Welfare associations urged to explore various business opportunities

Lugari, Tuesday, 18th, April 2023,

K.N.A By Melechezedeck Ejakait

Welfare groups in Lugari Sub County have been urged to venture into different income generating activities for socio-economic empowerment of their members.

Muyuji Welfare Group coordinator Cosmas Kidaha made the challenge on Tuesday during a fertilizer distribution exercise to the group’s members at Malaika trading center in Marakusi location.

During the exercise 130 group members received each a 50kg bag of top dressing fertilizer.

Kidaha said these are tough economic times hence it is not prudent for individuals to come together to help each other when they are only bereaved.

He cited a case of their group which has diversified its activities and is now engaging in agricultural programs, table banking, offering catering services and supporting the educational needs of children in the area.

“For instance, through the education support program the group has managed to support dozens of members’ children in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

"We have prioritized education in order to give our children a strong foundation for prosperity. We don't want any child of our members to miss school due to lack of school fees and that's why we give support from primary to the highest level of education that he or she can reach,” He explained.

Kidaha who is a retired teacher added that the table banking bit has enabled members to widen their sources of livelihoods and  improve their  living standards  due  to the bonuses and dividends they earn from it.

The coordinator revealed that they introduced the agriculture program in 2021 and since then they have been distributing seeds, planting and topdressing fertilizer to members and they have a plan to expand the program.

“From next year we shall be supporting our members with all farm inputs from the planting period to harvesting as a way of fighting poverty and ensuring each of our household is food secure.” He stated.

Robert Luyuku who is the oldest member of the group lauded the members’ efforts in empowering each other.
“At the age of 76 I can say I have benefitted a lot. I have a poultry project and a cow. Today I am happy I have received fertilizer for my farm.” He said.

Courtesy K.N.A