Kisii county based self-help groups have been empowered by some development partners to strengthen their socio-economic activities for enhanced income among others.
The groups under the umbrella of Kisii Endelevu Trust Initiative(KETI), will engage in agriculture, gender and education related activities which will positively impact the county.
Asha Moronya, the Trust’s coordinator, cited USAID and Aga Khan Foundation as the financiers of the 1,650 groups whose other focus will be on public participation in matters development.
A five year strategic plan Had been crafted to spearhead the groups’ activities according to the coordinator.
Kisii county governor, Simba Arati, announced any non-governmental organization intending to operate in the area will be required to disclose its programmes and source of funds.
He pointed out there was urgent need for the groups to embrace value addition if they were to benefit from their enterprises.
The governor banned ferrying out of the area raw soapstone saying only value added products would be allowed to create employment opportunities and improve residents’ lives.
Dr. John Nyambega, the Trust chairman, supported the move on soapstone observing that it will productively pre-occupy the groups whose members included people living with disabilities, informal transport providers.
He remarked the donors had been convinced to release the funds owing to the group’s sound organization.
BY MUSA MARANGA
