Machakos: At least 120 women and youth groups in Machakos County are beneficiaries of assorted economic empowerment items worth Ksh 25 million through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). Spearheaded by Machakos Women Representative Kamene Kasimbi at the Ack all Souls Church in Machakos town, the empowerment items are meant to boost the businesses of the women and youth groups in the county.According to Kenya News Agency, Kasimbi noted the donated items are for uplifting livelihoods and creating opportunities for growth and development, providing them with the needed resources to start businesses and develop themselves for community wellbeing in Machakos. The items include water tanks, sufuria, car wash machines, umbrellas for business people and mama mboga, tents and chairs, sewing machines, laptops for youths and the education sector, incubators, chafing dishes, plates, bee hives for beekeepers, and a cheque to equip needy schools, women, and youth groups in economic independence.She emphasised the importance of NGAAF in education and empowering community developments to ensure women, youth groups, and needy schools receive quality education for better opportunities to develop their skills and establish themselves in employment or entrepreneurship. "NGAAF is empowering and uplifting our people and so the fund should be enhanced and remain at the office of the women Rep," said Kasimbi.Kasimbi was accompanied by Makueni Women Rep Rose Museo, who reiterated that true empowerment is assisting women and youth groups to grow and develop themselves. Kitui Women Rep Irene Kisalu added that she was impressed with Kasimbi's scorecard and development initiatives and was there to learn and replicate the projects in her county.