Hundreds of residents in Githunguri Constituency received a major economic boost after women’s, youth and persons with disabilities groups benefited from grants and business equipment under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) empowerment programme.
Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha presided over the issuance of Sh100,000 non-refundable grants to 10 community groups during an event in Ikinu Ward, saying the initiative is aimed at strengthening grassroots enterprises, creating jobs and improving household incomes.
The beneficiaries included Waratho Youth Group (Ikinu), Kamari Hope Women Group (Ngewa), Mununga Blessed Persons with Disabilities Self-Help Group (Githiga), Friends Forever Self-Help Group (Githunguri), Farm to Fork Organic Community-Based Organisation (Githunguri), Mikafa Welfare Group (Komothai), Supreme Family Youth Group (Githunguri), Friends of Doljah Self-Help Group (Ngewa), Kiruri Women Self-Help Group (Githunguri) and Kambaa Effort Self-Help Group (Githiga).
Speaking during the exercise, Wamuratha said the NGAAF programme is designed to place resources directly in the hands of community groups to enable them expand businesses, create employment and become economically self-reliant.
“Empowerment is not about promises but action. We are investing in our people, strengthening local economies and ensuring that community groups have the resources they need to improve their livelihoods,” she said.
She expressed satisfaction that many of the beneficiaries were young people, saying the grants would enable them to transform business ideas into sustainable ventures and reduce unemployment.
Beyond the cash grants, residents also received a wide range of business equipment targeting different sectors of the local economy.
Beauty and grooming entrepreneurs were equipped with UV nail kits, barber machines, blow dryers, hair dryers, salon sinks, nail parlour chairs and barber chairs to help expand their enterprises.
Small-scale traders received market umbrellas and market trolleys to improve their trading environment, while boda boda operators were issued with helmets and umbrellas to enhance safety and shield them from harsh weather conditions.
Entrepreneurs in the food and hospitality sector benefited from chaffing dishes, chips cutters and fryers, juicers and egg trolleys, equipment expected to boost productivity and improve service delivery.
Car wash operators also received car wash machines, while persons living with visual impairment were issued with white canes in a move aimed at promoting inclusivity and independent mobility.
Wamuratha said the empowerment programme reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots economic development by supporting small businesses and vulnerable groups with practical tools rather than relying solely on financial assistance.
She added that similar empowerment initiatives will be rolled out in other wards across Kiambu County to ensure more communities benefit from the NGAAF programme.
“We are committed to creating opportunities, supporting enterprise development and ensuring every ward benefits from programmes that improve livelihoods and stimulate economic growth,” she said.
The empowerment drive is part of the ongoing NGAAF programme that seeks to uplift women, youth, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups through grants, enterprise support and capacity-building initiatives aimed at accelerating socio-economic development at the grassroots.
