Machakos County residents on Friday benefited from tools for livelihoods, courtesy of Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration.
Ndeti said the equipment were meant to economically empower the less privileged populace from the eight sub-counties.
“I’m proud to give out empowerment equipment to groups of youth, women and even individuals. These equipment include solar lanterns, environment-friendly jikos, and chainsaw for traders, water tanks, car wash machines, tents, seats and catering equipment,” Ndeti said.
She spoke while distributing the equipment at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos town.
The event was attended by Ndeti’s fellow women governors including her deputy Francis Mwangangi, ODM chief Raila Odinga’s spouse Ida Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu among others.
“Collectively, this equipment will directly and indirectly impact the lives of more than 276, 000 people in Machakos County. This is empowerment,” Ndeti said.
The Machakos County boss said youths from the county have a special place in her heart.
"I have made deliberate efforts to engage the youth regarding their pressing issues by listening to them. Since these needs require financial support, I have decided to respond to them through enhanced budgetary allocation," Ndeti said.
“Aligned to this call, my government is also in the final stages of setting up the Machakos Youth Service, a project that will mirror the National Youth Service.”
Ndeti said the Machakos Youth Service’s primary objective was to equip and empower young people with character and skills thereby propelling them to either join the conventional job market, or employers or become self-employed and employ others.
She applauded the G7 Caucus for what she termed their steadfast commitment to the course of seeing Kenyans achieve economic empowerment thereby improving livelihoods and living standards.
Ndeti said the caucus had created a platform where experiences are shared and leaders benchmark on leading projects and practices across counties.
“I hope that this forum will yield a meaningful and productive network that will propel women to their desired aspirations,” Ndeti said.
She said her administration had heavily invested in water supply across the county.
“We have spared no effort to ensure that people of Machakos have access to clean water for domestic, agriculture, industrial and other usage by constructing dams, wares, boreholes, as well as encouraging domestic water harvesting,” Ndeti said.
Ndeti said her government had recognized the value of a good, convenient and reliable road network.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani urged the Machakos electorate to give Ndeti ample time to serve for two terms in office.
“I know there is opposition already from those salivating for the Machakos gubernatorial seat in 2027. But, let’s allow Governor Ndeti to serve for ten years because if we cut short the ‘good things’ the residents are now enjoying, they won’t be able to get the benefits,” Achani said.
Achani continued:
"I urge the electorate that we give her support since she is delivering the promise of devolution."
