NGPU
May 14, 2025
Governor Kihika Rolls Out Empowerment Drive for Youth and Women in Naivasha
Written by Roy Lumbe
Nakuru County Governor H E Susan Kihika has rolled out a countywide empowerment program targeting youth and women, promising to tackle systemic barriers to economic inclusion through access to capital, training, and infrastructure.
Speaking in Naivasha during the launch of the initiative, Governor Kihika said the program is part of a broader strategy to provide financial support and equip young people and women with practical skills to grow their enterprises.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to tackle challenges such as limited access to credit and lack of relevant skills,” said Kihika.
“It will be rolled out across all sub-counties to ensure no group is left behind.”
Seven wards from Naivasha Sub-county and one from Gilgil sub-county received a Sh1 million cheque to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), forming part of the county’s economic inclusion agenda. The initiative complements existing county programs such as the Sh50 million County Enterprise Fund and the Cooperative Revolving Fund, both of which offer low-interest loans to MSMEs. Over 1,000 loan applications have already been received.
Governor Kihika also cited ongoing youth empowerment efforts, including the establishment of empowerment centres, digital hubs, and a modern recording studio at Bondeni Social Hall. A similar facility is operational in Naivasha, while more than 10 other social halls across the county have been upgraded for youth activities.
“The county’s ‘tools-for-work’ and digital training programs have already benefitted hundreds,” she said, noting that enrolment in vocational training centres has risen from 1,600 in 2022 to over 5,300 in 2025.
On women empowerment, the governor announced that 200 women had received training and financial support, and that all 112 market committees in Nakuru now include female representation to enhance inclusivity.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who was the Chief Guest, pledged national government support for the initiative and reaffirmed the administration’s focus on uplifting small-scale traders under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He announced that 70 MSMEs in each of the country’s 1,450 wards would receive grants of Sh50,000 to grow their businesses.
“We want to boost small and micro enterprises so they can expand and create more jobs,” Kindiki said.
“This is part of our promise to support Kenyans at the bottom of the economic ladder.”
He also cited national plans to build dignified workplaces through ESP market projects, road infrastructure improvements, and expanded electricity access.
Leaders present were National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and MPs Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Martha Wangari (Gilgil), Irene Njoki (Bahati), Patrick Ntwiga (Chuka Igambang’ombe), and Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop).
The program is set to continue across all wards in Nakuru County as the county and national governments collaborate to strengthen livelihoods and support grassroots economic transformation.
