Governor Lusaka boosts women's project with Sh1 million contribution

By Peter Ochieng

The Maendeleo ya Wanawake caucus in Bungoma county on Wednesday recieved a major boost, after landing Sh1 million personal contribution from governor Kenneth Lusaka.

The money will be pumped into an ongoing infrastructural project being implemented by the women.

Speaking at a Bungoma hotel during the caucus's forum, the former Senate Speaker announced a waiver on the outstanding land rate charges owed by the women caucus in Bungoma, promising to clear the principal charges meted on the same.

He said investing in a single woman is akin to investing in an entire community.

"Investing in a woman is an investment to the community. Maendeleo ya Wanawake is the strongest women empowerment vehicle countrywide. We shall fully support your aspirations," said the county chief.

He said the executive wing of his administration has already forwarded the gender mainstreaming policy to the County Assembly for debate and possible approval.

"We have gone through the gender mainstreaming policy and seconded it to the Assembly for review and approval. With this in place, the issues on mainstreaming will fall into place."

Additionally, governor Lusaka expressed his commitment to empowering women across the county, assuring them of inclusivity in the upcoming county trade loans disbursement.

"The trade department has a well constituted committee working on the trade loan disbursement process. We have already accommodated some of you in the team," he noted.

Lusaka urged members of the women caucus to become anti-teenage pregnancy crusaders, in a bid to downsize the surging numbers of teenage pregnancies among school going girls.

"Be steadfast on matters of teenage pregnancies. Preach the gospel far and beyond, save our girls to secure their future," urged the governor.

Some women leaders who spoke during the forum thanked him for settling on Jenipher Mbatiany as deputy governor.

Mbatiany is a former leader, Maendeleo ya Wanawake caucus in Bungoma.