the business.

“We have more than 150 chairs which we’ll hire out to get money and help us run the business. Kwame Foundation has given us the impetus to run and operate the business,” Atieno said.

The group will now generate its own funds when chairs are hired and other gatherings.

Foundation director Kwame Otiende said the foundation seeks to empower the youth, women and boda boda groups.

“We believe that if we empower women the whole family and community is empowered as well,” Otiende said.  

Wawak group representative Japheth Ngiela said they received Public Address (PA) system.

The machines will also be hired out for monetary benefit.

The foundation also donated reflector jackets, helmets and Sh50,000 cash to Oyugis boda boda youth group. The group has more than 100 members.

Their chairman Ezekiel Bunde said they are going to open an account and start operating as a sacco.

The tailors were given 25 aprons to use during the work.

“The support will help us pay the insurance and stabilize our business. The gears will help us in protection as we undertake our business,” Bunde said.

According to the foundation director, most families in rural setups are struggling to afford basic commodities.

He said the only solution to the problem is to provide empowerment opportunities to such families and that women should be helped more. 

“The incentives we are giving out should help the groups expand their operations. We hope it will help them to be economically empowered,” Kwame said.