Kwale: Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has announced the county's commitment to creating an enabling environment for women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to succeed in their business endeavors. The initiative aims to support these groups in fostering economic growth within the coastal county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Achani emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable groups to enhance their productivity and improve their livelihoods. She encouraged women, youth, and PWDs to take advantage of programs like the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) to better their economic standing. AGPO is an affirmative action initiative designed to ensure that women, youth, and PWDs have equal opportunities in accessing government procurement opportunities.
Governor Achani highlighted the county's dedication to aiding women and youth-led enterprises, noting their vital role in job creation and local economic development. The AGPO program aims to empower enterprises owned by women, youth, and PWDs by facilitating their participation in government opportunities, mandating that procuring entities allocate at least 30 percent of their procurement spend to these groups.
Governor Achani called on women, youth, and other vulnerable community members to organize into registered business entities to qualify for government tenders and contracts. She urged them not to wait for opportunities but to proactively register and compete, assuring them of the county's support.
Speaking at a women empowerment event in Kanana, Pongwe/Kikoneni Ward, Lunga Lunga Sub County, Governor Achani reaffirmed the county's efforts to remove political and economic barriers impeding women's progress. She stated that the county is investing in initiatives that promote self-sufficiency and economic participation by addressing financial gaps.
As Kwale's first woman governor, Achani assured that her administration will prioritize women's advancement in governance, economic participation, and social development. The county has registered 300 local companies, with 150 securing county contracts. She emphasized, "Empowering women is empowering the community and we are deliberate in giving women and youth a voice in Kwale's development."
Several women-led companies in Lungalunga Sub-county have already benefited from county tenders, successfully delivering services such as Kikoneni Bright Sisters Ltd, Lungalunga Umoja Women Contractors, Mwakijembe Women Supplies, and Boma Women Traders Ltd. The event concluded with interactive sessions where women shared experiences and received guidance on business registration, tendering processes, and accessing funding.
Governor Achani's visit to Kanana is part of a broader countywide empowerment initiative aimed at reducing poverty and promoting self-reliance through entrepreneurship.