(Kigumo, Murang’a County) – A new initiative in Murang’a County has introduced a significant empowerment program aimed at improving the economic opportunities for women and youth in the region.
Ahadi Kenya Trust, in partnership with several local and international organizations, has donated animal feed mixers to help boost local production, improve livelihoods, and create new business opportunities.
The program, which focuses on producing dairy salt and animal feed, targets women and youth from Kiharu, Mathioya, and Kigumo constituencies. The donation was marked by the handing over of three animal feed ribbon mixers at the Kangari Polytechnic in Kigumo, Murang’a County. The initiative, according to Ahadi Kenya Trust CEO Stanley Kamau, is designed to address local challenges and generate employment within the youth and women’s groups in the region.
Kamau highlighted that the goal is to provide a sustainable source of income and fight social issues like theft and alcoholism by empowering the youth. As part of the broader program, the local groups also received avocado seedlings to cultivate on their farms, further promoting economic independence.
A major part of the donation includes dairy salt and feed produced from the new mixers. Once produced, these goods will be sent to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for standardization. Kamau emphasized the importance of ensuring the quality of the products, stating that after they are certified, a shop will be established where youth can purchase the dairy salt at discounted prices. These products will then be resold, creating income-generating opportunities for local youth.
Kamau urged all women and youth in the area to join local groups in order to benefit from this initiative. Registration with such groups will increase their chances of receiving economic empowerment support through future projects.
Ushiriki Wema’s Executive Director, Mercelyn Mokaira, spoke about the organization’s long-term goal of empowering both women and youth in society. Through their partnership with Ahadi Kenya Trust and support from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the organization has been able to carry out impactful community-based projects. Mokaira stressed the importance of collaboration in fostering women and youth empowerment, which can transform lives and lead to dignity, prosperity, and self-respect.
Sintoiya Kasaine, CEO of Ushiriki Wema Women and Youth Empowerment, pointed out that the new machines are more than just economic tools—they are a step toward equipping women and youth with entrepreneurial skills. These skills will allow them to generate a sustainable income, increase their self-reliance, and contribute to the community’s growth.
Kasaine added that the organization’s commitment to empowerment extends beyond just economic initiatives. They have also launched a series of youth entrepreneurial forums that focus on digital literacy and business management. By teaching young people how to manage their money and develop entrepreneurial skills, these forums aim to lay the foundation for long-term success.
Yasemin Kurt, the Country Coordinator for TIKA, expressed her appreciation for the collaboration with Ahadi Kenya Trust and other stakeholders involved in the program. She reiterated that TIKA aligns its efforts with the strategic priorities of both national and county governments to ensure that their projects have a lasting impact. Kurt noted that Murang’a County is among the many areas that have benefited from TIKA’s support for projects aimed at empowering youth and women. Over 200 similar initiatives have been carried out in the country, with Murang’a now included as a key beneficiary.